Residents of the Coral Gate East condominium in Hialeah are facing moments of distress after receiving notifications from Miami-Dade County, declaring the buildings they inhabit as unsafe.
The situation has generated concern and outrage among the owners and tenants, who believe that the management of the complex has failed in maintaining the property and in handling its structural certification.
"Rent prices are sky-high, a one-bedroom apartment costs over two thousand dollars, gentlemen. Where are we headed? This is unacceptable, look at that, look at that structure, look inside, it's falling apart, they don't paint or fix the parking areas," denounced Maibel Rodríguez, one of the affected residents, in statements to America Tevé, who has watched in despair as the deterioration of the condominium worsens without immediate solutions.
In light of this situation, some residents fear the worst and are uncertain about what to do in the event of eviction. The current real estate crisis in South Florida, marked by high rents and a limited supply of affordable housing, only heightens the uncertainty.
"With the rent being what it is today, if you don't have 5,000 or 6,000 dollars, there's nothing you can do. I, for instance, have an eight-year-old daughter and I don't have 7,000 dollars to move to another apartment," Rodríguez expressed, highlighting the desperation of those who rely on these apartments for safe housing.
“I have been here for almost 10 years and the parking lots are never fixed, they are full of holes, the walls are in bad condition, while the directors are on vacation, they have Audis, they have Cadillacs, and the condominium is falling apart,” he reported.
"This condominium, I, Maibel Martínez, say that it must undergo a thorough verification, because many things have been happening here, not just now, but for a long time," she concluded.
He also added that the same presidents and the same female presidents always come to power and that they have "their business."
Non-compliance with the 50-year recertification and million-dollar fines
The main issue lies in the failure to comply with the procedures for structural recertification after 50 years, which has resulted in buildings being classified as "unsafe" by local authorities.
As a result, the condominium has received a fine of $42,000, a financial blow that worries the residents, who fear that the cost of the penalty will fall on them through increases in their maintenance fees.
Leticia López, president of the board of the condominium, explained that the crisis is due to an issue with the architect responsible for the certification process.
“We discovered that the architect who was working for our community lied to us; he told us he was following one procedure, but it turned out to be another. The owners and I are very affected by this situation,” said Leticia López, president board of the condominium.
“She provided us with some reports stating that our building had passed certain inspections and when we asked her, she said that the photos in those reports, which she had made in February 2025, were actually from 2024,” she added.
According to López, the case has already been brought to the attention of the condominium's lawyer, who will handle the situation legally.
Allegations of mismanagement and questionable expenses
One of the factors that has worsened the neighbors' outrage is the internal management of the condominium.
Unlike other residential complexes that have external management companies, Coral Gate East self-regulates through a board of directors made up of residents.
Until a few months ago, they had their own employees for maintenance and other operational tasks, but these were laid off, which has worsened the structural situation of the building.
Some neighbors have reported that the management issues date back several years and have pointed out unjustified expenses on pastries, gasoline, and meals, which they consider unnecessary and indicative of inappropriate use of the condominium's funds.
Additionally, they have criticized what they perceive as a luxurious lifestyle of some board members, in contrast to the difficult situation faced by the residents.
Leticia López, in her defense, explained that the gasoline in question was payment for an employee who used his truck for garbage collection, and that the pastries were purchased for board meetings.
She also emphasized that she is a professional with over 25 years of experience in her field and that her salary comes from her work, not from the condominium management.
High maintenance fees and lack of immediate solutions
The cost of the association varies depending on the size of the apartments, but the base amount starts at 600 dollars per month.
This figure has generated even more discontent among residents, who believe that the condition of the facilities does not justify the high maintenance costs.
Despite the criticisms, the board of directors insists that it has acted in accordance with regulations and that they are working to resolve the structural issues.
According to López, they expect to receive the refund funds soon to hire a new architect who will help them complete the certification process.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Deterioration of the Coral Gate East Condominium in Hialeah
Why have the buildings of the Coral Gate East condominium been declared unsafe?
The buildings of the Coral Gate East condominium have been declared unsafe due to non-compliance with the 50-year structural recertification, which has led local authorities to classify them as "unsafe."
What is the main concern of the residents of the Coral Gate East condominium?
Residents are concerned about the risk of eviction due to the structural safety of the buildings. Additionally, they fear that the financial penalties imposed on the condominium will result in increases in maintenance fees.
What structural problems do residents in Coral Gate East face?
Structural issues include deteriorating walls, parking lots filled with potholes, and a general lack of maintenance. This has caused discontent among the residents, who believe that the management is not properly overseeing the property.
What measures is the condominium board taking to resolve the situation?
The board of directors is working on hiring a new architect to complete the certification process, after discovering that the former architect lied about the inspections conducted. They are also handling the situation legally with the condominium's attorney.
How does the real estate crisis in Florida affect the residents of Coral Gate East?
The real estate crisis in South Florida, marked by high rents and a limited supply of affordable housing, worsens the situation for residents of Coral Gate East, who fear they will be unable to find affordable housing alternatives in the event of eviction.
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