guest blog by Deborah Goonan
It seems that even if you own a condo worth nearly a half-million dollars or more, you can still end up next to the Neighbor from Hell. Bad neighbors can even afford to live at Signature Place, with its panoramic views of Tampa Bay in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg.
As of last July, the Tampa Bay Times reported that local police had responded to 48 calls regarding Brian J. Daly over a period of three years. Neighbors have filed complaints of domestic disturbances with Daly’s cocaine-addicted female companion, noxious odors, Daly pacing in the hallways buck naked, making lewd remarks and threats to other residents, and generally obnoxious and disruptive behavior while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. This has been going on since 2010.
Dr. Nathan Hameroff, who owns the unit next-door to Daly, has filed a lawsuit against him alleging at least 31 incidents, seeking injunctive relief and reimbursement for loss of rental income. Hameroff leases his unit, but two of his tenants terminated their leases early, and a third tenant has received a concession in his rent to prevent him from leaving as well. All three tenants, several other neighbors, and contractors that have interacted with Daly believe he is a danger to himself and others.
The condo Board and local police department have issued various citations and fines, but the threats and bad behavior continue.
Ironic, isn’t it? In one FL condo association a retired veteran can be threatened with foreclosure over a flag placed in a flowerpot, but in this upscale, classy condo, even a potentially dangerous owner cannot be arrested or otherwise monitored after nearly five years of wreaking havoc upon his neighbors.
Something is very wrong with this system.
By the way, in addition to a potentially dangerous neighbor, condo owners also have to contend with expensive repairs of numerous construction defects in the 6-year-old building.
I guess some people don’t mind throwing good money after bad.
July 2014 Tampa Bay Times article about Signature Place
http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/at-elegant-signature-place-in-st-pete-nothing-classy-about-unit-2403/2188286
Feb 2015 Tampa Bay Times article about Signature Place
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/realestate/suit-claims-unspeakable-behavior-by-signature-place-tenant/2219379
