Easton Park HOA Homeowner's Association review: Mismanagement 1

DISCRIMINATION? Singled Out? Prospective Buyers of Easton Park M/I Homes in Carol Stream, Illinois 60188? I'd think twice.
Once again, Foster Premiere Management Company, and Easton Park, Carol Stream, Illinois, where I was told my Foster Premiere management Companies HOA Property Manager of Easton Park subdivision that I need to "realize I am living in an exclusive and high-end" place. Not true, look up the demographics for Carol Stream, Illinois, 60188 and you will see that this is a blatant lie. Furthermore, on my discussion with the HOA manager, I was told "You are not being singled out because of race, sexuality or anything else, trust me" Um, I fail to see this... Why are the "rules and regulations" not being enforced by her? Why is there no towing company coming through to check the subdivision at night? Why was I singled out? Sexuality? Biracial? What? I emailed the Manager more pictures today and I am demanding a $170 refund from the HOA and/or Redmon's towing for STEALING my car, which, by the way was sold to an elderly woman, for a petty amount, and it was needing to be parked under special circumstances that I have a child to take to the doctor and get to school, and the HOA/condo association is not putting down salt to melt dangerous ice, and not plowing or doing snow removal after every snowfall.

Attached are new pictures, more to come. I will also be doing a complete 2 hour radio show, broadcasting to a market of 83, 000 listeners as the host and my views as to this situation. I should not efor legal reasons that these are MY views and opinions, which of course the Company has full free speach and the right to come right back at me. This Monday, I will be contacting local television stations, the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times, and writing an article about this as a reporter myself for Examiner.

This is gross injustice in my opinion, and something needs to be done. As you can see by my emails, pictures, complaints, etc.

I have had issues with the HOA Management Company, Foster Premiere that manages my neighborhood, Easton Park, in Carol Stream, Illinois. I have posted before about this company, and today I am extremely agitated once again. Last week, my 21 year old car was towed illegally (stolen) I believe, I should say aledgedly, these are my views. There was another car that was parked next my 21 year old Ford Taurus. It continues to park in that spot. I tried calling several times to The Easton Park HOA Management Company Foster Premiere, that manages the neighborhood in Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. the operator claims that she can not get a message to the property manager. Sends me straight to voicemail. I leave voicemails. Calls not yet returned. I have also sent upwards of 8 emails today, marked voicemail as urgent. The Silver Mercedes-Benz remains in the parking spot. Why was I targeted? Because the car that I have/had is 21 years old and not a luxury Mercedes-Benz? I have taken several pictures. I will post them. Below are copies of several emails I have sent with no replies, and the Foster Premier Management Company operator is NOT doing her job in relaying messages. They have been very rude to me, and I have the right to free speech. Below are copies of my emails, and also a previous posting that I have in regards to email that was sent to the Easton Park, Carol Stream Illinois HOA Property manager. I felt that she was very rude to me on the phone last week when I finally did manage to get through on the phone and speak, if you want to call it that, it was more of what I felt was belittling and degrading me, and I felt as though I was being treated like a liar. In my view, I am due a 170$ refund check from The Easton Park HOA Management Company and/or the Property Manager.

Here is the original email that I sent, and all the follow ups below:
To:
Foster Premiere Management,
DBA Easton Park HomeOwner's Association
456 B. N. Weber Road, Romeoville, Il. 60446

Dear Kristen,
It is out of extreme frustration and feeling harassed and singled out that I write to you this letter on the date of, August 17th 2010. Please be advised, that the current "violations" of which have been said to have been observed by you or your associates, are not valid.

I feel personally, that I have been, and continue to be, singled out by either you or your organization.
The reason being, I recv'd a total of 3 letters, and 3 duplicates each, to total 9 letters for one particular message. This is absurd. I am inquiring to find out if your organization is a member of the Better Business Bureau, as I would like to speak with the BBB as well.

My residence, 2** S*** Drive, in Easton Park was in NO clear violation of ANY of the accusations which were set forth to me in writing.

