Resources for Residents
Window washing is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27th. MidCity Lofts residents who have requested that their windows be washed should remove any screens before 7:00 a.m. Additionally, any resident who has requested that their balcony be cleaned should make sure that any plants, furniture, and other objects are removed before cleaning begins.
If you have any questions, please email 5th Street at mcl@gofifthstreet.com
The Homeowners’ and Residents’ Forum is Tonight, August 26th!
This informational meeting will be held in SKY at 6:30 p.m.
Agenda:
6:30-6:45 p.m. – Introductions and Overview of Topics
6:45-7:45 p.m. – Designers’ Presentations and Discussion with Q&A
7:45-8:15 p.m. - Review of Proposed Amendments with Q&A
8:15-8:30 p.m. - Clarification of Balloting Process and Summary Comments
If you cannot attend the meeting, please note that each homeowner will receive a packet this week with the proposed amendments, a ballot/consent form and instructions. Ballots/consent forms must be returned to the address indicated in the packet by September 30th.
For questions, please email Rayandra Slonina at reslonina@aol.com
Dear MidCity Lofts Homeowners and Residents:
Thank you in advance for taking a few minutes to read this correspondence about proposed changes and upgrades to our community.
Background and Perspective
I moved into MidCity Lofts in early 2003. After touring the building and (what was to become) my loft, I was sold by the upmarket nature of the property. The Sky Lounge and pool were gorgeous and I felt proud to own in this unique and vibrant living space.
However, my sense of pride of ownership in MidCity Lofts has been dampened recently. I have heard from many of you that you feel similarly. The carpets in the residential corridors and in Sky are stained from dog waste and dirt. The pool deck and furniture look tired and worn. Sky is in disrepair. It concerns me to hear that the talk amongst Midtown real estate agents is that our property is “not what it used to be”.
This is our home, and the Board takes seriously the commitment to preserve its value and competitiveness. As such, the Board, supported by the various committees, has worked diligently on many back stage issues.
Amendments
During the Homeowners’ Forum on August 26th, we will be discussing several amendments to the Declaration of Condominium for MidCity Lofts. I would like to take this opportunity to briefly address the proposed amendments and the benefits they will provide to you. The primary purpose of the amendments is to allow the Association to impose annually a minimal pet registration fee for dog owners, and to clarify certain issues regarding the assessment of fines and leasing within the community.
With respect to the amendment for the dog registration fee, the Board believes that this will benefit the community as it will offset the cost to replace the dog waste bags and clean the receptacles on the property. This fee will also compensate for the wear and tear on the building, new landscape maintenance and cleaning costs associated with homeowners’ and residents’ dogs. Another benefit of this amendment is that all pet owners will be required to provide information to the Association concerning their pets. This can be extremely useful in emergency situations, if the concierge team and property managers need to rescue any pets. As you may know, dog registration fees are not unusual and there are currently other communities within the Midtown area that have such fees in place. The Board urges your approval of this amendment, as well as the amendments relating to the fining and leasing provisions. These amendments will allow for better enforcement within the community and will also serve to enhance the overall attractiveness and value of MidCity Lofts.
In addition to the proposed amendments mentioned above, please note that the Board of Directors recently adopted a Leasing Resolution which will be distributed to each homeowner and resident during the next two weeks. This Resolution specifically addresses the current leasing provisions in the Declaration, and the steps that will be taken by the Board to ensure that each owner is in compliance with such provisions. The Board is in the process of adopting several other policies that are related to the governing legal documents for the community, all of which will be distributed to each owner once they have been finalized. These policies will enable homeowners and residents to be more fully informed of the stipulations in the Declaration and will allow for greater transparency between the Board and the MidCity Lofts community.
Design and Renovations
The meeting will also include a presentation of the renovations and upgrades to our corridors, elevator lobbies and landscaping. Concepts for Sky and the pool deck will also be introduced. Both discussions are oriented towards increasing the value of our property, especially in this current economic environment.
Please look for an agenda for the Homeowners’ Forum to be delivered within the next 48 hours. In the meantime, if you have any questions, comments or concerns relating to these items, or our community in general, please contact me at reslonina@aol.com.
Thank you. I look forward to seeing you in Sky next Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. Please note that refreshments will be served.
