Dorkus Maximus said:
I'd definitely be interested in hearing what you have to say about Brookwood. Do you know anything about Belle Village (right behind Brookwood). Those were probably my top two choices from my visit - mainly because they allow pets and are half way between LECOM and my girlfriend's school (Penn State - Behrend).
Thanks!
Cory
Brookwood Village Pros & Cons
Cons:
1. expensive - you have to pay for water and club fees which are not included in rent. So my two bedroom townhouse costs me close to $800/month instead of the of the $715/month. This does not include the gas or electric.
2. noisy - I think this place is extremely noisy with all the penn state, mercyhurst students living here. People honking their horns, yelling, and partying at 3 in the morning. It really pisses me off when I have a test the next day. Also, the fire station is right across the road and sirens go off at least 6-10 times a day. Most of my neighbors say its quiet here so it depends on what your used to.
3. Maintenance sucks - I heard from a few neighbors that they are very slow to respond and will enter your home when your not there. There are a few minor problems with things that could be fixed but I definately want to be here when they do it.
4. Management sucks - they lied to me when I asked if each unit has its own fenced in yard. I wasn't able to see the place before I got here so I just looked at the picture on their website and talked to the owner. I asked one more time if each individual unit has a fenced backyard before signing the lease and they said yes. Well, when I got here I found out that there was no fenced yard but instead a deck with no steps down to the yard. I feel so bad for my little dogs who are used to running around outside, instead they are stuck in the house most of the time.
5. Snow removal - they scrape the road but thats about all they do. I was under the impression that they would scrape out the driveways and shovel the entry way, also. If it snows on a weekend they usually don't plow anything until monday.
6. Far from LECOM - Its only 7 miles from school but it takes me about 30 minutes to make it to class. There are lots of traffic lights and numerous 15 mph school zones on the way to school. Traffic is really bad in the morning and after 3 pm. Most students live within 5 minutes of school.
7. Close to the Slums - About 3 miles down the road and your into some scary a$$ slums. The east side of Erie is somewhere you don't want to be in the middle of the night. I don't think its any coincidence that Erie's two biggest hospitals are only blocks away from the worst parts of town.
8. Pool & Club - exercise equipment is old and broken. I haven't used the pool so I really can't comment on that. My neighbor told me that last year the Club Fee/Usage was optional however this year everyone is getting charged for it regardless. It gets me mad that I'm paying for it even though I don't use it especially since entry into the facility is controlled by an access card.
Pros:
1. Close to the interstate - about 3 miles to interstate going E & W.
2. Shopping plaza right down the road (kmart, restaurants, grocery store)
3. Close to Mercyhurst, Penn State Behrand, and elementary schools.
4. nice housing - its a nice facility compared to some of the housing I've seen in Erie.
5. small park and community pool nearby
6. On the edge of town - more of a suburban/rural feeling.
7. One of the few places that allow pets.
8. One year lease
I can't think of anything else good or bad about Brookwood Village. I don't know anything about Belle Village so I'm not much help there.
I am definately moving when my lease is up. I've seen ads for places that are closer to LECOM and also allow pets.
Werty