We have several issues at hand here, first, lets take a moment to speak of pet waste. Yes, I do have 2 dogs, small dogs, one Pug and One Cocker Spaniel. A few weeks ago, as my neighbor across the way located at 2** S***drive sat on his porch, I was severely cussed at, after my Cocker proceeded to urinate on the lawn, and this man yelled at me to pick it up. Question is: how does one go about picking up URINE exactly? I believe that some of these so called complaints come forth due to my words with my neighbor across from my townhome residence. My pets, are well taken care of, and there pet waste is ALWAYS picked up, this is why I precisely have positioned a roll of pet waste pick up bags in a discreet location where they can not be seen by the general public. This accusation may be considered libel/slander, as there is no proof that my animals are the ones that have deposited pet waste on the common lawn area. There are several dogs within this community, and I do not have control of their owners who do not pick up after there dogs smell the lawn where my dogs have urinated, and proceed to produce feces, nor will I pick up excrement left by neighbors who are irresponsible with their pets. I belong to the largest Humane Society in the area, as this is a public outreach of my Radio Show and Profile, as well as my beliefs.

Secondly, you accuse me of leaving garbage cans, and the recycle container outside of my garage in public view on non-trash pick up days. This is simply not true. perhaps you have your days of pick up confused? Our day is Monday. Trash is placed out on Sunday, in accordance with the laws and codes set forth by the Village Of Carol Stream. Perhaps you have me confused with inconsiderate neighbors who let their cans or trash blow in my direction? I also REFUSE to pick up my neighbors cans and waste that litters the grounds. This is not my job, nor my duty. And quite frankly, the grounds/lawn crew that is employed by the association is responsible for maintaining the said grounds. If you or your HOA or company think that I am responsible to pick up rubbish that blows in my direction after trash day, you are very wrong in your thinking. Please observe my neighbors in the back who have the daily newspaper delivered, and allow them to accumulate as they are lazy to pick them up, kick them in my direction, or are visiting their homeland of India and leave town. I also REFUSE to pick up after them, and this is not my duty. As well, both neighbors are smokers as well, I smoke one particular brand of cigarettes from an Indian Reservation of which have a unique tip. I use an ashtray. I will NOT pick up after my neighbors ignorance and disrespect of our Earth Mother, which, I consider to be my God, and I take this as a direct assault on my religion.

And third, but certainly not least, you have asked me to not display lawn furniture in public view of the street. Again, I have none. 2** does, not mine. This letter also stated grills, etc. You will notice that there are over 20 homes that use grills. My grill is hidden by my beautiful plants and is not a distraction to the community.

I would love to begin taking pictures of clear and true violations and email them to you/and or the Village of Carol Stream.

People in this community drive $70, 000 to $100, 000 cars, and alas, I have chosen to drive a 20 year old automobile, not due to finances, but due to practicality and the fact that I do not need a status symbol to be displayed. I have recv'd both inappropriate gestures and comments. This is beyond belief, as we do not live in the Gold Cost area of Chicago, we live in the Village of Carol Stream, a working class village, with a high-class, overdeveloped community known as Easton Park.

Many complaints have been made by the homeowners of Carol Stream, as I am sure you are well aware.

I myself am an activist, a radio show host, and a former fashion designer to high profile Celebrities such as Roseanne Barr and Betty Buckley, and I treat others with respect, and I expect the same of this HOA and surrounding neighbors. We are no better than each other, and I do not deserve to be singled out.

Let me give you a piece of history, my Grandfather, George Kostopoulos was a founder and Commissioner of the Village of Carol Stream, and Lake George is named after him. I follow in his footsteps with my Political Activism and community awareness, and I do not hold back when I see a wrong taking place. I understand that you may have sent letters to several of my neighbors for violations, I understand this is your duty. But how often do you actually come to this neighborhood? Do you travel here at night to see my ignorant neighbors using the guest parking as additional parking? Do you notice piles of newspapers and unmaintained balconies? Do you notice that the landscaping service does not maintain the plants that are overgrown in front of the residences? Do you ever observe them working, and actually see them cleaning the property up? They are not doing their job.

I have no need to speak with you, unless in writing by email, as paper trails are most important in cases such as this. This also goes for the HOA President, of which I think is a VERY kind man with a genuine heart, my issue is with the Foster Premier organization as a whole. I intend to relay this to other neighbors, who have also had problems with your company.

