,

VNSTA Continues to Press Vivmark for Repairs to Giant Access Door

,

The Van Ness South Tenants Association (VNSTA) continues to press Vivmark Residential to repair the broken fob readers that have prevented residents of 3003 Van Ness from using the underground passage to Giant supermarket and Metro.

On October 30, VNSTA received an email from Taylor Sutherland, Vivmark's Resident Experience Manager, responding to our petition signed by more than 100 residents. Sutherland attributed the continuing problem to technical difficulties involving the separate electronic access systems serving Van Ness South, Van Ness North, and Van Ness East. She said management was coordinating with the other buildings and their access-control providers to develop a permanent solution.

However, Sutherland also asserted that underground access to Giant is merely a "courtesy," rather than an amenity or service provided to residents, and that its loss therefore does not constitute a reduction in services.

VNSTA strongly disagrees. Residents have enjoyed this underground access for decades, and Equity Residential previously advertised it as an amenity to prospective tenants. Residents of the other Van Ness buildings report that their fob readers continue to work properly, while those serving 3003 Van Ness remain inoperable.

On November 6, VNSTA sent a follow-up letter to Vivmark Regional Manager Josh Luper, challenging management's characterization of the underground passage as merely a courtesy and requesting an update on the status of repairs.

Meanwhile, the number of residents signing the petition has grown to nearly 130, with many expressing considerable frustration over management's failure to resolve the problem.

With winter approaching, VNSTA is urging Vivmark to accelerate repairs and provide a specific timetable for restoring access. The underground passage is particularly important for seniors and residents with disabilities who depend on convenient access to groceries during cold or inclement weather.

VNSTA will continue to press management for a permanent solution and keep residents informed of developments.

Read the correspondence: