Elderly Florida residents are being asked to immediately vacate their expensive condos as officials warn of “structural problems” with the building’s foundation.
Springbrook Gardens is pressuring all 12 residents to evacuate by Friday, leaving many struggling as they struggle to find a new place to stay.
Evacuation notices have been posted throughout the 18-unit building after an engineer told the city’s building department that the foundation of one of the sections is in poor condition and could collapse at any time.
‘Everyone was shocked. It hasn’t dawned on me yet, not really. (They told us) building is not safe, get out,’ said Warren Sackler, a retired New York teacher.
The warning comes shortly after it was revealed that faulty support columns in the tenant’s garage and pool deck led to the collapse of Champlain Towers South, Miami in 2021, killing 98 people.
The city of Fort Lauderdale is pressuring Springbrook Gardens homeowners to evacuate today afternoon, leaving many in a bind and struggling to find a new place to stay.
Some residents also revealed that they received an evacuation letter from an engineering company yesterday morning.
“When we got up, we got a letter from the engineer sent to the city telling them to come down to evacuate immediately because the winds are over 35 miles per hour and the wind could knock you down,” Thomas Murphy said WSVN.
Since the engineer’s report, city officials have revoked Springbrook Gardens’ certificate of occupancy until “necessary structural repairs can be made to ensure the safety of residents,” according to NBC6.
‘I don’t think they can fix the building. The engineer told us that fixing a single part costs 1 million dollars. We don’t know what the total is to fix everything,” Sackler revealed.
According Douglas Ellimana four-bedroom, five-bathroom condo currently costs $1,499,999 in this 1978 building.
Sackler also revealed that he paid $370,000 for a one-bedroom unit in 2007 and bought the unit next door for $358,000 in 2016.
Some residents also revealed that they received an evacuation letter from an engineering company yesterday morning.
‘Everyone was shocked. It hasn’t dawned on me yet, not really. (They told us) building is not safe, get out,” said Warren Sackler, a retired New York teacher.
According to Douglas Elliman, a four-bedroom, five-bathroom condo currently costs $1,499,999 in this 1978 building.
While the professor was “lucky” and found another apartment to stay in across the street, many are still struggling to find a home as Hurricane Helene continues to ravage the state.
‘Some people aren’t even here. I would say out of 18 units, five or six people are out of town right now. “This is their second home,” he said.
Fort spokesperson Ashley Doussard has confirmed there are about a dozen living in the building and the city is trying to connect them with resources to find a place to stay.
“There are only 12 people living there right now. Some of the residents are snowbirds,” he said. Sun Sentinel.
While the professor was “lucky” and found another apartment to stay in across the street, many are still struggling to find a home as Hurricane Helene continues to ravage the state.
Faulty support columns in the tenant’s garage and pool deck caused the collapse of Champlain Towers South, Miami in 2021, killing 98 people.
Despite the lack of alternative housing options, there may be hope for those looking to leave Florida and move to other parts of the country.
Earlier today, Tampa International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport reopened after staff members determined the airports had not sustained significant damage from the hurricane.
While many incoming flights are in short supply, no canceled outbound flights appeared at the St. Pete airport, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
It is not yet clear when repairs to the building will begin and whether evacuated residents will receive any compensation.