The summer of 2020 was hot, even for Tucson. But even hotter were the flames hungrily advancing through the landscape of the Santa Catalina Mountains overlooking the city. The Bighorn Fire, named for the mountain on which it was ignited by a lightning strike, burned for several weeks. By the time it was fully contained, […]
Water shut off at La Quinta golf course as owner files for bankruptcy (CA)
News Channel 3 has learned exclusively that the golf course at Trilogy at La Quinta has declared bankruptcy and a partial owner has shut off the water unless the homeowner’s association pays tens of thousands of dollars. Read the entire article……………………………….
Warrenton working to correct miscalculations in stormwater utility fees (VA)
Town of Warrenton officials have discovered miscalculations in their assessment of stormwater utility fees in at least one subdivision and are working to correct the errors. The discovery came as residents of the Olde Gold Cup Association, Inc., the subdivision’s homeowners association, questioned town officials about utility fees on their tax bills that did not […]
Inside the tug-of-war over the Surfside condo site’s future
Steve Rosenthal loved living along the beach, chatting with his neighbors by his condominium’s pool, having everything he needed just a short walk or drive away. That was his life at Champlain Towers South in Surfside. Rosenthal lost many of his friends when the majority of the 12-story condominium collapsed last month, killing at least […]
Residents allowed to move back home after Kissimmee condo makes repairs (FL)
After weeks of repairs, evacuated tenants can now move back home to their Kissimmee condo buildings. Osceola County spokesperson Chris Brumbaugh said in a statement Wednesday that temporary repairs have been completed at two buildings under Images Condominium Association. He clarified that all buildings are now open for occupancy. Read the entire article……………………………….
A condo building couldn’t collapse in NYC. Or could it? (NY)
Basement leaks and cracks. Faulty mechanical and electrical systems. Porous roofs and crumbling facades. You name it, Howard Zimmerman has probably seen it. A specialist in diagnosing the ailments of New York City’s aging buildings, Zimmerman fields requests from condominiums and cooperatives for his take on what should be done. But often, his recommendations disappear […]
City sues condo tower garage over long-delayed repairs (IL)
The owners of a Chicago condo tower garage are facing a lawsuit by the city over long delays to repairs as scrutiny of condo buildings intensifies nationwide following the deadly collapse of the Champlain Towers building in Surfside, Florida. Read the entire article……………………………….
Lakefront community requests rezoning to restrict short-term rentals (VA)
The Franklin County Planning Commission is moving forward with a request from Idlewood Shores residents on July 13 to begin rezoning the lakefront community to restrict short-term rentals. Read the entire article……………………………….
Johns Creek residents say new fee won’t fix complex, costly stormwater problems (GA)
Jian Ma, who has lived in Medlock Bridge for 20 years, points out one of several trees that have been removed or have fallen into the expanding waterway Saturday, July 17, 2021. Ma has to regularly remove debris, fallen trees and anything blocking the waterway; he has tried installing rocks and has rebuilt access to […]
Residents of Sandcastle Estates in Attleboro dreading pending sale (MA)
Sandcastle Estates was bought by Legacy Communities for $13.35 million 2 1/2 years ago and now there’s another deal in place to sell it for nearly $19 million. Read the entire article……………………………….
Surfside condo developer faced legal trouble in Canada, found clean slate in South Florida
As Nathan Reiber faced tax evasion charges and possible disbarment in Canada in the 1980s, he was already basking in a life of luxury in Miami Beach. Read the entire article……………………………….
San Diego homeowner: Disconnecting a water meter could cost thousands (CA)
Jet Martin wanted to stop service to a water meter to save money for the homeowners in his Mira Mesa HOA. It turns out the city said doing that will cost thousands of dollars. “I was shocked when I heard an amount of $14,000 simply to discontinue water service,” Martin said. Read the entire article……………………………….
