Before I start, I would like to mention the address listed above is not correct. The correct address is 1101 Exchange Place, Durham, NC 27713. The back entrance of the apartments is located on Barbee Road.

I have lived at this complex for several years now. While I like the location of the complex and the layouts, I am strongly considering moving to another complex when my lease is up. Here are some comments I have:

* The management used to be much better until they where replaced by the present management. Mr. M****** is the manager now and his wife works there as well. Mr. M****** is not very friendly and seems to like to push his authority around. It is almost like he thinks he's superior to us because we are merely tenants and we should be thankfull we are allowed to live there.

* There are fireants throughout the complex. They have built a lot of mounds, Many are very large. Several tenants complained last September/October, and were told they would send out the exterminator to take care of the problem. Nothing has happened and the mounds are still there. Fireants are a nuisance and can pose a health threat if they bite children or pets.

* Traffic is horrible in the complex. People working in the Meridian Parkway or living in the new neighborhood next to 1520 Magnolia often cut through the complex to or from work as a shortcut. In addition, these people drive too fast, often sometimes approximately 35 miles an hour. It can annoying when trying to walk pets, bringing in groceries, or just trying to get to the car! This was brought to the attention of management and installing more speedbumps was suggested. Management said they would put something in the newsletter that month. A good portion of the speeders are people who cut through the complex, they wouldn't see the newsletter. It is unknown how many tenants read the newsletter. That month, a reminder about cleaning up after pets was put in the newsletter. Two months after that, a reminder about speeding was put in. While speed bumps are a nuisance, they are pretty effective at slowing down cars. Parking is generally adequate.

* A neighbor told me he called up management to inquire about moving to a larger apartment. He was previously told that it wouldn't be a problem, they would just transfer the lease to the new apartment. This time, he was told if he wanted to move before his lease was up, he would be charged a couple hundred dollars to break the lease. In addition, he would have to re-apply, pay an application fee, plus administration (paperwork) fees.

* The sprinkler system is horrible. It is placed too close to walkways so people get drenched if they have to walk by. In addition, the water runs off and into the parking lot or gutter - very wasteful. There are often huge puddles of water remaining on the grounds for a long time after the sprinklers turn off. Several landscaping trees have died. Instead of replacing them, the complex put sod in its place.

* The trash/recycling center needs work. There is often trash overflowing in the compactors and recycling bins. The trash/recycling center is at one end of the complex. It would be nice if one or two smaller centers were placed in other parts of the complex.

* For the amount of money charged in rent, the complex should have an exterminator spray on a monthly basis. Ants coming in the apartment are a big nuisance in the warmer months.

* Most apartments in this complex have cheap plastic faucets that constantly break.

* The apartments are not very well insulated and are very drafty.

* The apartments need a complete paint job. Some wood was replaced and painted last year, but there is still peeling paint in places.

* The blinds are cheap. Not only do they break mechanically, the slats break off during use as well. Management does nothing to replace them.

* The maintenance crew appear to do a good job. They are very friendly, work quickly, and clearly do a better job than management.

Some workers were surveying the complex property a few months ago. There are surveyor stakes throughout the complex now. It's possible the complex will be sold to another management company. It is normal for new apartment complexes to be sold once they are almost all filled with tenants. If this is the case, hopefully the new management company will make some positive changes!

User Responses
From: Nothappy1520	Date: 03/17/2006
I totally agree with all stated. I am a present resident and MR. M***** needs to go. I posted a previous message and glad to know somebody else can speak of his DISGUSTING behavior.
From: enuff_apts	Date: 04/27/2006
I am a present resident too... I can see why all these comments were made. The biggest nuisance to me is the trash and recycle bins...the other stuff I can deal with. I love the maintenace crew!!

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