Hurricane Irma Strikes Aquarius

Posted on September 10, 2017 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

Hurricane Irma Strikes Aquarius

 

 

Of course Aquarians love water but everything has a limit. Right now what all wish is no wind and no rain, but…

Let’s see two fresh reports on what has been happening at Aquarius while Irma is around:

Linda Satz, our BOD Secretary wrote:   09/10/2017  10 am

Three cars damaged on valet deck from flying plywood.

Security Director Joe’s car damaged. Portable potty laying in front of building .Water coming into lobby by picture windows. Going out the north door to beach, the stairwell pouring  water down from roof into  lobby floor. A crab has taken refuge in our lobby, we left it stay.

South Building 5 units with a lot of water in apartments. There will be a lots of insurance claims.

Joe Paez and Diana have been wonderful. They call the elderly every morning.

Water in garage but not flooded. I put my boots on, from New Jersey, and couldn’t open any door to get out. Wind so strong and sand bags were there.

We still have lights and air conditioning.

By the way, the impact windows are terrific. No water and not too much noise.

AJ has been terrific helping us and security during storm. He has been through four hurricanes and has so much knowledge we should tap into him.Oobjects  blowing from balconies that were not secured by structural.

I want to thank Judy , Buck, and Cecilio for asking how I am and being concerned.

Linda Satz

______________________________________________________

Joe Paez presents his preliminary report:   09/10/2017  10 am

 

To the Aquarius Family,

I hope all are safe  and taking refuge from the storm.

Current Property Report:

*  Water Intrusions from Balconies areas of the South Tower.

The 5 Line is affected.         Residents have numerous amount of rain water pouring into their units,  around from the balcony doors and window frames.

Units: 905-S, 805-S, 705S, 405-S, 305S, & 205-S    reported the rain water.

*  South Tower service elevator:    out of service / to much wind pressure rider got stuck in the car.

*  South Tower Balcony lost Plywood protection:

Unknown locations. currently 8 plywood protections sheets from on valet deck and garage.

*  4 vehicles were damaged from the plywood impacting them.

*  One portable john in A1A flew to the front of the building.

*  North service road gate between Trump and where the SPS Dumpers are inside Aquarius garage  have blew down.

*  We have a leak in the lobby around the window frame adjacent to the demo patio deck

*  North Tower East Stairwell has a leak from the Pent House  roof access dipping down into the stairwell.

I will sent another update as soon as possible.

Please be safe everyone.

Me and Diana are here at the building.

Joe Paez, Operations Manager One Global

Direct 786-355-9975

jpaez@one-gsa.com

____________________________________

Stay safe everyone!!!!

.o0o.

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Important Meeting August 31 – An Invitation from the City of Hollywood

Posted on August 29, 2017 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

Important Meeting – Disaster Preparedness 

August 31

 

An invitation from the City of Hollywood

Hollywood Beach Emergency Management and Beach Evacuation Registry Meeting

August 31, 2017
Hollywood Beach Community Center
1301 South Ocean Dr
Hollywood, Fl 33019
All beach residents and businesses are invited. Guests are welcome.
6pm to 9pm  August 31, 2017
Large Auditorium
Hosted by State of Florida Department of Health, Hollywood area EMS
And Hollywood Beach Business Association (HBBA)
 .
You and your friends are welcome to attend a vitally important meeting designed specifically for Hollywood beach residents and owners to receive important updates regarding the unlikely event of a beach evacuation and possible hurricane crisis.
 .
Representatives from state and city agencies will offer current information and procedures to use during such emergencies.
 .
Jaime Hernandez
Emergency Management Coordinator, will facilitate the meeting.
.
Various presenters from agencies such as the police and fire departments will speak to share relevant information. Of great importance will be the review of specific procedures and current updates regarding those with SPECIAL NEEDS who might be eligible for beach evacuation transport to facilities and shelters.
 .
The various registration  programs for this vulnerable population will be explained, as they do differ. Forms will be available.
.
The legal issues specific to the evacuation process will be explained.
Condo dwellers and business owners especially will be interested in the legal ramifications of selecting non evacuation once an official government evacuation is issued.
.
Short question and answer  time will be provided.
And, our wonderful Olga Cherkasova, owner of
Ben and Jerry’s of Hollywood beach will be providing ice cream!
 .
We hope you will attend this 2017 Public Service Beach Emergency session and will share this vital meeting information with others, especially beach residents who might be eligible for special needs evacuation transport and shelter.
.
For further information and to rsvp
Email: dibona@mac.com, 
Jaime Hernandez
Emergency Management Coordinator
City of Hollywood
Police Department
3250 Hollywood Blvd
P.O. Box 229045
Hollywood, FL 33022-9045

