Carousel Park Apartments

Pros

• A reviewer calls it an excellent place to live, praising the people and staff as great, helpful, and understanding.
• Since the new management took over, conditions have improved and it is nice and quiet now.
• The staff is described as great, with professional services being provided.
• The leasing agent Bernette is praised for providing a great experience.
• The building has security at the entrance, daily office staff, and is kept very clean.
• One reviewer expresses simple approval by saying they like it there.
• A reviewer notes a nice balcony as a positive feature.

Cons

• The security guard is described as a liability.
• He allegedly called the cops on a resident over a minor incident, reflecting badly on the property.
• The building is described as a complete dump with many unhappy tenants.
• Management doesn't care and only wants their money.
• Everything is outdated and the apartments are dirty or poorly maintained.
• The units smell like urine, and gaps under doors let bugs come inside.
• Management enters apartments at will (not emergencies) and charges for repairs with price lists.
• The security deposit is not returned and staff lie to keep it.

Review

The complex described by many residents and guests feels like a place with a long memory of both praise and alarm. On the surface it seems to be a sizeable, multi-building community that has drawn a wide range of opinions from people who have lived there, visited, or simply passed by. Some tenants remember it as a convenient, well-located place with friendly staff and some period of stability, while others recount a steady drumbeat of problems - security concerns, odor and cleanliness issues, maintenance delays, and disputes over deposits. The reviews paint a picture of a property with a history of evolving management, shifting demographic expectations, and a spectrum of resident behavior that many feel the management has struggled to manage consistently.

A recurring thread centers on safety, security, and the behavior of people around the property. Several observers describe encounters with a security team that left them unsettled. One account recalls a security guard telling a delivery person to leave a package "here" because of "sketchy characters in this building," a moment that made the caller worry for both the deliverer and the residents. There are even more dramatic claims that a security guard called the police on someone for what he described as an inappropriate gesture, with the police responding but leaving the matter to be sorted out externally. The same set of reviews contrasts these anecdotes with other mentions of security at the entrance that some tenants felt was adequate, underscoring inconsistency in how safety is perceived. In some reviews, officers and law enforcement are a frequent sight, contributing to a sense that the building attracts tumult outside normal resident life, whether it's fights, drug activity, or other disturbances.

The condition and upkeep of the apartments themselves feature prominently in several narratives. Reviewers describe units that feel outdated or not properly maintained, with concrete complaints about cleanliness and repairs. One tenant mentions a carpet replaced in a way that looked "cut from the living room to the bedroom," describing it as unprofessional. There are repeated concerns about odors, including a strong urine smell that is attributed to a neighbor's dog on a balcony, and about pests that appear because of gaps under doors and poor sealing. Several comments mention that the building seems to attract a variety of tenants who may not fit the original expectations of the community (including references to Section 8 populations), and some note that management's response to maintenance requests comes with a price list for fixes. A number of reviews lament that staff either doesn't clean or doesn't address intrusions into private spaces promptly, and there are pointed observations about how quickly problems like leaks, broken elevators, or structural wear can escalate into larger concerns about livability.

Management and the handling of deposits and damages are other highly charged topics. A persistent accusation across multiple reviews is that the management team is willing to use questionable methods to retain security deposits, including alleged false evidence or misrepresentation of the apartment's condition at move-out. One review asserts that cigarette butt evidence is planted to support claims of a mess the tenant supposedly left behind, while another notes that a disabled parent on a fixed income was targeted for deposit retention. These stories are counterbalanced by mentions of improvements under new management, suggesting that changes began to take root in 2022. Some tenants praise specific staff members or the leasing office for being courteous, patient, and responsive, signaling that there can be a meaningful difference in experience depending on who is handling a given issue.

The social environment inside the building adds another layer of complexity. Reviewers recount a wide range of resident behavior - from quiet, well-behaved tenants to groups that congregate in halls or outdoor spaces, sometimes late at night, with loud music or gatherings that disrupt neighbors. Several accounts describe fights, drug activity, and drug dealing in common areas or nearby outdoor spaces, alongside the perception of non-residents who appear to access the property without clear vetting. The presence of thieves and stolen packages is also noted by some, with residents expressing frustration at the building's cameras or security measures seeming insufficient to deter or quickly resolve incidents. In contrast, a few reviews express hope that the environment has begun to shift toward calm and safety as new management implements changes.