I am not pleased at all with getting somewhat threatening and duplicate impersonal form letters through the United States Postal Service. What we have here is an issue that may need to be spoken about at the Village Council, of Carol Stream itself, which governs the actual city codes that override any others, as this is set forth by voters in this community who have a voice.

And so in closing, I am informing you, that these violations were not of this household and were unfounded, and discriminating. Should you wish to see a $70, 000 car, the Jaguar is parked in my garage, as I do not need or want to display a status symbol to be part of the community known as Easton Park, in the working class and poverty infused Section 8 community known as the Village of Carol Stream. Just because we live in a high-end area, known as Easton Park, we should not need feel elite, over any citizen residing within the Village.

Sincerely, Joshua-Paul Angell
2** S#*# Drive, Carol Stream, Il. 60188

I wanted to let you know that the Silver Mercedes Benz continues to park in guest parking. It is the same car that was parked next to MY car the night that you had mine towed. How does the homeowner get away with this? It is parked there AGAIN tonight. I was told to call Foster P anytime, I have, office is closed. So I called the towing company directly. They told me that the vehicle had to be reported by Foster P, which is impossible since this stuff happens at night. So who am I supposed to call? I was charged $170, so why is the Luxury Car owner not getting towed? Redmon Towing said they DO NOT come through Easton Park to check, that you as a Foster P rep. have to call them. How do we contact you at night? The President does not respond... Must not be home.

The car is a Silver Mercedes Benz SUV, and it is continues to be parked in guest parking with no consequences.

The other issue, the day I phoned you, you swore up and down that there was a tow sign at the entrance of the property. I told you on the phone that I was circling the property and saw no sign. And miraculously the next day, a sign appeared. I have it on record from 6 residents and 4 witnesses that the sign was NOT in place the night my car was towed. (Nor was it since Easton Park was built. I took pictures as well, and I will forward them all to you. Why did the sign show up so quickly after my call with you? I felt belittled during our phone call as you insisted that there was indeed a sign. I am glad I have pictures.

My landlord apparently did not get any recent notice about stepped up security with parking.
The Carol Stream Code Inforcement does in fact have regulations set in place as far as signs go, where we live is set up just like apartments. There needs to be a tow warning sign underneath the guest parking sign. You can contact the Police Department and speak to the operator who will get you to the right place. This is what I did when I I filed a report for the towing and signs not being in place.

Secondly, 2** Sype, I do not want to get a notice because there are STILL trash cans out... They were out a day early, have tipped over, and trash is on the ground. Not my trash- not my cans, will not pick up...

Third, I have discovered who is depositing the dog feces on the lawn, it was the same dog that urinated on my bench and on my child's snowman. I have been picking up the feces, because after talking to you, I feel that I will forever be blamed. This needs to stop. There are two dogs causing the problems, one is a blonde man (perhaps confused to be me from the neighbor across the street who has called me a ### telling me to pick up my dog Sh**... yes, true story.- This is why I cite harassment.) The dog is a large Husky. The other dog is a smaller mixed breed Chihuahua looking dog, I believe that the dog belongs to the end unit on my building.

Fourth, the school bus driver, and parents such as myself, have been having issues with being able to drive on our own streets. The construction going on at site #17, the men are parking trucks illegally in the wrong directions in the street, so that you can not pass through. Yes, I know that we can all circle around the other way, but it is dangerous on the ice that layers the streets to back up, especially for a school bus.

Also, I am hoping that instead of spending so much time and money on mailing out notices and taking pictures that they might consider buying some bags of salt?

Thank You,
Joshua

Karen,
I wrote you last night. When we spoke I was told I could call at any time. I called the office last night, no answering service. I called this morning, the woman said she could not get a message to you- leave a voicemail. I am sending several pictures. THIS VERY Mercedes was parked next to my 21 year old car and did not get towed on the VERY night that my old Taurus was there. Perhaps now you are seeing my frustration?

I demand it towed immediately please. I called Redmon's towing, they said it has to be called in by management, which is you, and I still am waiting to see it towed. Working from home today and I will be watching. Please have it towed so I can get over the feeling of being singled out because I was driving an old car in an "upscale" area, and this very car that was parked next to mine was and is not being towed. Perhaps I deserve a refund? I am sorry to sound demanding or frustrating to you, but now you can see why. More pictures to follow.

