Water

Water has been a huge issue at Arrow Woods. There was a lawsuit between the tenants and the previous owner as well as television station coverage. We knew that we had to turn the water costs over to the residents, but had to also be extremely careful when doing so - these people had tasted victory and many residents had boasted to us about it.

There were water meters already installed at each home. The entire water bill, however, was being paid by the park.

Jim approached the City of Troy about the situation. They told him that the previous owner had started billing the residents without becoming a utility, as was required. They had no problem with taking individual meter reading, billing and collection responsibilities. It now came down to timing - our first goal was to get residents to pay rent on a regular basis!

Early in December we mailed letters to each resident informing them that the City was taking over the water. They each have to call the City with their information and pay $11, of which $6 is deposit. They must do this by January 30th. Meters will be read by the City on February 1. This will be a savings to the park of between $600 and $900 per month.

We have already been told by some of the residents that they are not happy with this change. We are sure that we will get more feedback as February approaches! One thing we are pretty sure of - their friends and family won't be washing cars in the park when they are paying for the water!

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