Editor's Note: This is the first of three parts outlining the beginning of the redevelopment of the Archstone Memorial Heights Apartment Complex, the remaining two parts will be posted in the coming days, time permitting.
As reported recently on Off the Kuff and SwampLot Archstone Memorial Heights is on the verge of a complete redevelopment of it's complex at Heights and Washington Boulevards. I have personal insight into the situation, as I have lived in the complex for the last four years.
One of the first signs of emminent changes coming was when the trash compactor failed in July 2007, and it wasn't repaired for weeks leaving piles of trash spilling out into common areas, leaving a stench for residents to smell anywhere in the area.
Instead of repairing, a roll-off dumpster was deposited in it's place. Complaints to the management (who had recently upped the "trash service" fee from $3.00 to $6.55 a month) received a response that it "takes time to make a new trash compactor, since it has to be custom built". I dismissed the reports as bunk, knowing it doesn't take 6 months to build a replacement.
In January, tenants in certain buildings were notified that they were building new trash recepticles at three locations on the Northern half of the complex. Despite the notice saying would take two weeks, it took closer to six.
What has become evident is that based on the number of times the new recepticles are are full, is that they are not getting emptied frequently enough, or were undersized from the start. The enclosures could handle a larger recepticle, if Archstone so desired.
Then, at the end of February, a notice was posted to all tenants indicating that the roll-off dumpster was being removed, and to discontinue depositing trash at the compactor site. Tenants were advised of the new trash recepticles, and to use them or the other compactor for trash disposal.
Since the pictures above were taken, someone has already knocked down the plywood and thrown trash in the area.
The trash situation by itsself, did not hint at what was to soon come.
Next time: We look at the city's actions that has also helped telegraph the upcoming redevelopment, and in the third part, we'll outline the area soon to face the wrecking ball and a unique question that still remains.
