THE COLONIES of MCLEAN, VIRGINIA ~ Fighting To Keep My Dogs And Avoid Homelessness

Please send REQUEST FOR LEGAL DOCUMENTS to communitysharingandcaring@gmail.com 
NOTE:  I hope to post pictures and documents supporting what I'm sharing with you.  I will also be posting any updates to the ongoing legal matter regarding my dogs including any communication from THE BOARD (and their Attorney), court dates and decisions. A court date is currently set for December 10, 2015 at the Fairfax County court house Plaintiff, The Colonies Defendants, M. Miller & T. Miller

PART 1 of 2 ~ THE BOARD TAKES LEGAL ACTION AGAINST MY FAMILY - MY DOGS

The Council of Co-owners of “THE COLONIES” Condominium (aka THE BOARD) is currently requesting that THE CIRCUIT COURT OF FAIRFAX COUNTY issue a mandatory INJUNCTION to remove my two dogs from me and my son’s home.  Here is the why and how we arrived here:
1.       In a letter dated October 30, 2014 sent by Clyde C. Crane IV, President, Council of Co-owners of The Colonies Condominium (aka THE BOARD), THE BOARD claimed “dogs not on a leash running down the hallway jumping on resident, Mr. Abbas Mohajeri”. They informed me of their right to fine me 50.00, however, neither my aunt (Co-owner) nor I (resident) have ever received a fine for any Pet Policy violation.  In addition, I have never seen a complaint letter or heard of any complaint made by Mr. Abbas Mohajeri.
NOTE: Additional letters from THE BOARD that followed were all signed by William E. Chapman, Jr. who is the current "PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD"
2.       THE BOARD held a hearing at a November 2014 Board meeting which I was unable to attend due to work and family obligations.  At that hearing, Ms. Nelufar Mohajeri, NOT Mr. Abbas Mohajeri, claimed she was afraid for her father’s life. While I was sorry to hear that, I am certain my dogs jumped up on Mr. Mohajeri and barked at him while making our way to the elevator because they were simply overly excited to go outside with me and my son.
3.       THE BOARD claims my dogs were unattended, however, I saw the whole incident and was able to calm my dogs down and apologize to Mr. Mohajeri reassuring him that my dogs are very friendly.
4.       Ms. Nelufar Mohajeri then tells THE BOARD that one day in August, my dogs “caused her some difficulty in getting out of the elevator”. While anyone and everyone has the right to file a complaint with THE BOARD for any reason, I believe this complaint is difficult one to take seriously.  Likely, most people can figure out what she was trying to accomplish by making up a complaint about me and my dogs making it difficult for her to walk out of the elevator. Without question, if we were waiting to get onto the elevator, I am certain we cleared the way for Ms. Nelufar Mohajeri when the door opened so that she could exit the elevator.
5.      Because Ms. Nelufar Mohajeri felt afraid at the time and perceived my dogs as "dangerous" THE BOARD then concludes that my dogs are “a danger to life or limb”. THE BOARD tells me and my aunt that I must remove them from my home and our lives in 10 days - unless I state in writing why they should not be removed.
6.       My aunt sends THE BOARD a letter informing them of how friendly and well behaved my two small dogs are. She mentions how they are loving creatures who are around children and people of all ages. She knows how excited they get when they see her, they are begging for attention.  
7.       I'm very sorry that my dogs may have overwhelmed and scared Mr. Mohajeri but he very well knows that my dogs are friendly and he sees us come and go in the hallway and elevator.  He lives in our building on the same floor as us and his home is directly across from our elevator.  We ride the elevator 4 - 6 times a day. We see Mr. Mohajeri coming and going many times a week, every week.  There are no ongoing issues or problems with my dogs or me or my son.
8.       THE BOARD then changes their minds and decides that my dogs ARE NOT A DANGER TO LIFE OR LIMB and they tell me that I get “one last chance”. Really?
