I want to explain the new garbage bag cost issue very clearly so there is NO confusion.
You do not have to buy garbage bags from me, the building, or anyone else. You will not be billed for garbage bags. They are provided to you as part of your rent and utility payments.
I have told you of their high cost for only one reason. So you do not waste them, for example, putting them out in the alley when they are only half full.
I am also sharing my experiences with you regarding the program since you are obviously residents of Seattle and need to know how your government is working (or not working) for you.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Garbage Bag Distribution
I have just learned for a variety of silly reasons that I cannot distribute the garbage and recycling bags to tenants by putting them on your doorknobs.
I have to hand them out individually to tenants.
This program gets dumber and dumber as the days go on.
I have plenty of both the green and clear recycling bags in my office on the second floor. Please stop by during my normal office hours during the day or when I am in the office in the evening and I'll give you some. If you need bags also please email me at watermarkeapartments@gmail.com and I can make special arrangements to get them to you.
I have been speaking to property managers all over Seattle and the outrage over this program is wide and deep. If you are angry and confused over the Clear Alleys program PLEASE call and email the Mayor and the City Council. They created this nonsense and only they have the power to recind it. I'm only coping with the mess they created. I'm only the messenger, okay?
I have to hand them out individually to tenants.
This program gets dumber and dumber as the days go on.
I have plenty of both the green and clear recycling bags in my office on the second floor. Please stop by during my normal office hours during the day or when I am in the office in the evening and I'll give you some. If you need bags also please email me at watermarkeapartments@gmail.com and I can make special arrangements to get them to you.
I have been speaking to property managers all over Seattle and the outrage over this program is wide and deep. If you are angry and confused over the Clear Alleys program PLEASE call and email the Mayor and the City Council. They created this nonsense and only they have the power to recind it. I'm only coping with the mess they created. I'm only the messenger, okay?
Letter in Lobby from Me
I put a "Welcome Letter" in the lobby on the long wooden table. Pick one up please.
It contains a written work order you need to fill out and submit to me if you need any work done on your apartment plus some other valuable information about the Watermarke.
It contains a written work order you need to fill out and submit to me if you need any work done on your apartment plus some other valuable information about the Watermarke.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
More on Garbage Pickup and Recycling
I just got off the phone with a nice guy from Cleanscapes who runs the Mayor's new Clear Alley's program. He gave me lots of information about the new program which literally is as dumb as it sounds.
EACH ONE OF THOSE GREEN GARBAGE BAGS I HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTING COSTS $3.50.
Let me repeat that.
Each one of those green plastic bags you have been putting your garbage into costs $3.50.
Not each roll.
Each bag. EACH BAG!
The "Starter Kit" that was given to me when the program was dropped on building managers was "free" or to put it more accurately we were not billed at the time for them.
Well, guess what just arrived in the mail?
I am outraged by not just the silliness of this program but its incredible expense. Nevertheless what choice do I (or we) have. Garbage is garbage.
So here are some more useful specifics for all of you:
1. I will be distributing clear plastic bags for recycling purposes over the next week or so or whenever they arrive by mail. Each one of these bags only costs $2.00 each!
2. The clear recycling bags will be used for newspapers, cans, bottles, glass, plastic, and everything else but paper. They go into the alley right next to the green bags.
3. Cardboard is picked up for FREE. Just flatten your boxes and stack the piles neatly where the garbage pickup is in the alley. This includes your pizza boxes.
4. Our recycling dumpster that is still in the alley is about to be removed so put out whatever you can now because it is going to disappear without notice---just like our other dumpster did.
This by far is the most inane of all the ideas Mayor Nichols has been promoting over the last few years. The reason for this boondoggle is that the mayor wants our alleys to be free of dumpsters because homeless people have been using them as places to sleep, do drug deals, urinate and defecate, and otherwise convert them into shelters of some kind.
How about eliminating the homeless people instead of the dumpsters? Why not do more so human beings do not need to sleep and defecate in alleyways?
As a frontline administrator of this program I can tell no one thought much about this except the fact that selling garbage bags for $3.50 each is very profitable.
Only I'm the one paying the bill for them. I'm not laughing.
EACH ONE OF THOSE GREEN GARBAGE BAGS I HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTING COSTS $3.50.
Let me repeat that.
