from: jk to: council4@baltimorecountymd.gov, Destiny Saulsbury , Jacob Kogan date: Sep 28, 2024, 10:07 PM subject: help is required Dear Mr. Jones, In his inaugural address on January 14, 1963, George Wallace declared, "Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever." Today, more than 60 years later, one would hope that this statement is no longer popular in the United States. Yet it appears that there are forces in Maryland that believe in, support, and implement Wallace's vision of the future. In what follows I will be specific. My name is Jacob Kogan, and I am the owner and manager of four rental units in the Chestnut Hill Condominium in Reisterstown, managed by Thornhill Properties, Inc. (https://www.thornhillbaltimore.com, Property Manager (PM) Denise Waicker). 1. In 2017, the Board of Directors (Board), Home Owners Association (HOA) announced free extermination services to the homeowners (http://www.what-in.store/rt/mice/doc/190717RRG.pdf). The service worked well until March 23, 2023, when a request for service was received from Ms. Destiny Salsbury, an African-American woman. I was promised the same day by PM Waicker that the request would be fulfilled. On April 3, 2023, PM Waicker indicated that the service could be expected in late April. However service did not come in April, May, or ever. On April 27, 2023, a request for service was received from Ms. Deloris Cook, an African American woman. That same day I was informed by PM Waicker that the request would be placed on the May schedule. On June 15, 2023, in response to my follow-up, PM Waicker wrote back, "The Association no longer provides this service". However, the minutes of the June 5, 2023 HOA Board meeting show that PM Waicker was directed by the Board to find a new extermination company, and there is no indication that the old service had been terminated. In addition, the July 3, 2023 Board Meeting Minutes state "The owner was told by the scheduler at Thornhill that we no longer have monthly service from Brody. Denise will contact the dispatcher to correct this information." The correction never reached Ms. Cook or me. On February 1, 2024, Ms. Cook's daughter sent a heartbreaking email about the mouse infestation. That same day, PM Waicker promised service by the end of the month. The minutes of the February 5, 2024 Board meeting show that the Association continues to work with Brody Pest Control. As I learned from Ms. Cook, the service was never provided. On June 1, 2024, the frastrated Ms. Cook moved to another rental complex. The Thornhill's message is loud and clear-while the service is available to all residents, do not expect to receive it if you are an African American. 2. On August 14, 2024, Ms. Destiny Salsbury, an African-American woman, applied for a pool access. Her application was denied. PM Waicker provided no explanation, and referred Ms. Salsbury to the landlord. My email to PM Waicker on August 19, 2024, asking her to let me know how I could help Ms. Salsbury with the pool pass remains unanswered. August 23, 2024 Ms. Salsbury's email to PM Waicker asking for help with the pool pass remains unanswered as well. I should note that my other tenant, who lives in the same building, was able to apply for and receive a pool pass. I brought this to PM Waicker's attention along with my observation that the only difference between the two applicants is race. Ms. Waicker neither responded nor acknowledged receipt of the email. Ms. Salsbury was denied the pool pass for the 2024 season to which she was entitled. 3. One could reasonably argue that the two sections above are an example of poor service and negligence on the part of Thornhill, but one cannot accuse Thornhill of racial discrimination. On May 20, 2024 a Thornhill employee sent me an email that made me sick to my stomach. The email refers to Ms. Salsbury and me. It ends with the statement "He [the landlord] needs to find a nice old European lady or couple to move in." As the text indicates, the writer does not want an African-American woman. Without a change in the Thornhill's attitude, Ms. Salsbury will be forced to follow in Ms. Cook's footsteps and leave the property managed by Thornhill. I would like my African-American tenants to receive no less service then all Chestnut Hill Condominium recidents are entitled to. Please let me know if you can help. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you feel that the involvement of additional Maryland elected officials would be helpful. Thank you very much, Jacob Kogan PS. Complete documentation supporting the text above can be found at http://www.what-in.store/rt/index.htm.