Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Derby Lofts whiny morons

The next winner of the Keep it Klassy, Salem award is clear. The award has to go to Shirley Walker and her fellow Derby Lofts minions. These mental midgets have succeeded in hampering a new "DOWNTOWN" business because these "DOWNTOWN" residents failed to notice that they were purchasing overpriced lofts in the center of a "DOWNTOWN" even though they were heavily marketed as such.

Viewing the Derby Lofts website, you'll see the follow quotes, ostensibly from Derby Lofts residents.

"We liked the feeling of being downtown in the middle of everything."

"I can remember when Salem was a sleepy little town. There's a lot happening right now, so I'm glad to be a part of it."

So which is it? Do you want to be in the middle of everything, or did you not notice that your concrete behemoth is at one of Salem's busiest intersections, with a bar on one side, and a FIRE STATION on the other? Gee, do you think it might be loud there? Naw, and if it is, we'll just make the DOWNTOWN not a downtown. Everyone will go along, right? These freaks are so out of whack that they've even videotaped many citizens without their consent, whose only crime was going to a bar and having fun, and then daring to leave the bar.


The only silver lining to the Derby Lofts idiocy is that they are all losing their shirts. A review of recent sales even shows one resident who sold two years after they purchased at a loss of over $144,000. No wonder these are such angry individuals.

Back to Ms. Walker for a second. She is apparently a serial nightlife terrorist. You see, Shirley Walker used to live in Quincy. More specifically, she lived at Marina Bay, a designed mixed use area that features nightlife and retail, and touts itself as "Boston's premier waterfront entertainment destination." Care to guess which Marina Bay resident made an utter nuisance of herself complaining about the fact that the place was successful in realizing its mission? Of course it was Shirley Walker. She formed a "community organization" there to lead her complaints, much as she did here with the supposed "Downtown Neighborhood Association," which seems to only truly be open to Derby Lofts residents. Unfortunately even they seem fed up with her, as rumor has it that she has recently resigned as their leader.

So what could possess this woman, after her previous experience, to move here, into the middle of downtown? My guess is either she's starved for attention, or she's completely insane. You'd think that she'd move to a quiet, suburban neighborhood. But who would listen to her there? What's even better is that Shirley made her $428,700 mistake on 12/29/2005. I consider myself a newcomer to town, who hasn't really earned the right to complain about the way things have been since before I chose to move here, and I've lived here longer than that.

I've never been to Murphy's, the target of Shirley's vitriol, but I'll be sure to become a customer now. I suggest that we all honk every time we pass Derby Lofts, just so that Shirley has something new to complain about. Who knows what she'd do otherwise. Maybe try to silence the fire trucks.

Here is a picture, from the Derby Lofts website, of one of the units.



Notice a few things about this "loft." First, it faces BUSY, DOWNTOWN Derby Street. Second, as klassy as they claim to be, the lofts are in sight of the Point, arguably Salem's most uber-klassy neighborhood. Yup, that's the Point out the window. Finally, lets look at this unit. Wood floors, huge windows, and a concrete ceiling. Yup, lots to deaden noise, right? No wonder they're so quiet.

What ever happened to buyer beware?

27 comments:

  1. Ah ha, the Murphy's - DL webwar has found a new theater...

    Just a couple things - not all units face the Point, or Murphys - walk around the building. Also only the lower 2 floors have cement ceilings (there are 6 floors). Lastly, RCG built that website 3 years ago, only showing pictures of unsold units and placing whatever quotes in they wanted to.

    Oh and again, at the time the website was built Murphys space was vacant, and a sushi place was on Front street. Apparently things change.

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  2. Why do you care so much about this situation? Do you have a lot of time on your hands or something? It's kinda weird

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  3. I care because I care about the vibrance of our downtown, and I care when idiots threaten it.

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  4. Here's a picture of a Derby Lofts condo not looking at the Point, looks ok to me

    http://www.rcgsalem.com/live_buy.php

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  5. The problem isn't the building. It's the dolts who decided to buy there without noticing the numerous factors, including the construction, that would make it extremely loud.

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  6. To the author:
    So you start a blog to bash Salem and slander someone you don't agree with. Freedom of speech I suppose. You've brought "klassy" to a whole new level.

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  7. You really should look slander up in a dictionary.

    I'll do it for you.

    slan·der (slān'dər)
    n.
    1. Oral communication of false statements injurious to a person's reputation.

    2. A false and malicious statement or report about someone.


    Yup. Don't think this fits that definition. First, it's written, not spoken. Second, anything not stated as an opinion is factually accurate.

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  8. Give me a break. Fine - defaming. Trying to justify spewing your hateful nastiness - Klassy with a capital K.

