Nathan Weinstein supports the current Board of Aquarius

Dear Aquarius Owners

Many individuals opposing the current Board are posting on this blog to share their perspectives this week to push the election in their favor. I’ve noticed many of posts are missing relevant facts or are completely inaccurate. 

Response to Mr. Benson’s letter dated January 8, 2026. 

Regarding current building challenges
In my opinion, several issues we are addressing today—such as elevator reliability, AHU’s (Air Conditioner) performance, and roof replacement—can be traced to decisions and project scope choices made during earlier board terms. While financial constraints were undoubtedly a factor, incomplete work during prior recertification efforts has contributed to the need for corrective measures today. During the 40-year recertification process, certain structural elements, including portions of the building envelope, columns and roof work, were not completed at that time. As a result, current board has had to address these matters under more demanding regulatory and financial conditions. In 2022, when the current Board took over, our building had just completed a $22million dollar renovation and even still the entire property needed repairs (common bathrooms, gyms, laundry, etc) and common area and pool/beach furniture rusting everywhere. 

Regarding pool and balcony work
While improvements to the pool and balconies may have been considered beneficial, they were not required by the state as part of the 40-year recertification. Additionally, owners were not asked to approve these projects through a full vote. Ongoing repairs suggest that some aspects of this work did not perform as intended, leading to additional expenses today such as the reconfiguration of East Pool Heater systems. 

Regarding criticism and accountability
My comments are not meant to criticize individuals personally or question the good intentions of those who volunteered their time on the board. Rather, they reflect a review of decisions and results, which I believe is necessary for informed decision-making by the owners. It is clear that money (in this case $22million) did not solve our problems and having a Board that relied heavily on the management company also did not solve our problems. The current Board, running for re-election, is comprised of educated, diverse and critical thinkers who will not rely on management or vendors to make decisions that will waste our money and require fixing before normal timelines. 

Regarding financial management
I support the current board’s financial approach. Despite inflation, maintenance fees were reduced while fully funding state-mandated SIRS reserves. Owners knowingly chose not to fund non-mandated reserves, understanding that assessments would be used if those items require attention. This approach reflects a balance between fiscal discipline and owner choice. In addition, this board has built up a strong operating fund balance to support necessary repairs & maintenance.  

Regarding transparency and property conditions
Many owners have expressed satisfaction with the current board’s communication and transparency. Ongoing projects, including common-area improvements, are expected to enhance the property once completed. Given the scope of the 50-year recertification, addressing all maintenance items requires time and prioritization. 

Regarding leadership and future direction
New ideas and perspectives are always welcome. Based on my experience over the past seven years, however, the most measurable progress has occurred during the last four years. As current projects near completion, their positive impact is becoming increasingly visible.

Response to Mr. Zeltzers’’ letter dated January 14, 2026. 

It’s great that candidates want to have new ideas but my question is why haven’t they asked to participate in any of the many committees we have? 

Mr. Zeltser wants to remodel the lobby. The Board has already confirmed that all furniture has been replaced or on order for replacement, new lighting and new windows installed and that the new fountain will be done by end of January. The lobby was recently redone during the 40 year certification. So, what would Mr. Zeltser like to do? 

He suggests creating a business room. Well, we already have a library, bar and game room with Wi-Fi that many individuals already use during business hours. The cascade and green room can also be rented for any business needs. 

The building regularly provides dumpsters for owners to clear our personal items. 

The social committee organizing events and owners can reach out any time to share ideas or participate in the planning. 

West lot use options are being prepared for the owners to review and vote on accordingly. 

We do in fact rent out the west parking lot to our neighbors regularly. If Mr. Zeltser is aware of improper parking on the west lot, why didn’t he inform security or the board about it to be addressed? 

The engineers create a report and bid package to present to the Board in choosing the construction company for 50-year certification. The engineering committee was also involved in the design and contract preparation. The bid package is opened in front of the residents to ensure transparency. In the bid there were a number of days in which the work must be completed and there is no change in price for the delays. This is all in the contract. The Board cannot limit the change orders as they are mandated by the city inspectors and at times by the engineers. Vendors/contractors do not decide on work orders themselves. Not all issues are visible to the eye and are only determined once you chip at the concrete. In addition, the work cannot be rushed. In concrete restoration, there is a process of requiring the material to dry before you can move forward with another layer. Work change orders are reviewed by engineers and approved by the Board. If bad weather occurs, delays are inevitable, as the work is done on swing stages and even intense winds could be dangerous and liability to both the construction company and the Association. 

Mr. Zelter’s letter demonstrates that he is not fully aware of what is currently happening in the building and lacks basic construction knowledge. While he seems enthusiastic about improving our building, I would recommend he join some committees rather than run our building. 

Response to Mr. Taljik’s letter dated January 14, 2026

Mr. Taljik, rather than admitting that his resume had many inaccuracies about our building financials, he continues to challenge our board with additional documentation. BOD hire an external auditor who audits our building financials annually. If he seriously had concerns, he would try to be collaborative with the management company and our current Treasurer to understand the financials & budget. Instead, he continues to deflect his actions and look for issues that do not exist.  If anyone hasn’t seen the communications between Mr. Taljic and our Treasurer & management company, where he becomes hostile at times for no reason and chooses not to participate in the finance committee, I recommend you go to the office and read the copies available on request. You will clearly see that he is the one that lacks “constructive engagement”. 

In his letter, he asked the Board to resend the SIRS & Non-SIRS schedules that were already circulated to the community and available on Connect. My understanding that our Board and management company are not here to be administrative assistants to Mr. Taljic. The information is also available online. Mr. Taljic spoke at the budget meeting and other Board meetings where responses were given to all his questions, including why we are adding a 4^th maintenance person as well as how the utility costs were considered for the budget. There is no issue with the Board’s approach. It’s just simply that Mr. Taljic does not like them, nor has he given them any respect to understand their approach, as he is always just looking to argue.

Finally, Mr. Gupta’s letter on January 11, 2026

Mr. Gupta would like this Board to take accountability for his BOD performance. However, he neglects to address the state the buildings were left in by his Board in 2021. There were barely any beach and pool furniture since so much was broken or rusted. Many common elements were in serious disrepair and deterioration, after we invested $22million into the property. In addition, many structural decisions were poorly implemented (housing chemicals without proper ventilation with the pool heaters, lack of hurricane protection for lobby windows, improperly connected elevators, improperly the list goes on). Thankfully for the current Board, many of these unsightly matters have been repaired and the structural matters appropriately addressed with professional engineers. 

Mr. Gupta also says that the information shared at Board meetings is useless. He neglects to share that such detailed presentations were never presented by his Board. Nor does he mention how owners were not allowed to participate in an active conversation with the Board during meetings. In addition, back then they neglected to offer a dial-in option for owners away from the property. This was only available as an option because of the pandemic. Prior to that they did not respond to owner inquiries to allow for conference dial-in options. Mr. Gupta’s board also neglected to established committees to allow for community engagement. 

Conclusion
Many owners recognize the progress already made and believe it is important to allow the current board to complete the work underway. Continuity at this stage supports stability, cost control, and long-term planning for our community. The current Board (Alex, Ella, Kiet, Liz & Rami) are professional, respectful and inclusive individuals. Their backgrounds include engineering, accounting (CPA) and advanced degrees. They are knowledgeable, energetic, engaged in the property and continuously educating themselves to keep their skills and knowledge current. Many positive improvements that are already accomplished and installed, we all can observe truly a living proof to BOD capability to carry on and bring our Aquarius to worry free beautiful future state.

Respectfully,

Nathan Weinstein, 806S

Member in Engineering and Grievance Committee’s

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