East Wenatchee man faces charges in condominium complex fire in Wenatchee (WA)
A 20-year-old East Wenatchee man faces first-degree arson charges after fireworks were allegedly thrown from his vehicle that then ignited an apartment fire in South Wenatchee late Sunday evening. Read the entire article……………………………….
Building evacuated due to structural issues (FL)
A four-unit building on Sixth Avenue was voluntarily evacuated on July 15 after a repairman noticed structural issues with the balconies. Building Official Neal Schwartz said that the issues at the building at 3400 Sixth Ave. could lead to a collapse, but that they were discovered before any other damage occurred. The property owners voluntarily […]
Miami condo collapse: Warnings of premium hikes and coverage criteria changes (FL)
Florida condominium owners should prepare for the impact of the Miami building collapse on their insurance coverage – including higher premiums and policy changes – insiders have warned. Read the entire article……………………………….
Condo questions: Do owners have a right to vote on proposed budget before board passes? (FL)
Q: Our condo association just sent out notice of a board meeting where the new budget for the upcoming year will be passed by the board, and it had the proposed budget attached to it. The proposed budget looks like it’s a significant increase in the amount of assessments. Isn’t that something that the unit […]
Homeowner asks KPRC 2 Investigates for help in HOA fence stain debate (TX)
In a perfect world, a homeowners associations work to protect the rights of property owners and keep subdivisions safe and clean. But what happens when an HOA applies rules differently for different homeowners? Our KPRC 2 Investigates team is getting answers. Our KPRC 2 Investigates team often gets questions about HOA rules and regulations. We […]
An oceanfront condo collapsed in Florida. Could that happen along Virginia’s coast?
On the last Wednesday in June, residents of a 12-story oceanfront condo in Surfside, Florida, went to bed with no reason to believe the building would crumble to the ground. Then it did. Now, questions abound: Why did the collapse occur, could it happen to buildings along the Virginia coast, and should we be worried? […]
A GROWING CONCERN: Cultivate fire safety in your neighborhood
As you have heard, drought and wildfires are at record levels again this year in the West and for those of us living here. Many enjoy the rural lifestyle. Fire officials say some of those homes, those on forests’ edges, are more susceptible to wildfire dangers. Here’s what you can do to protect your property […]
Repairs being made to Kissimmee condo complex after several buildings deemed unsafe (FL)
Management at a Kissimmee condo complex is working to make repairs after several buildings were deemed unsafe earlier this month. According to Osceola County, Images Condominiums officials have pulled permits and hired a licensed contractor to work on repairs. Read the entire article……………………………….
Residents in Hilo condo fear rent hikes, being kicked out as state lifts eviction moratorium (HI)
A group of residents in a Hilo housing project are expressing concern that they’ll be evicted from their affordable units when Hawaii’s eviction moratorium ends next month. But the building’s management company says the concerns are being overblown. Residents in affordable units at Waiakea Villas say they started getting text messages from building management in […]
Florida Condo Collapse Fixes Attention On Design, Maintenance Standards (IL)
Following the collapse of a high-rise condo building in Florida, people across the country are asking questions about building safety. Illinois does not have a 40-year building re-certification requirement as Florida does, but experts said that should not matter. Read the entire article……………………………….
More Than 3 Dozen People Displaced, Others Told Not To Go On Their Balconies, After Partial Roof Collapse In NW Miami-Dade (FL)
Thirty-seven people have been displaced and several others were told not to go on their balconies after the roof of an apartment building in Northwest Miami-Dade partially collapsed Thursday. Read the entire article……………………………….
Officials: Hacker stole identities of multiple victims killed in Surfside condo collapse
Disturbing reports are emerging of a hacker taking advantage of those who were killed in the partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium building in Surfside. Officials said the criminal is seeing the victims’ names in the news and then stealing their identities. Read the entire article……………………………….
After rainbow flag removal, Killearn homeowners board overturns controversial restriction (FL)
After backlash over asking for removal of a rainbow flag from a home, the Killearn Estates Homes Association this week unanimously voted to rescind its controversial flag restriction. Read the entire article……………………………….
