I live in a large inner city apartment block. Towards the end of the year, the residents have an informal get together. This event usually takes place on the lawn-bbq area or in the foyer, if the weather is inclement.
Recently our executive committee decided to hold a “special function” on common property. The function was presented to the occupants of the building in the minutes of the Executive Committee meeting. At the next meeting it was clear that no argument against the function would be tolerated. Certain members of the Executive were extremely arrogant and dismissive to anybody that objected to the planned function. The committee had been planning the function in conjunction with a local charity for over 2 months without any consultation with the residents.
They are planing a 300 people sit down meal on the tennis court. The tennis court is in high demand all year around and in the warmer months of the year the demand is even higher. The committee will be restricting access to common property during set up and take down of the event. This includes erecting a marquee over the court, instillation of portaloos,camp kitchen, catering trucks and constant movement of people through a security building. Electricity and water will also need to be installed.
The pool, tennis court and lawn-bbq area all have a 10pm curfew.
The issues to me are noise,disruption to day to day living,[with the setting up and take down of the event], security, parking and damage to the court and insurance matters. Also with a charity involved is this really a private residents function?
Our residents’ handbook states that residents must comply with the rules of the use of the recreational facilities specified By the Executive Committee By-law 19. Surely having a function on the tennis court is not correct use of the tennis court!
By-law 3 states that residents must not create noise or behave in a manner likely to interfere with the peaceful enjoyment of the other residents or any person lawfully using the common property.
I feel both of these by-laws are being abused.
I am also concerned about costs. No budget has been presented. They appear to be solely relying on advance ticket sales and generosity. What happens if deposits have been paid to contractors and there is insufficient ticket sales? Will levies be used? There is no apparent transparency in relation to monies. If the event is cancelled will people be reimbursed?
I enjoy the peaceful life in this wonderful building and am very concerned that the Executive Committee have lost sight of what their job is i.e.: to care for the common property. I don’t want to live in a function centre or in Melrose Place. I don’t think it would be what Harry Seidler would have envisioned for his wonderful architectural achievement.
Where do we dissenters stand?