Pre-Weekend Update

[Katie Ressmeyer]

Hi all,

Happy Thursday and Happy August!

Unfortunately, I have to write a serious note as we all prepare to head back out east. As some of you know, we had another run in with Stuart this past weekend, an incident that resulted in Stuart calling the landlord and threatening legal action. His complaints were mainly the same as they have been in the past (too much noise, entering/exiting the house late at night, having too many people stay in the house) but he is now at his "wit's end."

Notwithstanding our opinion of Stuart, the fact of the matter is that he is our neighbor and we have to live next to him for the next five weekends. In order to do so, we need to not question his definition of "loud" or argue with him when he approaches us but rather do everything in our power to maintain the peace.

As such, Rick, Amanda and I have decided to set a few ground rules for the rest of summer:

1) When entering/exiting the house at night, use the yellow front door (by the stairs to the loft). Since this door is on the opposite side of the house from Stuart, it should help cut down on the noise he hears. This door does not have a key, so it will always be unlocked. This also means that no one needs to bang on the door thinking they are locked out.

2) Ask cab drivers not to honk when arriving at the house and to drop you at Maidstone and Central instead of right in front of the house. Adds maybe 20 feet to the walk in and again, will cut down on the noise.

3) Limit the number of people in the house. Any shareholders who are already scheduled for the remaining weekends are obviously free to come. If you realize that you have extra weekends, and are not currently scheduled, please email Rick, Amanda and I asap so we can figure out if we can fit you in. The same goes for guests. If you want to bring a guest who is not already scheduled for the weekend, please email us and we will see if there in space.

4) Nobody comes home without Rick, Amanda, or I. Since we have not been home when incidents have occurred, it has been difficult to explain why certain things have happened or to characterize how much Stuart is overreacting. Additionally, if something were to happen again, it is imperative that Rick, Amanda or I, as organizers/lease holders, are there to deal with Stuart. We are ultimately responsible for the house, and per the law, are legally liable for our guests. We recognize this will be hard to implement but ask that you each work with us to make it a feasible solution.

5) Remember, should anyone ask, there are only 10 people staying in the house :)

Finally, we just want to thank everyone in advance for helping us make this last month both fun and drama-free. I think it goes without saying that Rick and I do not want to end this summer in a legal battle with the neighbor. Everyone in our house is a responsible, self-sufficient adult, and as our closest friends, we trust that you will help us keep the peace.

Looking forward to a fun August!

Thanks,

Katie