Ballantyne House

Pros

• Very nice place to live.
• Cozy, quiet, and clean.
• This building is immaculate and central air conditioned.
• The compactor room is immaculate as well.
• Management and security are on point and approachable.
• Great place for kids!

Cons

• The staff member answering the phone was rude, asking, "What do you want?"
• A social worker allegedly told patients to kill themselves and posted abusive language toward elderly and mentally ill individuals on LIVEME PRO.
• The complainant threatened to sue the agency if the staff member was not removed and investigated.
• Mr. Bradley, described as security, was extremely rude and unprofessional during a call.

Review

The collection of comments about this property paints a mixed picture, weaving together strands of comfort and cleanliness with troubling allegations about staff behavior. On one side, residents and visitors speak warmly about the living environment, noting quiet surroundings, neat interiors, and well-kept amenities. On the other, serious complaints allege mistreatment by staff, improper conduct on the job, and a pattern of unprofessional communication that raises questions about how residents are treated and protected. Taken together, the reviews create a complex portrait of a place that can be pleasant to live in, but where concerns about leadership, security, and frontline staff have caused real alarm for some.

The first notable thread centers on a difficult experience during a routine inquiry. A caller explains that when they phoned to ask about apartment availability, they were met with a curt, unfriendly response from a security guard who reportedly asked, "What do you want?" The reviewer describes the exchange as rude and unprofessional and expresses frustration that such a tone came from someone acting in a security role. This comment underscores a frustration with the initial customer service experience and suggests a desire for more information to be available online rather than relying on a phone line staffed by someone who comes across as dismissive.

Another stark set of concerns targets a staff member described as a social worker associated with the facility. The reviewer claims this individual has publicly demeaned vulnerable residents - specifically mental health patients and the elderly - on social platforms, using language that encourages self-harm. The accusations go further, alleging that the person sometimes broadcasts a live feed from the workplace and uses a harsh, demeaning style in communications. The reviewer asserts that this behavior constitutes policy violations, legal breaches, and constitutional rights infringements, and they call for the staff member's removal and a formal investigation. The language here is strong, and the allegations are presented as urgent and serious, framed as a direct threat to the safety and dignity of residents.

A separate dated entry adds to the sense of a problematic impression from some staff. The reviewer identifies a different employee, Mr. Bradley, who is described as the security contact at that time. They recount a phone interaction during which the guard was "extremely rude & unprofessional." The reviewer doesn't shy away from strong language, stating that people like Mr. Bradley should not hold that profession. This account reinforces the perception that, regardless of the building's physical upkeep, certain front-line interactions can be chaotic or hostile, leaving prospective tenants with a sour initial impression.

Amid these tensions, other voices emphasize the positive aspects of the property, presenting a more favorable, even laudatory view. One reviewer simply notes that the place is a "Very nice place to live" and describes it as "Cozy, quiet and clean." This positive thread highlights a calm and comfortable living environment, suggesting that the property can feel safe and inviting for residents who value a serene atmosphere.

Further, another reviewer provides a detailed compliment to the building's upkeep and amenities. They describe it as "immaculate," with central air conditioning in the hallways and a well-kept compactor room. The same voice praises management and security as "on point and approachable," conveying a sense of reliability and accessibility in handling day-to-day needs. The closing remark - "Great place for kids!" - also signals a family-friendly environment, reinforcing the impression that, for some, the property delivers well on practical and lifestyle expectations.

Taken as a whole, the reviews present a divided evaluation. On one hand, the property appears to offer solid physical upkeep, attractive amenities, and a generally pleasant living space that residents can appreciate - quiet rooms, clean common areas, efficient climate control, and visible, approachable security. On the other hand, there are serious, unambiguous complaints about frontline staff behavior and internal conduct, including alleged harassment, online live-streaming from the workplace, and communication that some find disrespectful or demeaning. These conflicting threads create a tension between the comfort of the living space and serious concerns about the care and safety of those who reside there.

The overall impression is thus one of contrast: a place that can be very comfortable and well-maintained, with strong points in cleanliness, safety, and kid-friendly spaces, yet simultaneously troubled by reports of rude customer service, potential staff misconduct, and alleged violations of resident rights. For prospective tenants, the decision to consider this property seems to hinge on whether the positive aspects - cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and reliable amenity upkeep - outweigh the reported issues with certain staff members and the perceptions of how residents are treated in moments of distress. The interplay between a welcoming physical environment and concerns about personnel conduct remains the defining tension in these reflections.

This area of Newark, New Jersey offers a convenient and well-connected community for seniors looking to relocate. With multiple pharmacies, restaurants, transportation options, parks, physicians' offices, cafes, theaters, places of worship, and a hospital within a few miles radius, residents have access to essential services and amenities. The proximity to various public transportation stations makes it easy for seniors to get around the city and beyond. Additionally, the presence of parks and recreational areas allows for outdoor activities and relaxation. The diverse range of dining options caters to different culinary preferences, while the nearby healthcare facilities ensure access to medical care when needed. Overall, this neighborhood provides a comfortable and convenient living environment for seniors seeking a vibrant urban setting.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• CVS Speciality (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Tops Diner (1.5 miles)
• McDonald's (2.4 miles)
• McDonald's (2.8 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.7 miles)
• Egan & Sons (3.9 miles)
• Faubourg (4.1 miles)
• Wendy's (4.2 miles)

Transportation

• Harrison Path Station (2.4 miles)
• East Orange Station (2.4 miles)
• Newark Penn Station (2.6 miles)
• NJT - Brick Church Station (2.8 miles)
• NJT - Watchung Station (4.5 miles)
• NJT - Frank R. Lautenberg Secaucus Junction Station (4.8 miles)
• Newark Liberty International Airport Station (4.8 miles)

Parks

• Orange Park Nj (3.6 miles)
• South Mountain Reservation (3.7 miles)
• Eagle Rock Reservation (4 miles)
• Edgemont Memorial Park (4.7 miles)
• Milo S. Borden Park (5.2 miles)
• Anderson Park (5.2 miles)
• Rutherford Memorial Park (5.5 miles)

Physicians

• Summit Medical Group (3.9 miles)
• Care Station Medical Group (4.8 miles)
• Summit Medical Group (5 miles)
• Women First Health Center (5.5 miles)

Cafes

• Paper Plane Coffee Co. (4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.9 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• True Salvage Cafe (5.4 miles)
• Dunkin (5.9 miles)
• The Bread Stand (6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Clifton Commons 16 (4.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Ahavas Israel (5.6 miles)
• Bais Torah U'tefilah (5.9 miles)
• Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church (6.7 miles)
• Clifton Blue Mosque (7.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Saint Barnabas Medical Center (7.2 miles)