Tenant Actions Spur Improved Conditions

Participants in the Modified Payments Program have continued to work and fight for changes in the hotels that they call home. Tenants’ Associations have been formed in many buildings in the Tenderloin and South of Market areas, and GA and SSI recipients have had an active role in voicing their concerns and opinions concerning the way they want to live. The tenants have experienced both victories and setbacks, but most would agree that there have been great improvements in the hotels since the groups began work. Here’s what’s been happening lately:

CHRONICLE HOTEL

Long-overdue repairs have finally been made, and this has given hope to the tenants’ association, which has been meeting for many months. Although many repairs remain unattended, and the severe roach problem remains unaddressed, tenants seem to be pleased with the hotel’s progress, and the work of the tenants’ association. The group has established quiet hours, from midnight to 6am, which will soon go into effect, and hopes to negotiate expanded visitors’ hours with the management. Also, a suggestion box will be placed in the lobby. Please see Linda Pierce in room #334 for more information.

HOTEL ADRIAN

Adrian residents met recently for the first time since March. The group initiated a survey to determine whether other tenants agreed with the management’s policy of turning off the elevator at 10pm, and in the morning to do cleaning. Adrian residents were unanimously opposed to the current elevator practices, and the group has worked to change the situation. The elevator is now operating in the mornings. The escalating roach problem continues to plague to alleviate it promptly. It was also noted at the meeting that only one shower is working in the building. Bathroom maintenance appears to be declining. Please see Dianne Affolter in room #209 for more information.

THE NEW PACIFIC

By Bob Gordon 

The New Pacific, a new MPP hotel at 706 Polk (and Eddy), has undergone extensive remodeling and repair. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed and there are abundant restrooms with showers and baths. A laundromat, cafe and deli are conveniently located on the ground floor, and the eighty-room building houses fifteen long-term tenants, 45 modified clients, a couple of dogs and mucho cats. 

At the first tenants’ meeting, held the last week of july, there was a very large turnout. A lively and vocal confrontation occurred when management became personally involved in the discussion. A majority of the tenants praised the New Pacific in a positive manner, yet, the consensus was disappointed in the omission of a community kitchen, as was originally promised. 

I would like to thank  each and every tenant, as well as owners Ramesh and Sam Patel, for the cooperative spirit of living they have demonstrated in the New Pacific. (Bob is in room #23.)

HOTEL JEFFERSON

By Jim Corbett

The Jefferson Hotel this past month had one of the largest tenants’ association meetings since its birth – more people than ever participated, and each with his or her own comments, compliments and complaints. After many talks with owner Ramesh Patel, it seems the residents will see the hotel being cleaned more often. The new cleaning crew is made up of residents, so we may see a new spirit of cooperation between us and them. The management is now trying to weed out some of the problem-makers from the hotel – those who are destroying some of the property faster than they can repair it. If this destruction continues, how can we expect Ramesh to get things that are needed if the money has to be spent this way? Please try to attend the next tenants’ meeting and give your opinion. (Jim is in room #518)

COLUMBIA HOTEL

The presence of a new desk clerk has greatly improved conditions in the hotel, and massive amounts of work have recently gone into the building. Initial tensions between the new staff and tenants have worked themselves out, and the Columbia shows great promise in becoming a premiere MPP hotel. Ombudsman Marc Garrett is in room #321.