9.       In a letter dated and signed by William E. Chapman, Jr., January 20th, 2015, THE BOARD informs me that they have received additional complaints about me and my dogs.  The first complaint letter from Mr. Jack Veatch (dated December 2014) states that my son and my "large" dogs were out of control and that it was a "melee". Even a judge in a court of law questioned that there was a "melee" going on.   What happened was that the elevator stopped at their floor and opened (going from the 3rd floor - where we live- to the 2nd floor - where Mr. and Mrs. Veatch live for only a portion of the year).  My dogs, son and I thought we arrived at the garage where our vehicle is parked and started to exit but we were actually on the second floor.  When the door opened, to my surprise a dog I had not seen was waiting to get onto the elevator.  Mr. and Mrs. Veatch were standing right in front of the elevator door with their dog.  Naturally, the dogs barked.  Mr. Veatch requested THE BOARD rescind our right to use the elevator (which we had already been using for a year and a half prior to them getting a dog).  
10.     THE BOARD then set a hearing date after receiving Mrs. Louise Veatch’s complaint letter (dated January 2015) stating that my dogs “lunged at her and her small puppy”.  Yes, when the elevator arrived at the garage level and opened and to our surprise Mrs. Veatch and her dog appeared walking up from the back of our building, naturally -her dog started barking excessively and my two small dogs ran out of the elevator barking as well. They were both on leashes.  Mrs. Veatch picked up her dog and my dogs stopped barking and calmed down immediately when I told them to.  As a matter of fact, my son, two dogs and I and all our bags actually got back onto the elevator with Mrs. Veatch and her dog.  Mrs. Veatch did not want to speak with me while I tried to explain that the dogs are going to keep barking at each other. She chose to get off of the elevator and says she took the stairs.
11.     My aunt and Marie-Louise Ferreras (the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Veatch) attended the Colonies Board hearing on a Wednesday evening.  Mr. and Mrs. Veatch did not attend the hearing, apparently they were at their second home in Florida (Mrs. Veatch's Lexus is registered in the state of Florida).  I was unable to attend the hearing due to work and family obligations and my aunt clearly understood that I was not comfortable attending a Colonies Board hearing without legal representation (which I had no financial means of obtaining at the time) - especially after knowing how quickly they make severe and harsh decisions based on not having all the facts or speaking directly with the residents involved.  
12.       No human or dog was ever attacked or harmed by my 2 dogs in any way.  My dogs have learned to bark at other dogs since we moved to The Colonies because they have been  barked at by many small dogs running up to them. As a matter of fact, there used to be 3 small pug dogs living in our building on our floor. Seeing those dogs was very challenging and chaotic because they were extremely energetic and barked incessantly at everything and everyone!
13.    THE BOARD - again - concludes that I must remove my dogs from my home and my life without assessing any fine for their accusations and assumptions that I violated a Pet Policy.  
14.     The Council of Co-owners of “THE COLONIES” Condominium (aka THE BOARD) files a “COMPLAINT” to the Circuit Court of Fairfax County via legal counsel and lists 4 complaints regarding me and my dogs: 1 - failure to control dogs preventing resident from exiting elevator (a completely made up complaint by Ms. Nelufar Mohajeri). 2 - unattended dogs pinned resident (who never filed a complaint regarding this) against wall in hallway 3 - failure to control dogs as they lunge out of elevator at smaller dog (my dogs were barking at their new dog!) and 4 - same as number 3 (NOTE complaints 3 and 4 are from Mr. and Mrs. Veatch who are now owners of a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel (I believe that is the breed of her dog).
15.    NONE of these 4 complaints mentions anything about my dogs not being on a leash or any fines assessed to resident or Co-owner for any Pet Policy violation.  Again, no dog or human was hurt or bit or attacked or harmed in any way!