Karen, I sent a night time picture so that I would not be thought of as a liar just to prove a point. Here is the daytime picture in the same position- still there- Redmon's not co-operating and your office is not much help either, straight to voicemail or the operator says to leave a voicemail. What good will this do?

Karen, this garbage is nothing new. address is 2** Sype Drive, in Easton Park. They set items and trash to the street all the time. Here is my proof with a picture attached.

Karen, here is the picture of the sign at the backside of Easton Park in CS- it is not directly facing street, is on pretty much vacant property... It should be more clear and/or fixed as to where it applies to- at the moment, many including me take it as no parking in or on the street/vacant land.

Picture of sign that showed up is attached

Karen,
we spoke about the tow sign at the front entrance of Easton Park neighborhood. I took pictures on that day and there was NO tow sign- there was never a tow sign- have witnesses- the entire time I have lived here. (2 years and running), then, after we spoke, here the tow sign pops up. I have pictures of muddy/greasy handprints/fingers as well on this sign. It was not there when we spoke, and I told you it wasn't and you claimed it was but that you would check- I have a before picture taken on the same day that we spoke as well. I will do a side by side arrangement and email Foster P later. This is just plain terrible- I did not get notice, taurus was sold to a disabled woman- parked in guest parking as I had to get my child too and from doctor and school- yes, I know it said guest parking, but the sign does not say that the car will be towed- a sign needs to be placed. I have reported this to Carol Stream- as I still feel that the car was taken illegally, and I had to pay 170$ to get it out, and now the Mercedes still sits in guest parking after all of my complaining, calling the tow company to get a message to you, calling your office, emailing last night, and leaving voicemail...

COPY OF EMAIL:
Here is a picture of trash can/etc
Karen, I wanted to prove that the trash can was not mine. See, it is in my garage. Picture is attached. Trash/ frozen disgusting stuff was/is scattered- I took the liberty of wearing gloves and picking it up- disgusting.

COPY OF EMAIL:
I think you need to have the tow company come through every night and check the property- it is only fair- I have spoken with other neighbors who are upset about the Management/HOA that also agree that they are being targeted...

COPY OF EMAIL:
We are all now aware that this Mercedes sits there. I will be watching for the Tow Truck, as I need to tell him about the additional sign that needs to be placed on all guest parking signs per village code...

COPY OF EMAIL:
The way I am getting info about the regs is through the Village of CS and 2 other local tow companies, as well as a rental property near CS area-

COPY OF EMAIL:
We shall see if it actually gets towed. I am sure that you can now understand my frustration. Shouldn't the HOA President be checking these things on a daily basis? The answer is yes.

COPY OF EMAIL:
Instead- the Mercedes remains and I will be absolutely floored if they are not towed and just sent a warning letter. It is not fair that the car sits there and is not being towed and that your office can not get a message to you- The President must surely be working as most people aren't as fortunate to be at home all day as I am...

COPY OF EMAIL:
I am really waiting for remedies to these situations... I know I sound frustrated, trust me, I am- it is because it is not fair. My messages are in NO way directed at you individually, I am just trying to get some justice here...

To further my proof, here more complaints with Foster Premiere Property Management that is posted online:
Ste 190, 750 West Lake Cook Road Buffalo Grove, IL [protected]-1222
"Bad: The lack of accountability for their mistakes and miscommunication." - judysbook.com
"One of the worst customer services ever" - judysbook.com ... "They aren't deserving of 1 star" - judysbook.com ... "Suffice it to say if communication is king, they are knaves" - judysbook.com ... "No need to get into the sordid details" -judysbook.com ... "Bad: The lack of accountability for their mistakes and miscommunication" - judysbook.com

"If I could, I wouldn't even give them one star! These people harass you for money without any justifications except from the tips of the ###ic neighbors (who is also the Board President and his miserable wife) who seem to have nothing better to do than to spy on people. I wish we never bought our townhome here because of the amount of time we have wasted calling to correct ridiculous charges against us AND for the tears I have shed from being frustrated by the harassment."

