The Towers and the Ticking Clock

The Towers and the Ticking Clock

 

 

An important article on the history and the future of buildings along the Florida coast. A must read for those that want to be well informed and well prepared. Just the pictures are worth to browse this well prepared piece. Click to open it.

 

The Towers and the Ticking Clock
By Matthew Shaer, New York Time
January  28, 2022

 

HOW IN THE WORLD DID WE GET HERE?

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

Published January 31, 2022

 

So, I get a call a few weeks ago from a reporter at The New York Times.  He was doing a story about the incredible number of condominiums in Miami and how fast they were all built.  How the entire skyline on the coast changed dramatically in the past 40 years or so and if it’s possible that The Champlain Towers in Miami was just a freak occurrence, or something that we need to start thinking about regarding all condominiums that were rushed through and given the green light.  Is it possible for other similarly situated buildings to start falling down?

 

The story is somewhat startling but not surprising.  It’s a story about greed, out of control construction, tampering with Mother Nature, little to no inspections, rushed through permits,  law firms and politicians helping developers  and The Florida Legislature turning a blind eye towards all of it.

 

If you’re living in a building in Miami, this is a must read.  If you don’t live in Miami, but are concerned about whether or not your building was built properly, it’s a must read as well.  Besides myself, there are politicians, builders, developers and other experts that tell their side of the story in detail.  Some of it is shocking.

 

Because so many turned their backs years ago, no wonder the story is called THE TICKING CLOCK OF MIAMI’S CONDO EMPIRE.  You should also know that coincidentally, Robert Lisman, who is the resident from Champlain Towers East, is the producer of our Condo Craze You Tube channel.  It’s a long article but again, it’s a must read.  

Here is the link to the New York Times article again

 

This material was recommend to the blog  aquariusuno.com by Arkady Chase

Eric Glazer’s office supported the Aquarius Condominium Association legal affairs for many years in the past.

.o0o.


Laughing time:

Put all books away and get a sheet of paper and pencil

Those that never lived this moment have no idea what serious panic is.

.o0o.

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Aquarius Board of Directors 2022: Officers Positions

Aquarius Board of Directors 2022: Officers Positions

The newly elected Board of Director of the Aquarius Condominium Association appointed the Directors for the following positions in the Organizational Board Meeting of January 25, 2022.

  • President:               Kiet Ngo, 1801N
  • Vice President:    Leon Behar, 1404S   
  • Secretary and Treasurer:   Elzbieta (Ella) Jankowska Fishman,  1104S
  • Director at Large:             Zinaida (Zina) Bluband. 902N   
  • Director at Large:              Linda Satz, 1108N

Biographical information and pictures of the new Directors may be seem here

Fair Winds, Following Seas and Clear Skies are the wishes of many in the Aquarius community to the new Board.

It also must be on record the hard work and dedication of some directors of the Board that completed their mandate in 2021. The Aquarius Condominium got to an elevated level thanks the their service and zeal.

Lets all work to let our home be the pleasant, safe and harmonious place we all deserve.

.o0o.

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Aquarius New Board Organization: Meeting January 25, 2022

 Aquarius New Board Organization: Meeting January 25, 2022, 6:30 pm

 

 

The new Aquarius Board of Directors has a meeting to determine the positions on the Board. The meeting is at the Cascade Room and remotely via ZOOM software.

In order to join via ZOOM follow the instructions bellow. To have the ZOOM app in your computer, phone or tablet makes it easier although it is not mandatory.

You can also call in – audio only – using the numbers listed below along with the meeting ID.

 Meeting link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84660631905?pwd=QTdJSFd3ZnlibnUxRXVaUXFJbzN5QT09

 Meeting ID:846 6063 1905

Passcode: check Management Office email (2022/01/21) or call them before 4:00 pm

 Dial by your location audio only:

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdwzuviFdU

 

See you there Aquarians!

.o0o.

 

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In Hollywood there is no need for a car. Use CIRCUIT

In Hollywood there is no need for a car. Use CIRCUIT SUN SHUTTLE

 

Do you need to go to Margaritaville? Hollywood Library? Publix? Just call using the app (Apple or Android)     https://www.ridecircuit.com/  or you could flag the SUN Shuttle by Circuit.

Rides called from the app cost $1.00. Rides flagged in the street are free. Of course, tips are welcome.

Check the details, hours, map of this ride service sponsored by the City of Hollywood.  https://www.ridecircuit.com/hollywood

.o0o.