Nevertheless, there are distinctly positive voices within the same chorus. Some tenants report excellent experiences with staff and management, praising particular leasing agents and office personnel for their professionalism and helpfulness. One reviewer highlights a leasing agent named Bernette and expresses eagerness about moving in, while another notes that improvements have occurred since the new management took over in January 2022. Positive mentions include fixes to the back gazebo's lighting and overall improvement in the building's atmosphere, with staff members like Alex and Laura described as helpful and attentive. A few guests or short-term visitors also share favorable impressions, emphasizing a sense that the community can be a good fit for people who value security, responsive management, or a quieter environment in some sections or at certain times.

The overall impression, when you weave together the divergent threads, is of a property that inspires strong emotions - some of them deeply negative and others earnestly positive. For some residents, the building's drawbacks - odor, pests, safety concerns, maintenance delays, and disputes over deposits - outweigh any potential benefits, making it feel like a "hell hole" or a place not worth the risk. For others, the right combination of engaged management, reliable maintenance, and respectful neighbors has created a workable home with potential for reliability and community. The reviews also reflect a broader pattern of fluctuation in the building's profile: a facility that has weathered changing demographics, reputational shifts, and a range of management strategies, with some improvements cited alongside persistent concerns that require ongoing attention.

If you're weighing a move to this complex, the collective message seems to be one of cautious consideration. Expect a property with inconsistent experiences across residents and time, where some days may feel orderly and well-managed and others may reveal issues with cleanliness, safety, or responsiveness. It's clear from the testimonies that the quality of your experience may hinge on factors like which building you choose, which floor you're on, which management team is on duty, and how proactively you engage with the leasing office and maintenance. The consensus is not that the place is universally good or universally bad, but that it is a place with potential for both - where the right combination of staff, policies, and resident behavior can create a reasonably comfortable home, while lapses in upkeep, safety concerns, and deposit disputes can quickly sour the experience.

This area of North Tonawanda, New York, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. With multiple restaurants within a few miles, seniors can enjoy a variety of dining options without having to travel far. The presence of pharmacies such as Walgreens and Rite Aid nearby ensures easy access to medication and health supplies. Hospitals like Degraff Memorial Hospital are also within close proximity for any medical emergencies. In addition, the area boasts several parks for leisurely strolls or outdoor activities. For those looking for entertainment, there is a theater just a short drive away. Places of worship like the Newman Center at UB provide spiritual support and community engagement opportunities. Overall, this part of North Tonawanda offers a balanced mix of conveniences and recreational options that cater well to seniors seeking a comfortable lifestyle.

Restaurants

• Dwyers Irish Pub (0.2 miles)
• Lumberjack's Patio Grill (1.8 miles)
• McDonald's (2.7 miles)
• My Tomato Pie (2.8 miles)
• Gray's Place (2.9 miles)
• Carrabba's Italian Grill (3.5 miles)
• IHOP (3.9 miles)

Parks

• North Tonawanda Gateway Park (0.3 miles)
• Ellicott Creek Park (2.5 miles)
• Marios Park (4.8 miles)
• Beaver Island State Park (6.2 miles)
• Starpoint Intermediate Playground (7.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.5 miles)
• Top's Markets (0.6 miles)
• Wurlitzer Family Pharmacy (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Tops Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Degraff Memorial Hospital (0.6 miles)
• Erie County Medical Center (7.3 miles)

Physicians

• Fichte Endl & Elmer Eyecare (2.7 miles)
• Northtowns Medical Group PC (2.9 miles)
• Kenmore Family Medicine (3.4 miles)
• Dr. Mark Rodman (3.4 miles)
• Amherst Medical Associates (3.6 miles)
• Suburban Psychiatric Associates (4.5 miles)
• Primary Care Of WNY Primary Care Of Western New York Kenmore (4.6 miles)

Cafes

• Wegmans Food Markets (2.9 miles)
• Tim Hortons (3 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Tim Hortons (3.9 miles)
• Tim Hortons (4 miles)
• Tim Hortons (4.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Maple Ridge 8 (4.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Newman Center at UB (4.2 miles)
• The Chapel (6.7 miles)