Special Assessment at Windward Passage

[Kozman]

We recently were notified that the Windward Passage board has approved a $2500 per unit special assessment to complete hurricane repairs. We were earlier notified that the resort would begin phased in opening starting October 1 which is long past. Something doesn't seem right.

 

[GrayFal]

Is this the resort?

Windward Passage Resort - Ft. Myers Beach, FL

Sand, Sun, Water and Fun. It’s all here waiting for you. When you’re not on the beach, enjoy relaxing in the hot tub or taking a dip in the heated pool. If you want to stay busy, we offer a variety of amenities. Take a bike out or go for a stroll to Times Square to experience the charm that Ft...

windwardpassage.us

 

[rapmarks]

We recently were notified that the Windward Passage board has approved a $2500 per unit special assessment to complete hurricane repairs. We were earlier notified that the resort would begin phased in opening starting October 1 which is long past. Something doesn't seem right.

I know that the city government is really slow on permits and fort Myers beach is behind in rebuilding compared to other communities

 

[theo]

Windward Passage is one of a few VRI-managed resorts in this area, including Bonita Resort & Club in nearby Bonita Beach. Both resorts are using a company called Belfor for their reconstruction work since Hurricane Ian in September, 2022. I do not know anything about Belfor, but I do know that both of those two resorts have long had their building permits issued but have not reopened since Ian --- and neither one seems to be particularly close to reopening at this time.

On Fort Myers Beach, Tropical Sands Resort has been open since June, 2024 (although extensive first floor repairs became necessary there after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in October, 2024). Bel-Air Beach Club on FMB has likewise been been open for about the same amount of time. Repairs seem to be steadily progressing at Island Towers and at Kahlua Beach Club on FMB, although both are likely still months away from reopening. I do not know the current status of Mariners Boat House or Caribbean Beach Club on FMB. Lahaina Inn is gone forever and Estero Island Beach Club, destroyed by (and demolished after) Ian, is having great difficulty getting FMB Town Council approval to rebuild their 75 units lost to Ian.

Elevator repairs remain a serious and ongoing issue at dozens of condos (including most timeshare properties) throughout the geographic area in and around FMB.

 

[Kozman]

Is this the resort?

Windward Passage Resort - Ft. Myers Beach, FL

Sand, Sun, Water and Fun. It’s all here waiting for you. When you’re not on the beach, enjoy relaxing in the hot tub or taking a dip in the heated pool. If you want to stay busy, we offer a variety of amenities. Take a bike out or go for a stroll to Times Square to experience the charm that Ft...

windwardpassage.us

Yes.

 

[Kozman]

Windward Passage is one of a few VRI-managed resorts in this area, including Bonita Resort & Club in nearby Bonita Beach. Both resorts are using a company called Belfor for their reconstruction work since Hurricane Ian in September, 2022. I do not know anything about Belfor, but I do know that both of those two resorts have long had their building permits issued but have not reopened since Ian --- and neither one seems to be particularly close to reopening at this time.

On Fort Myers Beach, Tropical Sands Resort has been open since June, 2024 (although extensive first floor repairs became necessary there after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in October, 2024). Bel-Air Beach Club on FMB has likewise been been open for about the same amount of time. Repairs seem to be steadily progressing at Island Towers and at Kahlua Beach Club on FMB, although both are likely still months away from reopening. I do not know the current status of Mariners Boat House or Caribbean Beach Club on FMB. Lahaina Inn is gone forever and Estero Island Beach Club, destroyed by (and demolished after) Ian, is having great difficulty getting FMB Town Council approval to rebuild their 75 units lost to Ian.

Elevator repairs remain a serious and ongoing issue at dozens of condos (including most timeshare properties) throughout the geographic area in and around FMB.

The only special circumstance I know of at Windward Passage is that the roof suffered severe damage that required all floors to be repaired.

 

[gravityrules]

Is the Windward Passage board now controlled by Capital Vacations?

 

[theo]

The only special circumstance I know of at Windward Passage is that the roof suffered severe damage that required all floors to be repaired.

Did your Board not offer any specific insights or details explaining the need for this apparently unexpected special assessment?

It could be that the math just isn't working with post-hurricane(s) actual repair costs vs. insurance claim payments, but whatever the reason it seems to me that your Board has an obligation to at least provide owners with some explanation, no?