Quote:
Originally Posted by paradigm4
I'll definitely acknowledge the area is not perfect, but I've never experienced anything too outrageous. Yes there's some creepy looking people, especially at night, but that's the neighbourhood and they do exist everywhere. I'd still say much of Downtown is as bad, if not worse. I feel much safer in Surrey than the DTES bar none. But it depends on expectations - I don't expect Surrey to be Coal Harbour. The demographics are completely different. It is cleaning up, but these things take time.
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I basically mirror the above.
Direct to you urbangeisha, I have lived in the Park Place tower 2 since last December when it was first occupied. I still live in the tower with my wife and am an owner. To your first questions:
1) Strata council for the most part isn't attended by owners. Only the Annual General Meeting (which would be taking place next month) is typically attended by owners and when you have a chance to vote for new strata council members.
2) Our meeting minutes are posted online by Rancho and you can contact our building manager Gus Ramirez (contact info can be gotten from the Rancho web site or via the concierge downstairs in tower 2). You can access all minutes there from each meeting along with any notices put out to residents.
3) Noise policy is dictated in bylaws and it is 10pm to 7am in both buildings for noise to be kept to a minimum. They go so far as stating directly you shouldn't run your washer and dryer after 10pm (though I have from time to time... bad me). Those align with city of Surrey bylaws and any complains should be sent to Gus. If you have an immediate issue you are typically asked to contact the concierge desk (or security after hours downstairs) who will immediately deal with the issue either going directly to the suite to talk to the tenant or by contacting the police.
I have yet to have drastic issue with noise but my neighbor does have a yappy little dog that once in a while we can hear. Again though it isn't a major issue and I'm sure once in a while they can hear my TV. They're also very good at being quiet after 10pm and respecting those around. I know there is 1 unit on my floor (other side to me) was causing a lot of noise issues with loud music and those that could hear it did complain to management and the concierge. I believe after a few hefty fines to the owner the tenants left.
Unfortunately noise in any share living area (apartment, condo, even townhouses) will creep up from time to time. My parents live in a townhouse complex and aren't devoid of issues surrounding late parties from time to time or drug dealers moving in. I take the stance if it doesn't bother me and isn't in front of my face, I don't particularly care. Have enough stresses in life.
As to your other points about safety and the buildings in general, I can say in living there 1 year that the worst I have seen are dog crap in the car parking lot, a few dogs peeing in the elevators which has resulted in them having installed cameras in the elevators now, and I did witness from my balcony a woman get robbed in the SkyTrain parking lot late one evening (2amish).
But let's face it, that happens everywhere in Metro Vancouver. Being a woman in our society unfortunately comes with higher risk to personal safety in the evening hours. It doesn't matter where you live be it Park Place, Coal Harbor, or even Point Grey and UBC. Predators are predators and you unfortunately need to take precautions anywhere you go especially around SkyTrain stations.
My wife has come home a few evenings on the last SkyTrain and I always make it a point to meet her at the station and walk with her back to the building. Has anything happened? Will something happen? Not necessarily but better safe than sorry.
As for drug dealers, I know several VPD sergeants and they have a common saying that every high-rise in downtown Vancouver has at least 2 grow ops and 1 meth lab, so this isn't unique to Surrey having the odd one. The odds are extremely high given there are 720+ units combined in Park Place 1/2. And you add it the 300 someodd units in Infinity and the odds are up there that out of those combined over 1000 residences in 1 square block, you're going to have some undesirables. Doesn't matter if the towers were in Metro-town or West Vancouver.
Just simple math.
But for your part, always be aware of your surroundings and do your part in reporting issues that happen to the building management and concierge/security. They have so far in my experience done a great job to deal with problem tenants and owners.
Just do your part, respect your neighbors, and report those that grossly disrespect you and those living in the buildings.
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