Each one of those green plastic bags you have been putting your garbage into costs $3.50.
Not each roll.
Each bag. EACH BAG!
The "Starter Kit" that was given to me when the program was dropped on building managers was "free" or to put it more accurately we were not billed at the time for them.
Well, guess what just arrived in the mail?
I am outraged by not just the silliness of this program but its incredible expense. Nevertheless what choice do I (or we) have. Garbage is garbage.
So here are some more useful specifics for all of you:
1. I will be distributing clear plastic bags for recycling purposes over the next week or so or whenever they arrive by mail. Each one of these bags only costs $2.00 each!
2. The clear recycling bags will be used for newspapers, cans, bottles, glass, plastic, and everything else but paper. They go into the alley right next to the green bags.
3. Cardboard is picked up for FREE. Just flatten your boxes and stack the piles neatly where the garbage pickup is in the alley. This includes your pizza boxes.
4. Our recycling dumpster that is still in the alley is about to be removed so put out whatever you can now because it is going to disappear without notice---just like our other dumpster did.
This by far is the most inane of all the ideas Mayor Nichols has been promoting over the last few years. The reason for this boondoggle is that the mayor wants our alleys to be free of dumpsters because homeless people have been using them as places to sleep, do drug deals, urinate and defecate, and otherwise convert them into shelters of some kind.
How about eliminating the homeless people instead of the dumpsters? Why not do more so human beings do not need to sleep and defecate in alleyways?
As a frontline administrator of this program I can tell no one thought much about this except the fact that selling garbage bags for $3.50 each is very profitable.
Only I'm the one paying the bill for them. I'm not laughing.
Manager's Welcome Letter
Over the next day I will be distributing a "Manager's Welcome Letter" to all residents of the Watermarke Apartments.
This letter has three purposes:
First, I want to give you an idea of who is managing your building and my philosophy when it comes to building management. The bottom line here is that tenants are customers and you need to listen to their needs in order to be successful in this business.
Second, to give you information on procedures for getting things done, such as fixing problems, reporting concerns, and the like. A copy of a work order will be provided for your use. If you have a problem I want it fixed fast and this information will go a long way towards that goal.
And third, I want to invite you to a "Meet the Manager" night where we can all get together, meet each other, and have some fun. It is important for me to meet you but also for residents to meet each other.
So look for this letter and RSVP me on the "Meet the Manager" night. While I have met many of you over the last few weeks I would prefer a more social setting than one involving lease resignings or concerns over hot water.
This letter has three purposes:
First, I want to give you an idea of who is managing your building and my philosophy when it comes to building management. The bottom line here is that tenants are customers and you need to listen to their needs in order to be successful in this business.
Second, to give you information on procedures for getting things done, such as fixing problems, reporting concerns, and the like. A copy of a work order will be provided for your use. If you have a problem I want it fixed fast and this information will go a long way towards that goal.
And third, I want to invite you to a "Meet the Manager" night where we can all get together, meet each other, and have some fun. It is important for me to meet you but also for residents to meet each other.
So look for this letter and RSVP me on the "Meet the Manager" night. While I have met many of you over the last few weeks I would prefer a more social setting than one involving lease resignings or concerns over hot water.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Parking Now Available at the Watermarke
I picked up all the parking lot information today.
If you are a tenant at the Watermarke Apartments and want to park your car with us here are the details.
The parking lot is behind the old Musician's Union building in the alley between 3rd and 4th Avenue. To reach the lot which is just forty yards from our front door, just exit the building from the main entrance on Cedar Street, turn right, and cross the street and enter the alley in front of you. The spots are immediately on the right and numbered on the ground.
These are obviously uncovered but also available for use 24/7.
Republic Parking manages the lot.
These are tandem spots which means one car parks in front of the other. These spots can cause problems for some people and I will admit are best suited for people who know each other like roommates, friends, etc. But I have used them before in the past at other buildings and know they can easily work once the procedures between parties have been worked out.
The spots rent in pairs for $250 or $125 each. If you need just one spot I can hook you up with a partner in the building so you can make arrangements.
The location of this parking lot is perfect so I'm confident we can make it work.
If you are a tenant at the Watermarke Apartments and want to park your car with us here are the details.
