My Original Letter to all Four Winds Apartments Unit Owners

To all FourWinds owners:                         October 1, 2008

I would like to share my story concerning a serious problem with the plumbing in building 3175.  On July 17, 2008 I noticed mold growing on an exterior wall on the opposite side of my kitchen.  After I engaged a plumber to inspect where the water was originating from, he determined a major water leak was coming from one of the units above.  I immediately notified Larry Gilbert, the property manager, and he stated it was my responsibility to determine which of units was causing the leak.   I immediately notified all unit owners living above me in order to organize them so that we could determine which unit(s) was causing the leak.   On July 22nd the plumber returned and began inspection of the units above me.  He identified the source of the leak and determined it originated from the main plumbing line that feeds down through the apartments, he fixed the leak.

Both the Community Association and the owner above me denied responsibility for the damage to my unit.   On July 31st I called an Industrial Hygienist to test the air and take mold samples.  He subsequently believed there was an active raw sewage leak coming from the main plumbing line.  I reported this to Larry Gilbert, on August 1st and contacted the Fairfax County Health Department to alert them to this serious health situation.  The standing water in my unit was tested and the results came back positive for Ecoli contamination.   At this point I removed myself and my 3 ½ year old daughter from the apartment.   Even after a full report from and Industrial Hygienist (who I had to hire) was sent to the Julie Barker, Larry Gilbert, and Dan Gumbier, I was still not getting a response from the Community Association.  Since this time, I have been moved to another unit temporarily while our respective council attempt to come to amicable solution.

I also have problems with flooding on my back porch during heavy rain and after speaking with several other residents in my building I discovered I am not alone. Through talking with two other unit owners, I found they too had water and mold problems.

I have therefore set up a blog at : fourwindsapartments.wordpress.com  to post my story and let others do the same.

I encourage all owners who have had problems with their units to email me or post directly to this blog.  If you prefer, you may also call or email me and I can post any issue or comments you have. If the response warrants it, I will set up a website and forum where we, the owners, can post topics and share information.  I thank you for your time and hope to create an online outlet where our voices can be heard.

Respectfully,
Mark Wunder
markwunder@gmail.com
7039815221