.o0o.

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The Last of the Mohicans, not really

Posted on August 27, 2017 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

The Last of the Mohicans, not really

 

An important phase in the Aquarius 40 Year Re Cert program. All South Tower balconies have been demolished. This happened before the projected schedule. Now it is the reconstruction phase. In a few weeks ill have the first balconies rebuilt. The work will proceed from bottom to top.

The Penthouse balconies have not been touched. They will be demolished and rebuilt when all other balconies are done.  Very important question: Will the noise level go down? We hope very much so!

The Last of the Mohicans, well not quite, but he last balcony of the Aquarius South Tower to go down.

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Gloria Cohen at the Hollywood City Artspark

Posted on August 20, 2017 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

Gloria Cohen at the Hollywood City Artspark

 

Gloria Cohen (1401 S) has five of her pieces at the Hollywood Astspark at Hollywood Blvd and 20th. Avenue.   The show is worth a visit.  August 2017

.o0o.

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Is Italy really like that? Laughing Material

Posted on August 19, 2017 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

Are  Italians really like that?

Laughing Material

Italy versus Europe

Forza Italia!

.o0o.

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Aquarius East Deck Demolition August 2017

Posted on August 18, 2017 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

Aquarius East Deck Demolition    August 2017

 

The East Deck of Aquarius demolition proceeds at a fast pace. This is to prepare the new deck with the T-Shape Infinite Beach Entry style swimming pool and several improvements according to the plans approved in January.

Also the demolition of all balconies is almost complete. The General Contractor  – Structural Restoration – announces that before the end of August it will start the work rebuilding the balconies of the South Tower of Aquarius. Recently the Board approved an extension on the width of the balconies. The North and the South facing balconies will be 6 inches wider. This will more than offset the 3 inches needed for the installation of the modern glass railings.

All this is part of the 40 Year Re Certification exercise. So far, even with many rainy days, the master schedule is being kept.

Click any picture to start the slide show. 
Click the top right 'X' to return to the blog
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The Passing of Rochelle Stern

Posted on August 11, 2017 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

The Passing of Rochelle Stern

 

We are sorry to inform the passing of Rochelle Stern, Apartment 1101 S.  Our hearts go out to her husband Lazlo Stern and the family

The funeral is Friday, August 11, 2017    at 3:00 pm at:

  • Levitt Weinstein Beth David 
  • 3201 NW 72nd Avenue
  • Hollywood, FL 33024

 

Shiva wil be held Sunday August 13 at Apt. 1101 S  10:00 to 4:00 pm.

 


.o0o.

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Would you have time to close your windows shutters?

Posted on August 9, 2017 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

Would you have the time to close your windows shutters?

 

There is no doubt that Windows Shutters offer a proven protection in the case of a strong storm. But sometimes the storms arrive without early warning. Would you have the time to close your shutters in a case like this video:

Would you have time to close your windows shutters?

These water spouts are very rare in the Southern Hemisphere.  This one in Brasil was seen in 2015.

The Northern Hemisphere seems to be more vulnerable to water spouts. At the Florida Keys  they are very frequent. The good side is that very seldom the touch the shore. Until they do.

 

You can have more information on this weather phenomenon at     HERE       http://www.whats-at-florida-keys.com/water-spout.html

 

.o0o.

