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Thumbs Up to Watermark Square
From:
-Anonymous-
Date posted:
2/13/2003
Years at this apartment:
2000
-
2003
After reading through a plethora of negative comments that have been made about Watermark Square Apartments, I felt a compelling urge to make a few observations of my own, not only in regards to previous postings, but also about my experiences here as a satisfied resident.
What stands out most in my mind about the previous postings is the obvious lack of education as is evidenced by poor writing skills and misinformation about or ignorance of existing community policies and procedures. Many of the statements lack truthfulness about the activity on property, courtesy, ability and timeliness of staff, and the type of people who live here at the property.
To begin, the people who have written are obviously upset by some aspect of their experience here at Watermark Square; however, general badmouthing and libelous statements hide the real issues behind their frustrations. Although Im unsure of each persons situation, I imagine that many of these people are upset because they are/were in violation of their lease terms or were confronted about their own improper behaviors on property.
In the two and a half years that Ive lived in my apartment at Watermark Square, Ive not shared these same experiences. Although Watermark has had its fair share of incidences, it has not necessarily suffered from more problems than other properties or areas across the state that Ive heard about on the news. The unfortunate truth is that criminal activity is abundant regardless of where you live. Being safe is a matter of precaution and careful planning. Safety doesnt just magically happenit involves locking your doors and windows and being aware of your surroundings, although not to the point of paranoia or doctored fear.
I find it humorous and somewhat ridiculous that previous and current residents have complained via this site that Watermark Square did not provide them the security that they somehow feel is due to them as renters. The blatant truth is that no one can promise safety and security. Never in my life has anyone been able to offer this to me or follow through with such an offer. Ill never understand why individuals blame the third-party property manager or owner of the building when an incident of any kind occurs. The property management team is there to keep the buildings and apartment homes in working repair and to provide basic rental-related services to the residents of the community. Under no means should they be expected to patrol the grounds day and night, making certain that passersby are carefully screened and interrogated as to their business on property or that each and every resident has locked his or her door.
Naturally, after reading these postings on the site, I too was concerned about the reported happenings on property. I visited the office and asked a few questions for clarification. I was told that many of the people who reported problems, especially regarding break-ins or other such happenings had left their doors wide open or had not locked them. Common sense tells us to take such precautions, although for these people, hindsight is 20/20. Perhaps management should not be blamed for their forgetfulness and inability to plan for a safe experience.
I also find it absurd that this alleged absence of safety or security has prompted individuals to label Watermark Square as felony flats. When I first applied for my apartment, a thorough background check was run on both my husband and myself. I was told that any felony or violent crime against a person or property was grounds for automatic denial. Because the office consistently runs such reports prior to a new resident moving in, I feel that the chances of renting to a criminal offender is rather slim. The background checks provide reassurance to the residents that their neighbors are members of society in good standing. My experience has taught me that many communities do not request this information. It helps to put my mind at ease knowing that the people with whom I live in close proximity dont pose a danger to my family, my belongings or me. The background check suggests to me that management is concerned with providing a superior rental experience.
There were also complaints about noisy parties and other such reckless activity being a problem at Watermark Square. In almost two and a half years of living here, Ive not had many problems with noisy neighbors and late-night parties. When such incidences did arise, I called First Response, the evening courtesy patrol, and asked an officer to address the problem. Matters were always resolved in a reasonable amount of time to my satisfaction without further problems. I have difficulty believing that others did not have comparable experiences.
Im also surprised by the statements that accuse the staff of being discourteous, uncaring and apathetic to resident problems and concerns. Both the office and maintenance staff members have always been very courteous and helpful. I feel as though they express genuine concern for my happiness and well being. Requests have always been handled in a professional and timely manner. I have never once been cussed out for asking to have something in my apartment repaired, and the maintenance staff has always responded within a reasonable time frame, provided we have given permission to enter if were not home. I find them to be as accommodating as possible.
Another falsity Id like to address is in regards to the type of people who live here at Watermark. As a resident, I am highly offended by remarks stating that the residents here are white trash, a low class of people, the trash of Portland, etc. There are many respectable people living in the community: business people, professionals, students, hard-working families, etc. Such blanket statements are inaccurate, haughty and self-aggrandizing. Generalizing and stereotyping a population is a poor habit and something that most people will scorn. Its a close-minded approach to living and experiencing. Such attitudes on a grand scale have caused major political uproars and, in some cases, mass genocide. The group as a whole should not be judged by the doings of a few. I would be comfortable in stating that approximately 80% of the residents here are highly respectful of their neighbors and take pride in their homes and community.
Overall, my experience here has been a very positive one. The apartment homes have many alluring features, and the staff has been responsive and helpful. I would encourage apartment seekers to check out the community for themselves rather than depend on a few negative comments that have been made by disgruntled residents. After all, its best to make informed decisions. Although most of the postings are negative, I think most people would agree that the average consumer will not offer comments or suggestions about great servicethey simply expect it. They will, however, make a fuss and let their opinions (justified or not) known when they become even the slightest bit dissatisfied. The community here is quite large, with almost 400 apartment homes. If only a few people over the last couple years claim to have had this bad an experience, imagine the number of people who have loved living here.
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Disclaimer: No attempt has been made to verify or assure the accuracy of the claims made by the author of this opinion or responses. You must judge the truthfulness of any review and accept responsibility for your use of this information.
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