URGENT Building Security Issue

The back door of the building is not latching properly and we had an intruder. Locksmiths have been called and should be here later today, however this has been a recurring problem, especially after heavy rain. The door is wood, and will sometimes swell after rain, making it harder for the latch to work properly.
We cannot over-stress the importance of checking to make sure the door is securely latched each and every time you go in or out of the building, and not propping the door open.
Why? "What's the big deal?" you say. Well this is the big deal. We end up with this:

This photo was taken today. If you can't tell what it is, it's basically a hobo-encampment under the back staircase.
The door was not latched securely, and one of the many homeless people we have living in the area took the opportunity to slip into the building and homestead in our basement, complete with bedroll, liquor bottles and bags of junk.
The homeless person was noticed and removed yesterday, and maintenance is coming to clean up the mess, but this is a huge security and liability issue. This has happened before, and will probably happen again unless you remain vigilant. All the locks and cameras in the world aren't going to do any good if you leave the damn door open.
Most homeless people are harmless, but we don't know that is true in every case. Do you want a homeless person in the building? Lurking in the basement where you do your laundry? Urinating in some corner? Probably not. This is why you need to CHECK and make SURE the DOOR is latched behind you. It will take five seconds, and may save yourself and the building a lot of trouble.
By the way, if you notice a homeless person hanging out in this space, do not confront them, call the police immediately, then call Markwood. Calling Markwood first just ads an extra, delaying step to the process. thank you for your cooperation.

Shut the Door!

The recent spate of rainy weather reminds me that it's that time of year again...when we start getting a lot more rain, wind and snow, and things are generally a bit damper than in the summer. That means that the front and back doors, which are old, and wooden, tend to swell up and not close properly.
There isn't much that can be done about preventing this unless we replace the wooden doors with metal ones, so please take an extra few seconds to make sure that the front and the back doors are closed securely behind you when you go in or out of the building.
They may seem like they are closed, but if you don't hear that "click" of the lock, it is still open and could provide access for people who do not live in the building...including drunken Halloween revelers and other undesirable non-residents. A little diligence now could head of a lot of potential issues down the road. Thanks!

FYI: Vacation Rentals are Illegal

Recently Markwood Management came across this website.
It is a listing on Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) from Home Away, a site that lists private apartments and condos around the world for short-term vacation rentals and appears to be one of the units at 24 Norman Street.

Salem is a major tourist destination, especially through the summer and Halloween. It would be great if you could rent your unit out to visiting tourists and make some extra money, especially if you are an owner who doesn't actually live in the building...wouldn't it?...except for the fact that it is illegal.

Norman Street is Designated a Central Development Zone (B5).  The Zoning By-Laws pertaining to Principal Use shows that Rooming, Boarding or Lodging Houses are not permitted in zone B5.  Rooming houses are defined in the By-Laws as:

"Rooming, boarding or lodging house: A dwelling or part thereof in which lodging is provided by the owner or operator to at least three, but not more than six, roomers or boarders. "

This is a clear violation of Salem’s zoning By-Laws, (a rooming-house permit would be required) as well as a violation of the Condo Association's by-laws. Besides the fact that it is illegal, it raises all kinds of security, liability and insurance issues. What if a short-term renter in the building is injured while staying here? or injures somebody? Who is liable? Hopefully you can see where this opens a whole variety of issues. We do not have the kind of building set-up, security, or staff to be able to manage these kind of rentals, even if they were allowed by law, which they aren't.
So, if you were thinking about doing this, well...don't.
You will be subject to legal action by the Salem Zoning Enforcement Board as well as legal action (including fines) by Markwood Management.

Rain and the Doors

With all the rainy weather we've been having this week, just a reminder that when it rains, both the front and back wooden doors swell and will sometimes not close all the way on their own. When you go in or out please take a moment to make sure that the door is fully closed and latched. Not much sense in trying to have a secure building if people go around leaving the doors open. Thanks!

Security Cameras

Residents of 24 Norman Street may have noticed the installation of several security cameras at various locations around the building. These were installed mainly in response to several reported thefts of packages from the mailbox area last Christmas and assorted small acts of vandalism around the building. The cameras cover all three floors of the building as well as the front entrance. They are motion-activated, infared-capable and record to DVR. Markwood Management is hoping that this will deter theft, vandalism and violations of condo rules. Failing that, it may help catch and convict those responsible. 

