Happy Holidays!

December 7, 2011

WTA wishes everyone a joy-filled and healthy holiday season, and a prosperous new year.

Earthquake Survey Results

December 5, 2011

A number of residents have inquired about the findings from the structural survey performed after the earthquake back in August. A PDF of the result is available here.

In a nutshell, there was no damage of any signficance to the residential structure. However, the quake likely hastened the need to repair the garage ramp.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding earthquake damage, please let us know.

Fire Alarm

January 5, 2011

The explanation given for tonight's alarm was a cooking fire on the 5th floor, which the resident extinguished and did not involve summoning the fire department. However, this resulted in considerable inconvenience and annoyance to the scores of residents who evacuated the building when there was no actual emergency.  Of far greater concern is reports that the smoke had become quite heavy in the hall before the sensors detected it and automatically sounded the alarm.  This would be the third documented case since the late 1990s where apartment smoke detectors and/or hall sensors did not activate in a timely manner where a fire condition was actually present; it is also another case where the apartment sensors should have gone off but did not.  And, yet again a case where the alarm kept ringing, rather than being shut off as soon as it was determined there was no danger.

WTA has discussed the need for the entire fire detection and alarm system to be carefully scrutinized to determine why it is overly sensitive when there is no serious condition, yet does not work as expected when there is one.  We have also discussed the need for a notification system (such as used by colleges and businesses) to provide instructions or additional info to residents when the alarms sound.  It is hoped that this incident will provide sufficient justification and motivation for management to act on our recommendations.  We also hope that they will look into possibilities for providing active exhaust ventilation in kitchens, which would significantly reduce the situations where smoke (or unpleasant odors) from cooking mishaps do not just dump into the hallways.

We welcome your thoughts about this incident.

Happy New Year

January 1, 2011

A happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to everyone!

Heat

October 15, 2010

We have been advised by building management that the heat will be turned on this afternoon, October 15.  Let's hope that we don't get another warm spell as soon as they turn it on!

FYI, DC regulations specify that heating must be provided between October 15 and May 15. In cold weather, the temperature in apartments must be at least 68F between 6:30AM and 11PM, and 65F from 11PM to 6:30AM. (The minimum temperatures have to be met whenever it’s cold out, regardless of the date.) For cooling, the allowable maximum temperatures are the greater of 78F, or 15F lower than the outside temp.

As the building has an older central HVAC system, it isn't possible to simply switch back and forth between heating and cooling modes on demand:  It takes at least a day to make the transition.  This can cause it to be too warm or cool when the weather goes the other direction, as it usually does as soon as the switch is made.

If your unit becomes too warm (particularly on the south and west sides of the building), turn off your blower, open your windows, and adjust the blinds so you don't have full sun coming in.

Westpark Lead Engineer Arrested for Assault

October 13, 2010

Stephen Wise, the Westpark's Lead Engineer, was arrested on multiple counts of assault, including against police officers, on October 3. (Read press coverage at the Washington Post and the Odenton Patch.)

Based on the charges and his previous arrest record, WTA has asked management to not return him to the building if they choose to retain him as an employee. We have also asked for an explanation of Quadrangle's pre-employment vetting/background checking, and why someone with a record of assault and burglary charges was placed in the sensitive position of having unfettered access to residents' apartments and possessions.  In many management companies (especially ones having commercial properties), all staff in sensitive positions (such as having access to money, confidential records or tenant property) must pass background checks for bonding and insurance purposes.  Most insurers will automatically reject individuals having certain types of arrests on their records, regardless of whether they were actually convicted of a crime; this should have disqualified him from employment as a building engineer.

While WTA has not received any complaints regarding wrongdoing by Mr. Wise, it naturally brings up the longstanding issue of management's response to resident reports of suspected unauthorized entries being to "sweep it under the rug."  Residents have been consistently told they are "imagining things" or are outright liars for having suspicions or accusing building staff.  Several employees have been dismissed because of theft or other abuse of their positions, yet management has hidden behind "personnel matters are confidential" and refused to acknowledge the validity of the problem.  Perhaps, since this incident makes it public that management has not been doing as good a job screening their employees as they need to, Quadrangle will at last take our concerns seriously and make sure the people they put here have clean backgrounds and are trustworthy.

