Gulf Vista residents tell Monee trustees lease language and driveway repairs leave seniors at risk

Several Gulf Vista residents used the meeting’s public-comment period on July 22 to urge the Village of Monee to intervene after they said management reversed prior promises and inserted new lease language that shifts repair responsibility and increases the risk of eviction for long-term tenants.

George Clark, a Gulf Vista resident, presented copies of lease excerpts and said the community manager, Anna Maldonado, had told residents she would make driveway repairs. Clark said the manager later denied those commitments in written responses. "Gulf Vista has engaged in extorting seniors," Clark told the board, adding that some tenants could face eviction or doubled charges if they do not sign new leases.

Clark and other residents said lease exhibits were ambiguous about responsibility for driveways and concrete pads; they asked the village to examine the documents and consider protections for seniors. One resident urged the board to consider an ordinance to protect senior tenants or, if necessary, revoke a business license. Residents said they have contacted county and state officials and shared a packet of correspondence with board members.

Cindy Lake and Linda Marshall also spoke in support of Gulf Vista residents, urging the village to help organize and to ensure residents present at meetings get their concerns heard. "We have done everything that we can. Now we're asking for help," Lake said.

Administrator Ruben asked residents to provide copies of the lease exhibits; he told the speaker, "We could do offline. We'll meet with you and grab that," and staff said the village attorney would review the materials. Mayor Pro Tem said the board was "taking it under advisement" and declined to make a further statement that night while the attorney reviews the matter.

The board did not announce any immediate enforcement action; trustees said they will have staff and legal counsel review the documents and follow up with the residents. The village’s public records packet and the residents’ submitted lease excerpts were referenced during the exchange but no formal investigation or timeline was announced at the meeting.