"SECOND that HORRIBLE VOTE! You know it is bad when you want to PAY your assessment on time and you can't even get in contact with your property manager to give her your information or give them the payment information that has already been made but their books are WRONG!. Second... ALL of the homes that have foreclosed in Easton Park and the homes being sold in short sale and ME the homeowner that doesn't want to destroy the community by selling it to the first person on the streets.. actually provided our leasing families information and references and used legal services to validate the information was decline because we didn't GET a FHA loan (What?!?!) to lease to own.. YET when we were specifically told the homes were NOT FHA approved homes when we purchased it in 2008 and didn't meet FHA's specifications/codes. HOWEVER... for those of you out there that didn't know this there is a GRANDFATHER list where you can rent but only INVESTORs are only permitted on this bogus list.. The clause was put in place because of all of the INVESTORS that purchased several properties in 2008 (at cost) when it was CONCORD right before they were acquired by LENNAR.. The investors couldn't sell the properties (15 of them) because hard economic times fell upon the economy and so they were forced to rent. They rented to anyone .. literally ANYONE.. and this caused a lot of turmoil in the community. So there was an amendment written by FOSTER PREMIER that NO-ONE could lease. YET… there is a GRANDFATHER list. However, the only people on this ridiculous list that has to be APPROVED by the Lennar board is the INVESTORS. These people should NOT be allowed to manage ANYTHING let along an entire community. I am going to make it my personal mission to SCREAM this as loud as possible until they start fixing their problems or LENNAR get's ride of FOSTER PREMIER and gets a REALLY property management company. PS.. did I mention the home next to mine that foreclosed and sold 100K under market value had grass 2 ft high with weed infestation and a serious mouse problem ... but it wasn't PREMIERs problem (as they stated) to fix it because it wasn't in their contract to deal with homes that weren't maintained and going in foreclosure. They told me to contact the bank that owned the loan. AWESOME CUSTOMER service!"

"HORRIBLE! I am not happy with them, and few in my association are. The only reason I gave them one star was because I could not post without a rating. I have lived in Crestview Estates (Condo) for a few years now. Association Fees keep going up, we are not getting anything more than we were, sometimes less. I realize the cost of living changes on a regular basis, but I do not feel the increases are warranted for what we get. We do not have a pool or ammenity like that. They handle (what I refer to) as snow and grass. They are responsible for maintaining the buildings, all 50 of them. Some (not all) buildings have been painted but little more than that has been done. There is no reason for a 10-30% increase every year when we are talking snow and grass (which is poorly kept.) I will say that the snow is handled great, but that should be attributed to Acres more than Foster Premier. The story we got at the assn meeting about our brown grass was that owners are supposed to turn on the sprinkler to maintain the grass. WHAT ARE WE PAYING FOR? This is not a Home Owners Assn.. We are OWNERS... Why pay the landscapers if WE have to maintain it? I realize the board is involved, but their decisions are made at the guidance of Foster Premier. They are the ones who provide our board with the estimates. We get locked in on these contracts and are stuck paying way too much. Calling the office- as others have mentioned, they keep forwarding to the property manager's voice mail with inconsistent call back. On three separate occasions I've had to call that person two and three times to get my answer, I rarely receive a call back without some follow up. She does respond to e-mail though. (I guess we know why she never answers the phone!)"

"WORST MANAGEMENT COMPANY EVER I HOPE NO ONE HAS TO DEAL WITH THIS COMPANY TO GET INFORMATION FROM, I AM IN THE MORTGAGE INDUSTRY AND HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THE RUDEST MANAGEMENT COMPANY. THEY DONT STICK BY THEIR WORD AND LIE THROUGH THEIR TEETH. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO REQUEST CONDO BUDGETS, QUESTIONAIRES, AND HOA INFO FOR A WEEK AND STILL HAVENT RECIEVED IT AND THEY PROMISED NEXT DAY AIR. BUT EVEN AFTER A WEEK THEY ARE STILL STAYING NEXT DAY! THEY ARE A BUNCH OF USELESS PEOPLE THAT SIT ON THERE ### AND DO NOTHING BUT LIE AND TAKE YOUR MONEY!"

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