I am always amazed by what people will say when given a forum. Let me begin by saying that I am currently a resident of Park Lane Apartments, and I have lived here for the better part of 1.8 years. My comments on this site are my own and not fabricated by anyone at Park Lane Apartments.

In reference to the apartment complex itself, it is very clean and very nice. I agree that the construction probably could have been performed slightly better in certain regards, but we are talking about an apartment complex here. What do people expect' I would challenge anyone to find an apartment complex anywhere else in this area that has better construction. Having spent my entire time living in a carriage house (a building on its own), I cannot comment on the paper-thin walls or the loud stairwells. My apartment has always been very quiet and extremely enjoyable.

When it comes to the staff at Park Lane, they have been nothing but fantastic in my experience. The maintenance crew has always greeted me with a smile and a wave, and the evening clubhouse attendants have always warmly welcomed me. The main office staff has always been very kind and efficient at all of our interactions. Pam and Marcia are fantastic. I have never encountered attitude or rudeness from anyone.

Now, I would like to address some of the comments made by others. Probably my favorite negative comment listed by others on this site centers around the frogs, insects, and snakes in the area. I have three words for all of you, THIS IS FLORIDA! Get over it. We are invading their habitat not the other way around. You cannot fault Park Lane for these creatures or the fact that they (Park Lane) have built on a swamp . That is what EVERYONE does in this state. While you are at it, why don t you blame Park Lane for the Florida humidity'

I suspect that the people who are complaining about the local insect, amphibian, and reptilian inhabitants are also the ones who are complaining about the trash around the compactor . Again, this is something that simply amazes me. The reason that there is garbage around the trash compactor is because there are people out there who are too damn lazy to pull the lever and throw their garbage IN (not on or around) the compactor. While this task does require a certain amount of motor skill and coordination (pull then toss) it would seem that not everyone has that capacity. Keep in mind this is the fault of those who surround you not the property management.

In response to the comments about the swimming pool and hot tub area, again, I have to chuckle. I have enjoyed these amenities multiple times with friends and loved ones and not a single person has come away feeling ill . Those who have commented as such might want to avoid chlorine altogether or possibly stop eating potato salad that has been sitting in the hot Florida sun for too long.

To the person who is frustrated by the unappealing Caution Hot signs above the fireplace. I agree that these are atrocious eyesores, but you can thank the person (and his group of lawyers) who probably sued an apartment complex after they burned themselves on a fireplace. I took my down; it required a Phillips screwdriver.

Now there is the concern about the center water retention area of the complex. I have to admit that this was a bit of an issue for me as well. When I first moved into Park Lane, the center area was a beautiful pond/lake complete with local water foul. I could open my French doors and enjoy a beautiful evening surrounded by the songs of thousands of frogs. Unfortunately this was soon turned into a muddy mess with constant construction and water pumping. After investigating the why behind this issue, it came to my attention that Park Lane originally had planned on this area remaining a pond/lake, but the Alachua County Water Conservation Board had second thoughts. Following the previous hurricane year, there was now a concern about flooding (should another set of hurricanes come through the area). Because of this, Park Lane was asked/instructed to turn the area into a water retention area. While it is not beautiful , it is acceptable considering the circumstances.

As far as this being on the ghetto side of town, I would ask that reviewer what side of town they feel is safer' I don t think that the people living in Mentone and Haile would agree with your concerns. I, personally, have no fears or concerns about living in this area.

In summary, I will list what I feel are the pros and cons of Park Lane:

PROS:
1. Very nice professional apartment complex
2. Very friendly, personal, and accommodating staff
3. Very nice pool, hot tub, and recreational area
4. Quick walk to Publix (for those forgotten ingredients)
5. Fairly energy efficient.
6. Very nice kitchen appliances

CONS:
1. Washer and dryer are inexpensive and perform substandardly
2. Phase two construction has been delayed and thus anticipated additions are missing (e.g. fitness room, restaurants, etc.)
3. Reliance on Archer as the main artery to Shands, UF, etc.

In summary, I would recommend that anyone interested in renting from Park Lane Apartments actually visit the area and talk with the current residents. It really is a very nice area. Use some common sense .this is Florida, it is hot, there are bugs, there are frogs, and there are unhappy people out there. Try not to be discouraged by those who can find something to complain about in everything.

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