Disregard for Residents with Disabilities

Thursday, 1/10/2013: around 12:05am,  93 Martha Drive, police were called due to a tenant with life-threatening medical issues being harassed by other tenants.
Thursday, 1/10/2013: around 5:00pm, a woman at 45 Hannah Way was harassed by other tenants.  Property manager and police were called.
Sunday, 1-6-2013: 100 Martha Drive, tenants were harassed by other tenants.  Attempted forced entry.
NOTE:  There are times when police aren't called because residents are told by Rockland Police they "can't do anything about an incident unless Police see it happen".  For this reason alone, this well-connected corporate landlord should keep their promises to install security cameras in common areas.
A typical pattern definitely continues to exist at Rockland Place dba Spring Gate Apartments where households of tenants with legitimate medical disabilities get harassed.  In November/December 2012, another disabled resident became upset when her access was blocked on Hannah Way.   Since 1996 to present, residents living here with disabilities are often harassed and intimidated by other residents and even by Management.  Isn't it time for those in authority to finally put a stop to the illegal activities at this subsidized housing complex in Rockland, Massachusetts?  It has become an all too familiar pattern to disregard the rights of certain households.

Hanover Police arrest Rockland Place Tenants

Friday, Nov. 23, 2012 at 1:48 a.m. on Washington St., two females who reside at a troublesome apartment building in Rockland Place dba SpringGate were arrested by Hanover Police for larceny-shoplifting.  Arrest: Amanda L. Corbett, 22, 93 Martha Dr., Rockland. Charges: 3 counts of assault by dangerous weapon, conspiracy, operating a motor vehicle negligently to endanger, operating a motor vehicle without being licensed, stop sign violation, town road, larceny of property over $250. Arrest: Valerie A. Corbett, 45, 93 Martha Drive, Rockland, MA.  Charges: larceny of property over $250, conspiracy.

Because too much illegal and disturbing activity already takes place inside the nuisance-oriented, federal and state funded housing complex in Rockland, I suppose these two residents wanted to spread their cheer elsewhere.

Little Accountability in Subsidized Housing

Americans in need of affordable housing go without due to authorities' lack of accountability in government subsidized apartment complexes like Rockland Place dba Spring Gate Apts., Rockland, Mass. and other places like it.  Click on the following link to read the Boston Globe article.
*From Chelsea to Springfield, Massachusetts public housing chiefs face little accountability

Before Voting, Read This!

* Obama Scores Dictator Trifecta | Judicial Watch 
     ............Earlier in the year the government-official daughter of Cuban military dictator Raul Castro proclaimed her country’s support for Obama during a visit to the U.S. .........
    .......... Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, who this week assured he’d vote for Obama if he were from the United States. ......
......Russia’s Vladimir Putin, who has eliminated most elections in his country, monopolized all major media and destroyed the political party system.  ....... Putin has also had his police cronies in Moscow arrest peaceful, legal demonstrators and confiscate, destroy or damage private property.  ........ (Read more by clicking here.)
             Confiscate, destroy or damage private property?  Sounds similar to the tactics used by Management at Rockland Place dba Spring Gate Apartments  when tenants speak out and report illegal activities.

More Diverted Housing Funds?

Ex-Chelsea housing chief allegedly diverted federal funds, drawing investigation

DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES plus

Around 2:20 a.m. Saturday, September 29, 2012, a woman was heard repeatedly screaming from the door of 93 Martha Drive, "OH MY GOD!  HELP!"   Several police cruisers, fire apparatus, and an ambulance were called to that address again.  This time the cause was for a suspected heroin overdose in the first floor hallway.
     It's been reported, for many years, residents and live-ins habitually distribute illegal drugs in back of, and all around this, and other areas of Rockland Place dba Spring Gate Apartments. Just about every single day this past week, police have been called to 93 Martha Drive due to violence and other activity. It really shouldn't be too difficult for corporate partners to figure out who's not complying with their lease agreement. Duh!

*************************

While the HUD REAC inspection never took place at this subsidized housing complex, according to Management's distributed notice, tenants at Spring Gate Apartments received, yet, another notice of inspection.  This fifth notice of inspection, distributed during the month of September, stated the inspection would be performed by Boston Capital and the Rockland Place Property Manager (employed by Cornerstone Corporation and/or First Hartford Corp.)  Congratulations ... This time Management showed up!
(Notice Reads)
SPRINGGATE APARTMENTS, 52 Hannah Way, Rockland, MA 02370, 781-871-2323
September 21, 2012 - TO: ALL RESIDENTS -  RE: INSPECTION
  On Monday September 24,2012 a representative from Boston Capital will be on site at
Spring Gate Apartments to perform an inspection of the property. All areas ofthe
property will be inspected including buildings, grounds, common areas and
approximately 20 apartments which will be chosen at random by the representative on the
day of the inspection. Since there will be no additional notice regarding which units will
be inspected all residents should be prepared.
  The Boston Capital representative will be accompanied by Spring Gate management
staff. Your presence is welcome during the inspection but not mandatory. If your unit is
chosen and you are not home we will leave a notice in your apartment apprising you of
our visit.
  We appreciate your cooperation in preparing for this inspection. Please remember that the
common area hallways must be clear at all times. No bicycles, carriages or other personal
belongings.  Thank you.  (signed) Janet Hamilton, Property Manager
**************************
September 24, 2012 at approximately 10:00 p.m., a male resident from 187B Martha Drive, intentionally disturbed other residents again by screeching and squealing his blue Mustang along Martha Drive.  If Ellen Connolly or Ms. Noble, of the Boston HUD office monitored Rockland Place dba Spring Gate Apartments as they promised, many of these disturbances, and other lease violations might not continue. (click on image below to enlarge)