Fountain Inn rejects plan for 118 homes off golf course, developer to persist with changes (SC)
Fountain Inn’s planning commission has rejected a final development plan for 118 homes along Carolina Springs Golf Course after nearby residents voiced strong opposition to the proposal — one that has been in the works for more than a decade. Read the entire article……………………………….
Flooding concerns evacuate downtown Tampa high-rise condo (FL)
Emergency crews responded to downtown Tampa’s Element residential tower Friday morning due to flooding concerns. At least one resident said there was a water break and multiple units had to be evacuated. Read the entire article……………………………….
Concrete Repair Organization Issues Statement on Florida Condo Collapse
As the tragedy of the condo collapse in Florida continues to unfold, several organizations are taking steps to try to prevent similar future tragedies. The International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) is one organization well-positioned to contribute. Read the entire article……………………………….
Festival of Lights future in the hands of Foothills HOA members (AZ)
While the Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party may largely be relegated to the past, its reason for being will continue – at least for now. Only instead of being the responsibility of the FOL Committee, the set-up and tear-down of the million-lights display in the medians of Chandler Boulevard between 24th Street and Desert Foothills […]
Miami’s condo industry is scrambling after the Surfside collapse, as boards lawyer up and buyers interrogate brokers about safety
South Florida’s condominium industry is already feeling shockwaves from the Surfside building collapse last month, as industry experts say condo boards are lawyering up and safety-minded buyers are pausing or backing away from deals. Read the entire article……………………………….
Near condo explosion, barricade causes anxiety (MI)
The recent explosion at a Warren condominium on Villa Pointe Drive has caused uneasiness to resurface among residents at the nearby Aspenwood Condominiums concerning a barricade that was erected in 1973. Read the entire article……………………………….
Lake Anne’s Aging Infrastructure Reviewed By Fairfax County (VA)
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn briefed Lake Anne residents Wednesday night on Fairfax County’s efforts to assess the aging infrastructure within the community, identify problem areas, and propose possible solutions. Read the entire article……………………………….
Stoneybrook West community to decide fate of golf course (FL)
Stoneybrook West homeowners are in the process of a vote that could determine whether the golf course will be brought back to its fully functional state again. Read the entire article……………………………….
Parts of Bucks County condominium complex may be “totally gone” after flood (PA)
Several hundred people are impacted by the flood damage at the Lafayette Gardens condominium complex. Read the entire article……………………………….
Family Of Teenager In Surfside Collapse Sues
Teenager Jonah Handler was sitting in his room with his mother when the walls of their condominium in Champlain Towers South gave way two weeks ago. “They free-fell to what they thought was certain death,” according to a lawsuit filed this week. “Stacie and Jonah landed several floors below and miraculously were still alive.” […]
Ask the HOA Expert: Solicitation And Trespassing
Question: Our HOA entrance is posted with signs that prohibit both solicitation and trespassing. However, we frequently have people wandering through the community leaving coupons and flyers on the doors. This prompts owner complaints why this is “allowed”. The greatest concern is security because many units are second homes and vacant much of the year. Read […]
Association says ‘no cats allowed;’ HUD says that’s discrimination (CA)
Federal authorities have charged an Oceanside mobile home park with violating the Fair Housing Act by refusing to let a woman with mental health disabilities keep a cat as an assistance animal. Read the entire article……………………………….
Condo collapse: Slab at center of investigation into Florida building was showing weakness in 1996: report (FL)
A concrete slab that supported the pool deck at Florida’s Champlain Towers South condo building, which collapsed last month and resulted in the deaths of at least 95 people so far, needed “concrete structural repair” to seal 500 feet of cracks in 1996, new documents obtained by the Miami Herald show. Read the entire article……………………………….