 
*** UPDATE:We have learned that Steve no longer works at the Westpark. Whether that means he has been terminated by Qudrangle or merely reassigned is not known at the moment.

Board Election Results

October 12, 2010

Alan Rueckgauer and Lisa Jeter were unanimously re-elected as president and vice president. The positions of Secretary and Treasurer remain vacant. If you are interested in serving in either of those roles, please contact Alan or Lisa.

WTA Board Elections

October 7, 2010

To accommodate those who don't have Columbus Day off, the election has been scheduled for 8PM on Monday, October 11 in the lobby.  This meeting should only take a few minutes as only Alan and Lisa are up for reelection and no other candidates for any position have come forward.

All may attend the meeting, but only paid members may vote or run for an office. If you wish to participate in the election, please drop off your dues with Alan in apt.711 before the meeting. Dues may also be tendered up until the time the meeting is called to order.

Bedbug Awareness

September 22, 2010

Bedbugs are a major problem in many areas of the country, and they are in DC. It's pretty much just a matter of time before they hitch a ride into our building. Pretty much all that anyone can do to prevent bringing them in is to be extremely careful about inspecting everything you wear and bring in to the building, and examining bedding, clothing, furniture, even books, magazines and newspapers. If you travel, you must be even more vigilant.

If you discover or suspect bedbugs in your apartment, IMMEDIATELY notify both WTA and the building.  If you delay notifying us, that will make it all the much harder and more inconvenient to eradicate them. Don't be embarrassed about it. If you follow the news, you will know that these infestations have nothing to do with personal cleanliness or housekeeping. Some very big-name, high-end establishments and residences have dealt with infestations.

Ewwww! Stinkbugs!

September 22, 2010

Please be aware that the DC metro area is under siege from stinkbugs that are now looking for nice, warm places to spend the winter. Do not let them move in with you! The shield-shaped, grayish-brown bugs are not harmful to humans or pets, just annoying, especially if a large number congregates. They can give off a disagreeable odor, but usually only if they feel threatened or are squashed.

Your best defense against them is to make sure you are vigilant about keeping your balcony screen full closed at all times, even if the glass door is shut. If your other screens have not yet been reinstalled, keep those windows completely closed at all times until the screens are back in place.  If they do get in, you can use your vacuum to catch them.  Remove and secure the vacuum bag with tape or wrapped tightly in a plastic bag and dispose of it right away.

As always, if you have any problem with pests in your apartment, notify the front desk to arrange a visit from the exterminator.

Residents Meeting

September 15, 2010

Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend our Residents Meeting on the 13th. A substantial list of issues for building management to address was developed from the input of those at the meeting as well as others who emailed or phoned.

We have presented the list to management and are awaiting their response. A copy of the letter has been distributed to WTA members. When the response is received, that will also be circulated among menbers for review. Alan and Lisa will be meeting with management to discuss anything needing more work to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution. We will post additional information when it is available.

Also, Columbus Day weekend was chosen for WTA Board Officer elections. The exact date will be determined by members by the first few days of October as a number were unsure which day would be more convenient.

Alan and Lisa will be running for re-election as President and Vice President. The roles of Treasurer and Secretary are vacant, anyone interested is encouraged to step up. Any member in good standing and who satisfies the criteria for an office may run for any office. (See the WTA Bylaws on the website.) If you are interested in running for an occupied office, please contact Alan by September 30.

WTA Resident Meeting

Monday, September 10, 2010.  7PM.  In the lobby.  Meet your neighbors.  Learn about WTA.  Discuss items of common interest to residents.  If you have a particular topic you would like included, please contact us by Saturday 9/11. 

WTA Phone Number

WTA has a new telephone number for general information and inquiries: 
202-709-8248.  Please use this number for all non-urgent or private matters. 