The parking lot is behind the old Musician's Union building in the alley between 3rd and 4th Avenue. To reach the lot which is just forty yards from our front door, just exit the building from the main entrance on Cedar Street, turn right, and cross the street and enter the alley in front of you. The spots are immediately on the right and numbered on the ground.
These are obviously uncovered but also available for use 24/7.
Republic Parking manages the lot.
These are tandem spots which means one car parks in front of the other. These spots can cause problems for some people and I will admit are best suited for people who know each other like roommates, friends, etc. But I have used them before in the past at other buildings and know they can easily work once the procedures between parties have been worked out.
The spots rent in pairs for $250 or $125 each. If you need just one spot I can hook you up with a partner in the building so you can make arrangements.
The location of this parking lot is perfect so I'm confident we can make it work.
Hot Water Issue Resolved Quickly
As many of you know and need no reminder we lost our hot water about 7:00AM this morning. I got about thirty calls on the subject, some not so nice.
I completely understand your frustration.
The hot water service was restored promptly by 9:30AM. I want to thank our super efficient repair guy John who was right on the ball this morning and did a great job.
The issue was a minor spring in a boiler value that needed adjustment. Nothing more.
I am meeting with building officials to make sure this never happens again. I don't like to take cold showers when I need to go to work either.
I completely understand your frustration.
The hot water service was restored promptly by 9:30AM. I want to thank our super efficient repair guy John who was right on the ball this morning and did a great job.
The issue was a minor spring in a boiler value that needed adjustment. Nothing more.
I am meeting with building officials to make sure this never happens again. I don't like to take cold showers when I need to go to work either.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Close and Classic
I have been working on a new way to summarize life at the Watermarke Apartments in just a simple catch-phrase. Short and sweet, to the point. Something like "Just Do It" or "It's the Real Thing." You get my point??
Close and Classic.
I believe that about sums it up.
We at the Watermarke are close to everything. Seattle Center, of course. Just two blocks away from Bumbershoot---did you see that Sheryl Crow is this year's highlighter?
But close to EVERYTHING. All of downtown is just ten minutes away, great if you work somewhere between Pike and Yesler. I did my produce shopping today at Pike Place Market, the ultimate Seattle shopping experience.
Close to nightclubs, music, bakeries, restaurants, museums, stadiums, close to just about everything except a chicken farm and a lighthouse. (Those two are coming, maybe....)
But the Watermarke is not just close, it's classic. I've had the pleasure of doing a building inspection over the last couple weeks and see the truly amazing detail of a structure built nearly one hundred years ago. It's solid, and that explains why noise doesn't travel down the hallways like it does in many modern buildings.
I like the classic charm of a building that does not look like a futuristic vision from The Jetsons. I love the Space Needle but I wouldn't want to live in it.
So Close and Classic is how I describe the Watermarke. Yes, I like the alliteration. But I also enjoy how three simple words sum up the place.
Close and Classic.
I believe that about sums it up.
We at the Watermarke are close to everything. Seattle Center, of course. Just two blocks away from Bumbershoot---did you see that Sheryl Crow is this year's highlighter?
But close to EVERYTHING. All of downtown is just ten minutes away, great if you work somewhere between Pike and Yesler. I did my produce shopping today at Pike Place Market, the ultimate Seattle shopping experience.
Close to nightclubs, music, bakeries, restaurants, museums, stadiums, close to just about everything except a chicken farm and a lighthouse. (Those two are coming, maybe....)
But the Watermarke is not just close, it's classic. I've had the pleasure of doing a building inspection over the last couple weeks and see the truly amazing detail of a structure built nearly one hundred years ago. It's solid, and that explains why noise doesn't travel down the hallways like it does in many modern buildings.
I like the classic charm of a building that does not look like a futuristic vision from The Jetsons. I love the Space Needle but I wouldn't want to live in it.
So Close and Classic is how I describe the Watermarke. Yes, I like the alliteration. But I also enjoy how three simple words sum up the place.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Watermarke Apartments Now Offers Parking!
This is really exciting news---especially since I own a car!
The Watermarke Apartments now offers parking for residents. Our lot is less than fifty yards away from the front door. The costs are being worked out over the next few days but if you have a car and want parking please email me at watermarkeapartments@gmail.com.
I have a really limited number of spaces available so if you want one please respond ASAP.
