Shoddy Work & Corner-Cutting |
Saturday, 29 July 2006 |
Prominent developer sued by homeowners
East Bay Golf Villas condominium owners are suing the developers and builders of their 40 units completed in 2003 complaining of shoddy work and corner-cutting that allegedly caused dangerous conditions in the apartments...In Moody's complaint, the homeowners allege breach of warranty and violations of state building codes.
Prominent developer sued by homeowners
By DAVE SHELTON
| LARGO - East Bay Golf Villas condominium owners are suing the developers and builders of their 40 units completed in 2003 complaining of shoddy work and corner-cutting that allegedly caused dangerous conditions in the apartments.
The suit was filed in Pasco-Pinellas Circuit Court by the homeowners' attorney, Daniel L. Moody. Defendants are the East Bay Development of Pinellas County, owned by Sam Hall and his wife, Melinda. Also named in the suit as a defendant is M.R. Lowe General Contracting, Inc.
Hall, a prominent developer, is known for his community involvement, as well as work for the CIA and an Olympic medal in diving.
In Moody's complaint, the homeowners allege breach of warranty and violations of state building codes. It claims windows and sliding glass doors don't meet building code requirements and are a danger to occupants.
Roof trusses haven't been properly attached in some garages further endangering the residents, said the complaint.
Another safety issue listed is that automatic switches weren't installed, as required, that would turn off air conditioning systems in case of fire. Without the switch, the suit contends, heat and smoke can be pumped from one unit to all the others in the same building.
Melinda Hall said she wasn't aware of the lawsuit.
"We received a letter that outlined their problems and every item on that list is being addressed," she said. "We had a meeting at 7 a.m. Tuesday to address their issues and try to iron them all out."
Lowe did not return calls seeking comment.
The condo owners are seeking unspecified monetary damages.
| Article published on Thursday, July 20, 2006
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