One year after opening their doors, University Village at Sweethome Apartments are still facing difficulties.
For many residents, the development's proximity to North Campus, in-ground pool, workout area and shuttle services have become trade-offs for what many consider poor management and lack of maintenance.
"It took them a whole year to get the locks (working). It was a huge safety issue since everyone knew about it," said Shauna Hausle, a junior communication major who has lived in the apartments since they opened.
Hausle also cited smaller inconveniences, such as the infrequent changing of the tanning bed lights. Another problem she noted is that while improved, shuttle buses are still not up to par.
Shana Brunette, senior psychology major and second year resident of the complex, also finds inconsistencies with the shuttle system. Buses are scheduled to run every 12 minutes from 7:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. on weekdays, but according to Brunette, the only change has been the addition of a morning shuttle bus.
Even with the added morning transportation, residents say that problems still exist with shuttle consistency, and more changes need to be made to meet residents' expectations.
"Sometimes they'll come one right after another. Then the next one won't come for 20 minutes," said Elizabeth Anderson, junior history major.
Hausle said that although shuttles still aren't running on weekends, she finds the situation "understandable."
"If you're living off-campus, you should probably have a car," she said.
Both Hausle and Anderson still recognize that having shuttles to campus is a perk, even if they come irregularly.
"That's what we have to expect when the college provides us with shuttles, even though they don't have to," Hausle said.
Brunette would like to see more changes made, especially when it comes to management of the complex.
"Management tends to make promises and not keep them," Brunette said. "Maintenance of the complex has been slacking too. We need a better, more consistent and more stable management."
There is currently no general manager for the complex employed by University Village. Acting manager Susan Cruise declined to comment. Corporate offices also refused commentary.
University Village, like on-campus housing, is also struggling with its parking situation.
Last year, residents were told that there would be enough parking for every tenant, plus one guest. Many say that this is one of the promises that management hasn't kept.
According to several residents, it's not rare to have to park on the opposite side of the complex from where one lives.
"We have parking permits, but I've never seen it enforced," Anderson said.
Hausle added that University Police aren't affiliated with University Village, which may be the problem. She said that the lack of enforcement makes the mandatory parking passes irrelevant for those who have them.
"With all the money we pay, we should get the best spot," Hausle said. "I can't even get close on weekends."
Highlighting some positive aspects of Sweethome, Brunette said that complex-wide activities have taken place, including pool and pizza parties, movie nights and billiards tournaments. These activities are bonuses that usually only occur in on-campus residences.
These perks, however, are not enough to leave some residents dissatisfied.
Hausle believes that the management's method of maintaining clean grounds creates a discrepancy in the community.
"They post signs offering a $500 reward if people report others (destroying property)," Hausle said. "I don't think that promotes a good neighborhood living experience when they basically bribe people to tell on each other."
Even after all the hype has died down over the past year, Anderson and Hausle still enjoy living in the apartments. Both residents keep in mind that the complex is college housing, even with its "luxurious amenities."
To them, cheap furnishings and quick construction can only be expected.
"It was about $1000 more a year than the dorms and I have my own room and my own bathroom," Anderson said.
Privacy is what sets this property apart from the on-campus options, according to Hausle.
"Its the dorm experience, but with more privacy," she said.
"It's a good place to live - I came back here again," said Hausle. "Hopefully the management will figure everything out."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