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  9. Shirley, is that you? XD

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  10. No, this isn't Shirley. I live in Salem, but not downtown. I just think it's pretty nasty and juvenile what you're writing about her. I have met her, and while I think she's quite passionate, I think it's plain hateful and cowardly to call her a "serial nightlife terrorist" on a blog where you don't even identify yourself. My opinion about your statements :-)

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  11. This woman is a certified looney!!!! This Restuarant has been located in Salem for Many Many years. The building has ALWAYS been a restuarant. Leave the owner of this business alone already. He is trying to operate a legal restaurant and he is also complying with the rules of the :music" ordinance passed against him. Maybe old Shirley should have bought a condo at Danvers State Hospital site. It would have been more fitting of her to live there with the ghosts of the insane.

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  12. Didn't she call the cops and the mayor on Murphy's on Thursday night because he offered half-priced appetizers to Derby Lofts residents? Yup, she's not the problem here.

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  13. Oh, and put YOUR name on YOUR statements and maybe I'll consider them a little.

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  14. Such drama, such drama. This is better that Perez on Twitter!

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  15. I am a current resident in the lofts, and have had my run in's with Mrs. Walker. Coming from busy citys, Salem is actually pretty quiet compared to where I have been. I am not sure what Mrs. Walkers problem is, however I will say from a personal encounter, she backs away when you get into her face. Most residents I have talked to enjoy Murphys, and sure as hell dont mind the fire department noise. I enjoy the Derby Lofts and 85% of its residents, however the few people that make this place miserable I have simply chosen to ignore. I think Mrs. Walker obviously feels less than, and in order to balance her lack of importance she must verbally make threats. From what I know of her, she is retired, and honestly has nothing else to do with her time. Please do not judge the good residents of Derby Lofts, like myself, with the idiots who have simply no clue what it is like to live in a real urban area.

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    1. Oh… Gosh. You're so urbane. You've lived in real cities have you? I can tell you that the situation with Murphy's is untenable and unusually bad. I have lived in several cities throughout the country...near restaurants and drinking establishments and most owners, at least in my experience, do not allow or encourage their low-life clientele to scream at the top of their lungs for hours on end. Not true of Murphy's. Never seen anything like it. My friend lives in the building: Last lived in DC and Brooklyn before that and they have never encounter the levels of BS presented by Murphy's. Get over yourself… having qualms with the quality of your life so negatively affected by a uniquely scabby establishment, has nothing to do with acclimation to city life.

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  16. I lived in Downtown since 1995, when it WAS sleepy and the Jail had just closed, before all the yuppies moved in across the street.

    I would trade places with that Derby Loft unit IN AN INSTANT! I don't mind looking out over the Point. It's interesting streetscape.

    I give my building five years until the state gives in and lets it be condos ("We are pleased to announce a public-private partnership at the SHA...") But if those lofts go rental in the downturn that will come, whatever the mayor says, I will be there.

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  17. David, several of those lofts are available for rent, I believe from the original developer who was unable to sell all of them, and also from some of the unit owners.

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  18. my god, you are really in need of a life...
    i know who you are, your about as "Klassy" as a dumpster fire

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  19. You don't think that makes you special, right? Most of Salem knows at this point.

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  20. Though I happened upon this late, you and your article are loathsome tripe. I know this area and the noise generated at Murphy's is ridiculous. You're trying to "advocate" for the obscene noise and displays of lowlifes on what grounds? Whether or not it has been a restaurant for a day, a year or 12 years, there is no excuse for those levels of continued yelling. I've lived near clubs where owners try to maintain a good relationship with their local residents and earnestly try to keep noise down. But not Murphy's… there is no excuse. Really the most pathetic collection of drunk braggarts. This level of loser-dom does not indicate the liveliness of downtown and there is no justification for. Hopefully you've grown a bit since writ in this, otherwise get a life. It speaks very lowly of your character where'd advocate for protecting the right of the biggest group of Salem losers over someone simply trying to live their life with a reasonable expectation to have a peaceful home. If it isn't such a big deal, Why don't you post your address so we can all drive by at various hours and blast our radios and boast, swear and leave cigarette butts in front of your home. A new level of douchery!

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  21. I've lived at the Derby Lofts since 2008 and loved every minute of it. The drama is ongoing but shouldn't eclipse the lovely mix of residents who live here. I'm amazed at this blog since it started years ago it seems that people are compelled to comment years later, will it ever end? Murphy's is not my kind of place but Engine House Pizza is as is the Howling Wolf which is a stone throw from the DL's. The PEM is a world class museum with great exhibits that will never disappoint and who doesn't love AJ King Bakery where you can run down in your pajamas and pick up coffee and a scone and then hurry back to your urban chic condo and watch a good blizzard or order hot wings and pizza from engine house on a snow day. There are so many stories to tell about the cast of characters here, so many interesting people if only people knew. World famous artist, writers, architects, congressmen also lived there for a short stint, scientist and aeronautical engineer, gosh who wouldn't want to live there. As far as the property values the drastic drop was due to a lawsuit that was filed against RCG - the lawsuit took four years to settle, during that time no one could see their property or refinance. Sales only happened if someone paid cash or they went into foreclosure however they are making a huge comeback so watch closely these early investors will be making huge gains in the next few years.

