Dania Beach Homeowner Fights for Justice
Home Sweet Nightmare
Dania Beach, Florida – A local resident is at his wit’s end after his neighborhood was transformed into a construction zone, putting his family’s health and property at risk. Michael Combs, a homeowner, has been left with no choice but to put his house up for sale due to the ongoing construction nearby.
A Life of Childhood Ruined
Three-year-old Katie loves to play in her backyard, but with the constant construction noise and debris falling from above, even her playhouse is now off-limits. Her father, Michael, describes the situation, "It’s like a prison for her. She can’t even play in her own backyard."
A Dream Crumbles
The construction site, approved by the Dania Beach City Commission in 2022, has turned Michael’s once-peaceful neighborhood into a construction zone. The developer, The Apollo Companies, purchased surrounding homes, but Michael’s was not one of them. "Your local government, you trust it as a resident, a taxpayer, they’re going to look out for you. I think that they should’ve forced the builder to work something out with us, instead of just ignoring us and building around us," he laments.
A Life of Repair Costs
The Combs family has already faced a long list of expenses, including repairing their car after concrete dripped on it and replacing their air conditioner after it filled with dust. "It’s been a nightmare," Michael says, "and it’s not just us – our neighbor’s fence and tree have also been damaged."
A Plea for Justice
7Investigates reached out to The Apollo Companies, who offered to buy Michael’s home but claimed they did not put anything in writing. They also stated they have power washed the property and offered to make repairs. Michael remains skeptical, "I think they should’ve worked something out with us before building around us."
Conclusion
Michael’s story is a testament to the importance of government accountability and the need for developers to prioritize the well-being of local residents. As he weighs the possibility of a new home, he reflects, "We still have hope… We’ll get out of this in a positive way, but as far as our dream, living here and retiring here, that dream is gone. It’s not going to happen."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to Michael’s house?
A: Michael’s house was not purchased by the developer, The Apollo Companies, despite the nearby construction.
Q: What kind of damage has Michael reported?
A: Concrete dripped on his car, and his air conditioner filled with dust. His neighbor’s fence and tree were also damaged.
Q: What did The Apollo Companies offer to do?
A: They offered to buy Michael’s home, power wash the property, and make repairs.
Q: What is Michael’s current plan?
A: Michael has put his house up for sale, hoping to find a new place to call home.