Please know that my Dachshund mix dogs are small dogs weighing less than 40 lbs.  They are brother and sister and I adopted them when they were about 7 weeks old.  These loving creatures are my furry children.  Even though most states consider them to be a piece of property. I love them as much as I can love any human. At times, they slept in the same bed as my infant son.  They are around children and people and playing with dogs at parks every day.  We ride the elevator with residents in my building almost everyday of the week. These dogs are my family, my sons brother and sister and I will never live anywhere without them. They need me, we need them and they have no other home to go to.  I have been their mom for nearly 7 years now and I will never let them go!  It would create emotional trauma for me and my son and for my dogs to force us to separate from each other.  And the consequences of my family being forced to move out of our home now would greatly affect his ability to go to school, my work and we would be homeless.  My dogs have no home to take them in either and they are my dogs and my responsibility, I would never do that to them.

To me, the level THE BOARD has taken this dog barking matter to is so incredibly unbelievable and undeniably cold, harsh, unreasonable and unwarranted.  Furthermore, THE BOARD is taking it upon themselves to take a chance and fork out massive legal expenses with funds that they have NO GUARANTEE they will recover because a judge would have to agree to their request. They have already gone too far by telling me and  my aunt that I must remove my dogs from my home.

THE BOARD continues spending money with a lawyer that could possibly be used  for much more important Colonies Condominium issues.  I know our building elevator was not working for over a week during the week before and after the 4th of July but they don't seem to take the money to replace the parts they need to replace - I have spoken to the elevator technician about this.  Also, there are water leaks in our building and the mold issues grows!  What about a new play ground for the kids?  I'm sure many residents and Co-owners are fully aware of the lists of improvements needed in and around their building.  I know our particular building lobby (Building 7), hallways, carpet and paint color is extremely old and outdated - this GREATLY affects buyers and renters decision when looking at units in our building.

PART 2 of 2 ~ THE BOARD IS TRYING TO SUE MY AUNT AND ME (I am living here at The Colonies with my family due to a financial hardship.)

In the legal COMPLAINT filed MAY 28, 2015 by The Council of Co-owners of “The Colonies” Condominium (aka THE BOARD and The Plaintiff) they ask the "Honorable Court" to award judgment in its favor against my aunt (Co-owner of Unit 302) for legal fees and costs they have imprudently chosen to incur in pursuing litigation.  The Colonies knew my grandmother (former resident) before she passed away and they have known my aunt (Co-owner) for nearly 10 years!  While I don't know these people personally, I am beyond disgusted with the "THE BOARD". 

I am also beyond disappointed with Ms. Nulefar Mohajeri (7/308) and her very consistent abrasive and unfriendly attitude toward me, my son and my two sweet dogs. There have been several times over the years where on a Monday evening Ms. Mohajeri expressed to me how she didn't like her guests choosing to use the stairs - even though we have held the elevator for her guests and they were very friendly and seemed like they wanted to use the stairs.  I'm mostly disgusted by a complaint she made up and used to strengthen her testimony where she claims my dogs “caused her some difficulty in getting out of the elevator”.

Furthermore, I am completely shocked and beyond disappointed in the actions of two human beings living under the same roof as me, my son and my two loving dogs.  Mr. Jack Veatch and Mrs. Louise Veatch (Co-owners 7/212) are people I have been friendly with on many occasions in the past.  Mr. and Mrs. Veatch are senior adults that I find not only utterly disrespectful, selfish and unkind but also shockingly untrustworthy and their complaint letters are exaggerated and inaccurate. In their complaint letters they both mention "this has happened before" - referring to a day my son and dogs were on the elevator going down to the garage and they (without dog) opted not to get on with the elevator with us and proceeded to tell me they were late for an appointment.  Prior to the Mr. and Mrs. Veatch becoming dog owners, Mrs. Veatch rode the elevator with me and my 2 dogs and asked me how I got permission to ride the elevator with me dogs.

In May of 2015, my lawyer and I witnessed Mrs. Louise Veatch and her daughter, Marie-Louise Ferreras giving false, inaccurate and exaggerated information to a judge while both under oath in a court of law (this is a criminal act known as Perjury).  One example was telling the court that the daughter, Mrs. Ferreras, is a resident at Building 7/212, living with her parents.  I have also been informed of Mrs.Veatch heading a movement to overthrow a former Colonies Board and the Board President in the past. I can only imagine THE BOARD (current President William E. Chapman, Jr.) feeling intimidated by the persistence and will of Mrs. Louise Veatch to control a situation. 

In describing Mrs. Veatch to me someone said: “She is a person who stirs the pot in many different directions.” and  “She’s a woman whose reputation precedes her as a trouble maker.” Most recently Mrs. Veatch told a visitor friend staying with me that "everyone in the building wants Ms. Miller to move out."  Needless to say, I was upset and disturbed to hear of this slander.

I am a very caring citizen and active member in my Moms Club.  My son, my two dogs and I are trying to make the most of having to live in a condominium at The Colonies, we don’t have other options.  We have made it our home for more than 2 years now.  My dogs live here and we are their family and this is their home as well.  Many residents in and outside of our building could testify that they have gone up or down the elevator with me, my son and my dogs without difficulty. My dogs are always on a leash and in my control.  I do follow the Colonies Pet Policies. Many people love my dogs and often I have adults asking if their children may pet them.  My dogs are in no way a danger to any beating heart.

