Resemblance to a dated living room

Feeling of clutter

Choice of small, dated floor tiles

Inclusion of a fireplace viewed as unnecessary

Addition of a card table and workstation in the lobby, which many believe belong in a clubhouse not in a lobby

Security and efficiency concerns with regard to contractors coming in the back door

Produced independently at no cost to the Association

Delivered in four weeks

Build costs come under budget

Provides a “WOW” factor according to nearly everyone who saw it

Places the concierge desk centrally, providing improved security and efficiency with regard to contractors coming in the back door

Minimalist, high-impact design is correlated with up to a 10% increase in property values.

Dark or cluttered lobbies—especially in buildings with lower ceilings—can reduce perceived space and value.

Residents in buildings with clubhouses show less than 15% interest in placing additional amenities in the lobby.

Boards tend to favor minimalism to support both security and traffic flow.

Because this is the first lobby renovation in the buildings’ 40-year history and may not occur again for decades, possibly the last lobby renovation any of us will ever see in our lifetime, shouldn’t the community have an opportunity to review and consider all viable design options, including the owner-generated design, before the Board makes a final decision?

Even if it takes a little longer, after approximately two years of design discussions, don’t we deserve a design with a WOW factor that truly reflects the community’s vision? WHY SETTLE?

Lobby renovations are an important design and capital-planning matter.

The game room, however, involves legal compliance questions relating to the Board’s use of emergency powers under Florida Statute §720.316(k)(2).

Owners have also questioned whether renting a fully furnished and completely wired office trailer — approximately $900/month — could have been a more cost-effective alternative to the roughly $24,000 spent on the relocation.

There are reports that the Board is employing an architect for work involving the former office area; however, owners indicate these drawings do not include plans for a Property Management office, only for the bike room and maintenance area.

The Conscience would like to remind the community that it, and Board Member Lisa Ranello, have advocated for a modular construction approach, which represents a much lower-cost option.

For the Property Management office, modular construction estimates suggest the community could save roughly $320,000 compared with projections stated during a recent Board meeting.

Why has the return of the game room not been treated as a legal compliance issue?

Why is the Board prioritizing and advancing non-legal projects such as grills, lobby updates, and EV chargers ahead of matters involving statutory obligations?

Is it accurate that no architectural planning is underway for a permanent Property Management office in the detached garage?

Shouldn’t restoration of the office location—consistent with Florida law—be a higher priority?

A required form be submitted

A statement from a medical professional confirming the disability, describing which major life activities are impaired, and explaining how the animal provides assistance.

Consent to allowing all documentation to be provided to the Association’s legal counsel.

Permission for the Board or legal counsel to speak with the medical professional and possibly request an additional assessment.

Agreement that the Board will determine whether an individual “really requires” an SA/ESA.

The requests effectively seek a diagnosis and diagnostic details, which are prohibited under Florida and Federal law.

Standard ESA/SA documentation need only state that the patient is under care and that the animal is essential for their wellbeing

Physicians must be licensed in the state where they practice; the Board may not require a Florida-based reassessment.

Signing the policy as written may require owners to waive privacy rights.

By law, the treating physician—not the Board—determines medical necessity.

Housing providers may not request information that discloses a diagnosis, severity of disability, or medical records, or require a mandatory form beyond the practitioner letter.

Providers may request reliable information from a licensed practitioner, including those from out of state if the practitioner has personal knowledge of the disability.

Regardless of personal opinions about emotional support and service animals, why would the Association implement policies that appear inconsistent with state and federal requirements and could expose the community to fines up to $16,000+ per violation via HUD, costly litigation, or class action lawsuits?

More time for owner questions rather than extended monologues

Speaking priority to owners who have not yet been recognized

This is a great start, but why not have these on a monthly basis?

The clubhouse has operated effectively for 15 years without needing a functioning generator demonstrating a lack of need.

In a hurricane, severe storm, or an emergency requiring evacuation, the one place owners would not gather is in the clubhouse.

Updating the generators in the buildings should be a higher priority than one that has never been used or needed.

Does the community view this expenditure as an essential safety investment or as a non-critical project, diverting funds from more pressing priorities?

Is the Board considering the legal and safety implications of placing a control center in the Ocean Club, which is particularly vulnerable to storm damage from the east?