All posts by admin

Used Gaming/Desk Chair for Free

We’re getting rid of a two-year-old Maingear Forma GT MK II gaming chair. Because the current owner works full-time online, he needs a serious workhorse of a chair, and this one no longer qualifies. It would be great to be able to re-home it rather than just tossing it. The reclining mechanism no longer works (everything else seems to), and there’s a loop of spring peeking through the seat that needs addressing (see second photo), but for someone who needs a desk chair for minimal cost (free!) this might be an option. Email me if you’re interested.

Propped Doors & a Smoking Reminder

If anyone notices a chemical smell in the atrium this morning, it’s from trying to remove the marks on the carpet that were left when a propped door allowed boys on bikes to come in and “play.” Please don’t prop doors open unless you’re right there keeping an eye on things!!

Also, our documents were amended in 2015 to prohibit smoking within 30 feet of any entrance to the building. While it’s tempting to stand by an entrance in the winter for a quick smoke, especially in that nice out-of-the-wind corner by the loading dock, the smoke gets into the adjacent unit and causes problems, even triggering a smoke detector on occasion. Please be considerate and step away from the building.

Fob Reader Issues & Responsible Pet Ownership

FYI, some fob readers may be out on and off over the next few days as our electrician reruns the wiring through conduits to meet code requirements for the basement project. The loading dock one appears to be down for the weekend.

There have been reports of little green doggie poop bags dropped in common areas recently. Seriously!? If you don’t want to bring it into your unit for disposal, at least drop the bag down a trash chute. If anyone knows who is doing this, feel free to let management know. The board has the right to issue fines for this sort of nonsense.

My personal thanks to all the responsible pet owners out there.

Squirrel!

Please be aware that a squirrel has found its way into the mailroom. He seems to retreat to the ceiling void quickly when faced with humans, but he’s already helped himself to the contents of a Chewy box so the faster folks pick up their packages the better. Management has been informed of the situation and should be addressing it on Monday.

Hardware Help (& an image question)

From Georgi: Hi. I have a bifold door in great shape but with terrible hardware attached. I have the appropriate hardware kit to replace all the broken pieces but need a hand to get it done. Is there anyone who could help me with this? I have a Dunkin’ Donuts card to say thank you once the door is operable again! Please call me at 978-764-5570 if you think you could help me.

And a question from your web admin: Many years ago someone introduced me to a fascinating B&W photo of our building pre-condo-conversion that showed the fire escapes that used to run down the Market Street side. It was taken maybe around 1970 and had a couple of people getting some fresh air on the fire escape. Is anyone familiar with the photo I mean? It came to mind for a possible project and I’m trying to track it down. Feel free to answer in the comments or email me at canalplaceone@gmail.com

Parking Ban Notifications

While watching the snow and wondering when one’s car will need to be moved again, now might be a good time to sign up for notifications through the LPD’s Code Red. A number of other options for keeping track of snow emergencies are listed on the Snow Center page of lowellma.gov (I personally have more faith in Code Red than in their Notify Me system).

My own preferred way to keep track of snow emergencies is by regularly checking the LPD Facebook page; it also helps that I have a neighbor who follows this stuff more closely and routinely gives me a heads up. That said, please do NOT depend on this website for notifications—if I’m occupied or can’t get to a computer then nothing will get posted.

Additionally, while the board and management do their best to have email blasts go out, that’s not always possible, especially on weekends. It is the responsibility of residents to keep track of the weather and move their cars as needed.

Snow Emergency

The city has declared a Snow Emergency beginning at noon on Saturday, Jan 6th, with a parking ban six hours later at 6:00pm. All vehicles must be removed from our surface lot by 6:00pm Saturday in order to allow plowing. Any cars still in the surface lot after that time are subject to towing at the owner’s expense.

Starting at noon Saturday, there is free parking for downtown residents at certain city garages, including the Hamilton Canal garage by Canal Place 3 (entrance is from Dutton Street). Parking at the Roy Garage is NOT free, and our Association will NOT reimburse fees.

Once the Snow Emergency ends, owners have two hours to remove their vehicles from the Hamilton Canal garage before charges begin to accumulate.