In Hialeah's Coral Gate East condominium, anxiety is running high among residents who have been informed by Miami-Dade County that their buildings are deemed unsafe. This alarming revelation has triggered a mix of frustration and outrage among homeowners and tenants alike, who accuse the condo management of neglecting property upkeep and failing to maintain structural certifications.
"Rent is sky-high, with a one-bedroom apartment costing over $2,000. Where are we headed when this place is falling apart? Just look at the structure, it's decaying, the parking areas aren't fixed, nothing is painted," declared Maibel Rodríguez, a frustrated resident, during a conversation with America Tevé. She lamented how the property's condition continues to worsen without any immediate remedies in sight.
Amid this distressing scenario, some residents fear potential eviction and are unsure about their next steps. The ongoing real estate crisis in South Florida, marked by exorbitant rents and scarce affordable housing, exacerbates their uncertainty. "Nowadays, if you don't have $5,000 or $6,000, you're out of options. I have an eight-year-old daughter and can't afford $7,000 to move," Rodríguez shared, highlighting the desperation faced by those relying on these apartments for secure housing.
Management Criticized for Negligence and Extravagance
Rodríguez, who has lived in the complex for nearly a decade, expressed her exasperation: "The parking lots remain riddled with potholes, the walls are deteriorating, while the directors vacation in luxury cars like Audis and Cadillacs, all while the condo crumbles." She emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, asserting that the issues have persisted for years.
The failure to meet the 50-year structural recertification requirements is the root of the problem, leading local authorities to label the buildings as "unsafe." Consequently, the condo has been fined $42,000, a financial blow that concerns residents who fear the cost will be passed onto them through increased maintenance fees.
Leticia López, the condo board president, attributed the crisis to a mishap with the architect overseeing the certification process. "We found out the architect was misleading us about the procedures. The owners and I are deeply affected by this situation," López explained. She noted that the architect provided reports falsely indicating passing inspections, using outdated photos from 2024 for reports supposedly completed in February 2025.
Allegations of Mismanagement and Financial Irregularities
The internal management of Coral Gate East has fueled residents' anger. Unlike other residential complexes that employ external management firms, this condo is self-managed by a resident-elected board. Until recently, they had their own maintenance staff, but their dismissal has worsened the building's structural issues.
Residents have long criticized the administration for poor management, pointing to questionable expenditures on pastries, gasoline, and meals, which they deem unnecessary and indicative of misuse of condo funds. Additionally, they object to what they perceive as the board members' lavish lifestyle, contrasting starkly with the residents' struggles.
In her defense, López stated that the gasoline was compensation for an employee who used their truck for waste collection, and the pastries were for board meetings. She emphasized her 25-year professional experience and that her income is earned from her career, not condo management.
High Maintenance Fees Amid Unresolved Issues
The association fees, starting at $600 monthly depending on apartment size, have further angered residents, who argue that the facilities' condition doesn't justify such costs. Despite the criticism, the board insists it is following regulations and is actively seeking solutions to the structural problems.
López mentioned they are waiting for reimbursement funds to hire a new architect to complete the certification process.
Key Questions About Coral Gate East's Current Issues
What led to the unsafe designation of Coral Gate East buildings?
The buildings were deemed unsafe due to the failure to comply with the 50-year structural recertification process, resulting in a $42,000 fine from local authorities.
How is the condo management responding to the maintenance issues?
The condo board, led by Leticia López, is planning to hire a new architect to address the certification process and claims to have been misled by the previous architect regarding inspection reports.
What are residents' main grievances with the condo management?
Residents are frustrated with the lack of maintenance, high fees, and what they perceive as mismanagement and unnecessary expenditures by the condo board.