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One Aquarius Owner appeals for neighbors to help

One Aquarius Owner asks  neighbors to help

 

Dear Aquarius South Unit Owner,

My name is Rob Martin and this fall I purchased Apt. 302S. My unit is directly across from the gym with the huge common area out on my balcony.

I need your help. Everyday someone above me throws garbage out of their window or balcony right outside my balcony. Tea bags, cabbage, crackers are the most common (see the tea bag picture from this morning). The tea bag brand is Bigelow Orange and Spice.

Our Aquarius is beautiful. Why would someone be so rude and disrespectful?

If you know anything please text or call me at (925) 785-0873.

Thanks

Rob

.o0o.

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Aquarius Elections Results – January 18, 2022

Aquarius Elections Results – January 18, 2022

 

Here are the new Board Directors:

Zina Bluband

Kiet Ngo

Leon Behar

Ella Fishman

Linda Satz         Pictures of the candidates available here

Congratulations to those candidates elected and thank you to all candidates for offering they time, effort and skills to make the Aquarius Condominium a better place. The elections are over. It is time for harmony and hard work. Everyone has a constructive role to play. Everyone.

Votes Received:  (tally to be confirmed)

.o0o.

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So you would like to participate in a ZOOM meeting?

So you would like to participate in a ZOOM meeting?

 

Sometimes participation in a meeting in person is not possible.

The availability of software that make it possible has increased exponentially in the last few years. The pandemic is, of course, a great motivator. One of these software that support online group activities is ZOOM. The Aquarius Condominium Association purchased a ZOOM license. This has been useful for meetings. The elections for the Board to be held January 18th., 2022, 6:30 pm will have ZOOM available. It is advisable to have the ZOOM client software installed in the device you intend to use. It may be a PC, a Tablet, a Smartphone and even a regular landline phone.   So what you need besides the ZOOM installed in your device? The information on the meeting of your interest.

The Aquarius Management Office sent an invitation. All information you need is here:

 

TO ATTEND ONLINE, GO TO WWW.ZOOM.COM , CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW AND ENTER THE MEETING ID AND PASSWORD:

 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86839258414?pwd=NjFYZ2ovaWNRRWVpWEl0QnkxQUxhdz09

Meeting ID: 868 3925 8414

Passcode:   if required ask for it from the Management Office

 Dial by your location

        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

 

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kP2AWirZo

Now if you would like to deepen you ZOOM expertise watch these two 2 minutes video clips. Try them  you will like them.  Video One “How to Join a Meeting”   Video Two “5 Essential in Meeting Features.”

 

.o0o.

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Demand Letter Regarding Aquarius Elections

Demand Letter Regarding Aquarius Elections

This letter to the Board of Aquarius was previouly sent via email and other communications forms. All material not offensive, not illegal will be posted in the blog provided the author identification is available. A request for posting is also required.

January 17, 2022

BY EMAIL AND POSTING ON AQUARIUS BLOG

To: Aquarius Condominium Association Board (Buck Gupta, Victor Rocha, Judith Ort, Linda Satz, Paul Finfer) and Property Manager (Marie Goehl)

Re: Litigation Hold Notice

Dear Board Members and Property Manager:

In connection with your insistence on proceeding with the unlawful Aquarius Condominium Association Board of Directors election currently set for January 18, 2022, on behalf of certain Unit Owners, I write to make the following demands:

  • Produce a copy of the roster of owners, which units require voting certificates, and who is designated as the voting certificate holder.
  • Produce the email and mailing list that the current Board uses to communicate with unit owners about the election.
  • Clarify in writing for all unit owners the status of proxy votes for Board voting, because the Second Notice is misleadingly vague about that.
  • Grant access to the ballots and proxies that have already been received in advance of the January 18, 2022, annual meeting so that we can monitor the integrity of the voting process.
  • Produce the contact information for the Board’s chosen election monitor, Nan Green, and a copy of all written communication with her as well as a list of all phone calls and meetings, including dates.

Please comply with the above immediately, as you insist on proceeding with the unlawful election.

*                 *                 *

I remain available to speak with you. I note that Buck Gupta has not returned my invitation to speak and avert litigation. He has my number.

Very truly yours,

/s/

Gary Svirsky

cc:      Unit Owners (to the extent email addresses are available)

.o0o.

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Aquarius Owners Suggest Interesting and Relevant Articles

 Aquarius Owners Suggest Interesting and Relevant Articles

 

Some Aquarius Owners sent links to interesting and relevant articles. Here some of them:

Proxy shall not be used for voting in Condominium Elections   so what are proxies good for? They may provide the needed quorum for a meeting.  By Arkady Chase

South Florida’s Real Estate Market Is Now Officially In Super-Boom Mode  By Leonid Blyumin

Complaint Alleges Fraud in Condominium Election    By Arkady Chase

.o0o.