Balconies and Windows

March 11, 2010

Now that it's the time of year again that we spend more time enjoying our balconies, please remember these important rules and tips:

• Only furniture and planters specifically intended for outdoor use are permitted on balconies. Indoor furniture is not to be kept outside.
• Use of the balconies for storage is a violation of the District's fire code. This specifically includes bikes, skis, and boxes.
• With the exception of professionally-installed satellite dishes, nothing may be mounted or attached to the building exterior, nor on the outside of balcony railings.
• Shaking rugs or draping items over railings, or dropping or throwing anything from balconies is prohibited. Use care and common sense with anything used or kept outside to prevent it from falling or being blown off by wind.  Residents are personally responsible for any damage or injury resulting from improperly secured items on their balconies.
• If you use an extension cord for any electrical device on your balcony, such as a laptop computer, it must be UL approved and specifically rated for outdoor use.  You must keep the cord indoors when it is not in use.
• Use caution with outdoor candles.  Torches and grills are illegal per the District fire code.
• Causing noise is not permitted on balconies at any time.  If using your balcony or having a party after 10PM, there is to be no loud conversation or music outside; please keep your windows and balcony doors closed to prevent noise from disturbing others.
• Kindly close your blinds when what could be seen may not be suitable for all viewers.
• Keep your balcony screen fully closed any time the door is open to prevent insects from entering.
• When you vacuum or sweep, don't forget to clean the tracks of the balcony door and screen. Dirt and debris left to accumulate will prevent them from sliding properly and damages the rollers.
• If your blinds or screens are damaged, or if your balcony door or windows do not open and close easily, contact building maintenance.
• Sheets, blankets or towels are not to be used as any kind of window covering.
• Residents are expected to keep the insides of their windows clean at all times.
• During very hot/humid weather, it is imperative that residents keep their windows and balcony doors tightly closed with the air conditioning set to between 70 and 75 degrees during the daytime.  Blinds should also be kept closed to provide shade from the heat of the day. This is necessary due to the inefficiency of the building's outdated HVAC system and uninsulated windows.  It is also extremely important to limit opening balcony doors when at home to prevent hot, humid air from being sucked into the HVAC and overwhelming it.

Regarding smoking on balconies (and inside apartments for that matter): Balconies are part of an apartment's private space, not common area, so smoking is permitted.  Furthermore, under current District housing regulations, it would likely be impossible for the building to prohibit current residents who are smokers from continuing to smoke in their apartments.  So, if you are bothered by a neighbor who smokes, your only options are to either try asking them to be more considerate of you, or request relocation to a different unit.

Marrakesh/Pasha Liquor License Renewal

March 9, 2010

WTA has been working closely with our neighboring resident associations to come up with solutions to the frequent nighttime disruptions caused by Pasha Lounge across the street.  Even though the establishment has a Voluntary Agreement with Dupont West governing its operation with respect to the neighborhood, it has been routinely ignored, as have numerous other promises made by the owners to the community that they would be better neighbors.  As a result, an independent group of neighborhood residents has decided to oppose renewal of the liquor license.

While WTA absolutely welcomes a vibrant and diverse nightlife in the neighborhood, we are extremely disappointed that the owners of Marrakesh/Pasha have consistently failed to live up to their obligations to residents.  Furthermore, an establishment that attracts a clientele that must be patted-down and wanded to check for weapons absolutely does not belong in Dupont Circle to begin with, much less on our street.  To put it bluntly, no business or patron has the right to force residents to accept or tolerate guns, knives, violence, drug dealing or sacrifice a good night's sleep to accommodate them.  They are guests and if they will not respect the neighborhood and its residents they are not welcome.

Since cordial, neighborly discussion has not yielded changes acceptable to the community, WTA will be supporting the license protest.  We ask all concerned Westpark residents to participate in this effort.  At the very least, contact us at wtahelp [at] westparkta.com with your comments and concerns regarding Pasha/Marrakesh.  You can also help by filing an e-Complaint with the District's Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (be sure to print a copy and drop it off with Alan in Apt.711). If you are able to attend the ABRA hearing for the renewal (date and time TBA), please contact us right away.

Annual Rent Increases

March 8, 2010

The District's Rental Housing Commission, which determines the allowable rates for automatic annual rent increases, has issued notice that the maximum allowable increase for 2010 is 0.05%. This rate applies to all rents subject to automatic annual increases from May 1, 2010 through April 30, 2011.  The RHC's notice is available here (PDF).

In effect, this means rents will remain unchanged from what you are currently paying.  If you receive an increase notice for your annual increase effective on or after May 1, 2010 with a higher amount, please contact WTA immediately.

