A Man of Action - Art Swanson (originally posted in Russian Hill Neighbors)
Monday, April 26, 2010 at 6:13PM A Man of Action - Art Swanson
Contributed by Jo Goecke, RHN memberArt Swanson gives new meaning to the business term “bottom-up management.” Over the past two decades, he has climbed from maintenance/painter to Chief of Operations at Lightner Property Group (LPG). While he modestly claims to be a problem solver, his standard for excellence is legendary among Lightner tenants. Experience counts. Swanson has been a hands-on participant in LPG’s explosive growth for 22 years. “We currently manage 15 residential buildings and 6 commercial properties including Russian Hill, Lower Pacific Heights, Pacific Heights Marina, Nob Hill, Richmond/Sea Cliff, Laurel Heights, USF/Pan Handle, SOMA, Hayes Valley, Market/Castro, and West Oakland,” he emphasizes. “Managers report directly to me on a daily basis.”
Fueled by recent complaints from Lightner’s tenants involving late-night disturbances in and around the Heritage Marina Motel, located on the corner of Van Ness Avenue and Filbert Street, Bill Lightner, president of LPG, collaborated with the upper management team to develop a plan of action. Following the meeting, Swanson contacted the new on-site manager at Heritage and made it clear that “Lightner would take a determined approach, including, but not limited, to contacting the police and filing a formal complaint. Both the property manager and on-site manager are fairly new at the property but appear to be taking the steps necessary to clean up the site. I keep in touch on a regular basis and continue to monitor any complaints from Lightner’s residents across the street. We will not tolerate any decadent or criminal behavior.” I am vehemently opposed to any illegal activity that violates other person’s rights and/or any disrespect for personal property, including people’s right to quiet enjoyment in their home.”
Swanson and LPG feel fortunate that Carolyn Doyle manages the 1472 Filbert property. Swanson identifies Doyle as an extremely competent and knowledgeable manager. “However,” he stresses,“tenants have to be alert and take personal responsibility for their safety. It stands to reason that closing doors when entering or leaving the building is paramount to building safety. Never letting someone you do not know gain access to the building is another important safety measure. Reporting malfunction of entries to management, calling police when necessary to report malicious or suspicious behavior when seen, and membership in your neighborhood association are essential tools.”
San Francisco’s Police Chief George Gascón has implemented a collective effort through neighborhood programs that build relationships with residents to increase personal safety. “Lightner supports Chief Gascón’s plan,” continues Swanson. “When you get involved, it is easier for the police to respond. For example, when a crime in progress is reported, the caller only needs to leave a first name and cell phone number. The police can contact you when they arrive on the scene and ask any follow-up questions that may help in identifying the criminal. They are not going to reveal that you called.”
Graffiti is a well-established phenomenon and its immediate removal contributes to the stabilization of neighborhoods. Swanson applies a seasoned perspective and recently moved decisively to have the graffiti removed on the side of an out building on the Heritage Marina Motel’s roof. “Studies show that immediate removal of graffiti discourages the vandals from returning; it takes a while and you need to be diligent. It pays off in the end. Of course, it is more difficult to control on a vacant building.”
In closing, Swanson believes that people work for more than a paycheck; he is both proud but modest regarding the distinguished recognition he has received from the community, “People like to lease from property managers who maintain a standard of excellence,“ he concludes.
