Skip to main content

To: Atlas Capital Group, LLC

123 Melrose pet policy

To: ACG Property Management
123 Melrose Street
Brooklyn, NY 11206

Subject: Petition Against the New Rooftop Dog Walking Restriction

Dear ACG Property Management,

I am writing to formally petition against the recently announced policy prohibiting pets from the Melrose rooftop at The Denizen, as detailed in the notice sent on [09/20/24]. This policy, which restricts pet owners to using only the Noll rooftop for walking their dogs, is both unexpected and unfairly limits the use of amenities that were key factors in my decision to move into this building.

What Needs to Happen

The newly introduced policy should be immediately reconsidered or amended. The Melrose rooftop should be reopened to all residents and their pets, allowing for the continued enjoyment of this space as initially promised in the lease agreement and other promotional materials about the building, including the Denizen’s website.

The Problem

My lease specifically states that The Denizen is a dog-friendly building, and one of the primary reasons for choosing this residence was the ability to utilize the rooftop spaces for my dog’s exercise. The new policy, which now restricts pet access to only one rooftop, significantly reduces the flexibility and convenience that was originally advertised and agreed upon in the lease. This change appears to have been made unilaterally without proper notification, communication, or resident input.

This is not only a breach of the expectations set forth when I signed my lease, but it also raises concerns regarding potential discrimination against residents who rely on emotional support animals or service animals, as protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While I do not wish to disclose personal medical details, it is important to note that such restrictions could disproportionately impact individuals with disabilities, creating an environment that is less inclusive and accessible.

Suggested Action

I urge ACG Property Management and URBN Playground, as the amenity management group, to:

1. Repeal or revise the new rooftop restriction, allowing pet owners access to both rooftop spaces.

2. Communicate transparently with all residents before introducing any policy changes affecting amenities.

3. Ensure that all policies are in full compliance with federal ADA regulations to avoid potential legal complications concerning service and emotional support animals.



Why is this important?

Why This Matters

The Melrose rooftop is a shared community space, and the ability to utilize it for walking my dog is part of the living experience that was promised when I moved in. Restricting access without any documented safety, maintenance, or legal violations undermines the trust and expectations that were established. Moreover, limiting the use of public amenities based on complaints from a single tenant, as has been suggested, sets a dangerous precedent for the community at large.

This petition represents not only my personal concerns but those of other residents who value the building’s pet-friendly environment and expect to continue living in a space that respects the terms of the lease and the rights of all tenants.

I respectfully request a prompt review of this matter and a formal response outlining the steps that will be taken to resolve these concerns.

How it will be delivered

Neighborhood groups, personal handouts

Categories

Links

Updates

2024-09-30 16:54:40 -0400

Thank you to everybody, 58 signers! We sent a letter with this petition to the following contacts:
Alexsandra Dabrowski – General Manager
DeJonea Mills – Property Administrator
Jay Whisenant Jr – Property Administrator
Syed Baksh – Resident Coordinator for 123 Melrose

Their contact details are available in building documents for every resident (for context).

We will await for their official response until Thursday, 3rd Sep, then deliver the petition in more ways.

Best regards,
Nikita

2024-09-28 00:56:33 -0400

50 signatures reached

2024-09-27 10:43:05 -0400

Thank you for your 40 signatures! We are going to deliver this petition on Monday, September 30th, to keep our momentum going.

Any further signs will be additionally delivered to ACG and Denizen depending on their course of action.

We are going to use all possible contact methods to make sure they have received.

Further communication with ACG and Denizen administration and their responses will be publicly announced here for transparency.

Sincerely with the best wishes,
Nikita

2024-09-25 13:41:44 -0400

25 signatures reached

2024-09-25 12:18:52 -0400

10 signatures reached