MIAMI — Chaos unfolded in sunny Miami Beach this past weekend when a pipe burst at the upscale Burleigh House Condominium, turning more than just the third floor into watery wreckage. As of this writing, residents at the posh residence on Collins Avenue and 71st Street find themselves with only one out of four elevators back in service, according to CBS News Miami. Board member Andrea Romagna attempted to reassure tenants, proclaiming, "Of course, it was cascading the water to the elevators but now everything is dry, and everything is going to be back in order," and confirmed that the elevator company has one lift up and running.
Yet, for condo owner Michelle Salem, this incident struck a familiar and disheartening chord. "This was no surprise for me because it's happened before," Salem told CBS News Miami, pointing to a video from January 3, 2023, that displayed a similar flood situation. Salem has raised concerns about the building's maintenance, citing "questionable ways" of problem-solving and questioning the use of in-house staff for what she deems should be professional repairs.
The issue seems to extend beyond just elevator service and water damage; it touches also upon matters of transparency and accountability. Salem voiced her frustration over being denied access to the condo's financial books amid the debacle. "We are experiencing very little transparency," she lamented, emphasizing her point to CBS News Miami. Seeking clarity, she cited a condo safety bill that demands associations have sufficient reserves for major repairs and obligates them to share inspection reports with owners.
Financial woes further complicate the residents' strife. Salem disclosed staggering costs associated with previous special assessments, having shelled out $87,000 for a two-bedroom unit and $60,000 for a one-bedroom. "These are very big numbers, and we don't have real accountability where all the money has been spent," Salem remarked, echoing concerns to Roskovec News. With insurance adjusters and contractors likely to become as commonplace as beach-goers in the coming weeks, the residents of Burleigh House are bracing themselves for a saga that, they hope, eventually flows into calmer waters.
