Washington Square

Pros

• Residents appreciate the nice apartments and reasonable rent.
• The maintenance man receives high praise for his service, often rated five stars by residents.
• Some residents love their apartments and find them to have everything they need, considering it a fantastic place for seniors to retire.
• The community is described as wonderful by some residents who value being close to family.
• Bible study sessions are available for those interested, providing a sense of community engagement.
• The facility is attractive and situated in a small town, which is considered an ideal environment by some residents.

Cons

• The quality of management has diminished significantly over the past 6-7 years, leading to frustration among residents.
• The manager is rarely present and tends to keep the door closed when they are on site, which isolates them from resident concerns.
• Residents are engaging in rule-breaking behaviors, such as smoking weed, with no enforcement from management.
• Complaints about living conditions are dismissed with responses suggesting residents should move instead of addressing their concerns.
• Parking is poorly managed, with insufficient handicapped spaces and a lack of assigned parking causing inconvenience for residents.
• Rent increases have been implemented without clear explanations, leading to distrust among tenants.
• Management displays favoritism towards certain residents, sharing confidential information that should remain private.
• There is an overall perception that maintenance staff may enter apartments without consent or notification, contributing to discomfort among residents.

Review

Over the past thirteen years, the management at a senior living community has experienced a notable decline, leading to dissatisfaction among residents. Initially praised for their effectiveness and attentiveness, management quality has slipped over the last six to seven years. Compounding this issue is the recent expansion of the community with new apartments and townhomes, which has stretched management resources thin as they attempt to balance their time between multiple facilities. Though it was established that a manager would be present at the senior facility two days a week, experiences have shown that this commitment is not consistently met. The frustration reached a peak when the last manager was fired in February 2022 and it took six months to find a replacement who has since been criticized for her sporadic presence and lack of engagement with residents.

The lack of adequate oversight has led to an environment where some residents feel they can act without regard for community rules or respect towards others. Complaints about noise and disruptive behavior go unaddressed; for instance, instances of smoking marijuana are prevalent every evening, yet management responds by claiming there’s insufficient evidence to take action. This kind of lax enforcement creates tension among residents who abide by the rules and fosters an atmosphere reminiscent of poorly monitored housing projects. Moreover, residents have expressed dismay about maintenance staff entering apartments without consent when they believe tenants are not home—raising concerns about privacy and respect.

Compounding these issues is favoritism perceived within the management structure. Reports indicate that certain residents receive preferential treatment while others find themselves unjustly accused by the manager based on rumors rather than facts. Such practices contribute to feelings of frustration within the resident population—many feel powerless in voicing their concerns effectively as their complaints seem to vanish into thin air or are dismissed outright with replies like "you can move" if one expresses dissatisfaction with living conditions. It’s clear that many feel trapped due to limited options for affordable senior housing; long waiting lists at other facilities discourage them from seeking alternatives.

Parking availability adds another layer of complication for residents, particularly those with physical disabilities. Despite having only four designated handicapped spaces corresponding to four handicapped apartments, visitors frequently occupy resident parking spots due to inconsistent enforcement by management regarding parking regulations. Residents are left grappling with an illogical system where visitor cars take precedence over those needing access most critically. Parking becomes even more chaotic as community members utilize these lots recklessly—speeding through despite no speed limit signs or speed bumps—which raises serious safety concerns.

Conversely, some reviews reflect positively on individual experiences within Washington Square despite overall negative sentiments directed toward management practices. Residents appreciate well-kept apartments equipped with essential amenities—a suitable living environment aligned with their needs during retirement years. Some individuals recount positive interactions with attentive property managers who fulfill requests promptly and address resident needs effectively, suggesting that experiences may vary significantly depending on specific relationships formed within this complex residential dynamic.

Ultimately, this mixed feedback underscores both strengths and weaknesses inherent in Washington Square's operational approach. While certain aspects such as apartment quality receive high marks from satisfied tenants eager for community engagement opportunities—like Bible study meetings on Thursdays—the absence of effective managerial support undermines potential joy derived from communal life in this otherwise attractive facility located in a desirable small-town setting.

As frustrations mount alongside moments of contentment felt by some inhabitants seeking connection near family—or simply enjoying their cozy living quarters—it’s evident that Washington Square stands at a crossroads between thriving community life rife with vibrancy or stagnation marked by mismanagement devoid of accountability.

This area of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania offers a variety of amenities and services that would be beneficial for senior living. There are several places of worship nearby, providing opportunities for spiritual fulfillment and community involvement. Pharmacies and physicians' offices are readily accessible, ensuring easy access to medical care and prescriptions. There is a diverse range of restaurants and cafes in the vicinity, offering convenient dining options. The presence of theaters and parks provides opportunities for entertainment and outdoor activities. Additionally, the proximity to hospitals like Summit Health and Chambersburg Hospital ensures quick access to healthcare services when needed. Overall, this area boasts a well-rounded environment that caters to the needs and interests of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient place to live.

Places of Worship

• Zion Reformed Church (0.1 miles)
• King Street Church (0.4 miles)
• Unity (4 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (4.2 miles)
• Marion Mennonite Church (4.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.1 miles)
• Chambers' Apothecary (0.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Park Avenue Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• GIANT Pharmacy (1.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Las Palmeras Restauran (0.1 miles)
• Main Street Deli (0.3 miles)
• Ice Cream Station (0.3 miles)
• Brussel's Cafe (0.3 miles)
• Bistro 71 (0.3 miles)
• Pat & Carlas (0.7 miles)
• Copper Kettle (1.2 miles)

Theaters

• The Downtown Chambersburg (0.2 miles)

Cafes

• Denim Coffee (0.3 miles)
• Starbucks (1.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.9 miles)
• Kristtany Tea and Brewology Coffee Shop (4.3 miles)

Physicians

• Keystone Behavioral Health (0.3 miles)
• Franklin Family Practice (0.5 miles)
• Betsy Rosenthal DPM (0.9 miles)
• Richards Orthopaedic Center & Sports Medicine (0.9 miles)
• Rosemary A Johnston DO (1 miles)
• Balhara Internal Medicine Assoc (1.3 miles)
• Valley Urological Associates (1.3 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul (0.7 miles)
• Pennsylvania & Southern Railway (4.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Summit Health (0.9 miles)
• Chambersburg Hospital (0.9 miles)
• Cancer Treatment Center (0.9 miles)
• Chambersburg Hospital (1.4 miles)
• Laurel Lakes (1.7 miles)

Parks

• Memorial Park Skate Park (1.6 miles)
• Falling Springs Trout Nursery (1.8 miles)