MeadowWood at Gateway in Brooklyn (Hope: sales, apartments, renters)

[kbashy81]

To all current (or past) residents at this condo development: What is it like living there? Would you recommeds that people purchase there? Have you experienced any problems with management/other owners? etc.

I am concered that with such a large development it's hard to control what others do to the common areas...I have heard rumors of graffiti...
Also, If I hate living there I am concerned about selling my unit if the entire development has not been sold. For example, why would someone wasnt to buy my unit at say...$250,000 when the development is still selling the same one for $210,000. I also heard that that section of Brooklyn is all swamp land. The condos look great inside and out...but I'm not sure if I trust it completely. Please, please, please offer whatever information you may have.

Thanks you.

[Fred314X]

Regardless of what anyone tells you...it sounds like the best possible move would be for you to go there and check it out with your own eyes.

As to the geography, most of Brooklyn's southeastern coast is, in fact, reclaimed marshland. That's not exclusive to the area around MeadowWood.

[edrican]

I just went yesterday to look at the condos and my wife and I loved them.We fell in love with the large 2 bedroom on the high floor due to the view.While we where getting a tour,it did'nt even feel like where in ENY or in fact across the street from the projects.The area as I know was a marshland but it doesn't bother me only the projects has me a little worried.We have been looking for a house for a while but these condos surprised me.I only hope that management keeps up the maintenace on the property and the area begins to change for the good ( I HOPE ).

[homeowner35]

Originally Posted by edrican

I just went yesterday to look at the condos and my wife and I loved them.We fell in love with the large 2 bedroom on the high floor due to the view.While we where getting a tour,it did'nt even feel like where in ENY or in fact across the street from the projects.The area as I know was a marshland but it doesn't bother me only the projects has me a little worried.We have been looking for a house for a while but these condos surprised me.I only hope that management keeps up the maintenace on the property and the area begins to change for the good ( I HOPE ).

Great choice! I've been there a few times and I loved it too. They did a good job. Get a unit that is not close to the projects. Projects are everywhere. It's NY. The terrace is huge in the two bedroom unit. They staged the apartments really nicely. I like the kitchen. Good luck!

[nyctcutie27]

I am a unit owner. I purchased in June of 2008. The units are nicely renovated. Management has been doing a great job in my opinion. They modernized the lobbies, updated the grounds, just finished re-painting the parking area and the list goes on. Meadowwood (Fromerly Fairfiled Towers) is fairly quiet. The lobbies are always empty and the area surrounding the units is good. I have been truly amazed at how good my living experience has been. At first I was a bit reluctant to purchase due to the proximity of the projects. I am happy to report that I have not had any major issues. I am satisfied with the complex and I think I made a good decision by purchasing here. Hope this helps.

[homeowner35]

Originally Posted by nyctcutie27

I am a unit owner. I purchased in June of 2008. The units are nicely renovated. Management has been doing a great job in my opinion. They modernized the lobbies, updated the grounds, just finished re-painting the parking area and the list goes on. Meadowwood (Fromerly Fairfiled Towers) is fairly quiet. The lobbies are always empty and the area surrounding the units is good. I have been truly amazed at how good my living experience has been. At first I was a bit reluctant to purchase due to the proximity of the projects. I am happy to report that I have not had any major issues. I am satisfied with the complex and I think I made a good decision by purchasing here. Hope this helps.

Good choice! I am glad that you bought a unit. I remember when you posted last year. Congratulations.

[SeventhFloor]

Originally Posted by nyctcutie27

I am a unit owner. I purchased in June of 2008. The units are nicely renovated. Management has been doing a great job in my opinion. They modernized the lobbies, updated the grounds, just finished re-painting the parking area and the list goes on. Meadowwood (Fromerly Fairfiled Towers) is fairly quiet. The lobbies are always empty and the area surrounding the units is good. I have been truly amazed at how good my living experience has been. At first I was a bit reluctant to purchase due to the proximity of the projects. I am happy to report that I have not had any major issues. I am satisfied with the complex and I think I made a good decision by purchasing here. Hope this helps.

do you drive? if no, then how is shopping and commuting to work?

[2020Plus]

I looked into purchasing a condominium at Meadow Wood at Gateway and checked out several units. I was a bit skeptical of purchasing because of the conversion of rental apartments into condos. I had concerns about resell value and sharing common areas with renters. What if only 50% of the units sell? What happens if renters or someone one damage common areas, will my monthly charges increase? Since renters cannot be forced out, what happens if these apartments remain rentals?

With all of those questions, I decided to move forward. In life there are risks and I was willing to make an investment and hope for the best. That is until I spoke with a few residents (owners and renters) in Meadow Wood. I was informed that the apartment I was shown sits directly above the trash compactor, which means awful smells, mice, rodents and who knows what else. One resident informed me that his apartment is within the same vicinity and he has to constantly spray air freshener due to the smell. He also said people are notorious for playing loud music in the laundry room. When he complains to management, nothing is done. In addition, I was informed of parking lot activities that are illegal, noise in the hallways from adolescent residents as well as illegal activities in the staircases. Of course, the sales agents do not provide this information and that’s why I chose to speak with the people who are not looking to make a profit from me.

Obviously, I could look into another apartment on a different floor or in a different building but I am even more skeptical at this point. I do not want to buy an apartment for $220K + and have it devalued by others.

I welcome everyone’s comments, feedback, and suggestions.

[SeventhFloor]

Originally Posted by 2020Plus

I looked into purchasing a condominium at Meadow Wood at Gateway and checked out several units. I was a bit skeptical of purchasing because of the conversion of rental apartments into condos. I had concerns about resell value and sharing common areas with renters. What if only 50% of the units sell? What happens if renters or someone one damage common areas, will my monthly charges increase? Since renters cannot be forced out, what happens if these apartments remain rentals?

With all of those questions, I decided to move forward. In life there are risks and I was willing to make an investment and hope for the best. That is until I spoke with a few residents (owners and renters) in Meadow Wood. I was informed that the apartment I was shown sits directly above the trash compactor, which means awful smells, mice, rodents and who knows what else. One resident informed me that his apartment is within the same vicinity and he has to constantly spray air freshener due to the smell. He also said people are notorious for playing loud music in the laundry room. When he complains to management, nothing is done. In addition, I was informed of parking lot activities that are illegal, noise in the hallways from adolescent residents as well as illegal activities in the staircases. Of course, the sales agents do not provide this information and that’s why I chose to speak with the people who are not looking to make a profit from me.

Obviously, I could look into another apartment on a different floor or in a different building but I am even more skeptical at this point. I do not want to buy an apartment for $220K + and have it devalued by others.

I welcome everyone’s comments, feedback, and suggestions.

they bring a radio down there and play it?

[2020Plus]

Yes, they play their radio in the laundry room as if they are throwing a party. This information came directly from a tenant on the 1st floor.