Sincerely,
Rayandra Slonina
President of the Board
MidCity Lofts Homeowners’ Association
We have scheduled our window washing for August 27th. As the company is cleaning the exterior windows, we are also making available to the homeowners the opportunity to have your balcony cleaned for a nominal cost.
For the mezzanine and larger units, the cost will be $35.00 per balcony. For the smaller units, the cost will be $20.00.
If you would like to have your balconies cleaned at this time, please fill out the attached form, bring it to the concierge with a check for the appropriate amount where you will be given a red ribbon to tie on your balcony to alert the window washers of your desire to have your balcony cleaned.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know.
One of the items to be discussed at the August 26th MidCity Lofts homeowners’ forum is the new pet policy proposed by the Rules and Regulations committee. This new policy completely revamps the current one, but to be effective requires an amendment to the Declaration of Condominium.
Because amendments to the governing documents will be addressed and voted upon, it is really important that you attend next week’s homeowners’ meeting. For those unable to attend, ballots will be made available, and information on those will come later in the week.
For your review, here is the new pet policy as proposed by the Rules and Regulations committee:
Final Draft for MidCity Lofts Pet Policy (Requires Formal Amendment to be Effective)
1.0 Objective
1.1 The objectives of this policy are to maintain a balance between the rights of responsible pet owners and non-pet owners so that each may enjoy the common areas and amenities of the building, to protect the interior and exterior common and limited common areas of the building and to preserve the value of the property.
1.2 This policy outlines permissible and responsible pet ownership. The Board of Directors may adopt reasonable rules and regulations in accordance with these terms and as specified in the Bylaws, as delineated by Exhibit F of the Declaration of Condominium and as needed in order to carry out the objectives of this policy.
2.0 Permissible/Non-Permissible Pets
2.1 No pets, other than generally recognized house pets, are to be kept or maintained by anyone occupying any Unit. Examples of generally recognized house pets include the following: dogs, cats, fish, and birds. No exotic pets are allowed on the building premises.
2.2 No Unit Owner or Resident may keep more than two (2) dogs, cats or a combination thereof, per Unit. Notwithstanding the above and at the sole discretion of the Board, a reasonable number of generally recognized household pets weighing fewer than two (2) pounds may be kept in a Unit.
2.2.1 Policy Exception – Unit Owners or Residents prior to (xxx date) who currently have more cats and/or dogs than restricted by Subsection 2.2 will be granted an exception to the restriction. Unit Owners or Residents must abide by the other policies as outlined in this document and are restricted from caretaking for additional cats or dogs after the policy date. The Unit Owner or Resident is not permitted to replace any dog or cat in excess of the restriction as outlined in Subsection 2.2.
2.3 No owner or occupant may keep, breed or maintain any pet for any commercial purpose.
3.0 Dangerous/Nuisance/Unreasonable Disturbance
3.1 No animals that are determined, at the sole discretion of the Board, to endanger the health or safety of any Unit Owner or Resident may enter or be maintained on the building premises. Breeds which are restricted from access to the building include Pit Bull Terriers (including American Staffordshire Terriers), Doberman Pinschers, Chows, Akitas and Rottweilers, or crosses of any of the above. These breeds are not permitted to reside permanently or temporarily on the property.
3.2 No pet shall be allowed to create an unreasonable amount of noise. No pet shall be allowed to become a nuisance. Any pet which, in the Board’s opinion, creates a nuisance, unreasonable disturbance or endangers the health of any Unit Owner or Resident may be permanently removed from the building premises upon prior written notice to the pet’s owner or caregiver. Nuisance for the purposes of this policy is defined as the following:
3.2.1 Pets whose unruly behavior causes personal injury or property damage
3.2.2 Pets that make noise continually and/or incessantly causing disturbance to any Unit Owner or Resident at any time of day or night
3.2.3 Pets that relieve themselves on walls or floors of common areas
3.2.4 Pets that continually exhibit aggressive or potentially dangerous behavior
3.2.5 Pets that are conspicuously unclean or parasite infested.
3.3 Any pet which, in the Board’s discretion, presents an immediate danger to the health, safety or property of any Unit Owner or Resident may be removed by the Board without prior notice to the pet’s owner or caregiver.