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  22. Entering also late I live in the point and look out my window and see derby lofts this building was abandoned not that long ago murphys I agree not a good scene salem is changing hopefully someone will buy it and upgrade everything takes time take a yoga class and relax

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    1. OK people, let’s get real. I lived at the lofts for 10 years in what was probably the best located unit in the building. I was recently looking for a rental apartment at the lofts for a family member and I came across this blog. Because of personal circumstances, I moved away for a year, but wanted to get back and I finally returned to a great unit across the street. I love being back in downtown and have currently replaced Murphys with the Wolf – which is equally great and similar in many ways. When I saw the name of “YOU KNOW WHO”, I had to comment! I purchased my unit when the lofts were created. Did I get screwed? YES! AND, I know the person of whom this article is directed and I agree 100%. No Libel here, but everything I say here is the truth. She lived right next to me and she actually called the POLICE on me because of loud music in my apartment instead of knocking on the door or calling me. Again, She Called the freekin’ Police on her neighbor! Huh? She is everything people say.
      Now, folks, lets open up. I went to Murphys for ten years, yes it may have been loud a number of years ago, and we all know who spearheaded the fight against them, but it is NOT as bad as people say. In fact it can be real nice and fun. Close mindedness is not a good match for downtown Salem. Diversity is important and necessary. I wish people would realize this by now. At Murphys, I met young college punks, I met older residents and tourists, I met all kinds of professionals, and yes, I met drug addicts, alcoholics and delinquents in legal trouble of which I was approached for help many times. Sure, some of these people were nothing like me nor with my kind of background, but I had many acquaintances with whom I have established great friendships. Not all of them, but MOST. And again, I think this diversity is what makes Salem such a great place to live – at least it is for me and for many of whom I know here in Salem. How boring would it be with the many conformist, rich and arrogant people of the metro west areas? Again, if this is not your cup of tea, move to those suburbs. There were people like me at Derby Lofts who were not elite snobs, but those who embrace diversity and realize that hatred, discrimination or snobbery have no place here. Like someone said above, if you don’t agree with others in the building, stay away from them. If you are intimidated by those in Salem, or too prejudiced or closed-minded, I think you should just stay away as well. Open up and embrace differences; it is not hard.

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    2. OK people, let’s get real. I lived at the lofts for 10 years in what was probably the best located unit in the building. I was recently looking for a rental apartment at the lofts for a family member and I came across this blog. Because of personal circumstances, I moved away for a year, but wanted to get back and I finally returned to a great unit across the street. I love being back in downtown and have currently replaced Murphys with the Wolf – which is equally great and similar in many ways. When I saw the name of “YOU KNOW WHO”, I had to comment! I purchased my unit when the lofts were created. Did I get screwed? YES! AND, I know the person of whom this article is directed and I agree 100%. No Libel here, but everything I say here is the truth. She lived right next to me and she actually called the POLICE on me because of loud music in my apartment instead of knocking on the door or calling me. Again, She Called the freekin’ Police on her neighbor! Huh? She is everything people say.
      Now, folks, lets open up. I went to Murphys for ten years, yes it may have been loud a number of years ago, and we all know who spearheaded the fight against them, but it is NOT as bad as people say. In fact it can be real nice and fun. Close mindedness is not a good match for downtown Salem. Diversity is important and necessary. I wish people would realize this by now. At Murphys, I met young college punks, I met older residents and tourists, I met all kinds of professionals, and yes, I met drug addicts, alcoholics and delinquents in legal trouble of which I was approached for help many times. Sure, some of these people were nothing like me nor with my kind of background, but I had many acquaintances with whom I have established great friendships. Not all of them, but MOST. And again, I think this diversity is what makes Salem such a great place to live – at least it is for me and for many of whom I know here in Salem. How boring would it be with the many conformist, rich and arrogant people of the metro west areas? Again, if this is not your cup of tea, move to those suburbs. There were people like me at Derby Lofts who were not elite snobs, but those who embrace diversity and realize that hatred, discrimination or snobbery have no place here. Like someone said above, if you don’t agree with others in the building, stay away from them. If you are intimidated by those in Salem, or too prejudiced or closed-minded, I think you should just stay away as well. Open up and embrace differences; it is not hard.

      Delete
  23. Hi, I am in the process of purchasing a unit at Derby Lofts and moving there from my home here in Virginia....I'm no youngster by any means but I am young-at-heart and fell in love with Salem and DL on my first visit. I can't wait to get there...so much to do....so many interesting things. The people I have met so far are friendly, willing to help, and very positive about the city. I know I'll find many new friends in this new adventure

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Don't forget, keep it klassy!