CORAL SPRINGS - The
first thing you notice about Ramblewood East is the sheer
size.
The gigantic condo community on University Drive in
northwest Broward County has 1,120 units, all under one
association.
|
|
Frustrated with the association, Gonzalez went to the office in March and regrets what happened.
According to an arrest
report, "He came into the office and began yelling
profanities." Coral Springs police say he 'intentionally
spit at a worker.' Gonzalez denies that. He was charged with
battery. However, the Broward State Attorney told CBS Miami
that "no formal charge has been filed."
The experience left Gonzalez stunned. He says even though
the state attorney isn't prosecuting him, the arrest has
hurt his job prospects.
Other residents tell CBS News Miami they are also frustrated
trying to get problems solved.
CBS News Miami went in person to try to speak to the
association president or board members, but there was no
response.
CBS News Miami also reached out twice to the association's
attorney, but they refused comment.
Residents say the board doesn't hold regular meetings. That
wasn't always the case.
CBS News Miami viewed Ramblewood board meetings from a
decade ago on Youtube. In the meeting, you see residents
asking questions and the board answering their questions.
The condo association has continued to buy units and rent
them out.
The sales produces revenue but the extra money hasn't been
enough to erase a huge debt we uncovered.
In reviewing documents from Coral Springs code enforcement,
CBS News Miami learned that the Association owes over $4
million for building and fire violations.
The liens affect homeowners who want to sell their property.
That's because in a sale, a seller has to pay a portion of
that lien at closing.
CBS News Miami spoke to attorney Spencer Hennings who was
Florida's Ombudsman in 2020.
He said during his time in office he heard a lot of
complaints from owners who worried about finances.
Hennings says owners have the right to inspect an
association's financial records with notice.
"The association has to provide all information on contracts
and bids. The association has ten days to review records and
provide access," he says.
If they fail to do that residents can file a complaint with
the State Department of Business and Professional
Regulation.