I have spoken to Mr. Abbas Mohajeri while he stood at his front door (which is directly across from our elevator).  As we engaged in a nice conversation,  one of my dogs sat quietly next to my and the other lay down next to me on the rug.  Mr. Abbas Mohajeri admitted that he was overwhelmed and has never been around dogs before and then told me that he sees how nice my dogs are.  He said he would speak with his daughter.  Ms. Nelufar Mohajeri simply says to me, “speak with my lawyer” in a very short and stern tone. While my son and I are friendly with Mr. Abbas Mohajeri, I don't consider Ms. Mohajeri to be a kind person or friendly neighbor.

Mrs. Louise Veatch has been extremely difficult and has called the Colonies Management and the police making this situation and my life more difficult because I have had to defend myself against her accusations and false statements.  Her lies have cost my family thousands of dollars. My son actually thinks she is a witch and is afraid of her.  Even though I suggested to try letting the dogs sniff each other, she and Mr. Jack Veatch are persistent in telling me “you need to get rid of your dogs!” I have offered my cell phone number so they can let me know when they will be using the elevator with their dog, however they continue to be extremely unkind and they continue to tell me I don't have control of my dogs.  Needless to say, I am not fond of Mrs. Veatch and I will admit to you, I have called her names. As it stands, I have no desire to make anything better or worse with Mr. or Mrs.Veatch and our dogs will continue to bark at each other.  

I also want to mention that I have pictures of Mrs. Veatch going in and out of Building 7 lobby with her King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, despite breaking the Pet Policies of The Colonies.  

The Colonies Management has never let me know they gave permission to another dog in my building to use the elevator.  Colonies Management has not sent us 2015 dog tags even though my dogs do reside here with me and my son and a check from the Co-owner (my aunt) was submitted to the office with the required paper work.  Residents of our building continue to come and go and some new residents are also pet owners.  I have not experienced any problems with them or their dogs even though they may bark at each other.

To date, we (Co-owner and residents of 302) have never been fined by the Colonies.  We have ever received a letter or notice regarding any fine for any Pet Policy violation.  THE BOARD is not only discriminating in their decisions and actions against me, my aunt, my dog and my son, they are also not following their own protocol.   I don't trust them and don't feel comfortable speaking with them. I believe THE BOARD has been abusive in their actions regarding a simple dog barking issue and their most severe, harsh and inappropriate costly legal actions against my family should be looked at by Co-owners and residents.

I was informed of a previous incident where resident's (Co-owner in Building 9) beloved dog got upset with a woman’s small dog.  Her dog was barking and ran toward this man's dog.  There was an injury to the small dog. This man told me THE BOARD demanded he remove his dog from his home, however years later, the dog still lives with him at The Colonies.  He told me he paid the woman (living in Building 7 at the time) with the small dog over a thousand dollars even though she let her dog bark and run up to his dog.  (Clearly his dog was protecting himself and the man.)  He told me this woman wrote many complaint letters to THE BOARD which resulted in THE BOARD telling him to get rid of his dog.  The woman never gave him a copy of any veterinarian bills, but this poor man paid her what she demanded anyway.

We live in a condo where we hear dogs barking outside of our window throughout the day. I can't say how many times small dogs have aggressively barked at and run toward (or lunged) my very mellow two dogs.  I have spoken to a resident and owner of an old black lab who was temporarily staying with her mother in Building 3. She told me that many of the small dogs will bark at her dog and her dog has started to now bark at dogs when being walked on the Colonies grounds. 

I have spoken to Officer Leiter, a Fairfax County Animal Control officer, about my dogs.  He suggested using a leash that would keep my dogs from barking when I let them out and I don't feel comfortable doing that nor can I afford to buy that kind of leash.  I use a leather leash with my dogs and also retractable leashes. Now that I am aware of another small very barky dog riding the elevator, I have to shorten the leashes so they can't walk in front of me when using the elevator.