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A final word on the use of the Aquarius Zoom license

A final word on the use of the Aquarius Zoom license

Cecílio-Augusto Berndsen, 1005N

 

I have seen messages regarding the use of the ZOOM license. These messages try to justify what cannot be justified. This is my last statement on the subject, but I will not censor any comment on the matter provided it is written in an acceptable manner.  An opposing view by Bhagwan (Buck) Gupta is presented after my observations. 

 

The use of the ZOOM license belongs to the Aquarius Condo Association, not the Board not the Management Office.

To deny its use alleging a possibility of a security breach is a clear demonstration of lack of familiarity with information systems in general and ignorance of ZOOM operations in particular.

If, for reason of argumentation, there were a real concern with the possibility of breaching the ZOOM security, something impossible, the meeting could have been conducted by the Management Office hosting the meeting and preventing the absurd, not true, fallacious, flawed hypothesis of a security breach.

But, for a moment let consider, if the intentions were good, if there was a genuine will to support a fellow owner and this was impossible for whatever reason the minimum would be to respond on the approval of the rental/agreement that no support would be given. A justification given Friday Jan. 7 was that the Management Office does not help people that use the Green Room to play cards. Why was this not done on the approval of the rental/agreement executed January 3rd?

Do we consider playing cards and meeting the Candidates for the Association’s Board of Directors to be of the equal significance for our community? Why such event that actually defines the faith of our Association for the whole year has not been organized and hosted by the administration? Does the administration represent the interests of the Association or the limited group of individuals trying to cling to power and exclusively using all the resources paid for by all unit owners to their advantage?

Considering all this, it is impossible to believe that there was an expected positive inclination to be supportive. To the contrary. It seems that the intention was to sabotage, obstruct, make it difficult. Had I been informed of the total lack of support on January 3rd, I and a group of concerned and motivated owners could have made arrangements to better organize the meeting in a timely manner. The omission by Management under the false pretense with the Board supporting it caused me to scramble for solutions.

But let’s forget the ZOOM issue. After all the meeting was a success for all candidates except for Ella Fishman. The owners of Aquarius who had the chance to participate were very happy with the opportunity to know the candidates a little better. The Cascade Room was full in addition there were about 50 participants in the Zoom session!

But how can one justify that the information on the candidates that was properly filed in the office by early December was made public December 27? And how can one justify the delay in mailing the ballots? Is the last minute the right way to do this?

It does not look good. Not at all.

Cecilio-Augusto Berndsen, 1005N


Quick reminder from the Florida Statute:

 

      1. Florida Statute 720.304 Right of owners to peaceably assemble;

(1) All common areas and recreational facilities serving any homeowners’ association shall be available to parcel owners in the homeowners’ association served thereby and their invited guests for the use intended for such common areas and recreational facilities. The entity or entities responsible for the operation of the common areas and recreational facilities may adopt reasonable rules and regulations pertaining to the use of such common areas and recreational facilities. No entity or entities shall unreasonably restrict any parcel owner’s right to peaceably assemble or right to invite public officers or candidates for public office to appear and speak in common areas and recreational facilities.


Opposing view by

Bhagwan (Buck) Gupta,  804S

 

Cecilio ! Thanks for sharing your new post along with your editorial comments. It is only fair that you could mention the long conversation you and I had relative to your request for assistance for the event scheduled for Jan. 11th at 6:30pm. I explained to you the reasons why the Association could not provide access to ZOOM account owned by Aquarius. Since than the property manager has further memorialized in an email to you and other unit owners. 

The cascade room chairs were arranged to control the number of in person guests attending the meeting. 

The email from Leo published on your blog makes no mention that each one of the issues raised in his email were addressed in detail by me  prior to adoption of new Assessment. Similar types of details were presented at the budget adoption meeting. I am not able to rehash the same information multiple times because a unit owner finds time to write down in detail the request for same information provided to all unit owners in attendance at specially called meetings. 

It would be nice to provide both sides of any issue on your blog. As a volunteer board member, I have tried to be as transparent as  possible for providing explanation at each occasion. Sometimes I have been guilty for going overboard in providing details for any construction project presented at various meetings, but that is my problem. 

Please feel free to post this communique on your blog. 

Sent from my iPhone

Bhagwan (Buck) Gupta,  804S


.o0o.
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