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The Beginning (originally published in Nov. 2020)

 

The issues I am having with Birchwood Park Apartments are relate to several noise complaints that have now gone ignored and instead I was told I can move out. 

I just moved here 2 months ago and have had 3 day/night of peace and quiet. I am no stranger to noise. I have lived in NYC on top of a bar with another across the street. However, the tenants above me are obnoxiously loud all day but my main concern is during Quiet hours. The lease specifies those hours as 10 PM- 9 AM every day. The noise coming from above is stomping, banging, pounding, what sounds like dropping of heavy objects, and even continuous jumping. There is also the loud conversations and music. I have learned that the above unit has the living space situated over my bedrooms & because of this the noises have not only woken me up but my kids as well. 

I have recorded them on audio, I have kept detailed logs, I have emailed the property managers here at Birchwood Park apartments as they are happening even though it is the middle of the night. I reached out to everyone at the complex, as well as someone from Garden Communities home office and initially was told they would talk to him. Nothing changed and when I reached out for an update if I wasn’t outright ignored, the I started to receive back replies (by email so I still have them) were rude and condescending (Sara D. telling me I can move out having just moved in 2 months ago, making definitive statements about the tenants bedtime routine like they are in bed EVERY DAY from 10pm to 9am, I guess she tucks them in to know this, etc.). 


I should also add that this tenant is also an employee of Garden Communities with has left me feeling that he matters more than a regular tenant.

The employees of this complex have left me feeling like my rights to quiet enjoyment do not matter to them, they have made me feel like a liar, and unwelcomed here. Not the way I ever expected to be treated. I have gathered evidence as per their request and yet I feel like the bad guy because I would like to get some rest. I have resorted to foam ear plugs, white noise machines, noise canceling headphones or just not staying at home to avoid this stress and aggravation. 


Since I have been told I can break my lease and leave I will be moving the first opportunity I can. Your experience may be different (I hope it is, your home should be a place of peace and repose) but this has been mine and I regret moving here.

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