Sunrise Lakes is a 55+ community currently in crisis and at a crossroads after the HOA board held a special review meeting with a crowd of residents present to raise the installment of maintenance payments.
Some local residents have complained and are expressing financial difficulties due to the increased assessments and cost of living.
Paul Rabyne, a local resident, questions where the money is going and suggests mismanagement of the funds.
Patricia Khurshid, chair of the HOA Board, explains that they have no choice and that certain actions are required by law. As she explains that not fixing the roofs on time led to higher insurance costs.
Over the past year, residents have been subjected to multiple assessments to cover elevator repairs and overdue bills.
The HOA board claims they inherited a legacy of mismanagement, including delayed roof repairs, so they need to issue new assessments to cover insurance and roof repair costs.
Although there is some money in reserve for roof repairs, the insurance company has set a deadline for payment. And further identified the need to replace the roofs in 2019, but it was not addressed.
Aracelis Rivera Cohen, a relative of a resident, points out that many owners in the community cannot afford the additional special evaluation, although she acknowledges that finding an ideal solution is complex.
At the recent meeting, new insurance charges were approved, but assessments for roofing costs were not approved. The decision creates a conflict with both the insurance company and the roofing contractor.
Proposals to find a way forward failed to pass the board’s votes, leaving the community at a crossroads.
Some residents, like Paul Rabyne, express concerns for those on a fixed income who can’t afford assessments.
The future direction of the community remains uncertain as many grapple with financial challenges and new decisions.