3.4 Breeds which are restricted from access to the building include Pit Bull Terriers (including American Staffordshire Terriers) or Pit Bull mixes, Doberman Pinschers, Chows, Akitas and Rottweilers. These breeds are not permitted to reside permanently or temporarily on the property.
4.0 Registration/Identification/Fees
4.1 Pets must maintain all vaccinations as required by the City of Atlanta
and the State of Georgia. Dogs must wear identification tags detailing owner information and vaccination verification at all times while outside the Unit.
4.2 Pet owners must register each pet on the Pet Registration Form. If the pet is a dog or cat, a current photograph must be attached to a current copy of the pet’s rabies vaccination as provided by a veterinarian.
4.3 Pet registration will be conducted annually to ensure each pet is properly registered. Management will maintain a pet registration log. The Board may determine, at its discretion, that additional registrations are required.
4.4 Unit Owners and Residents will be notified in writing thirty (30) days before the date of the annual pet registration. All pet owners must complete the pet registration within thirty (30) days following the annual pet registration date.
4.5 Each new pet must be registered by its owner or caretaker within thirty (30) days of being introduced to and maintained on the property.
4.6 Failure to register a pet may result in the pet’s permanent removal from the property.
4.7 Unit Owners or Residents who have dogs as pets are responsible for the following registration fee.
4.7.1 Unit Owners or Residents who have one (1) dog will be assessed a $10 monthly fee. Unit owners or residents who have two (2) dogs will be assessed a $15 monthly fee.
4.8 Cats must be registered according to the policies outlined herein but are not subject to a registration fee.
5.0 Restrictions
5.1 Upon request from any Unit Owner, Resident or Management Agent, the pet owner or caregiver must provide the correct owner’s name, pet’s name and Unit number for the pet in question.
5.2 No structure for the care, housing or confinement of any pet shall be constructed or maintained outside the Unit or on any balcony, patio or porch serving the Unit without prior written approval from the Board.
5.3 Pets shall not be permitted outside a Unit unless under leash and under the physical control of a responsible person.
5.4 Pets shall be walked or exercised only on those portions on the common elements specifically designed for that purpose by the Board.
5.5 Pets in transit must be carried, leashed or confined in an animal carrier.
5.6 Pets are prohibited in the Spring Street lobby, fitness center, pool area or Sky at all times.
5.7 Leashed pets may enter or exit the building premises of their own accord through the G2 West Peachtree Lobby.
5.8 Each person who walks a pet is responsible for immediately cleaning up after the pet and discarding securely bagged pet waste in designated areas. Cat litter may not be disposed of in toilets. No pet waste may be disposed of in trash chutes or common area waste bins unless securely double bagged. Bag stations are provided each on Abercrombie Street and 6th Street for pet waste disposal.
5.9 Pet owners are responsible for any damage to the common areas caused by their pets. This includes, but is not limited to, damage caused by cleaning chemicals or other related materials.
5.10 Unit Owners and Residents are responsible for the pets of guests who visit their Units. These pets are subject to the restrictions outlined in this policy.
5.11 Unregistered pets may not stay in a Unit for more than ten (12) days, consecutive or staggered, in any one (1) year period without prior, written approval from the Board. Pets who reside in a Unit, whether the pet is owned by the Unit Owner, Resident or a guest, for four (4) days or more per week for more than three (3) weeks must be registered. These pets are subject to the policies outlined in this document including, but not limited to, registration fees for dogs.
6.0 Service Animals
6.1 Notwithstanding any other provision herein, a disabled individual may keep a service animal, as defined by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), in his/her Unit. Furthermore, nothing herein shall hinder full access to the Units or common areas by individuals with disabilities.
7.0 Fines and Enforcement
7.1 Any Unit Owner, Resident or Management Agent who observes any infractions of these policies shall report in writing the infraction to the Property Manager or Concierge on duty.
7.2 If Property Manager finds sufficient substantiation of the complaint, the violator shall receive written notice of the violation and fine(s). The Board shall send the violator written notice, as per the Bylaws, identifying the violation and the fine(s) being imposed. The written notice shall advise the violator of his/her right to request a hearing before the Board to contest the violation or fine(s) or to request reconsideration of the violation or fine(s).