 

 

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Dear Resident: Some notes on Impact Windows: It’s Time to Act

Posted on August 6, 2017 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

Dear Resident: Some notes on Impact Windows

A couple of weeks ago a resident of the South Tower had made her mind. She really wanted Impact Windows in her apartment. She asked me for some information. Bellow the e-mail I sent to her. Very few changes. I believe the information is of value for many – South Tower or North Tower. Please read it and call me if you need to talk. Time is of essence.

___________________________

Dear Resident

Here a list of Impact Windows vendors that have worked at Aquarius. I ignore any complains but I do not recommend any of them. The choice must be yours after due diligence. Be aware that there are many other providers of Impact Windows in Broward County.

 

“”Removal and re installation of the storm shutters   (Construction Committee Meeting Minutes of February 23, 2017)

 

The reoccurring question about storm shutters removal, re installation and potential additional cost to the owners was asked by the Aquarius resident. Hillman confirmed their previous explanation on this subject by the following statement:

 a) All qualified shutters will be removed during the construction and reinstalled back with no additional cost to the owners. 

Qualified shutters are: 

1) Installed after 1996 

2) Installed with permit 

3) Must be operational.

 

 b) Most shutters installed before 1996 are not qualified due to the changes in building code. Contractor will remove shutters, but it will be the owner’s responsibility to pay for new shutters or replace existing windows and doors with the impact windows and doors. 

 

At 11am today  [February 2017] , the BOD arranged presentations by three impact windows and doors contractors.[ The Board had organized presentations on the subject last year, this was another one]  Hopefully, the information presented will help owners in making this tough decision.

 Impact Windows Installers:

 Action Window & Glass, J.Scott Sandstrom, 954-294-3553 

 Broward Impact, Joe Marshall, 954-922-0606 

 Hanes Hurricane Shutters, 954-458-6866 

Each Aquarius unit must have either storm shutters or Hurricane impact windows and doors. 

The cost of association Master Insurance is significantly discounted because of storm shutters and/or impact window and doors. The absence of shutter in units without impact windows and doors will result in the loss of discount, therefore increasing the association insurance cost.””

______________________________

My take:

I would recommend you and any resident interested in having Impact Windows installed in their units to start contacting several vendors so the work can start as soon as the 40 year Re-Cert exercise is complete. This means as soon as the balconies are ready. The units can not be left without protection. If the installation of the windows is not consecutive the old shutters (if eligible)  must re installed. It this happens and you decide to have impact windows this cost to install the shutters will be added to the cost to remove the shutters.

Please ask for additional information at the Management Office about this topic.

In the aquariusuno.com blog we have several posts addressing the Impact Windows issue.

Of particular interest are:

Specifications for the installation of impact windows at Aquarius

https://aquariusuno.com/floor-plans/aquarius-apartment-windows-specifications/

Should you wait for a group discount?                   https://aquariusuno.com/2017/07/07/impact-windows-are-you-sure-you-want-to-wait/

Very Good Reasons for having Impact Windows           https://aquariusuno.com/2017/03/06/3736/

Please note that the information presented here is my individual responsibility. The Office Management and the Board of Directors are not responsible for it.

Let me know if I can be of any assistance.

With the best wishes 

Cecilio-Augusto Berndsen
ceciliob@gmail.com

703-439-4902  mobile

.o0o.

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Where is the East Deck Aquarius Swimming Pool?

Posted on August 6, 2017 by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen

Where is the East Deck Aquarius Swimming Pool?

 

The demolition of the Aquarius East Deck. With the target date to have all South Tower Balconies and the East Deck demolished by the end of August 2017 (if the weather helps), the work has been going on is brisk pace.

The noise and the dust are a problem but we all know that the results are going to be very good.

About half of the Balconies of the South Tower have been demolished. When this step is complete next job is the reinforcement of the steel bars and new concrete that resists a pressure of 6 ton.  Right now the old balconies had a dangerous concrete under the compression ratio of 2 ton. 

For the residents that are not in the property some pictures give an idea of the progress of the 40 Re-Cert progress.

August 5

August 3

August 2

.o0o.

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