8/9/2023
I am the owner of a condominium in Olentangy…read moreCondominiums. I purchased my condominium in 2018. The complex is amazing. The grounds and pool are impeccably maintained. The complex is fifty years old, so infrastructure issues are starting to surface. The HOA fees, while increasing in the last two years, also appear reasonable.
Many of the units have no exterior maintenance issues; however, since I have an end unit, which contains the sump pump for my building, wood fences on three sides of my patio, and a sidewalk connecting my unit to the carport, I have had several.
It has been my experience that an initial request is ignored or dismissed, followed by a more assertive second request and then aggressive confrontations following.
I purchased my condominium from an elderly lady who made numerous requests over many years about water issues in the basement, all which were ignored by Patterson Merkle. There was heavy rain when I moved in, and the sump pump was operating continuously pumping water onto my back patio into the window well and into the basement. Patterson Merkle initially dismissed my claim and informed me the basement water damage was due to spikes inserted into the concrete blocks to hang drywall.
Further review shows the clay tile installed in 1970 was cracked and full of sand and dirt. I paid a plumber to snake the drain into the courtyard. I was informed that a new drainage pipe was needed, and the contractor gave me a bid of $1,600. I forwarded the request to Patterson Merkle, who said the bid was too high, and they would get a Mexican to do it for less. Two days later, Patterson Merkle called me and said to move ahead with my contractor.
Subsequently, I have had issues with a rotting gate, as well as sinking sidewalks, which were completed after many contentious conversations and threats on both sides.
Most recently I made a request in April 2023 for rotting patio fencing. Most of the work is completed; however, the job is not finished, as I still have several boards still tied up with string and rotted two by fours at the bottom of the fence which does not allow nailing of the fence boards. It appears, after several ignored follow-up calls to Patterson Merkle, that there is no intention to complete the project.
It has not been a pleasant experience dealing with Patterson Merkle.
8/10/2023
This morning after the 8/9/2023 posting, I received a visit from Diane Mauk, Patterson Merkle Property Manager. She and another lady in a separate car jumped out of their SUVs and started filming me with their cell phones while I was standing in front of my condo. She stated that she heard I was destroying condo property.
She didn't tell me what I destroyed or have any evidence to support her claim. She didn't look at or film the fencing or surrounding area.
Diane and her film crew violated my personal space and I felt threatened. They left soon after without any discussion. I believe the second party was there for the intimidation effect. I view this as retaliation and harassment for writing a negative review. I share this so the bad behavior is documented and that other stakeholders might not experience the same.
8/24/2023
A fence contractor arrived to work on the fencing; however, it appears he has left the complex and did not finish painting. Half of my fence is painted, and half is not. It doesn't appear Patterson Merkle follows up to ensure a job is complete.
9/9/2023
I initiated a work order on 4/2023 and my work request is still not complete. In speaking with some of the other residents in the complex there appears to be similar experiences with work requests.
Although I haven't been able to get my maintenance request completed, it's good to know my condo fees are being used for a good purpose. I observed the PM maintenance staff being serviced in their truck during work hours, in the carport in front of my condo, conveniently out of sight of the property cameras.