Unsafe Conditions Ignored for Months -- A Cautionary Tale for Future Tenants…read more
We moved into Metro Edgewater in July 2024, drawn in by the views, amenities, and especially the large, open-air balcony -- a major factor in choosing our unit. At the time, the building wasn't fully occupied, and several upper-floor units above us were still vacant. We also took our time furnishing the space, and by early 2025, we were finally ready to enjoy the outdoor area we had waited so long to use. More upper units had become occupied at this point -- and that's when the problems began.
In February 2025, we started noticing disturbing debris falling onto our balcony -- lit cigarette butts, weed joints, and trash from above. What seemed like an isolated nuisance quickly became a pattern. We formally notified management in early March, requesting immediate action, including notices to residents and a physical covering to protect our space.
In April, the situation escalated. We discovered burn marks on our brand-new patio furniture, likely from a lit cigarette. We raised the alarm again, citing not just inconvenience but increasing property damage and fire risk. Management responded on April 23rd, stating a resident had been identified and issued a legal notice.
But the behavior continued -- and worsened.
Our balcony -- and those of our neighbors, who share the building's largest and most exposed outdoor spaces -- became the target of everything from dirty bleach water and chicken bones to a ziplock bag containing white powder, and most disturbingly, defecated feces thrown directly onto our outdoor daybed.
We have children who visit and play on the balcony, so this is not only a matter of adult discomfort -- it is a serious safety concern, especially for children exposed to such hazardous and unsanitary conditions. In response, we began co-signing emails with our neighbors, urging management to install a canopy or some form of protective shield.
In early May, we were told a canopy solution was being explored. But by May 28, management informed us via email that "installation is not feasible at this time, as it would require extensive modifications to the building and surrounding area."
No alternatives were proposed. No protective measures were installed.
And this isn't just affecting people -- it's harming pets too. Our next-door neighbor shared that their cat became seriously ill after ingesting a cigarette butt that had landed on their balcony. When they raised the issue in person with management, they were told to "claim it with their insurance." No follow-up. No solution. Just indifference. That neighbor no longer feels safe letting their pet outdoors at all.
We've continued to follow up with management -- including sending detailed photo evidence -- but as of June 1st, 2025, our emails have been completely ignored.
Due to the ongoing inaction and lack of response, we were left with no choice but to contact the police and file an official report, documenting the hazardous conditions and the building's failure to act. It should never have come to this.
This is not a minor inconvenience. This is a matter of health, fire safety, and basic tenant rights. We've had bleach water splash onto our food, lit cigarettes damage our furniture, and hazardous debris fall dangerously close to young children -- all while being told to simply "report future incidents."
Management has chosen to "monitor and investigate" rather than take meaningful, preventive action. Meanwhile, the problem persists -- and residents, both human and animal, remain exposed.
Today June 14th, 2025, yet another dangerous incident occurred. Someone from one of the upper floors -- likely around the 20th or 21st floor -- threw a chunk of ice down, which landed violently on our daybed with a loud, startling crash that we heard from the living room. Had I, my wife, or a young child been lying on that daybed at the time, the impact from that height could have caused serious injury.
We called the police again, and were issued a second official incident report.
If you're considering moving here -- especially to a unit with outdoor space -- please take this review seriously. The views may be beautiful, but no view is worth compromising your safety, your health, or your peace of mind.
Photos attached for reference.
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