Don't Try This At Home

It was brought to Markwood's attention recently that a tenant of 24 Norman Street was working on their car in the side driveway for several hours. Although we generally applaud the do-it-yourself approach, we are compelled to point out that this type of activity is completely prohibited in the side driveway. There are several good reasons for this:

1. The driveway is primarily for short-term usage only. Things like dropping off and loading of groceries, luggage, etc. Also, the driveway is for everyone to use, so if you are using as your own personal repair shop, that keeps others from using it. Also, the driveway is our only access point for the trash removal. If you have your car up on a jack and the trash truck comes, that's going to be a problem. A good rule of thumb is, if it's an activity that is going to take you longer than 20 minutes, then don't plan on doing it in the driveway.

2. We are not equipped to deal with the spillage of fluids such as oil, transmission fluid, anti-freeze, detergents, etc., in the driveway. Clean up of these kinds of hazardous fluids is not something we want to be paying someone to do.

3. Liability. If your car rolls, catches fire, or falls on or in any way damages condo property or a person (including you) it could mean a lawsuit against you, the condo association, or both.

So in short, don't plan on doing things like oil changes, brake jobs, tire rotations, tune-up, washing and waxing etc. In the side driveway. There are plenty of service stations, car washes and other facilities for doing that kind of thing.

Fence Installation Completed

  The new fence between the Heritage Plaza Condominiums, 10 Norman Street from 24 Norman Street has been installed. The work was completed last Thursday by the Olsen Curtis Fence Company of Salem, MA. http://www.olsencurtisfence.com/. New trees to replace the three that were removed, should be planted soon.

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.

Fence and Tree Work Scheduled

The property next door, 10 Norman Street, is in the process of replacing the fence that runs between our two buildings. As part of this work, three of the six maple trees, that are unhealthy and losing branches were taken down this week. The stumps have be ground down, the soil will be re-graded and leveled, and once the fence has been re-built, new trees will be planted to replace the ones that were taken down. Those units that are located on the driveway side, may notice a lack of shade, and an increase in visibility, and sunlight-generated heat. The fence replacement is currently scheduled for the end of June.

Clothing and Household Swap and Drop

It's spring (believe it or not) and time to clean out all that unwanted stuff!
Instead of leaving it in the laundry room or throwing it in the dumpster, why not bring your clothing and household discards to the Salem Recycles Clothing and Household Swap 'N' Drop being held on Salem Common, Saturday, May 7th? The event is from 10:00 AM til 1:00 PM with swapping going on between 10 and 12. Swap or simply drop off: women's men's and children's clothing, accessories, and small household items (please all in working order) Textiles can be in any condition but must be Clean and Dry.
Items not swapped will be picked up by RECYCLE THAT.
In addition , you may bring your plastic bags for recycling.
The event is sponsored by SalemRecycles, the city's volunteer recycling committee.
For more information visit salem.com/recycling, or greensalem.com, or call 978-619-5679

Do Not Park Your Scooters Here

The warmer weather is coming (believe it or not!) and as a result, we are having a recurring issue with tenants and guests parking their scooters and motorcycles in the side lot. This area is not intended for long-term parking of any kind, including bikes, motorcycles and scooters. It makes it difficult for vehicles to maneuver in the space and also may present a liability issue.
There is space on the E-market side of the building, behind a gate with a lock, that is available for this kid of warm-weather parking. You can also park in front of the building (if you can find a space). If you leave your bike or scooter in the dumpster-side lot, it will be removed at your expense. Thank you for your cooperation in this.

Norman Street in 1890

For you history buffs, this is a picture of Norman Street taken in 1890. As far as we can tell it is looking east from the corner at Summer Street towards Washington Street. The man in the picture is standing about where the Holyoke Insurance Building is today. 24 Norman Street would be on the left side of the picture beyond the tree. The old train station can just barely be seen in the distance.