In a letter from Andrew P. Hill dated August 7, 2015, THE BOARD is now essentially blackmailing my terrified aunt (who still works at 70 years old and lives very simply).  The lawyer and THE BOARD proposed a solution in which my aunt would “remove” me (and my son and my dogs) in 60 days from our home. This letter states, “if we can agree to such a resolution within the next two weeks, the Council will waive any claim for legal fees expended, and we can both avoid a protracted and expensive legal battle”.
The attorney representing THE COLONIES is
Andrew P. Hill, VSB #80474
SEGAN, MASON & MASON, P.C.
7010 Little River Turnpike, Suite 270
Annandale, VA  220023
703.354.9170
ahill@seganmason.com

If you are aware of other dog related issues residents had to deal with in the past, or any current issues especially where THE BOARD demands a resident  remove their pet, please email any information: communitysharingandcaring@gmail.com
Please consider posting a comment to this Blog post or email your thoughts, opinions and suggestions to: communitysharingandcaring@gmail.com

It might be beneficial for the community to elect new board members as soon as possible.  Where are the names of THE BOARD members given? One resident of over 20 years said to me, "they are crazy" when speaking about "THE BOARD".  I also recommend the community elect a committee of residents - who don't necessarily need to be "Co-owners" - to oversee decisions and actions of THE BOARD.  It seems too many people, including me and my aunt, do not attend THE BOARD meetings which are typically held during the week at 7 in the evening.  Perhaps a Saturday morning meeting might be better attended.

In conclusion, I am asking for your support in any form you desire - even prayer.  My family has been under enormous stress and pressure due to this ongoing legal matter. Already we have been dealing with too much regarding our stolen vehicle, and several other unfortunate losses due to the negligence and abrasiveness by "Jill" in the Colonies Management office.  I’m a single mother of a 4 year old boy and two amazing dogs that are also my children and we are all suffering.  You can not imagine the time I have had to spend writing letters and dealing with this issue -  time away from my job and worse of all - I have lost so much time I could be spending with my son and my dogs doing things for them.  Dealing with THE BOARD has created too much turmoil and stress in my family and it must stop now. Their actions have cost us a great deal of money.   I simply want to live here in peace with my son and 2 dogs until the day we are able to move.  And while I have made many very wonderful and kind friends here at The Colonies, I long for the day my family can move from here. That day can’t come soon enough for us.

Thank you for your time and consideration in supporting my family in this most severe and disturbing matter. 

I am happy to share your stories or concerns relating to the community here at The Colonies Condominium of McLean, simply email me your explaining your situation and concerns to: communitysharingandcaring@gmail.com
You can also share with the community by posting a COMMENT to this Blog Post.

Blessings of love and care to all,

The Miller Family 
(Building 7/302)

THE COLONIES of MCLEAN, VIRGINIA ~ Stolen Vehicle and Recent Events

I would like to be sure that all residents and Co-owners of The Colonies Condominiums are aware that an adult male living with his mother (Amy Devine, a Colonies Co-owner and resident) in Building 12 was convicted of a felony charge for vehicle theft and damage.  Please read more details regarding what happened below. 

RECENT CONCERNS 

In the last 2 weeks I have been terrified because someone came to our front on a Friday evening then again Monday.  This person knocks, covers the peep hole and does not say who they are.  They leave without a note or card letting me know who they are.  The Colonies security are unaware of anyone requesting to visit my family in our building. I have spoken to several security officers regarding my concern.

On Saturday, August 29^th, 2015 at approximately 10:50 AM, Amy Devine came to my door saying she is a neighbor. When I opened the door just enough to see who it was, I immediately recognized this woman from seeing her son at the Fairfax County court house where I was required to go for the hearings involving my stolen vehicle, damage and credit card theft.  I asked if she was Bryan Devine’s mother, she said “no”.  I immediately went to get my phone and came back to open our front door and said, “You are not Bryan Devine’s mother?”  To my shock it was in fact, Amy Devine, standing at my front door.  She proceeded to point her phone camera at me moving it up and down at me while I was half clothed.  She began saying, “ I just want to know, like, why you keep stalking my son?”  I asked how she got into the building and told her to never come to my front door again. I immediately shut the door and called the Colonies security and the police.  It was extremely disturbing. When 2 Fairfax County Police officers arrived, I explained the situation and what happened.  At the time, I was told a report will be filed. They recognized that even though she may not have a key to my building, she “piggy-backed” and simply walked in a door after someone entered.  I have shared my video with Colonies security and Fairfax County Police. 

