Condo owners residing in the Biscayne 21 building in Miami are refusing to leave their units after receiving a notice from the development company, Two Roads Development, to vacate the premises by Friday. The residents have filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that they were manipulated and pressured to sell their units. They claim that the condo owners “manipulated, bullied, deceived, and pressured” them into selling their properties.
In an attempt to shed light on their situation, the residents invited CBS Miami to interview them inside the property. However, the media was swiftly met by police upon arrival, as the attorney of the property, Lawrence Pecan, did not want them inside.
One of the condo owners, Nicolas Bello, expressed his disappointment at having to leave his unit. He mentioned that he would miss the stunning view of the bay. Another owner, Jackline Fraga, asserted that she never intended to sell her property and had made cherished memories there with her family.
Franah Marino, another resident, described the building as prime real estate in South Florida and expressed her emotional attachment to it. She expressed her concern that if the developer succeeds in displacing them, it sets a precedent that could impact others in similar situations.
The notice sent to the residents stated that the building required significant maintenance and that the developer had acquired the property in December 2022. It mentioned that out of 184 units, only six remained occupied, referring to the residents as “unlawful inhabitants.”
Jeffery Kominsky, a real estate attorney specializing in condominium law, explained that this dispute arises from a provision in Florida law. This provision grants condo boards the power to dissolve and sell buildings with an 80% approval from those with voting interests. Kominsky emphasized that termination of associations is becoming more common after developers secure a supermajority vote.
The residents have been given a deadline of 5 p.m. on Friday to vacate the building. Their refusal to leave indicates their determination to fight against what they believe is an unjust displacement. The outcome of this dispute remains uncertain, but it sheds light on the challenges faced by condo owners when dealing with developers.
Sources:
– CBS Miami