Residents May Have to Find Temporary Housing After Sunrise Condo Buildings Deemed Unsafe
Time is Running Out for Repairs
Time is running out for crews to finish work at a Sunrise neighborhood before residents are forced out. The city deemed some buildings unsafe due to structural problems.
City Issues Notices, Residents Must Find Alternative Housing
The city put up notices at Grenadier Lakes at Welleby on Friday, deeming some of the condo buildings unsafe after a report from an independent engineer identified structural deficiencies in some of the buildings. The condo association hired a contractor to install temporary supports to the building, but if the work isn’t done by Monday, many people will have to find temporary housing until the work is complete and approved by the HOA’s engineer.
Residents’ Concerns
Bailey Harris received the news while at work. "This has probably been one of the most emotionally overwhelming things I have ever had to deal with in my entire life," she said. "I left work, and immediately got emotional because I realized I might lose everything." Carmen Rivera-Ellerman expressed similar concerns, "Where are we going to go? Is the city going to take us in? Are they going to provide shelter for us?"
Crews Work to Meet Deadline
Late Friday night, crews were in the neighborhood installing the temporary shoring. Their goal and hope is to have the work finished by Saturday afternoon. Fadi Tabash with Titan Roofing and Construction says they have 11 buildings to work on.
Homeowners’ Frustration
Homeowners also have concerns about where their HOA fees are going, with many feeling that they are not seeing the results they expect. "What’s happening with our money," Rivera-Ellerman asked. "I will continue to fight even if it costs my life but I’m not giving up my home." Harris echoed these sentiments, "I really do think this has been a manipulation tactic and we don’t really know where our money is going because it’s obviously not going back into this community."
HOA Response
The HOA president sent NBC6 a statement Friday night, part of which said, "This is a safety issue that was not caused by me. It takes years and years of neglect to get to this point." She also addressed concerns about the use of HOA fees, saying, "Since 2002 Grenadier Lakes at Welleby has been and continues to be in deficit. The residents cannot blame me nor the management company for this situation or the money missing from prior years."
City’s Plan for Displaced Residents
City staff says they will connect people with resources if they are forced to move out on Monday. NBC6 reached out to management company, West Broward Community Management, but did not hear back from them.
Conclusion
The situation at Grenadier Lakes at Welleby highlights the importance of prioritizing resident safety and transparency in condominium associations. As the deadline for repairs approaches, residents are left to wonder what the future holds for them and their homes.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation at Grenadier Lakes at Welleby?
A: The city has deemed some buildings at the condominium complex unsafe due to structural problems, and repairs are underway to address the issue.
Q: How long do residents have to find temporary housing?
A: If the repairs are not completed by Monday, residents will need to find alternative housing until the work is complete and approved by the HOA’s engineer.
Q: What is the plan for displaced residents?
A: City staff will connect people with resources if they are forced to move out on Monday.
