May 30, 2024

Dear Joseph Fengler and Members of the Board,

We, the undersigned owners of Envy Condo, are writing to formally express our opposition to the recent imposition of a $200 application fee and a $300-500 yearly amenity fee in addition to the regular condo fees. While we understand the need for financial resources to maintain and improve our community, we believe these additional fees are unjust and place an undue burden on the residents and owners.

Concerns and Objections

1. Lack of Transparency: There has been no clear explanation or breakdown provided regarding the necessity of the $200 application fee. Transparency is essential in financial matters, and residents deserve a detailed justification for any additional charges. Owners pay for their own key fobs, parking fobs and turning in all necessary documents required to rent their unit. The $200 fee does not cover a credit check, background check or any other resources useful in screening tenants.

2. Financial Strain on Residents: Many of our residents are on fixed incomes, including retirees, young families, and individuals with limited financial resources. The additional $300 in amenity fees annually is a significant financial strain for many. Such fees may discourage prospective residents and negatively impact our community’s inclusiveness and diversity.

3. Adequate Condo Fees: Our current condo fees are already substantial and were intended to cover maintenance, amenities, and administrative costs. Introducing additional fees suggests that either the current fees are being mismanaged or the budget is not being appropriately allocated.

4. Limited Use of Amenities: Not all residents utilize the amenities equally. Charging a flat amenity fee does not account for the varying levels of usage and benefits derived from these amenities by different residents.There is no evidence to suggest that a resident that rents will not take care of the amenity spaces the same as an owner. Further owners relinquish their rights to avail of the amenities when their units are rented, so there is no increase in the number of people that have access to the amenities.

5. No Added Value: Residents have not been informed of any added value or benefits that these rental fees are bringing. Without tangible improvements or services directly resulting from this fee, it appears to be an unnecessary financial demand.

Requests:

Given these concerns, I respectfully request the following actions from the Condo Board:

1. **Immediate Suspension of Additional Fees**: Halt the imposition of the $200 application fee and the $300-500 yearly amenity fee until a thorough review and discussion with the residents can be conducted.

2. **Financial Review and Transparency**: Provide a detailed financial report outlining the necessity of these additional fees, including a breakdown of current expenses, projected costs, and how the additional funds will be utilized.

3. **Resident Engagement and Voting**: Organize a community meeting to discuss the proposed fees, listen to resident concerns, and hold a vote to determine if these fees should be implemented.

4. **Alternative Solutions**: Explore alternative funding solutions that do not place an undue financial burden on residents and owners wishing to rent, such as cost-cutting measures, fundraising events, or voluntary contributions.

Conclusion

The implementation of a $200 application fee and $300-500 amenity fee for rental units without adequate justification or resident consultation undermines trust and transparency within our community. I urge the Condo Board to reconsider these fees and work collaboratively with residents to find a fair and equitable solution that addresses administrative needs without imposing undue financial burdens.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response and a constructive dialogue on this issue.

Sincerely,

Lisa M. Roseman, DDS

By signing this petition, we, the undersigned, express our agreement with the concerns and requests outlined above.