Safety Issues and Poor Management Plague Newark's Luxury Apartments

Residents of Eleven80 Demand Action Amid Ongoing Safety Concerns

At the luxe Eleven80 apartment complex on Raymond Boulevard, frustrations among tenants are boiling over as they voice their dissatisfaction with management. Despite signing leases for a modern living experience with stunning views of Manhattan, residents like Andy Dwyer are grappling not only with inflated rent but also with severe safety and maintenance issues that have persisted for years. "I pay $3,600 a month to live here, and I can’t even drink the water," Dwyer remarked sarcastically while showing off a cup of murky liquid that he claimed he had to bathe in.

The Crumbling Structure of Trust

Since management transitioned to Cushman & Wakefield in 2020, the building has faced a slew of complaints ranging from plumbing problems and mold to negligent security measures. The resident’s concerns heightened particularly after a security guard was attacked last September inside and outside the building by the same assailant, yet tenants were kept in the dark about the incident. Dwyer expressed his dismay, saying, “Their modus operandi is to not tell anyone what is going on.” Many residents learned details of the attack not from their management but through rumors.

Failed Communication Efforts Leave Residents Woefully Informed

In an attempt to foster communication, Cushman & Wakefield had introduced an online platform named BuildingLink for tenants to connect and share information. However, the initiative quickly collapsed under the weight of complaints, leading management to disable the forum, dismissing it as being misused. Leah Mullens, a property manager, explained, "This misuse undermines the platform’s value," a sentiment that left residents feeling even more alienated.

Pioneering Luxury Apartments No Longer Shine

Eleven80 was once celebrated for its transformation from a historical office building into luxury apartments, pioneered during a wave of urban redevelopment in Newark. The Art Deco architecture and rich history embody the spirit of local progress, but now, instead of luxury, tenants endure daily challenges.

In the shadow of financial difficulties publicly disclosed by Pacific Oak Strategic Opportunity REIT, which owns Eleven80, a surge of complaints raises fears that the building's condition could be deteriorating further as management appears to be neglecting necessary repairs. Dwyer theorizes that emptying the building to make it attractive for new investors might be on the table, questioning whether management is intentionally trying to push tenants out in hopes of a future renovation.

A Glimpse of Hope Amid Despair

Despite the ongoing issues, many residents still cherish the community aspect of life at Eleven80. As Dwyer put it, he considers himself the "resident historian," proudly recalling the building's illustrious past. He remains hopeful that public pressure and continued dialogue can lead to improvements. However, this hope is clouded by a reality where alarming incidents like a male intruder entering a women’s locker room have become too frequent a headline.

What Residents Can Do Moving Forward

Residents facing safety concerns should consider gathering their experiences to form a tenants’ association, which can provide a collective voice that could drive management to action. Documenting complaints with clear evidence and maintaining open communication channels among tenants can increase the pressure on management for necessary safety upgrades. As they face these challenges, it’s crucial for residents to unify and advocate for their rights to safe, reliable, and dignified living conditions.

Conclusion: It’s Time for Change

As Eleven80 remains a significant piece of Newark’s real estate landscape and community, its current state raises essential conversations about tenant rights and responsible management practices. The time has come for tenants to demand changes, question their safety, and hold management accountable for the conditions of their homes. With Newark continuing to develop and attract residents, it’s essential that luxury properties like Eleven80 do not compromise on their promise to provide safe and enjoyable living experiences.