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Article
and Video Courtesy of Channel 10 News
By Mark
Rivera
Published
December 26, 2014
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 Watch
VIDEO
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Wesley Chapel, Florida -- Pasco County
neighbors in the Bay of Cypress Creek development say their builder,
Pulte Homes, put them in a dangerous situation.
The homeowners' association claims in a lawsuit filed earlier this year
the second-floor walls of their townhomes are unstable and could
collapse in a high wind.
"I was fearful, I like didn't
know if the second floor was gonna collapse on us," said
homeowner Nickolle Lindo.
There are patched cracks in stucco everywhere. The
development is only 10 years old, but homeowner Dan
Perkins said the problems started 5 years ago and he is
sick of it.
"Is there a home that doesn't have any of this? They all
have this. Back, front, side, it doesn't matter. They
all do," said homeowner Dan Perkins. "It's disgraceful." |
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The patchwork of repairs can be seen from the street.
HOA attorney Alan Tannenbaum said his clients need help because they are
living in a dangerous situation.
Tannenbaum said the 25 buildings
built in 2005 and the 176 families who live at The Bay
of Cypress Creek have a problem.
He said his experts have verified the second-floor walls
are not properly anchored to the first floor and could
collapse during a storm with high winds, like a
hurricane.
The homeowners association even sent out a letter
warning residents to evacuate during a storm with high
winds because "the second-floor walls are at risk of
falling." |
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"Yeah what are we gonna do? Where are we gonna go?" asked homeowner Rob
Huckins. "We're kind of stuck in between a rock and a hard spot 'cause
we're expected to pay the mortgage. At the same token, we may not be
able to live in our own homes."
In response to the suit, Pulte moved to have the issue arbitrated.
When 10 News took the issue to Pulte, the company responded in part with
this statement: "While Pulte Homes and the HOA agree that some repair
work needs to be performed, the two parties are unfortunately on
opposite sides of the cost to repair the issues."
Meanwhile, people who live at Bay of Cypress Creek say they feel
trapped.
"Individuals who try to move out, we can't because we have to disclose
this to individuals who are renting here," Lindo said.
"There ain't no such thing as perfect, but this is ... this is scary,"
said renter Christian Santana.
This is an ongoing issue and again, Pulte told 10 News these homes are
safe to live in. But we'll keep you updated on the outcome.
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