7.3 Any violator who has received written notice of a violation may, in writing, request a hearing within ten (10) days of the date of the violation notice. The Board shall schedule and hold, in executive session, a hearing affording the violator a reasonable opportunity to be heard. The minutes of the meeting shall contain the results of the hearing. Upon written notification to the Board prior to the hearing, the violator may be joined by additional persons at the hearing.
7.4 At the Board’s discretion, immediate arrangements for a hearing may be made if the complaint involves personal injury or the imminent threat thereof.
7.5 Fines of $150 for the first offense, $175 for the second offense and $200 for the third offense will be imposed for any violations against compliance with this policy. In addition, full monetary restitution for all cleaning and/or replacement costs for any damage resulting from violations will be imposed.
7.6 In the event of a continuing violation, each day that the violation persists or recurs will constitute a separate offense. Fine(s) may be imposed without further notice to the violator.
7.7 The Board may require the permanent removal of any pet if such pet is determined to be a nuisance or a danger to the owners or occupants of the property or if the owner or occupant has received three written notices of violations. The pet owner will have ten (10) days to remove the pet from the property.
8.0 Liability
8.1 The pet owner or person charged with care of a pet retains all liability and responsibility for the behavior of the pet including, but not limited to,
aggressive behavior, excessive noise, damage to property or any other behavior resulting in the degradation of any personal or public asset.
8.2 Any Unit Owner or Resident who keeps or maintains any pet on the property shall be deemed to have agreed to indemnify and hold the Association, its directors, officers and agents free and harmless from any loss, claim or liability of any kind or character arising by reason of keeping or maintaining a pet or pets on the property.
9.0 Policy Exceptions
9.1 All one time exceptions to this policy must be approved by a majority vote of the Board. All permanent changes to this policy must be approved by a majority vote of the Board or as defined by the Bylaws and Declaration of Condominium.
Please be advised that the new Parking and Parking Garage Policy is in effect beginning Monday, August 11th. The new policy was distributed with your reference binders last week. Should you need another copy of the policy, please contact Rayandra Slonina at reslonina@aol.com. Temporary signs have been placed in the guest parking spaces. Permanent, coordinating signs will be installed by August 14th.
The policy is also available online at http://residents.midcitylofts.com
Join representatives from the Board for Starbucks and bagels in the Spring Street lobby from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 13th. Information about the Homeowners’ Forum will be available.
Please mark your calendars for the Homeowners’ Forum on Tuesday, August 26th at 6:30 p.m. in Sky.
The August Homeowners’ Forum is scheduled for August 26th at 6:30 p.m. in Sky.
At the forum, we will be discussing proposed amendments to MidCity Lofts’ governing documents. We will also be discussing intended improvements to the building, and possible assessments.
Additionally, Mark Williams of Mark Williams Design Associates will present the redesign of the carpet and elevator cabs as well as a preliminary design plan for renovations to SKY and the pool deck. If you haven’t looked at Mark Williams’ website, it can be found at http://www.markwilliams-design.com/ - the MidCity Lofts design committee is very excited about the upcoming design, and the Homeowners’ Forum will be the perfect opportunity for you to see what’s in store for our community.
All MidCity owners and residents should be receiving a reference binder by tomorrow evening. The binders will be left outside each door (and mailed to homeowners who live offsite). There is a cover letter on the inside pocket that explains the purpose of the binders. Please keep them for future policy updates and communications. Contact Rayandra Slonina at reslonina@aol.com with questions.
Additionally, all current policies and governing documents can be found at http://residents.midcitylofts.com.
The MidcCity Lofts new collection and parking policies have been placed online. The parking policy may be found here: http://residents.midcitylofts.com/resident-resources/parking-policy/ and the collection policy may be found here: http://residents.midcitylofts.com/resident-resources/collection-policy/
Residents who have not returned their key fob audit forms to the concierge station should promptly do so – fobs that are not accounted for are scheduled to be deactivated, so if you haven’t turned in your form, you may find it difficult to get in the building.
If you didn’t receive a form, or have lost yours, blank ones are available at the concierge desk.
The parking garage will be swept on July 29th, beginning at nine in the morning. Any resident who need a parking pass for the Centergy garage can pick one up from the concierge.