Colonies security (Maxwell) informed me a NO TRESPASSING NOTICE for Building 7 will be issued to Amy Devine.  While I hope this will keep her from entering my building or even waiting in the garage, it is possible she may attempt to show up at my door again. She could only get in if a resident or a resident’s visitor opened one of the locked doors for our building and let her in behind them.

This was quite disruptive to our lives and created great distress for my family - again.  Prior to her son stealing my credit card, vehicle, and everything in it, I have never seen anyone in the Devine family nor did I know them or have any connection to them whatsoever.  I was a victim of a crime and the abnormal behavior I have seen from both Amy and Bryan Devine is disturbing and continues. 

WHAT HAPPENED?

In March of 2014, Amy Devine’s son entered my vehicle (which was parked in the garage of my building), then stole my wallet and some other small items and used a credit card. Immediately I called the Colonies office and security. I expressed to them the importance of letting residents know this was happening in our community. 

After obtaining the photo of Bryan Devine using my card, he was identified.  Come to find out Devine also stole my extra car key and soon came back to steal my vehicle which had not only my child’s car seat, toys and clothes including sentimental and irreplaceable items in it, I had loaded many items in the back to bring to my storage unit.  Police were notified immediately of the stolen vehicle. Devine stripped my vehicle of everything that was in it.  Eventually my vehicle was found with another stolen vehicle.  My vehicle had been crashed into a concrete wall in the Northrup Grumman Building garage on Colshire Drive (the next street over from Old Meadow Road).  

Even though I immediately drove around McLean looking in close by dumpsters for my belongings, nothing was recovered.  The damage for my vehicle was close to 14,000.00. This was EXTREMELY stressful for me not having a vehicle and having to deal with the police.  I also became scared living in my home and walking to and from my vehicle.

Devine offered to pay a lump sum of money to my family (which we did not accept) in order to move forward without pleading guilty and a possible conviction.  After a long year of court dates, he finally pleaded guilty after he was apparently charged with assault. 

The judge read my Victim Impact Statement and listened to my testimony.  I thought she was fair and reasonable when she ordered him to pay my family $4,000.00 restitution (money) even though it did not cover our huge financial loss. Insurance deductible had to be paid including rental car costs in addition to immediately replacing stolen items like my child’s car seat. While insurance spent nearly 14,000.00 to restore the vehicle, we had to sell it and lost more money.  Unfortunately, we have not seen a dime from the Devine family, not even one payment made. 

Devine was ordered to walk away if he sees me and was instructed he is not to speak to me.  The Court Order also stated that he is not to go to the Pimmit Hills Library or the Colonies pool / clubhouse.  He was given a jail sentence and served approximately 3 months in jail, as far as I know.

Despite the fact that I have provided the Colonies Security and Management office with a certified copy of the Court Order, I have been told that because he is a “resident” they will continue to allow him to use the pool/clubhouse. I feel this puts residents in a potentially dangerous position, especially if they are alone or with children.

A Colonies resident informed me that Devine assaulted and stole from him at the pool/club house. Devine’s friends come and go freely through the gates and wander the Colonies grounds.  A neighbor tells me she sees him at the pool and I recently saw him there.  Devine yells out “whore” to me, and continues to accuse me of stalking him and tells me to stop driving past his building (Building 12, the last building on the right as you exit out the Magarity Road entrance/exit).  Devine video tapes me and Colonies Security Officers, takes pictures with his phone and often gives me the finger.

During Devine’s sentencing, Amy Devine testified under oath telling the court that I had been stalking she and her daughter at a grocery store.  I could not believe what I was hearing in a court of law because I had never seen her anywhere on the property or in the community outside of The Colonies Condominium.  Amy Devine also stated under oath that I was stalking her son.  The Devine family continues to call the police claiming that I’m stalking them. Recently I was leaving the Colonies and exiting out the back entrance closest to Building 12, Amy Devine was walking with a man and saw me. She held up her camera and I'm guessing she was video taping - this type of behavior toward someone your son stole from is quite disturbing to me.  In the last 12 months, I have been very authoritatively and alarmingly questioned by a Fairfax County Police officer.  I have had to call the police numerous times in order to protect myself from false accusations and harassment by the police.  I was informed by one police officer that Amy Devine is a gun owner.  I’m not sure who scares me more, Amy Devine or her son and his friends.

