Tuesday, October 1, 2013

2nd Post: Meeting Follow up:

Residents Meeting Follow up

- PROJECT  PROMONTORY - 




Hello  Fellow
Residents of Promontory Point,

Thank you for attending the meeting last Saturday and for those that couldn't, please remember to check the Website for updates which are posted a soon as possible.

The "Residents" meeting began with anxious anticipation until leaders emerged from the group and immediately initiated hot topics for discussion. This is a community effort and is important to work in the best interest of the community.  Now that we have enlisted our Community Action Committee, we are headed in a positive direction and hoping for results.

Realizing construction has been underway for a couple weeks, residents from the East side were a vital component as they were able to enlightened the group to pertinent information regarding the actual impact felt by the construction.  Some of which include; "termites, incredibly chaotic noise and a rodent coming from open walls."  

For the record, no one has said this is an easy undertaking and as residents, we appreciate the Irvine Company for making improvements.  However, the intensity of this project has been detrimental on those working from home, Dogs and sleeping Babies.  Residents have also expressed an alarming concern for a "significant element of dust or, something like that, lingering in the air."  

Being that the Irvine Company did not provide sufficient warning or, accurately describe the caliber of this project to prepare us, residents can't help to feel let down and angry.  Most importantly, health related concerns that were discussed at the meeting on Sept. 24, 2013 such as; air conditioners and air cleaners, still have not been provided to residents to help cool closed up homes and remove toxins / allergens.

"Indian Summer" or, "Sizzle?"  Although Newport Beach is gorgeous year round and most especially, gorgeous this time of year due to the change of seasons and dramatic skies.  We are in the midst of our Indian Summer and along with that means, the onset of temperatures gauging up into the 80's.  Also, because the sun is moving south, we usually get to enjoy spectacular sunsets and clear views of Catalina.

Furthermore, due to lack of consideration for residential comfort and peaceful living, residents have been forced to remain closed up all day in their homes without access to fresh air until construction crews leave.  After a long, hot, loud day... residents will still not have access to their decks or be able to enjoy the sunsets while sitting on their patio's for apx. 3 months more or longer.

This schedule all depends on the rainy season and one of the most popular questions coming from residents is; "why this project cannot be attacked in a more proficient, precise manner?"  In regards to this question, Management has not provided a firm answer except for, they feel this is the best plan.  The other question coming from residents was; "FOR WHOM?"  It seems the planning and scheduling only serves the construction agenda and without any consideration for the residents that actually are living here.

To make matters worse and according to the latest weather update,"Santa Ana winds" have been predicted to blow in this week by the Weather Institute which will dramatically compromise the air quality due to the circulation of particles exposed in open walls.  Get ready West side, your construction starts this week!
  • What are safe levels in regards to air quality?
  • What about the dust created from fece's in the air due to rodents, etc.?  
  • Will there be an "independent" consultant brought in to test the the air for toxic elements that have been disturbed by the Santa Ana winds? 






  exposed, un-sealed 
 walls near doors






"To move or, not too move?" Based on comments regarding moving, the reality of staying or leaving is a very real dilema.  However, moving is costly and a big inconvenience.  Not forgetting, a lot of hard work!  Another question one must ask; "are moving cost under these circumstances tax deductible?"  As we all know, the Irvine Company will be not be issuing moving allowances so, if you can stick it out, its guaranteed to be nicer and rent will definitely be more expensive regardless of how long you have lived here.  Residents faced with moving have commented; "they love living here but, are leaving because of the long-term demolition schedule and possible health hazards."  Most especially, undeclared hazards to unborn Babies, Children, Elderly, family pets and those suffering from compromised Respiratory issues.

Although, a small population of new residents (2 comments) mentioned; they were "completely informed in regards to the construction" and decided to move in regardless.  The larger population of new residents have disagreed and angry because they were, "not informed as to the magnitude of this project, very angry and have regrets."

In fact; one family in particular happens to be expecting another child and based on her last medical exam, they were warned by their Physician of the documented dangers and "strongly urged them to move out as soon as possible."  The fall-out from this renovation has been extreme and is unfortunate that residents are leaving due to the to the trauma caused by this project.  

