Navigating Chaos in Self-Managed Living
The heartbreaking news surrounding the Surfside condo collapse resonates deeply with me, as my own experiences within a similar oceanfront condominium bring a sense of déjà vu. I’ve been involved as a board member for the past fifteen years in a building slightly older than Champlain Towers, and like them, we lack the expertise essential for effective management.
Our self-managed community has seen a revolving door of managers and office staff, reminiscent of the turmoil faced by the Surfside board. In one dramatic episode, our entire office staff and manager were dismissed in a “Saturday massacre,” leaving residents scrambling to handle everything from vendor negotiations to legal matters without any prior experience.
So, why do condo boards often fail to fulfill their responsibilities? The answer lies in the personalities that fill these roles. Many board members are former professionals who are accustomed to being in charge, often lacking the necessary skills to oversee a multimillion-dollar operation. The environment is frequently marred by nepotism and cronyism, contributing to poor decision-making that affects the entire community.
Similar to the Surfside situation, we’ve experienced a wave of board resignations, often sparked by heated email exchanges filled with profanity. Additionally, political maneuvering to remove board members has become a common occurrence. In one case, an unpopular member attempted to cling to power by threatening to remain on the board indefinitely, exploiting outdated by-laws that haven’t been revised since the late 1970s.
Our collective challenges echo those faced by other condominium communities, emphasizing the urgent need for governance reform to prevent tragedies and ensure proper oversight in managing these vital residential spaces.
