STATEMENT
Recently, Greenwich Communities was informed that one of its tenants at Wilbur Peck Court sent a complaint to the entire RTM regarding the lack of extermination services and the condition of the unit. Immediately upon notice Greenwich Communities visited the apartment with the exterminator, maintenance staff and management to address the complaint. Over the past three years Greenwich Communities has invested approximately $5 million dollars in renovations to the property. The renovations included new bathrooms, stainless steel, appliances, granite counter tops, new cabinets, and new flooring. This level of finishes is usually not provided in a public housing facility.
The head of the household was home and invited us in to inspect the condition. Upon entering a loud unleashed dog was present and barking, The exterminator told the tenant that she has been on the list for service since late September, but service could not be provided because of the unleashed dog, home alone, and that proper treatment was not possible without the dog secured in a bedroom for at least two hours after treatment. However, the housekeeping of the unit was not acceptable, and is a contributing factor when dealing with any pest control issues. The housekeeping issues were documented.
Because this is public housing property, annual inspections are performed, however between inspections, conditions can deteriorate based on the tenant’s housekeeping. Just as in the private market, tenants are responsible for the cleanliness of their apartments and when necessary, report required repairs. The job of GC’s is not to police its residents on a day-to-day basis regarding the physical conditions within the unit. However, because of the large investment made to improve the property, GC has notified all tenants at Wilbur Peck that we will be performing special inspections of all units. Inspections will focus on identified repairs, cleanliness of the unit (hoarding), health and safety issues, appliance inspection, unauthorized pets, extermination if necessary and smoking in the unit.
We are committed to improving the living conditions of our residents and will make every effort to correct issues related to maintenance, as well as those that are tenant caused. While this may appear as an overreaction, it is not. Our goal is to provide the best quality of living standard possible and protect the property, other residents and to extend the useful life of this property.
Anthony L. Johnson, Executive Director
Sam Romeo, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners
