Welcome to H#LL

I live at the "Residences of Bexley Woods" here in Columbus, Ohio. When I moved into my apartment, in November of 2011, the property was owned by a company called "New Life Properties". The property was NOT in good condition, however it wasn't in as bad of shape as it is today. New Life may not have been the best of landlords, however they were not the worst. On July 1, 2012 a bankruptcy judge placed the property into receivership with McKinley out of Michigan. When I spoke to the manager at the beginning of December, she stated the following, "...the property is now owned by C-III, out of Texas...". When I came home and investigated this "new" owner, I found out that C-III has NO properties within Ohio. When looking further at the tax records, it lists C-III as a division of US Bank, whom is the actual owner of the property. 

When I moved in the ad in the "Apartment Guide" boasted a 24/7 fitness center, 24/7 security, two pools, two tennis courts, basketball court, a sand volleyball court, playground, plus tanning facilities.It also boast that the property is on a public transportation line, when in fact it isn't. The pool has not been opened since 2010, yet the management company did not pro rate any of the tenant's rent for the pools not being operational. In July of 2012 the property was place in receivership. It was placed with McKinley, a "management" company. Well they do not know the definition of the word management. Mediocre management at least handles the safety issues on a property without having said property sited numerous times by Franklin County Code Enforcement.

The posted office hours are posted at M-F 9:00a.m. - 6:00p.m., Saturday 10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., and Sunday 12:00N - 4:00p.m. If the office staff has ever adhered to this schedule I would be very surprised. I have been at the office at 9:00a.m. with no one there.Throughout the day when calling the office you get the after hours voice recording, many times the office staff never stays until the posted closing time. The "rental specialists" have no idea what "good customer service" is, let alone how to handle maintenance requests or complaints from the tenants. If a property manager cannot handle the office, how are they supposed to handle a property with 600+ units.

The first manager (we are currently on #3, the last one left after "the office staff torpedoed him at every corner", a GOOD property manager would have fired the office staff and hired new), spent tens of thousands on "beautification" around the office so anyone looking to rent within the complex saw the "beauty" but not the true "beast"; i.e. furnaces that are original to the property (a/k/a "blue bombers"), holes along the fence line where others have crossed over the Norfolk-Southern railroad tracks to cut through to James 

Road and points beyond; stairs leading to and from apartments are crumbling, when replaced they have been replaced with woods that becomes slick when rained or snowed upon, exposed electrical wiring where the carriage lights meet the ground, and other numerous things that have to be seen. When approaching the management this past spring about the pools being opened, their excuse was "we don't have the money", well when I called the attorney that was handling the bankruptcy and receivership it seems that money flowed into the place to get the pool closest to the office open, equipped with $10K worth of patio furniture, the pool opened the second Monday in September, after a summer of extremely high temperatures, however NO notice was made to the tenants that the pool was up and running. 

Let's not even talk about "lawn maintenance/snow removal", both just aren't worth what they were paid. Per the management we have a new lawn maintenance/snow removal company. 

In early November, the security which was on the property from 8pm to 4am, then 10am to 4pm daily, NOT the 24/7 that they boasted in the apartment brochure, or promised the tenants that there is; quit without notice. That left the property open to vandalism, handicap parking spots not being monitored, and juveniles roaming the property causing havoc and destruction. So for the last month and a half there has been no security and promises of next week, for weeks. This is NOT how you run a property.  There have been numerous tenants that have broken their leases and moved out; and the next month the management company takes them to court for failing to pay their rent, thus leading to a court eviction being placed on the tenants record and credit report.  Wonder how those ex tenants will feel when the next time they go to rent or to buy a home are giving the word on that eviction for nonpayment of rent. The property management put up a handicapped parking sign and marked out a handicap parking space. Needless to say the parking space does not meet ADA standards in that it is only 84inches wide when it is suppose to be a minimum of 96 inches wide.

Well that destruction hit home yesterday. For the past six or seven months I have had a bird feeder outside my window. Last Thursday I put a suet cake out for the birds. Both were on stakes, to be honest no one ever touched them, not even the lawn maintenance company which came once a week to mow and trim ever touched the shepherds hooks. Yesterday, someone smashed the feeder, breaking it and spilling the seed upon the ground; the person then took the suet cage & cake and left it close by. I tried repeatedly to call the office about this, but no one was in the office to answer the phones. I called Columbus Police whom told me that there was nothing that they could do because this is "private property".   Needless to say when I spoke with the "manager" this morning (17 Dec 2013) I was told that there would be security on site either Wednesday or Thursday. When I stated what had happened to my property I was told, "well they cannot watch your apartment 24/7" no they cannot, but when security is on-site and known, there is less vandalism and vehicles properly parked (NO handicap violations).

Another problem is that we supposedly have a subcontractor that is suppose to come around once a week and clean the foyers outside of our apartments. This is to include sweeping under the stairs and removing the cobwebs that are found all over the place.  Well we are lucky if the said company shows up every two weeks.  When they do show up they do a half assed job and most of the time they do not remove the cobwebs or sweep under the stairs.  This is suppose to be part of what my rent covers.  I had to clean my own foyer this past weekend as I was having a holiday party at my apartment for some of mine and my fiance's friends from his school.  I couldn't allow them to come here and see the mess in the foyer.  I informed the property manager that seeings how I had to do someone elses job that I was taking twenty dollars out of next months rent.

AT the time that I am writing this, there are a few things in my apartment that still need to be fixed: I have cove base that is not installed properly, a toilet seat that is missing a bolt, other 1/2 bath still has not had cove based installed. Needless to say, I am NOT signing my new lease without these things being completed to my satisfaction. After all I am the one paying the rent.

The property is in complete disarray and for some unknown reason the property management company does not or will not do what needs to be done to bring it up to the level that it should be at.  The property management companies constant excuse is that they don't have the money or that they have only taken on the property recently and these things take time.  Well they have had the property for a year and a half so far, but apparently all they care about is getting the rent in to them on time and the hell with the quality of life here at the property.

Open Letter to William Meggs

December 6, 2013

State Attorney William Meggs
State Attorney's Office
301 South Monroe Street
Suite 475
Tallahassee, Florida, 32399-2550

Dear Mr. Meggs:

Yesterday I watched the circus you called a press conference regarding Jameis Winston. You sir, at the onset should have recused yourself from this case. The reasons: You are an alumni of Florida State University (FSU) -- that in and of itself is enough for an "honest" man to NOT get involved in a high profile case of any kind. You allowed your feeling for your alma mater to cloud your judgement into this matter. As a former Marine, you have disgraced the uniform and creed of the the Corps, how do I know you ask, my father was a Marine, he served proudly as a Marine from the day he entered boot camp until the day we placed him in his grave; also I was married to a Marine, a Gunny whom schooled me in everything "Esprit de Corps". You have failed as a man. You failed the oath you took as an attorney. You are being praised as a "hero" all over the FSU campus, however you are nothing but another politician who has NOT protected the people you work for, the taxpayers (or in this case, a taxpayer).

You stated in your news conference that there were two contributors in the rape kits, one was definitely Jameis Winston, the other was undetermined at this time. Where I come from, that is enough evidence to charge a man with sexual assault, which is a if I am not mistaken a Class A felony in the state of Florida (which would make Mr. WInston inelligble to play football, or remain a cadidate for the Heisman). That alone would have made the perpetrator, Jameis Winston eligible for booking, mug shot, and fingerprinting. You, and the police/sheriff's department did NOT investigate this at all. The ONLY reason it came to light was because the victim was in the ER having an Sexual Assault Examination (SAE) done and having the SAE kit placed in cold storage for testing. 

You brought up the fact that the hospital took blood from the victim, it was tested for alcohol, but no where did you say her blood contained Gamma-Hydroxybutric Acid (GHB) better known as the "date rape drug" of choice, which is widely available through any freshman chemistry student. You violated her again before the press because you wanted to be "Big Man on Campus" so to speak. You brought up the fact that the accused in this admitted he had sexual relations with her, do the words, "SHE SAID NO" ring any bells? It should, it was in the Oscar winning movie, "The Accused". If a woman, any woman says the word "NO" it means just that. Unfortunately you gave every man in the state of Florida permission to rape. 

What about other victims of rape? What happens when they show up at a hospital? Are the police/sheriff's departments going to "sweep" those under the rug also? Are you going to stop investigating them altogether? Are you going to say to parents of female students, "We don't give a damn about your daughters as long as we have a winning football season"? My guess would be a resounding, "YES" to all three of those questions. 

You Mr. Meggs are no better than Jameis Winston.

Sincereely,
Flavia Marzullo

JFK: 50 Years Later

Today is the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of the 35th President of the United States of America, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. While I am too young to remember (I was born in 1962) I do know from what I have read that he was a DINO (Democrat In Name Only) in today's terms. I truly believe that had he not been killed we as a nation would be very different today.

I believe that while JFK was a womanizer and unfaithful to Jackie, he was NEVER unfaithful to the oath he took as a Naval Officer and the President of the US. He was honorable when dealing with others, he wanted racial equality in everything thus his brother Robert pressing President Johnson to sign into effect the Civil Rights Act in 1964, and the Voting Rights Act in 1965.

JFK was a man before his time. He asked Americans with his inaugural address, not what your country could do for you but what you could do for your country. Maybe I am old fashioned enough to think that every young man & woman should do something for their country, whether serve in the armed forces or "VISTA" as it was called in the 1960's & 1970's, now known as Ameri Corps VISTA.

When we think of Presidents as a whole, we think of them as men in their plus 50's, whom are far removed from the American people. It was Jackie whom did not allow this. She opened the White House to tours, so that all Americans could see where the President lived. While many at the time criticized her for this, many saw her as a visionary of what the White House, the First Lady, and President should be.

I think of JFK were alive today he would be very disgusted with the way Congress and the office of the President of the United States have been acting. First of all, he fought in WWII to prevent communism from taking over the world, he would have seen right through President Obama, and what he is doing to our nation. As for Congress, I do think he would have been down on the floor of both houses, telling them to "get their collective sh*t together". I am also positive he would have NEVER not covered his heart while reciting the pledge, laughing while the flag is raised, or ask that the Armed Forces remove "GOD" from their oath.

You see while JFK might have been raised with a silver spoon in his mouth, he served this country as a man. First as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, then as a Congressman, and then our President.

Student Newspaper v. 1st Amendement

I am happy that these high school newspaper students thought enough to address the school mascot name in the school paper, and with the school board. While their plea NOT to use the school's "REDSKINS" mascot name in print in the school newspaper, their plea fell on deaf ears as the school board declined their request.

My question is: Is by blocking this request, squashing their First Amendment Right to free speech? Understand that I am throwing this out here for discussion because truly I feel that the students rights have been trampled.

While I understand that the School Board makes the by-laws for the school district, the curriculum, and the budget, which by the way includes a school newspaper. Maybe it is time for the School Board to take a class in high school civics, where The Constitution is not only taught but discussed throroughly (or it least it was when I was in school).

If you google the Neshaminy School DIstrict, there has been a request from a Native American parent, and the Pennsylvania Human RIghts Commission (PHRC) to cease using the "Redskins" as the school mascot. In CNY alone, Livverpool High School was forced to cease using "Warriors" as well as Central Square "Redmen" as their mascot names. While I feel both can be used as "slurs" the CNY region has true ties to the Native American nations. Onondaga's, Mohawks, Oneida's, Iroquois, Cayuga's, Seneca's, & Tuscarora's. What many do not realize is that those of us raised in the CNY region embrace our beginnings as Native American settlements.

Maybe I am making a mountain out of an anthill, however I feel as if these students rights were violated. To my teacher friends, can you please help me to understand why the district would vote this way.

http://www.buckslocalnews.com/articles/2013/11/14/the_advance/news/doc5255a907285cb470672258.txt

VETERAN'S DAY

A VETERAN: 

Someone, whom at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the USA for an amount up to, and including their life. That is beyond honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer remember this fact. This is dedicated to all our brothers and sisters, moms, dads, husbands, wives and many more that serve our country. 

Veteran's Day began with a treaty. A treaty according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary is as follows: "an official agreement that is made between two or more countries or groups. "...At the eleventh hour, On the eleventh day, in the eleventh month of the year..." was how the Treaty of Versailles was agreed upon to end the "The Great War". In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson declared that November 11th was the holiday to be known as "Armistice Day" with the following words: "...To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing in which it has freed us and because the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations..."

To many people it is just another "holiday" to sleep in, get some housework done, grocery shop, or do something that has nothing to do with why this holiday was begun. 

While we have become a nation that has forgotten all about the many battles our veteran's have faced in their life. Some of the biggest battles they have waged are NOT on the battlefield but on the streets of this country where they were spat upon when they returned home; or with the red tape & bureaucracy that entangles them NOT to get the services they need to lead a productive life after military service. 

Do our children know of these things? My answer to that would be a huge, emphatic, "NO" because we want to raise a kinder, gentler American child. To those whom are reading this that think this way, please remember the following quote, "...Those who fail to remember the past are condemned to repeat it..." it seems that people forgot after 1918, that there was never supposed to be another "war" however war again raised its very ugly head in 1939 when Germany invaded Poland. Then again in 1953, with the Korean War, then again in 1955 with the Viet Nam War; in 1991 in Desert Storm, and currently first in Iraq then into Afghanistan after the events of 9/11.

It seems to many in this country that we are the "World's Policeman". In many ways we are, we do what no other country on this earth will, fight oppression and freedom. Our men and women in uniform hold precious our freedoms that they are willing to fly to a distant land, live without the creature comforts of home (showers, hot meals, seeing their loved ones) all to preserve what many take for granted, "freedom". Why is it millions come here legally and illegally to the United States, I can only think of one word, "freedom". 

Every day when you see a veteran, whether he is in uniform or wearing a ball cap, walk up to him or her and say, "THANK YOU". If you are in a restaurant and see a group of veterans, pick up the tab or send dessert over, let them know they matter, and that their service was not in vain.

To the men and women of the ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINES, & COAST GUARD, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Dear Mom...

Dear Mom,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!

Today is your 87th birthday. Today I will do my best not to cry as I think of all of your birthday's we shared together. Some of the things I remember about your birthday: Liberty Bakery Italian Creme filled cakes; the year one of the mom's brought you a cake shaped like a "witch" to celebrate your birthday with all the kids you babysat for; surprising you with a 75th birthday party (it was tough getting you out of the house that day -- thank God for Larry & Kathy whom took you out shopping & to lunch) you were so mad at me for having a party but in the end you loved every moment of it; suppers at Red Lobster, and Valley's Steakhouse. You never forgot our birthdays, and always made a big deal about our birthdays. I also remember the last couple of birthdays we had for you; you enjoyed seeing your family, your godchildren and their families.

I miss you mom, I miss your stories of when your were a young girl growing up, living here in your hometown of Columbus I see the signs for Goodale Street, I took a ride on the number 11-St. Clair bus, which runs up St. Clair Avenue; I miss making cookies at Christmas, shopping at the mall, cooking & talking, most of all I miss your sage advice. I wish I would have written everything you said down, so I could look it up. I thank you for teaching me about faith, not my Catholic faith, but the blind faith one has to have that God will answer your prayers. 

I won't keep you mom, just know that I love you, and miss you. 

Love, flavia

Personal Reseponsibility

This nation has become a nation of "TAKERS" and not "GIVERS". Well let me rephrase that, we as Americans give millions to other countries (Haiti, Japan, etc) when they have devastating earthquakes & tsunami's. We have veteran's sleeping on the streets, we have poor & starving children here at home, please don't say well they can apply for food stamps and assistance. Do you have any idea what it takes to get foods stamps these days? After filling out the forms, either online or in person, you may have to wait up to 10 days for an interview, after that it may take 30-45 days to be approved. I am all for the person that is trying but is NOT making it on their take home pay to apply and get food stamps. But if you apply for public assistance because you NO LONGER want to work, then I have a huge problem with it. I see way too many people on public assistance with the newest iPhone, new vehicles, designer handbags, shoes, clothes, gold & diamonds. It angers me that one no longer has to work while receiving public assistance. When President Clinton the "Welfare to Work" law into effect, many who were on public assistance were forced to get a job (even part-time is better than no job at all). When President Obama repealed this law our Public assistance roles exploded, If you do not believe me see the graph at the bottom of the page. As a whole we have become lazy, and complacent. Well it is time for all of us to get up off our collective asses. I worked from the time I was sixteen years old, I did whatever job I could find. It seems our teenagers are more adept at hanging on the street corner, skipping school, robbing stores at gunpoint, becoming gang bangers, drug dealers, and carjackers then becoming PRODUCTIVE, RESPONSIBLE young adults. We need to lead by example, how is a child to learn about working if her sees his parent(s) not working. Flipping burgers, housekeeping at a hotel/motel, washing cars, sweeping floors, picking vegetables & fruit, are not beneath you. More and more I see people whom do not speak the English language working hard for their wages. I would much rather have an illegal alien whom works hard every day on food stamps then someone whom refuses to work getting them. My opinion is: IF YOU WORK HARD AND ARE STILL UNABLE TO FEED YOUR FAMILY THEN YOU DESERVE TO RECEIVE WHATEVER PUBLIC ASSISTANCE YOU CAN GET.   

We have become a nation that has NO PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. When I was growing up my parents didn't have credit cards, they didn't go into debt to pay for games systems, tv's for our bedrooms, cell phones, cars, designer clothing, or anything else today's youth seems they are entitled to without working for it. Personal responsibility is a choice many in this country refuse to make. They refuse to work, they have children they cannot afford nor do they discipline; when the child becomes a gang member does something to break the law she is the first one to shout "NOT MY CHILD". We as parent's are responsible for everything our children do and say until they become young adults. We have to instill in them that in order to have a quality life you must work hard, get an education, and become a productive member of society.

Hollyrude is one of our biggest problems. Our children and young adults think they can live the life of a movie star, rap star, or hip-hop artist. Hollyrude portrays gangsters in such a positive light that our young people strive to be just like them. Of all the rap stars that are out there, I admire one; LL Cool J. Why? Because he knows what hard work and dedication are. He is family oriented, he is not afraid to show his faith in God. I rarely see his name in the gossip sheets (Enquirer, Star). Hollyrude has also given us another huge trend: unwed mothers whom are glorified in the press. Used to be being an un-wed mom was something a young woman was shunned for. Now it is all the rage. I am all for carrying a child to full term and giving birth. However, if you cannot afford or are not emotionally prepared to be a parent, please give that child up for adoption.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY is hard work. It is something that many in this country do not want to do or prefer to have the government do it for them.