NEWSLETTER
The Presidential Condominium,
401 Ocean Drive, Suite 200, Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Tel. (305)673-4965 Fax. (305)673-1983
2011-12 Board of Directors: Miguel Remon, President, Roberto Gomez, Vice-President, Maria Farmiga, Treasurer, Jose Calderon, Secretary, Theodore April, Director, Alex Pretorian, Director, Jose Rouco, Director. Trustees: Rafael Corona
Newsletter Editor: John J. Harvey
20 April 2011
FINALLY – A HEATED POOL – More and more residents and guests are gathering on the pool deck these days, now that the pool is heated. It’s been a long time coming, but definitely worth the effort. Two heat pumps atop the pool deck on the southeast corner keep the pool warm and comfortable all year round. Plagued by leaks for months, the original pool, over 40 years old, had to be totally reconstructed and brought up to new codes issued by the City of Miami Beach. Residents voted to heat the pool in a referendum last year. Pool users are encouraged to follow the rules posted on the pool deck.
OPTICAL ILLUSION ON POOL DECK – During the recent restoration of the building for the 40-year certification process, several tiles had to be ripped up and holes poked through the pool deck, leaving the area pocked with missing tiles. The holes were filled with cement for safety, but the mismatch areas of gray cement next to a pattern of red brick and beige colored tiles was a sorry sight, and matching the old tiles was an impossible task. Today, thanks to the creative painting of Victor Betancourt of Unit 223 the deck appears to be one seamless pattern of red and beige brick tile. The next time you’re on the deck, see if you can spot the faux tiles!
PARKING SPACE WINNERS – Some 24 unit owners participated in the recent drawing for two new parking spaces in the building priced at $35,000 apiece and salvaged from the reconstruction of the shower room on the ground floor. The winners are Maria Farmiga of Unit 914 and Rosie Betancourt of Unit 804. Their $70,000 payment for the two parking spaces will be used to defray future assessments, according to Miguel Remon, President. A $5,000 entry fee was refunded to the 22 unlucky participants following the drawing. For the record, a parking space is assigned to a unit. It cannot be sold to anyone who is not a unit owner, and it can only be rented to a unit owner or a relative or friend of the unit owner.
NEW GENERATOR ONLINE – A new building generator in the room across from the mailboxes is working up to code now, while the fire pump in the building awaits city approval. A new inside door has been installed in the generator room. The outside wall of the room is being patched and still needs city inspection.
NEW BEACH ENTRANCE READY – A new and closer entrance to the beach facing east off the shower room on the ground floor opened recently. It includes a small deck with railings. Residents and guests returning from the beach are encouraged to wash the sand off their feet in the shower room before entering the pool deck.
KEYLESS ELECTRONIC SECURITY SYSTEM COMING – Once the generator room is finished, the board will initiate a keyless electronic security system for entering the building. A key fob will replace the Medeco key required to enter the building, open the card room and the rest rooms near the pool. A key fob, is a small security hardware device with built-in authentication used to control and secure access to network services and data. The key fob displays a randomly generated access code, which changes periodically, usually every 30 to 60 seconds. Users first identify themselves on the key fob with a personal identification number (PIN), followed by the current code displayed on the device.
MOPEDS IN, MOTORCYCLES OUT – As more mopeds ply the roads of South Florida, the building’s rules on these vehicles is changing. Unit owners are now allowed to park a moped in their unit’s assigned parking space. The parking space may only be used for an automobile or a moped, not both at the same time. Motorcycles are not allowed on the premises.
LOBBY, CARDROOM, POOL DECK ON DRAWING BOARD – The board of directors is considering the following building improvements.: First updating the lobby; Second a complete makeover of the card room, adding more windows and doors to view the ocean and modernizing the interior; And third laying new tile on the pool deck .
BIKE RACKS IN OFFING – The board will start placing bike racks in the parking area soon.
CITY TO EXTEND BOARDWALK BEHIND BUILDING – The City of Miami Beach intends to extend a boardwalk with pavers stretching from Loomis Park & Fifth Street to Second Street. The boardwalk would pass behind the building, be patrolled and well lit. President Remon may petition the city to erect a fence abutting the boardwalk for privacy.
ATLANTIC BROADBAND DIGITAL SET TOP BOXES – FREE – The board of directors in February negotiated with Atlantic Broadband for new Digital Set Top Boxes for all Presidential residents for FREE.
REGISTER ALL VISITORS – Unit owners are reminded to register their visitors with the office. Guests cannot stay any longer than two weeks. A new owner cannot rent his unit for the first year. Rental agreements cannot be for less than one year. A copy of the rental agreement, including contact information for the renters, must be filed with the Presidential Condominium . If another person intends to move in with you, they have to be approved by the Board of Directors. If a unit owner falls behind in maintenance fees or or assessments, Florida state law allows the Presidential Condominium to collect rent directly from tenants. If a tenant fails to comply, the Association can evict them. In the event that you are locked out of your unit, you are advised to call a locksmith.
THOUGHTFUL NEIGHBORS APPRECIATED – To make the most of your experience here at 401 Ocean Drive, Unit owners and guests are reminded to follow a few basic rules: No loud music; No cooking on balconies. No hanging anything on patio railings No roller blades in building. Keep unit doors closed at all times (per Fire Department Regulations). Wear shoes and tops in the building at all times. Most of all enjoy yourself! SNOWBIRDS NOTE – Before leaving for extended periods, clear balconies, leave A/C on, close shutters, and let the office know the A/C is on in case of an emergency.