The Watermarke Apartments now offers parking for residents. Our lot is less than fifty yards away from the front door. The costs are being worked out over the next few days but if you have a car and want parking please email me at watermarkeapartments@gmail.com.
I have a really limited number of spaces available so if you want one please respond ASAP.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Important News About Trash Collection
Starting today, April 1 2009, the City of Seattle is requiring us to comply with what is called the "Clear Alleys" program. In other words, we will no longer have a dumpster in the alley to put our garbage into.
You will immediately notice when you go to throw out trash that our dumpster is gone.
I will be distributing 15-gallon garbage bags to each apartment in the Watermarke. If you recycle, and you should be recycling, each of these bags should last you about a week.
These are SPECIAL GREEN BAGS that say "Clear Alleys Program" on them and carry the Seattle Public Utilities logo.
YOU CANNOT USE NORMAL GARBAGE BAGS FOR TRASH PICKUP! You must use these special bags only. If you use normal bags the trash will stay in the alley forever.
When the time comes to throw away your garbage just put it into the alley pretty much where the old dumpster was out back. You will see a CLEAR ALLEYS/SPU sign there.
I cannot stress to you enough DO NOT WASTE THESE GARBAGE BAGS. If you put out empty bags our trash collection costs go up and so do your monthly utility costs so PLEASE only put them out when they are very very VERY full.
If you have any questions about this new program visit the program's official website by going here:
http://www.clearalleys.com/
I will be distributing the trash bags to each apartment over the next day so please spread the word to other tenants if you see them in the hallways and such. DO NOT THROW ANY MORE GARBAGE INTO THE ALLEYWAY.
This is a new program and today is the first day so please help me and the SPU and let's make this work.
You will immediately notice when you go to throw out trash that our dumpster is gone.
I will be distributing 15-gallon garbage bags to each apartment in the Watermarke. If you recycle, and you should be recycling, each of these bags should last you about a week.
These are SPECIAL GREEN BAGS that say "Clear Alleys Program" on them and carry the Seattle Public Utilities logo.
YOU CANNOT USE NORMAL GARBAGE BAGS FOR TRASH PICKUP! You must use these special bags only. If you use normal bags the trash will stay in the alley forever.
When the time comes to throw away your garbage just put it into the alley pretty much where the old dumpster was out back. You will see a CLEAR ALLEYS/SPU sign there.
I cannot stress to you enough DO NOT WASTE THESE GARBAGE BAGS. If you put out empty bags our trash collection costs go up and so do your monthly utility costs so PLEASE only put them out when they are very very VERY full.
If you have any questions about this new program visit the program's official website by going here:
http://www.clearalleys.com/
I will be distributing the trash bags to each apartment over the next day so please spread the word to other tenants if you see them in the hallways and such. DO NOT THROW ANY MORE GARBAGE INTO THE ALLEYWAY.
This is a new program and today is the first day so please help me and the SPU and let's make this work.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
New FREE Concierge Servies
I am pleased to announce that soon I will be proving all residents of the Watermarke Apartments with a host of new and best of all FREE concierge services.
I have spent the last week or so making these arrangements and I will be posting information here and also to all Watermarke resident apartments soon.
I can save you money on everything from drycleaning to DVD rentals with more services being added all the time. My goal is to make your life easier.
This is the place where I will making all the announcements so please check back here often. Use the RSS feeds, please!
I have spent the last week or so making these arrangements and I will be posting information here and also to all Watermarke resident apartments soon.
I can save you money on everything from drycleaning to DVD rentals with more services being added all the time. My goal is to make your life easier.
This is the place where I will making all the announcements so please check back here often. Use the RSS feeds, please!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Notice of Temporary Water Shut-Off
The Seattle Public Utilities people have just informed me that our water service at the Watermarke Apartments will be temporarily interrupted on Thursday, March 26 2009 from 11:00PM to 4:00AM. This is for construction work being done in our area.
Yes, it is an inconvenience but what can I do? Repairs need to be made.
Anyway, all Watermarke residents should arrange to have water available for their personal use during this time. For example, if you were planning on boiling some pasta fill your pot at 10:59PM or sooner because dry rigatoni doesn't taste very good even with the best sauce.
Also, you may notice some sediment or rusty colored water coming out of the tap once service is restored. This is normal. Pipe repairs stir up lots of things that you really don't want to think about very much when drinking city water. Just let your water run until it is crystal clear again and you will be fine.
