10/11/2024
From a DREAM to a NIGHTMARE and the Contamination of a Community.
When I signed the lease agreement, little did I know that I was the missing link to a real estate flip. Indeed, within a few weeks after my signature, the property at 2761 Park Street that included 2 apartment buildings behind it, was sold. And one may very well argue that this is quite normal in the business of fixing and flipping real estate properties. Yes, it is, in a free economy where the pursuit of profits is intertwined with the pursuit of happiness.
But when someone's profit and someone's happiness become a threat to someone else's professional activities and existence, something is wrong.
The building showed increasing signs of poor renovation with every rain: to common ceiling leaks, water creeped up through the floor in the bathroom while the toilet water filled it up.
Repeated acts of vandalism destroyed the shop's properties☹️😡(see photos). Acts of violence taking place among residential tenants behind Plush N' Prana shop, lead to the use of fi****ms. In the middle of the day, the loud sound of a firearm disrupted the peaceful atmosphere in the shop.
Despite increasing discomfort and disease on my part, I continued to create a happy and welcoming space.
“To whom much is given, much is required” is a phrase from the Bible, Luke 12:48
With ownership come responsibilities. And I am referring to Ownership of Properties. I am suggesting that the word "Landlord" be removed and replaced with "Steward." Absentee ownership and Absentee Land-lording damage the efforts of local communities. As a small business owner, I have experienced, first hand, the damage absentee-ownership does. I have never seen the face of the owner of the property to whom the payment of my rent benefits. Based on my most recent emails to the property management, the property manager's position has changed 3 times in 2 1/2 years. An email sent in September as well as a UPS tracked letter with all photos of vandalism and damages in the shop were sent; I never received a response.
Absentee-owners must contribute to the safety of the neighborhood they invest in. Real people live here. Show respect and care.
