guest blog by Nila Ridings
Seth Cohen arrived from New York with $1.5M to spend on a condo in South Florida. He impressed his neighbors with his swagger which won him enough votes to sit on the board as their president.
Looking around he decided Two Midtown Miami needed more of his “touch” in its decor. Even though the building was only five years old the elevators got a facelift and the pool furniture was pitched for something more expensive.
Next, on his list was the lobby renovation with some “Munsters” chairs and bookshelves that sent his neighbors out to the curb in protest. In typical COA dictatorship style, he called the police only to learn his neighbors were smarter than he thought because they had obtained a protesters permit.
Supporters started dropping like rocks and the “Fresh Prince of Two Midtown Miami” quickly earned the title of bully! His neighbors wanted to feed him lunch with their assessment letters. He was demanding $6,844.27 from each owner to cover the cost of his grandiose decorating plans until the uprising raised awareness to the point they were demanding he be removed from the board. I applaud them!!! based on my HOA experience, I’m wondering if seth Cohen is in the “decorating business?” Wash he slick enough to try and recoup his condo investment with some high-priced re-decorating?
This should be an eye-opener for all owners in HOAs or condos. Redecorating projects can quickly turn into an ATM for board members. If you don’t keep a close watch they will declare re-decorating as a “necessity” and use their power as president to funnel the money right into THEIR bank accounts. It’s called self-dealing and in most states it’s illegal. Take if from me, it’s also a “red flag” warning. Once accomplished they will try it again on something else. like selling advertising in the community newsletter and claiming to be in the publishing business!
If Seth isn’t in the decorating business…. I’m sure he has a friend or family member that is. His neighbors did it right, they stood up and said ” HELL NO!”