If you have any questions on this you can call Seattle Public Utilities at 206-684-5800 or me through the on-site management office.
Yes, it is an inconvenience but what can I do? Repairs need to be made.
Anyway, all Watermarke residents should arrange to have water available for their personal use during this time. For example, if you were planning on boiling some pasta fill your pot at 10:59PM or sooner because dry rigatoni doesn't taste very good even with the best sauce.
Also, you may notice some sediment or rusty colored water coming out of the tap once service is restored. This is normal. Pipe repairs stir up lots of things that you really don't want to think about very much when drinking city water. Just let your water run until it is crystal clear again and you will be fine.
If you have any questions on this you can call Seattle Public Utilities at 206-684-5800 or me through the on-site management office.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Welcome to the New Watermarke Apartments Blog
Since this is my first full business day on the job I thought I would take the time to create this blog and introduce myself to the current residents of the Watermarke Apartments and the rest of the world.
I have managed rental properties all across the United States and Europe for more than twenty years and am proud to now be the on-site manager for the Watermarke Apartments in downtown Seattle. What an amazing building this is! A truly historic 1920-era gem not just preserved but also updated with all sorts of modern amenities the original designers never dreamed of, including a 24-hour fitness center, DSL internet, and even microwave ovens in every unit.
I only have three goals as a property manager:
1. To keep all of my current residents safe, happy, and secure.
2. To make sure all of my current residents feel so enthusiastic about living at the Watermarke they would recommend the property to their best friends
3. To provide all prospective and future residents with all the information they need to make the right rental decision for themselves
The Watermarke Apartments literally sells itself. I honestly don't need to do much other than the talking since, ...um..., buildings don't have mouths or hands to type.
The location at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Cedar Street is literally just two blocks away from the Space Needle makes this property simply amazing for anyone who works downtown or wants to live the Belltown lifestyle. All the culture of Seattle Center is just a five minute walk away. Our neighborhood is saturated with phenomenal restaurants, nightclubs, bakeries, everything you could imagine to buy, eat, see, or enjoy. Day or night something fun is happening just a few yards away from our front door.
Anyway, this blog will be a news center for current residents interested in what is happening where they live. It will be an information resource for prospective residents interested in what may await them if they come and join us at the Watermarke. But most of all I hope this blog becomes a sounding board for everyone about this truly unique trophy of a property in the heart of Seattle's most hip and fun neighborhood. I can't imagine a more exciting place to live and I am grateful to be the latest manager, just one of many as part of a traditon stretching back nearly ONE HUNDRED YEARS, of this irreplaceable part of Seattle history.
I have managed rental properties all across the United States and Europe for more than twenty years and am proud to now be the on-site manager for the Watermarke Apartments in downtown Seattle. What an amazing building this is! A truly historic 1920-era gem not just preserved but also updated with all sorts of modern amenities the original designers never dreamed of, including a 24-hour fitness center, DSL internet, and even microwave ovens in every unit.
I only have three goals as a property manager:
1. To keep all of my current residents safe, happy, and secure.
2. To make sure all of my current residents feel so enthusiastic about living at the Watermarke they would recommend the property to their best friends
3. To provide all prospective and future residents with all the information they need to make the right rental decision for themselves
The Watermarke Apartments literally sells itself. I honestly don't need to do much other than the talking since, ...um..., buildings don't have mouths or hands to type.
The location at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Cedar Street is literally just two blocks away from the Space Needle makes this property simply amazing for anyone who works downtown or wants to live the Belltown lifestyle. All the culture of Seattle Center is just a five minute walk away. Our neighborhood is saturated with phenomenal restaurants, nightclubs, bakeries, everything you could imagine to buy, eat, see, or enjoy. Day or night something fun is happening just a few yards away from our front door.
Anyway, this blog will be a news center for current residents interested in what is happening where they live. It will be an information resource for prospective residents interested in what may await them if they come and join us at the Watermarke. But most of all I hope this blog becomes a sounding board for everyone about this truly unique trophy of a property in the heart of Seattle's most hip and fun neighborhood. I can't imagine a more exciting place to live and I am grateful to be the latest manager, just one of many as part of a traditon stretching back nearly ONE HUNDRED YEARS, of this irreplaceable part of Seattle history.
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