Homeowner Concerns Over Construction in Dania Beach
A resident in Dania Beach, Florida, is expressing serious concerns regarding the ongoing construction of a nearby apartment complex, which he believes poses risks to his family and property. The situation has triggered a discussion about neighborhood safety and local government responsibility.
Family’s Dream Home Now Under Threat
Michael Combs and his family intended to make their house in Dania Beach their forever home. With significant investments of time and money, they envisioned raising their children and retiring in the residence they cherished. However, that dream has been compromised since construction commenced last year on a building adjacent to their property.
Backyard Safety Concerns
Three-year-old Katie loved spending time in her backyard playhouse, a space now rendered unsafe due to falling debris and dust. In a recent interview, Combs highlighted the issue by stating, “This under here — is your daughter’s playhouse?” to which he responded affirmatively. The family’s backyard is now off-limits as safety concerns mount.
Impact of Nearby Construction
The ongoing construction has turned the once-quiet neighborhood into a cacophony of building sounds. The presence of a large crane has heightened worries about the safety of area residents. Combs described it as a “monster,” noting how falling nails and chunks of concrete could pose significant dangers. He recounted, “I actually had a nail hit me in the head. If it would have gone straight down, I wouldn’t be standing here talking to you right now.”
Property Damage and Community Frustration
Since construction began, Combs has faced considerable expenses to repair damage caused by the work, including repairs to his vehicle and an air conditioning unit that became clogged with dust. This disruption has not only affected his property but has also impacted his neighbors, with reports of damage to their fences and trees.
Developer’s Response and City Commission Approval
The construction project was sanctioned by the Dania Beach City Commission in 2022. While developers, The Apollo Companies, allegedly offered to purchase Combs’ home, he claims that no formal proposal was ever provided in writing. In response to the complaints, Apollo stated they had attempted to clean the area and offer repairs, but the situation remains unresolved for the Combs family.
A Change in Future Plans
Having lost hope in their original plans, Michael Combs has listed his home for sale, turning his attention to finding a new place to live. He reflected on the matter, sharing, “We have hope that we’ll get out of this in a positive way. But as far as our dream, living here and retiring here, that dream is gone. It’s not going to happen.”
Conclusion
The plight of the Combs family raises important questions about construction regulations and the responsibilities of local governments to protect residents during new developments. As this situation unfolds, other homeowners in Dania Beach are likely to watch closely, hoping for solutions that will safeguard their homes and neighborhoods.
