Condo owners in Florida are facing a financial challenge as they try to meet condo assessment deadlines by the end of the year. The cost of building repairs is expected to burden thousands of condo owners, leading to concerns about sustainability. In response to this issue, condo associations and owners are banding together to form a united front.
Darlene VanRiper Leads the Charge
Darlene VanRiper from Stuart, Florida, is spearheading the initiative to bring together condo associations from the Treasure Coast to Palm Beach County. VanRiper emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, "We need to do something, and we need to do it now. It is time to rally together. You'd be amazed what people can do when they're united."
Formation of the Treasure Coast Condo Alliance
VanRiper has established the Treasure Coast Condo Alliance to address the Structural Integrity Reserves Study (SIRS) that all condos in the state must undergo by the year's end. The Alliance is hiring a lobbyist to ensure their voices are heard in legislative discussions and to highlight the practical challenges faced by condo owners.
Growing Support from Condo Associations
Condo associations spanning from the Treasure Coast to Palm Beach County are encouraged to join the Alliance in this united effort. The growing consensus among condo owners is that the current financial strain, exacerbated by factors such as inflation and insurance costs, is unsustainable.
Finding Solutions
Residents like Candy Raulerson, a small business owner residing at Harborage Condos, are feeling the impact of the recommended $6,480,000 worth of building repairs. With an average increase of $3,000 per resident every month, many are struggling to cope with the escalating fees. Raulerson emphasized the need for collective action, especially for vulnerable populations such as seniors living on fixed incomes.
Seeking Advocacy
VanRiper stated that hiring a lobbyist would entail a fee of approximately $1,000 per resident. However, the lobbyist would advocate for condo owners on various fronts, including insurance and vendor issues. Condo associations interested in joining the Treasure Coast Condo Alliance can reach out via email at TreasureCoastCondoAlliance@gmail.com or contact VanRiper directly at 772.285.7447.
In conclusion, the formation of the Treasure Coast Condo Alliance represents a proactive approach by condo owners to address the pressing financial challenges they face. By uniting efforts and seeking advocacy, they aim to find sustainable solutions to mitigate the increasing costs and ensure the viability of condo living in Florida.
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