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Singer Island condo buyers ask Riviera Beach to help resolve homestead exemption claims
Summary
Multiple residents of a recently developed Singer Island condominium complex told the council they were promised homestead filing was possible; city staff agreed to facilitate discussions with the property appraiser and to hold a virtual meeting with residents.
Several residents of a new Singer Island condominium development addressed the Riviera Beach City Council on April 16 asking for help to obtain homestead exemptions they say were promised by the developer at the time of purchase.
Andreas Eerd told the council he moved into the "Emmerich Hotel and Residences" and was told by the developer he could homestead the unit. "When I bought my condo unit, I was assured by the developer that I could homestead the place," Eerd said, and asked the council to place the issue on a future agenda for resolution. Similar statements came from Vince Dong, Julian Barakal, Milo Dastanich, Dino Laudati and others who said sales materials and conversations with the developer led them to believe homestead would be available.
Resident and audit-committee member Scott Lewis and JB Dixon also urged city involvement; Dixon said he lives next door and asked council to engage the county. The speakers said they had documentation and in at least one case had appealed the county decision to a magistrate and were told to pursue the matter with local officials.
City Manager Jonathan Evans said staff will facilitate a conversation with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's office to explore options and will arrange a virtual meeting for the residents who attended the council meeting. "We’ll facilitate a conversation with the property appraiser’s office, and then we’ll have a virtual meeting with the residents that were here this evening," Evans said. He noted the site's plan and zoning contemplated a resort and hotel rather than condominiums, and staff will research site plans, covenants and ordinances that affect homestead eligibility.
Commissioner Deirdre Spears (Councilperson Spears) said she has met with the Amrit/Emirates board and will work with city staff; she reported the board will prepare a resolution for council consideration. The Mayor and council thanked residents for raising the issue and asked staff to report back.
No vote or formal change to city law was recorded; staff committed to further research and outreach to the property appraiser and the development's representatives.