All cars should be moved before sweeping begins.
If you have any questions, just send email to MCL@gofifthstreet.com.
Sweeping of the parking garage will begin at nine in the morning on Tuesday, July 29th and will be finished by the end of the day. Residents who need to move their cars to the Centergy parking lot should pick up a parking pass at the concierge desk anytime after July 21st.
The complete governing documents for MidCity Lofts, including the Bylaws of the Association and the Declaration of Condominium along with all amendments have been posted to the residents website.
For anyone interested, they may be accessed at http://residents.midcitylofts.com/resident-resources/governing-documents/.
We apologize for the inconvenience as the fob reader for the West Peachtree lobby entrance is out of order. The malfunction is due to a computer problem. The computer has been removed from the premises to determine the cause and solution to fix the fob reader. We are expecting that the fob reader will be fully functional by tomorrow (Friday) afternoon. Thank you for your patience.
If you are interested in having your balcony pressure washed, kindly leave your name, unit, and phone number at the concierge desk no later than Thursday June 26th at 5:00 p.m. Joe will then contact you to arrange an estimate and cleaning time.
All balcony pressure washing is expected to be completed by Tuesday, July 1st.
Monthly Board Meetings:
The next Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 30th at 6:30 pm in the conference center. Meeting minutes from May will be posted in the mail room after they have been approved by the Board.
Committee Meetings:
The Design Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, June 11th at 7:00 pm in the conference center. The committee has completed their preliminary interviews with ten design firms and will narrow their choices to three at the meeting.
The Rules & Regulations Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, June 17th at 6:30 pm in the conference center. The committee will continue to review the building’s rules and regulations.
The Communications Committee has scheduled its next meeting for Thursday, June 19th in the MidCity Café at 7:30 pm.
The Finance Committee meeting does not currently have a meeting scheduled. We will post a notice of this meeting once it is set.
If you are interested in joining the Social Committee, please contact Rebecca at rmarkusson@gofifthstreet.com. All homeowners are welcome to attend any of the committee meetings.
Landscaping:
We are currently interviewing landscape architects to work with the landscaping company to improve the curb appeal around the building.
Meet & Greet:
Please join us on Wednesday, June 18th from 7:00 am to 8:30 am in the Spring Street lobby for coffee and doughnuts. The management team and board members will be there to answer any questions and will be available to discuss what improvements are planned for the building. We hope to see you there.
Marlow’s Tavern in Plaza Midtown:
On Saturday, June 7th Marlow’s Tavern located in Plaza Midtown will begin serving an all you can eat brunch buffet. The brunch buffet will be available Saturday and Sundays from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. and will cost $14.99. They are also offering bottomless Mimosas during the brunch for $15.00.
Let’s Do Lunch Midtown:
During the week of June 9-13th, the Midtown restaurants, spa, and retail stores are offering specials and discounts to Midtown Alliance members. Show your 2008 Midtown Alliance Member Privilege Card at any of the participating merchants for discounts, which includes buy1/get 1 free entrees at the restaurants. As a homeowner or resident of MidCity Lofts, you are a member of the Midtown Alliance and can pick up your member privilege card at the concierge desk.
Pool Deck Railings:
Engineers Restorations Inc. began the process to the remove the rust, seal, and repainting the railings. The Board has decided to postpone resurfacing of the pool deck until the fall to avoid closing it for three to seven days during the peak times. The remaining rust stains will be removed when the deck is resurfaced.
Biltmore Place Entrance Gate:
We apologize for the inconvenience while the Biltmore Place entrance gate was out of service. The gate has been repaired and is working properly. Please contact management or security if you experience any problems with the gate.
Abercrombie Place Closing:
We appreciate your cooperation while the construction work was being done. The work that blocked the entrance and exit has been completed, and the road will be repaved next week. The paving process will only take a few minutes and the entrance and exit will not be blocked for any length of time.
Please feel free to contact Fifth Street Management by emailing us at mcl@gofifthstreet.com or contacting the security desk at (404) 419-9616.