Dredging at Timber Lake complete, decades-long project secures future of community (VA)
On a summer morning at Timber Lake, the water is expansive and glittering, the crown jewel of the Timberlake neighborhood, an about 60-acre lake that touches almost 200 properties. After 30 years, phase one of a long-awaited conservation project is complete — on Saturday, the dredging process finished, the culmination of decades of work to […]
Senior Clubhouses Can Reopen (NJ)
This had been an issue since the start of the pandemic. Pools, clubhouses, and other amenities were closed to the public. At first, it was a safety issue. Homeowner associations didn’t have the staff to wipe down every surface or to police the area to keep people wearing masks and socially distancing. Read the entire article……………………………….
Erosion threatens homes in The Villages of Brentwood
The historic flash flooding that occurred March 27 and 28 of this year made an already perilous situation in The Villages of Brentwood neighborhood even more challenging. Multiple homes along Village Way saw much of their backyards tumbling into the creek below. Read the entire article……………………………….
Got Compliance? If Not, Here Are Some Best Practices On Handling Community Association Violations (NC)
As a volunteer community leader, you probably never pictured yourself acting as the “town sheriff.” But community associations have governing documents which must be enforced, and someone must enforce them, right? When it comes to compliance issues, acting reasonably and uniformly enforcing the provisions of governing documents will make your time as a board member […]
NJ Man Busted for Racist Rant Has Community Bracing for His Return
The Essex Place Community HOA tells us they’re working closely with prosecutors and police to make sure everyone’s safe when Mathews comes home … which could be as soon as Tuesday, when he has a hearing to decide his bail. Read the entire article……………………………….
Unlike Florida, California leaves the safety of aging high-rises largely in owners’ hands
Despite the tendency of the earth to convulse beneath them, California has sprouted some 20,000 buildings that are 14 stories tall or higher, according to international data. They’re office buildings and residential towers. They’re in Long Beach and Los Angeles, Irvine and Oakland, San Jose and San Francisco, Glendale and Riverside. Some of the oldest […]
Veterans at Waterloo condo complex get new donated ramp (IA)
Mobility-challenged military veterans at the Regency North senior condo complex couldn’t curb their disdain for the steep curbside and front access to their building. For an old sailor like U.S Navy Korean War era veteran Duane Jaschen, it was pretty unnavigable. Read the entire article……………………………….
‘It all happened so fast’: At least 60 Bensalem condo residents evacuated after flood waters engulf complex (PA)
As the flood waters rose faster and higher, Sarah Baker heard an older neighbor at Lafayette Gardens condos cry for help. Without thinking, she slogged through the dirty water that had breeched the Bensalem condominium complex to the unit. Read the entire article……………………………….
After Florida tragedy, condo owners are asking: Does my building set aside enough money for repairs? (MA)
Condo owners throughout New England were no doubt watching in horror as new details emerged about the deadly collapse of a 13-story condo building in South Florida. With the death toll expected to exceed 110, it may be one of the deadliest accidental building collapses in American history. How could such a thing happen? And […]
Residents at O’Fallon, Mo. condominium say city storm system doesn’t protect them from flooding when it rains (MO)
Residents of a condominium complex in O’Fallon are not happy following the weekend’s storms and are seeking help from the city after years of flooding continue to damage their homes. Read the entire article……………………………….
Goats: unlikely allies in California’s fight against wildfires
Their mission, should they choose to accept it, is simple: graze. Goats are an unlikely but increasingly popular weapon in California’s fight against the wildfires that rage through the western US state every year. Read the entire article……………………………….
Cracks, separated staircases, moving walls: Similarities with Surfside disaster in Orange Beach condo lawsuit (AL)
The issues of cracked walls and foundation at Palm Beach Resort – similar to the Champlain Towers South — are laid out in a Baldwin County civil lawsuit, filed last August. The lawsuit has taken on a newfound sense of attention as beachfront cities ponder additional condo inspection protocols in the aftermath of a disaster […]