Harrison Arms

Pros

• Tony and his assistant Alicia were friendly and accommodating, making the interview process feel welcoming.
• Tony is described as a considerate manager who handled arrangements with care.
• Ramon, Felipe, and Tee go above and beyond for the building and its tenants.
• Ramon ensures that all the work is completed.
• Felipe keeps maintenance in good order and handles tasks professionally.
• Tee keeps everything professional and presentable and makes sure everyone is taken care of.

Cons

• Preventative measures and routine bedroom checks should have been implemented, which could have saved her life.
• They are avoiding our calls for her security deposit back.
• The reviewer labels the situation as negligence.
• The writer was disappointed that scheduling an interview could not occur in time due to the quarantine.

Review

Peter Antonellis Towers, formerly known as Harrison Arms, stands as more than just a senior housing option for many families. The experiences shared about this building paint a picture of a place with dedicated staff who strive to help tenants, even as a family contends with a heartbreaking tragedy and ongoing disputes over a security deposit. At the heart of the narrative is a grandmother who suffered a catastrophic stroke on February 24, 2024, and whose body was not discovered until February 27 after a wellness check was requested by a relative. The account points to a belief that preventive measures and routine bedroom checks should have been in place, and that such gaps in safety and monitoring have left the family grappling with a sense of negligence and loss, amplified by the difficulty in recovering the grandmother's security deposit amid their ongoing concerns.

The story begins on the waiting list for several senior housing options, including this building. The period coincided with the disruption of the COVID era, which added layers of complexity and delay to the process of moving loved ones into a safer home. In the midst of these uncertainties, a manager named Tony demonstrated responsiveness and consideration. While the family was under quarantine, Tony called for an interview, trying to keep the process moving despite the extraordinary circumstances. Although the family couldn't physically attend in time due to quarantine and travel restrictions, Tony took steps to ensure they wouldn't be dropped too far back on the list, moving their relative's name forward a few spaces to provide enough time to complete quarantine and make the necessary travel arrangements for the interview.

Tony's approach, along with his assistant Alicia, left a positive impression. The person recounting these events described them as friendly and accommodating, noting that such management suggested that the family might be in good hands with this building. That early impression of thoughtful, client-centered leadership contributed to a sense of trust and hope about what living there could be like. The interactions with Tony and Alicia are framed as a crucial part of the building's initial appeal, underscoring the importance of managers who can balance the realities of housing operations with genuine care for prospective residents and their families.

Beyond the initial impressions on the waiting list, the weekly routines and the visible maintenance culture of the building are highlighted through a separate, steady cohort of staff. The writer mentions working with Ramon, Felipe, and Tee every Thursday, praising them for going above and beyond for the building and its tenants. This trio is described as highly professional, consistently addressing tenants' needs, and maintaining a reliable sense of order and care within the property. Ramon is credited with ensuring that work gets done, Felipe with keeping maintenance in good order, and Tee with maintaining a professional, presentable environment and ensuring that everyone is doing well. The tone here is one of respect and gratitude for a team that shows up consistently and takes ownership of their responsibilities.

The narrative also situates the building within a broader history, noting its former name, Harrison Arms, and indeed the transition to Peter Antonellis Towers. This context adds a layer of continuity for longtime tenants and for families who have navigated the housing landscape during a period of change and upheaval - due in part to the pandemic and to evolving management. The name change signals ongoing development and perhaps a renewed commitment to the community, while the experiences recounted underscore both the strengths and the challenges that come with caring for an aging population in a managed senior housing setting.

Towards the end, a tension emerges between the positive encounters with the staff and the unresolved financial concern: the security deposit. The account notes that relatives feel their calls about the security deposit back are being avoided. This complaint sits alongside the earlier critique about preventative measures and the tragic health crisis, reinforcing a sense that while the staff - Tony, Alicia, Ramon, Felipe, and Tee - are capable and dedicated in their daily duties, there are systemic issues or breakdowns in communication and safety protocols that leave the family unsettled and frustrated. The contrast between the compassionate human interactions and the friction over financial matters adds a complex texture to the overall impression of the building.

Taken together, the narrative presents a nuanced portrait of Peter Antonellis Towers. On one hand, there is strong evidence of a compassionate, professional, and responsive staff who personally engage with residents and families, create a welcoming atmosphere, and keep the building running smoothly on a day-to-day basis. On the other hand, there are serious concerns about safety practices and preventive care, as well as ongoing disputes over financial matters that affect trust and peace of mind for families during painful times. The story thus reflects both the daily reliability of care workers who show up for their tenants and the urgent need for clearer safety protocols and transparent communication about financial obligations, so that vulnerable residents and their loved ones can feel secure in both their physical well-being and their financial arrangements.

This part of East Orange, New Jersey offers a variety of amenities that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment. With several parks nearby such as Orange Park, South Mountain Reservation, and Memorial Park, residents can enjoy the outdoors and stay active. The area is also well-connected by public transportation options including NJ Transit stations like Brick Church and East Orange, making it easy to get around without a car. There are plenty of dining options ranging from fast food chains like Taco Bell and McDonald's to upscale restaurants like McLoone's Boathouse and Mayfair Farms Banquet Facilities. Additionally, there are several pharmacies for easy access to medications and healthcare services provided by reputable medical groups like Summit Medical Group and Care Station Medical Group. Overall, this neighborhood in East Orange provides a safe and welcoming community for seniors looking to enjoy their retirement years.

Parks

• Orange Park Nj (0.3 miles)
• South Mountain Reservation (2.3 miles)
• Milo S. Borden Park (2.4 miles)
• Eagle Rock Reservation (2.6 miles)
• Memorial Park (3.1 miles)
• Degnan Memorial Park (3.6 miles)
• Edgemont Memorial Park (4.9 miles)

Transportation

• NJT - Brick Church Station (0.6 miles)
• East Orange Station (0.9 miles)
• NJT - Maplewood Station (3.2 miles)
• Newark Penn Station (3.8 miles)
• Harrison Path Station (4.1 miles)
• Newark Liberty International Airport Station (4.3 miles)
• Rail Link (4.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (1.2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.9 miles)
• McLoone's Boathouse (3 miles)
• Mayfair Farms Banquet Facilities (3.3 miles)
• The Able Baker (3.4 miles)
• Tops Diner (3.4 miles)
• McDonald's (3.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (4.3 miles)

Cafes

• True Salvage Cafe (2.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.7 miles)
• The Bread Stand (3.2 miles)
• Paper Plane Coffee Co. (4 miles)
• Dunkin (5.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.4 miles)

Physicians

• Care Station Medical Group (2.6 miles)
• Summit Medical Group (2.7 miles)
• Women First Health Center (3.7 miles)
• Summit Medical Group (3.9 miles)
• Summit Medical Group (4.9 miles)
• Summit Medical Group (5.7 miles)
• Merck (6.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church (3.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Saint Barnabas Medical Center (4 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Clifton Commons 16 (6.6 miles)