The Colonies security told me they have made numerous calls over the years to the police regarding Bryan Devine without getting what they believe is an appropriate response.  It seems that because we live on private property grounds, there are limitations that complicate matters and could compromise the safety of residents.  It is important to report matters to the Colonies Security but also call the Fairfax County police. 

Since having to deal with this for over a year, I have learned of other criminal acts that residents of my building have been victim to (for example slashing tires and vandalism of our building).  I was disturbed to know that over the years, the Colonies Management has not disclosed this information to residents.  I had never heard of crimes involving theft or vandalism at The Colonies Condominium until I made a report and was a victim. Since we live in a gated community with security staff working 24/7, many people may not think crimes are happening here at the Colonies. I think it is very important that Colonies Management disclose information regarding on-going theft and vandalism incidents and keeping Co-owners and residents  informed by a monthly “Crime / Safety Report” seems to me like the right thing to do.

THE COLONIES of MCLEAN, VIRGINIA ~ Water Damage & Building Concerns

About a year ago, I discovered there had been a large amount of water leaking into my storage unit in the garage at Building 7.  The water was somehow coming from the cement walls on the garage level of our building.  Many of my belongings in the storage unit (mostly outdoor use related items) were damaged due to being wet and molded. I had to dispose of them.  We informed the office of this issue and I left my particular unit unlocked so the Colonies could do an inspection.  Almost 2 weeks went by and upon returning from out of town, still no one had inspected my unit.  I had to leave a few items, including a brand new folding table, just outside of my unit and again waited to hear back from Colonies Management.   Come to find out, the Colonies did go to my storage unit and per the request of "Jill" in the Management office, a new folding table and other items were taken from my storage to the dump.  Still no one contacted me regarding the water and mold issue.  I never received a call or notice from "Jill" regarding the disposal of my belongings.  I spoke to the Waste removal company for The Colonies that day and asked if they had taken away a brand new folding table and described other items of mine that had been removed by The Colonies, they said no.  I also called the Fairfax County locations where the Colonies Management (Jill) told me they took my belongings and there was no report for The Colonies. Naturally I was very upset and asked her why she did not call me and why no one was responding to our concern about the water leaking and mold issue.  

After speaking to Jim McCracken (Colonies Building Manager) and explaining to him the ongoing problem and issue, he immediately sent some guys out to clean the mold and they put a wooden platform in my unit. Mr. McCracken was very nice and helpful. He gave me money to help replace the new table which I needed to purchase and return to a friend.  

I have spoken to Carol in the office many times in the past and she has always been very nice and helpful. My aunt and I have known her for years while my grandmother lived at The Colonies.  I have had a much different experience with “Jill”. 

Recently, I found my sons bike covered with mold and also found my child's car seat covered with mold.  I have noticed signs of mold around the edges of our condo on the inside.  I have seen signs of water damage on the floors of our buildings hallways. Recently, I have also seen a humidifier running for weeks in the hallway of our building.  I have noticed that Building 7 hallways are very hot and there seems to be an insufficient amount of ventilation compared to other building hallways. 
  
In August, 2015, I filed a complaint to Fairfax County and I am waiting for a Fairfax County building inspector to meet me at our building.  When "Mike" the Fairfax County building inspector called the office to speak with Mr. McCracken, "Jill" informed him that The Colonies is in the middle of litigation with me.  I was quite shocked and upset to hear this because our building issue  has nothing to do with any dog barking related legal matter and I am a resident of the Colonies.  

There also seems to be an excessive amount of cleaning the rugs, floors and hallways using very toxic products that can be very harmful to a persons health.  Sometimes my son and I find ourselves almost choking because of the strong toxic smells.  Many children (6 months and older) live in this building and this type of exposure in unsafe and can lead to ongoing serious health problems. 

As most people know, mold is very toxic and dangerous. I’m concerned that the water issue has contributed to a very unsafe amount of mold growing throughout the building. While the inspector and county does not address mold issues, they do try to inspect a building and why there might be ongoing water issues in a building due to building code violations.

If you have concerns about your building, water and mold issues, please share them by commenting on this post and please call the office for Mr. Jim McCracken.  You can also call the Fairfax County Code Enforcement Inspector at 703.324.1300 and file a complaint.