On Tuesday, May 27th, Abercrombie Place will be closed indefinitely due to road construction. The entrance and exit gates on Abercrombie Place will not be accessible, please use the entrance on Biltmore Place while the road is closed. Atlanta Professional Doors will be onsite to repair the door on Tuesday, limiting entering and exiting the garage through the exit lane. An additional security guard will located by the garage access point to direct traffic. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please contact us with any questions at mcl@gofifthstreet.com.
More traffic congestion expected, so plan your commute now
The final construction milestone in the 14th Street Bridge Improvement Project is around the corner. On May 27, 2008 at 12:01am, the 14th Street Bridge will close to vehicles and pedestrians. According to the current schedule, the bridge will not reopen until summer 2010. Motorists will be detoured to the 17th Street Bridge during this time.
With this closure, traffic congestion throughout Midtown is expected to increase, so plan your commute and daytime trips now. Ways to beat the traffic congestion (and simultaneously lower your gasoline bill) can include: carpooling, vanpooling, taking transit, walking, biking and (for those permitted) teleworking.
Midtown Transportation Solutions, a program of Midtown Alliance, is working diligently to provide assistance to employers, property managers, and commuters to mitigate the traffic expected from the 14th Street Bridge closure. Please contact MTS today to find out what you or your company can do: mts@midtownalliance.org or 404-892-4782.
For information on the 14th Street Bridge Improvement Project including weekly lane closure updates, detour routes, and commuter resources, please visit: www.14thStreetBridge.com
Monthly Board Meetings:
The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 19th at 6:30pm in the conference center. Meeting minutes from April will posted in the mail room after they have been approved by the board.
Town Hall Forum:
The Quarterly Town Hall forum is scheduled for Thursday, May 8th at 6:30 pm in the Sky lounge. The topics to be discussed at the forum are proposed building improvements, current financial status of the association, design ideas, and new building policies. This is your opportunity to be part of the future of the community and have your comments and concerns heard and addressed by fellow residents and the Fifth Street Management Company team. We hope you can attend.
Bike Storage on G3:
In a recent inspection of the parking deck, it was brought our attention that numerous bikes are stored both in the bike rack and locked to the HVAC units. If your bike is locked to the HVAC unit, please relocate it as soon as possible. We are attempting to improve the overall condition and appearance of the property. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
Building Improvements:
On Thursday, May 1st, the interior and exterior windows were cleaned and will be done on a quarterly basis. The main lobby painting was completed last week. On Wednesday, April 30th, the garage levels were machine swept and cleaned.
Please feel free to contact Fifth Street Management by emailing us at mcl@gofifthstreet.com or contacting the security desk at (404) 419-9616.
Got a problem with the carpet? How about the landscaping?
The pool? Want to make it better?
Please join the MidCity Board of Directors at the quarterly open form, this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Sky. Topics to be discussed include proposed improvements to the building, current financial status, design issues, and new rules policies.
This is your opportunity to take part in the future of our community and have your comments and concerns heard and addressed by the Board and your fellow MidCity Lofts residents.
Questions? Email Rebecca at rmarkusson@gofifthstreet.com
Thursday May 8th at 6:30 p.m. in SKY
Quarterly Town Hall Meeting
Date: Thursday May 8th, 2008
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Sky Lounge
Please contact me at rmarkusson@gofifthstreet.com if you have any questions.
During the March board meeting, Barbara Betti of At Your Service Atlanta, LLC gave a presentation to the board about her company and the services it offers. At Your Service Atlanta, LLC is a personal concierge and errand service. The services include managing vendors such as cleaning, landscaping, handyman, and decorating services; packing for move ins and outs; organizing cabinets, closets and offices; grocery and gift shopping; special occasion and event planning; reservation for restaurants, sporting events, and concerts; as well as a number of other services. If you are interested in using her services, please pick up a brochure and business cards in the lobby. She is offering a 10% discount to MidCity Lofts owners and residents who are first time customers of her company.
We have received a special deal for all MidCity Lofts homeowners and residents at the Regency Suites Hotel, located at the corner of 10th Street and West Peachtree. MidCity Lofts homeowners and residents will receive the special rate of $129.99 per night for either a king or two double beds, based on availability. The regular rates are $189.99 for a king or $209.99 for two doubles. If you are interested, please contact rmarkusson@gofifthstreet.com for reservations.