Though NIST has yet to release any findings, an in-depth investigation by The Miami Herald highlighted numerous factors that likely contributed to the collapse. ![]() The investigation, which could take years, is intended to “determine the technical cause of the collapse and, if indicated, to recommend changes to building codes, standards and practices, or other appropriate actions to improve the structural safety of buildings.” Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) launched an investigation to determine what happened. Though clearly much needed, the law threatens housing affordability for owners in buildings that have deferred repairs and maintenance.Īfter the Champlain Towers collapse, the U.S. In May 2022, the Florida legislature enacted new safety requirements for condominiums in response to the Surfside collapse. In addition many of these condominiums are located on coasts, and as the frequency and intensity of storms increase and sea level rises, these older structures–and their inhabitants–may be at greater risk. For decades, a loose regulatory environment has allowed the deferment of repairs and maintenance. Nearly 600,000 of the state’s 1.5 million condominiums are over 40 years old. In the aftermath of this tragic event, Florida’s aging condominiums have come under scrutiny. The remaining wing of the building was left uninhabitable. Only three of the 101 residents inside the 40-plus year old building in Miami’s Surfside neighborhood survived. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is overseeing the investigation.In the predawn hours of June 24, 2021, a large section of the 12-story Champlain Towers condominium building collapsed. Other possible factors include sea level rise caused by climate change and damage caused by salt water intrusion.Ī final conclusion on the cause is likely years away. “I just don't want to cause these families any more stress.”Ĭhamplain Towers South had a long history of maintenance problems and questions have been raised about the quality of its original construction and inspections in the early 1980s. Hanzman has been conducting a series of hearings on individual claims by collapse victims about the amount of compensation for a family member's death, which he recently described as harrowing. None of the parties admit any wrongdoing.Ī billionaire developer from Dubai is purchasing the 1.8-acre (1-hectare) beachside site for $120 million, contributing to the settlement. The money comes from 37 different sources, including insurance companies, engineering firms and a luxury condominium whose recent construction next door is suspected of contributing to structural damage of Champlain Towers South. The $96 million is for loss of property, including the condo units themselves. The judge in June approved a $1 billion fund for people who lost family members in the collapse, as well as those who suffered physical or mental injuries. The tax amounts vary based on a unit's size and where it was located. ![]() The judge said that Goldberg, as the receiver, “has had actual possession of the property throughout 2022” rather than the unit owners. The judge's order came just after the Miami Herald published a story Monday about the unresolved tax matter.įlorida Power & Light customers will see slight decrease on monthly bills The issue arose after the court-appointed receiver in the case, attorney Michael Goldberg, told unit owners in a letter they would be liable for the taxes just as if their condos had been sold. Instead, the taxes - a little under $800,000 combined, county officials say - should be paid from excess funds available from the $120 million sale of the land formerly occupied by the 12-story building. Hanzman said the taxes should not be paid by the owners. The building collapsed June 24, 2021, killing 98 people. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Michael Hanzman said in a brief ruling that the 2022 tax payments should not be deducted from the $96 million previously earmarked to compensate owners of the 136 units of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida. Money from the sale of a South Florida beachfront property where a collapsed condominium tower once stood will be used to pay property taxes of the destroyed units, a judge ordered Monday.
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