Management company improves landscapes of apartments.
By: Joseph Harvie
White azaleas were in bloom Tuesday by the buildings at Deans Apartments.
The grass was freshly cut in front of each apartment and on the parking lot islands.
Elsewhere, there was evidence that electrical work would soon begin on broken streetlights throughout the neighborhood.
Only three weeks ago shrubs were overgrown with weeds that measured about 1-inch thick and 8 feet tall and the lawns were uncut, with grass and weeds reaching above the shins of those traipsing through it.
The residents of Deans Apartments are obviously a little happier with the appearance of their apartment complex these days, after Lower County Management came out to address some long-standing repairs.
Residents said they had been complaining to the management company that the landscaping had been neglected, only two streetlights were working, the playground is rotting and the vinyl siding on the buildings was damaged.
However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which funded the complex about 20 years, ago stepped in last week and put pressure on the management company to make the improvements to the complex.
Ellen Liggon, a resident of Building 2, said she was happy that the appearance of the complex has improved. But, she wants to make sure Lower County Management continues the work it has begun.
"Amazingly, someone came and cut the grass, did the shrubs and apparently they have until May 30 to have the streetlights fixed," Ms. Liggon said. "It shook somebody up and it’s a nice start, but we have a ways to go."
Phone calls to Lower County Management were not returned by the South Brunswick Post’s Wednesday afternoon deadline.
Ms. Liggon said Tuesday she saw someone marking spots on the roadway, and believes that work on the streetlights will begin soon.
"The guy was here yesterday putting markers in to do the lights," Ms. Liggon said. "I just hope they follow through with that."
Andrew Law, the state director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said he had his staff contact Lower County Management and put pressure on them to make the repairs.
Mr. Law credited inquiries by the South Brunswick Post with getting the work started.
"I did what I told you. I had my staff contact the management company and tell them about the situation," Mr. Law told the South Brunswick Post Tuesday. "Obviously, it took the owner and management company a lot to look at the issues and realize they have to fix them. It’s unfortunate you had to call the state director of the agency to add more leverage."
Mr. Law said the owner of the property, Property Management Co. of Massachusetts was seeking financing to fix the problems. He said the management company and the township should be commended for getting the repairs started.
"The municipality did what they were supposed to do in looking at a situation and looking to resolve these issues," Mr. Law said. "The owner, the township, government, tenants. We are all concerned."

