Residents of Ramblewood East in Coral Springs complained to city commissioners Wednesday about what they say are serious issues plaguing the condominium community, including on-site prostitution, a faulty fire alarm, and poor property upkeep.
The concerns aired at the commission meeting are the latest in a long list of issues facing the sprawling, 1,120-unit community on University Drive. Condo owners previously complained of flooded walkways and parking lots, structural problems preventing them from purchasing insurance policies, leaking roofs, crime, and millions of dollars in code violations allegedly left unpaid by their condo association.
Ansy Demesvar, a 14-year-resident of Ramblewood East, said men are patronizing one or more female sex workers on the property – prostitution that has left families like his own feeling less safe.
“These activities not only degrade the reputation of our neighborhood but also create a hostile and unsafe environment for families and individuals who simply want to enjoy a peaceful living space,” said Demesvar, 38. “Despite efforts to address these concerns through internal channels, little action has been taken to resolve the matter, leaving residents vulnerable.”
Coral Springs Police spokesman Sgt. Francis Capre said the department would take action.
“We’re aware of the allegations, and we’re definitely going to look into it and investigate,” Capre said of the alleged prostitution.
Ramblewood East resident Jonnatton Gonzalez told commissioners there is a problem with the fire alarm system in Building 4; one of many issues he said are causing safety concerns in the community.
“The reason we’re having these issues with prostitution and escorts and all these people that we don’t know [at the property] is because the board is not properly assessing people who are renting or coming into the community,” said Gonzalez, 31, who has lived in Ramblewood East since 2018. “We don’t know who our neighbors are.”
He worried that some residents would be forced to leave the community if living conditions did not improve. For others, he said, moving would be too costly.
“We’re not a rich community,” said Gonzalez. “A lot of us are just working to make ends meet.”
The condo association board did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.
Responding to residents’ concerns Wednesday, Coral Springs City Manager Frank Babinec said city staff members would be meeting with community members and assured them the fire department would inspect the fire alarm system for any issues.
According to Demesvar, poor management of Ramblewood East has led to “deteriorating living conditions” – including the alleged prostitution – and “created an environment where it is no longer feasible for us to remain in our homes.”
“The disruption caused by these problems has made it incredibly difficult for residents to live peacefully, and we are now facing the unfortunate reality of relocating,” Demesvar said.
Coral Springs City Attorney John Hearn said the city lacks enforcement authority with regard to condo association issues, which fall within the jurisdiction of Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Hearn said the department can be reached at 850-488-1122.
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