Via Lugano condo owners fear they'll have to sell their homes for pennies on the dollar

Anxiety builds as homeowners prepare to fight

Article and Video Courtesy of Channel 5; WPTV.com

By Marissa Bagg

Published September 9, 2013

 Watch VIDEO

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. - Dale Domanick is preparing for the fight of her life. She fears the corporation that owns most units in her Via Lugano condominium community wants to buy hers too. The development is just north of Gateway Boulevard on Congress Avenue in Boynton Beach.

"We feel like they're stealing from us, forcibly taking something is stealing," said Domanick.

Under Florida law, once the Northland Investment Corp. owns 80% of the units, it can turn the property from condos into apartments. The law would only require Northland to pay remaining owners fair market value for their homes.

In Domanick's case, that's about $80,000. A far cry from the $300,000 she paid for it back in 2006.

  

"I feel like they're doing something wrong. It may be legal, but it's immoral and unethical," said Domanick.

  

"I'm sick to my stomach, I can't sleep, I'm shaking I'm so upset. They haven't contacted me, no phone calls or letter, it's like they're going behind my back," said Jeff Herron, who also purchased a home in 2006.

  

He says he'll end up on the street if Northland doesn't buy him out for what he paid.

So what is next for the owners? They plan to hire lawyers and take Northland to court, in hopes of keeping their homes.

"I want to put on my boxing gloves and knock someone's head off that wants me to move. I'm settled here," said Helen Weinschenk, who bought her condo as a retirement home.

  

Northland didn't respond to phone calls and emails asking for their view.

  

Domanick says it will take some elbow grease to battle a corporation worth $2.5 billion.

  

"We'll stand together, knock on doors and make anyone who isn't aware, aware," said Domanick.

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