 

Little Regard for Tenants Again

Tenants along Martha Drive and Hannah Way in Rockland, Mass. received two additional notices, dated August 27, 2012, from Spring Gate Apartments Management.  One was signed by Janet Hamilton, the other was not. After tenants prepared and waited, and waited, and waited, Management and HUD never even showed to perform the inspection.  What's rude and inconsiderate is that Management never notified tenants of the cancellation.... (It's not the first time.)
    Also worth noting,  Management is aware that most residents' air conditioners do not fit properly in the newly renovated AC Sleeves.  Perhaps tenants should be warned that using windows on the 2nd and 3rd floors as a means of egress may cause serious injuries or even death.

First notice for Aug. 27, 2012 reads:

SpringGate Apartments, August 27, 2012, To: All Residents, Re: HUD Inspection

On Thursday, August 30, 2012 an Inspector from the Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) will be on site at Spring Gate Apartments to perform an inspection of the property for HUD.  All areas of the property will be inspected including buildings, grounds, common areas and approximately 20 apartments which will be chosen at random by the inspector on the day of the inspection. Since there will be no additional notice regarding which units will be inspected all residents should be prepared.

   The REAC Inspector will be accompanied by Spring Gate management staff.  Your presence is welcome during the inspection but not mandatory. If your unit is chosen and you are not home we will leave a notice in your apartment apprising you of our visit. In the event that the inspection takes longer than anticipated it is possible the inspection could run into Friday the 31st so please be prepared. Also, if the inspection has to be rescheduled for any reason the Management Office will notify you of the change.

   We appreciate your cooperation in preparing for this very important inspection. Please call the office if you have any questions or concerns.  Thank you,  (signed) Janet Hamilton, Property Manager, 52 Hannah Way, Rockland, MA 02370  781-871-2323

Second notice for that same date reads:

Spring Gate Apartments, To: All Residents, From: Management Office, Subject: HUD Inspection, Date: 8/27/2012

   The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will be conducting an inspection of the property on August 30, 2012.  In preparation for this inspection management is requesting your cooperation in addressing the following health and safety violations if they are present in your apartment or building.

1.) Remove all personal belongings from the hallway. The hallways are for egress only. They are not for storage of bicycles, carriages, shoes, etc.

2.) Remove any belongings from the front and rear entry doors to your apartment if they inhibit the doors from opening all the way.

3.) Remove air conditioners from bedroom windows. Your bedroom window is considered an emergency exit. That's why the AC sleeves were installed. Also, do not block your bedroom windows with furniture.

4.) Do not remove or disconnect your fire detection devices. If you are having a problem with them let management know.

5.) Remove rubbish or extraneous materials from your deck.

    Maintenance will be going through the hallways early Thursday morning. Any belongings left in the hallways will be discarded.

   If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the Management Office at 781-871-2323.  Thank You. 

Massive housing experiment finds those who moved to less-impoverished neighborhoods were happier - Boston.com

Massive housing experiment finds those who moved to less-impoverished neighborhoods were happier - Boston.com

Time to Stash the Trash Again

Owners of Rockland Place dba Spring Gate Apartments may be after some extra government money again. Tenants received notice dated August 16, 2012 regarding 'inspection items'.  It doesn't mention which particular agency or agencies are involved with this inspection. So this must be an extra special inspection because some tenants continue to report insufficient 24-hour notice to gain entry into their units during other times throughout the year.

With all the fights, firesetting, suspicious business listings, live-ins, vandalism, and illegal drug abuse taking place at this subsidized housing complex, it's amazing this nuisance property would even be eligible for government funds. I suppose it depends on who corporate landlords rub elbows with. It is an election year afterall and corporate partners from this housing complex are known for contributing to campaigns, especially to the Democratic Party. Anyway, here is what the notice reads. I believe the initials at the bottom stand for Linda Hamilton and Janet Hamilton. This time their notice carries the Spring Gate Apartments letterhead.

We have recently had several inspections of the common areas of the property and expect

another inspection later in August. In order to prepare for that inspection we need to make

residents aware of items that must be taken care of immediately.

• If you have an air conditioner in a bedroom window that only has one window it must

be removed immediately. If the bedroom has only one window that window is

considered the second means of egress (or exit) in an emergency. Your unit will fail the

inspection if that window is blocked with either an air conditioner or furniture such as

beds or dressers.

• If you have cable wires laying on the floor of your apartment it is considered a trip

hazard. Your unit will fail the inspection if there are any trip hazards in your apartment.

• A" storage items, trash, bicycles, toys, and etc., must be removed from patios and

porches.

• If you have trash or items stored in the hallways it must be removed. The mats and

carpets in front of your apartment doors are also considered trip hazards and must be

removed.

Management will inspect your apartment and a" of the common areas prior to the inspection.

You have five (5) days from the date of receipt of this memorandum to correct the items listed

above. If Management has to remove or handle any of the issues described, you will be

charged.

We thank you for your cooperation. Please do not hesitate to contact the Management Office

if you have questions.

JH/lmh