Orange County commissioners have directed staff to move forward with a plan to demolish the remaining buildings at the troubled Tymber Skan condominium complex, relocate residents, and eventually sell the property.

Background

The county plans to use a legal process under Florida law to dissolve the condominium ownership structure, allowing the property to be sold as a single parcel. Only eight of Tymber Skan’s original 49 buildings remain standing, leaving 56 condominium units. Some residents are living in units without running water, while county staff said the remaining buildings continue to accumulate life safety code violations.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings stated, ‘It’s time. In fact, it’s past time.’ County officials said that since 2014, Orange County has spent about $3.5 million to stabilize the complex, including demolishing unsafe buildings, repairing infrastructure, cleaning lots, providing social services, and forgiving utility fees. Despite these efforts, conditions have continued to worsen.

Relocation and Compensation

The county’s proposal relies on what an outside law firm determined is the strongest option under Florida law: an ‘equitable termination’ of the condominium. This approach does not require consent from individual condo owners because of the property’s condition and would allow a termination trustee to oversee the sale of the property.

During the relocation process, Orange County plans to assign every remaining household a dedicated case manager to help residents relocate and connect them with county and community services. Officials estimate about 10 units are owner-occupied, although only four currently have a homestead exemption. The county also may purchase eligible owner-occupied units before the property is sold. Other owners would receive compensation through the eventual sale of the property.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.