Our vision for working together for a Better Decoplage on the 40/50-year certifications is better planning, as well as communications concerning the work that needs to be done, the scheduling of the work, and its potential impacts on our lives as well as the cost of the work. The work needs to be completed thoroughly, safely, and as soon as possible as the delay in its completion and the various reasons given for the delay is concerning and expensive. Communications concerning all developments, both good and bad, should be timely and routinely shared with the Association members.

Many express grave concerns because of the disruptions to this important work over the last few years and the repeated changes in leadership for apparent political reasons. These concerns are borne from the attempt to remove Pedro Barcelo in April 2022, the fact that he was again called upon to run the Construction committee and oversee this work when Neil Ross abruptly resigned in May 2023 because he was “not getting along with people,” which Pedro did for the benefit of us all, and then Pedro was yet again removed from this position when he joined the Better Decoplage Initiative candidates in December 2023!

When Pedro discovered that prior leadership failed to seek a building permit for this important work, he made it a priority and hired a permit expediter. As he was not permitted to complete this work, as of this date the permit has still not been issued and, since September 2023, scaffolds have hung from the east and south building facades with spray paint markings adorning the east face of the building for all to see from the beach.

Poor planning has cost us untold sums in curb appeal and convenience. The “plan” for the Porte Cochere was apparently to patch/paint but then in October 2023, when it was “discovered” that the Porte Cochere could not be patched as it had rotted, it was demolished to the structure without any action being taken since then as some of our Board members anticipated receipt of the $500,000 Ritz/Sagamore Tower settlement. As a result of poor planning, we have an eyesore at the entrance to our building at one of the most beautiful locations on South Beach and disruption as steel supports continue to block the driveway and impede valet parking.

So far, the delay has cost more than $1.2 million and that amount continues to increase. The lack of this certification cost us approximately $200,000 for the temporary supports in the east stairwell from May 2022 to January 2024 and almost $1 million more for property insurance in 2023 alone. Given the continued delay, it is likely that we will again see an incredibly high insurance premium for the 2024 renewal as well as additional construction costs for the contractor and the engineer as the project continues at a glacial pace. 

The Better Decoplage Initiative Candidates have significant construction leadership experience and the skills, drive, and dedication to get this work done as soon as possible and as safely and thoroughly as possible, within budget.