Update on Resident's Death

March 8, 2010

MPD has informed WTA that Matthew McCaffery's death did not involve anything of concern to Westpark residents.  If any additional information becomes available, we will certainly pass it along.

Building Security Change

March 2, 2010

As of March 1, 2010 the building's front desk staff are no longer employees of QDC. This change was made without any prior notice to WTA or residents.

This is the latest case of management failing to properly communicate with residents regarding a significant change in building operations. Regardless of their rationale for completely outsourcing security, it is simply unacceptable for them to do so without at least advising us in advance.

While most of our long-time front desk team have transitioned, it is likely that we will have other staff assigned who are not familiar with the building or residents. Of particular concern is the continuing difficulties residents have encountered when reporting maintenance issues or picking up packages at times when a "regular" staff member wasn't on duty.

If you have any difficulty with the new front desk arrangements, please let WTA know immediately.

Laundry Room Ventilation

March 1, 2010

Management has still not corrected the ventilation problem in the laundry room, in spite of multiple reports to them by residents going back to November.  Not only is the room unbearably hot and humid when multiple dryers are in operation, it has caused several residents to have to pay for additional dryer cycles.

If you encounter the "Laundry Sauna" please let WTA know right away.  Also, if your clothes don't dry as a result and you have to buy additional dryer time, you are entitled to a refund.  Make note of the unit ID of the dryer(s), then email Cheryl Womack (cwomac@quad1) with a cc: to WTA (wtahelp@westparkta.com) that reports the exact date/time, machine number, and how much you paid for the machines to finally dry everything.

Long-Time Resident Found Dead in Apartment

February 25, 2010

Matthew McCaffery, a Westpark resident for over 20 years, was found dead in his apartment on February 23. Our sympathies and condolences to his family.

Building management has refused to provide any additional informamtion regarding Mr. McCaffery's death. However, WTA has learned that his body was found after his doctor phoned the building and asked that someone check on him after he missed an appointment. It is believed he was dead for possibly five days when he was found.  From what we have learned thus far, foul play is not suspected.

This is the second case in a year of someone dying in their apartment without anyone noticing for several days (the previous was an elderly resident who died last April. Just like then, management has not provided any information to residents.

WTA will post any additional information we obtain.

WTA is Now on Facebook

January 25, 2010

Since Facebook has become so popular, WTA has created a page there to make it easier for us to communicate with our members and friends.  The WTA website will continue to provide important news, information and resources; however, it will be focusing primarily on the administrative needs of the organization such as member services and issue tracking...things that require security and programming resources Facebook cannot provide.

Become a Fan of WTA today!

Membership Dues

WTA is a non-profit organization that is funded solely by annual membership dues and contributions. While our expenses are low and our officers are volunteers who receive no salary, we do incur costs for things such as business registration fees, copying and printing, and hosting our website.  We also need to build a "Ready Fund" should an attorney be required again, as was the case when we successfully fought the landlord over improper rent surcharges.

Even in these difficult times, annual membership dues are still only $10 per adult resident.  Please drop off your dues with Alan in apt.711.  You can also use your bank's online bill payment service to send them.  Our information is:

Please renew or join today, and consider making an additional contribution if you can.

Quick Info

Building Office/Front Desk:
  (202) 452-1230

Police, Fire, EMS:
  911

General WTA Inquiries:
  (202) 709-8248
  wtainfo[at]westparkta.com

WTA Officers

President:
  Jeff Rueckgauer
  Apt.711
  (202) 223-2872
  alanr[at]westparkta.com

Vice President:
  Lisa Jeter
  Apt.904
  (202) 862-9739
  lisaj[at]westparkta.com

Join WTA

Support WTA's efforts and become a member. Dues are only $10 per year for each adult resident.  Just drop off your dues with your full name, apartment number, telephone number, and email address at apartment 711.  Personal checks are preferred.  You can also submit your dues through your bank's online bill pay

Downloads

Westpark Community Rules (2005)

WTA Bylaws (2008)

About WTA

The Westpark Tenant Association works with residents, building management, neighborhood stakeholders and District government to keep the Westpark a comfortable and pleasant community.  We are the official representative of the building's tenants in any matters involving the landlord and/or the District, We can also assist in many matters you may have with the landlord that are not being resolved in a timely manner or to your satisfaction.