HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/6/02 corres307/21slinnCITY OF IOWA CITY
Department of Housing and Inspection Services 410 Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240
June 6, 2002
Keystone Property Management
533 Southgate Ave,
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Re: 307 - 321 S. Linn Street
Dear Gene,
The structures at 307 - 321 South Linn Street were inspected for renewal of the Rental Permit in August
and October of 2001. The August inspection revealed that nearly all the EXIT lights and emergency
lights in the common corridors and stairways were missing or damaged. Several stair tower doors and
hardware were damaged. In general the common areas in this building appeared to have been severely
vandalized.
The deficiencies were repaired and preventive measures were discussed. The Keystone staff and the
maintenance personnel devoted many hours to repairing hnd maintaining the common areas but their best
efforts have not eliminated the vandalism. Since this is a security building with access limited to the
residents and their friends, they must be responsible. It was thought that the vandals had been caught and
the problem solved. The vandalism continues. I understand that you have increased your efforts to
monitor the halls and stairs of these structures and have hired professional security personnel. All of this
extraordinary effort has produced little improvement in the maintenance of the exiting facilities of these
structures.
Even the installation of steel cages around the EXIT lights has not protected them from systematic
vandalism. When I visited 321 S. Linn Street on June 5, 2002 more that 50% of the EXIT lights were
damaged or missing. I am told that all the lights had recently been in good condition. There was also a
handrail laying in the exterior area near the elevator enclosure. I am confident that these deficiencies will
be repaired in a timely manner as usual, but as usual I expect the repairs will be only temporary unless
some different program of supervision or surveillance is initiated.
We have discussed this problem at some length, and you have discussed the problem with others on many
occasions. There is a real shortage of"good ideas" but a solution to this problem must be found. If the
vandalism continues and the property can not be maintained in good condition a rental permit will not be
issued. It is unlawful to let for rent or occupancy dwelling units without a valid rental permit. Unsafe
structures not in compliance with the appropriate codes and/or lacking a valid rental permit may be abated
under the procedures specified in the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings.
Until it is apparent that the common areas of this building can be maintained in good condition, this office
will continue to inspect at regular intervals of approximately 30 days. Only the common corridors, stairs
and parking areas will be inspected. The inspection will focus on fire safety/life safety issues.
Maintenance deficiencies may be reported but the intent of the monthly inspections will be to monitor the
common areas and cite any hazardous ~ondifi.ons. ...... ............. ~
~.1~.1 be~ ~ as~ Provi~
The first of these inspections June'S4, 2002 at 2:00 PM Ple cess..
If you have any questions reg~is matter, and surely you mu~j2.,~ea~oe reached at the Office of
Housing and Inspection Services, 410 ' eet, Iowa City, Iowa 52240. If you would
prefer to schedule a meeting with other professionals or the owners, please call me at 356/5135.
Housing Inspector