Basics for Living at 24 Norman Street

We have a fair number of tenants renting or subletting units at 24 Norman Street, and therefore a pretty high turn-over rate, so it is sometimes beneficial to post some Norman Street basics.
As a trustee, I hear the complaints about building issues. Here are three common issues that come up again and again. If you pay attention to these issues and the solutions, you will avoid 99% of the difficulties associated with living in a compact, 39-unit building.

1. Excessive noise
This is the biggest complaint among owners and tenants in the building. The condo rules state no excessive noise between 9 pm and 9 am. That could mean anything from loud TVs and music to loud talking. Please note: Because of the age of the building and the way it was converted into condos, there is not much sound buffering between floors. In most cases, the ceiling of one unit directly abuts the floor of the unit above it. Sound carries very easily between units, more than you may be aware of, especially if you live on the 2nd or 3rd floor. Also, because of the layout of the lofts, most unit's sleeping areas are directly below the entry and bathroom of the unit above it. This also amplifies the effect.  
Solution: Be quiet between 9 pm and 9 am.
Curtail any loud activities. If you cannot avoid activity during that time, do your best to keep it as quiet as possible. People can hear you. If you are not quiet, and your neighbor lodges a complaint with Markwood Management, the owner of the unit may be fined until the situation is corrected.

2. Parking
This is the second biggest complaint from owners and tenants in the building. Besides griping about the restrictions and general lack of on-street parking, the next biggest issue is the misuse of the side drop-off area on the north-east side of the building. It is intended as a drop-off area for residents loading and unloading from their cars. It is not intended as an auxiliary parking lot, or as a personal work area. It is for short-term use. If you are parking your vehicle there for more than 30 minutes, you are abusing the privilege.
Solution: Don't park your vehicle in the side lot for more than 30 minutes
If you park there any longer than that, your vehicle may be towed at your expense.

3. Building Maintenance
Last, but not least, is building maintenance. This is a broad category which covers everything in the common areas of the building, the hallways, entryways, laundry room, roof, dumpsters, drop-off area and grounds and includes activities such as painting, landscaping, carpeting, cleaning.
Many complaints about maintenace have to do with the quality, appearance and even the smell of the property.
Some people have a tendency to treat anything outside of their individual unit as a kind of dumping ground for anything from shoes and unwanted household items to cigarette butts and trash. Random acts of vandalism have also been known to occur.
The common areas are just that, common areas, held in common trust by every owner in the building. We pay for its maintenance, which means when you abuse the common areas, you are taking money out of your neighbor's pocket. 
Solution: Don't use the common areas as your personal trash bin/smoking lounge/anger management tool.
Abuse of or vandalism of the common areas may mean fines and/or prosecution.

Courtesy, respect and consideration go a long way.

Theft in the Building

If you have passed by the mailboxes in the front lobby recently you may have noticed the notes above.

The note says; " Attention: Your Mail is not safe. I received a package from Amazon which was opened and stolen by someone in the building (24 Norman Street). I saw the package near the mailboxes but was unable to pick it up because I was running out the door. When I returned, I found the opened package lying nearby and the contents gone. besides the fact that opening someone else's mail is a Federal offense, it is also STEALING. Mail that is someone else's property should not be opened and STOLEN.

This will be reported to Markwood Management and the U.S. Postal Service. If you have information about this crime, please notify Markwood Management at 781-639-4080."

Apparently we have a thief or thieves who either live in the building, or have regular access to the building. The intended recipient of the stolen package discovered the theft and posted the note you see above on the bulletin board, which was followed by several others, also reporting thefts of mail and other items left in the hallways.
This might be a good time to remind people about building security. Do not prop doors open for any reason. Do not let people into the building you do not know. Do not reveal the front door security code to non-residents. And watch for and report any suspicious person or activity immediately. (For example, someone examining packages that are not addressed to them).
This is an especially unfortunate development with Christmas coming up. For people who work all day, and cannot be here to take delivery of their packages in person. be aware that until the culprit is identified, any package left unattended in the front lobby may be at risk.
Not feeling secure in the building where you live is a very troublesome matter and will not be tolerated.
If you are the thief, or know who they are, realize that when you are caught, you will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.