Generally speaking, it takes time to find a new home with all the quality and comforts one works hard for.  However, as it was pointed out in the Town Hall meeting, "it's too late to move due to lack of sufficient notice and feels forced to endure this renovation until other arrangements can be made."  With that in mind and, on the other hand, there is a huge population of devoted Promontory Point fans that want to stay but, with great hesitation.  Their primary concerns being; safety, long-term construction headaches and increased rent in the future.  All of which are not being comforted with an appropriate compensation for all their trouble.

Other debates brought up by residents include; being fairly compensated for the impact created by neighboring buildings.  Depending on the degree of inconvenience, residents feel they are also deserving of a rent allowance for all the trouble.  Most especially, considering rent increases paid for the past two years and inevitable future increases.

Promontory Point has implemented substantial rent increases over the past two years and another increase is being assessed for next year which goes to pay for all the renovation, parties and social extras.  Which highlights another hot topic, is $500 per/ month enough?  Majority of residents say; NO.

On the whole, residents share the same concerns regrading; health, scheduling, financial compensation and quality of life.  Considering this was the first "residents" only meeting, it was extremely productive.  Key issues were identified, leadership evolved and helpful volunteers are on board to help.  Another impressive observation and over all opinion was that, residents appreciated the opportunity to come together as a community, share their concerns and want to put their best efforts forward to work in the best interest of the community.  Ultimately, our community Website and Blog is a success and excellent resource to communicate with one another.

We all enjoy living here for many different reasons.  Although these improvements will improve our homes in the long run, by working together as a community now, we have the opportunity to create change.  The general consensus agreed, "it's is up to us to engage the Irvine Company to listen to our needs with a goal of revising the schedule, negotiate an amicable rent reduction allowance and find a way to decrease the intrusiveness this massive project has cast upon our lives."  Lastly, the meeting also took on its own theme which was; "Time is of the essence."   

Realizing many of you have other obligations that require your valued time, please feel free to email your ideas as we appreciate your contributions.  Additionally, if you have time to volunteer, please let us know if you are available to pass around petitions.  The Resident Action Committee will serve as your representatives to effectively communicate and address the following concerns with the Irvine Company.  In accordance to community input, those priorities include:
  • Air quality as it relates to Asbestos, Mold & other allergens
  • Air cleaners & air conditioners 
  • Scheduling in reference too; length of over-all time of project on our decks 
  • Significant financial allowance for the all of the inconvenience & intrusion to views
  • Schedule adjustment and consideration for Holidays & Boat Parade  
  • Storage to be paid for & pods to be taken off site or moved out of parking spaces
  • Parking 

On behalf of "resident appreciation" they say?  According to the "Town Hall" meeting, Project Management specifically stated; "in appreciation of resident views, the following considerations are supposed to be observed such as; covering portable bathrooms, restricting trash and, Contractors along with Project Managers, are supposed to park off-site unless using one of the many designated parking spaces already allocated and fenced off."  However, it was noted by a resident; one of the Project Managers was seen parking in a subterranean "guest parking" space.

In all good faith, it is assumed that this was an isolated incident however, with respect to the lack of guest parking, please advise your Resident Action Committee by email if you witness this happening again.  (Photos recommended)     email:  projectpromontory@gmail.com

occupied guest parking for allocated construction spaces
The intention of this Blog is to help provide information, report community news, highlight the issues and provide effective communication which includes non-project issues as well.  Great job everyone & THANK YOU for your help, time and support!  Together, we can get this done and make a change... Please keep your comments coming.



Residents of Promontory













Plant storage on the East side 
watering schedule = 3 times/ wk





ANNOUNCEMENTS & OTHER NEWS:

Coyotees on the prowl in Promontory... use caution!  Hunting hours generally during early morning hours, dusk & evening.

HIGH WIND WARNING:  Santa Ana winds are predicted to blow through late in the week and could be problematic for those under construction.


*PLEASE CONTINUE SUBMITTING YOUR COMMENTS ON THE ORIGINAL POST AND CONTINUE COMMENT THREAD