How Poor Planning Became Our Problem

Residents of 3600 N Lake Shore Drive should be deeply alarmed by the significant financial burdens imposed by the ongoing riser replacement project. Poorly negotiated contracts by our condo board have created costly and unfair outcomes for many of us.

From Design to Disaster

Recently, it became clear that the plans guiding this project relied exclusively on original design drawings without proper verification against actual conditions within the building. Had thorough on-site verification been conducted, serious issues could have been anticipated and mitigated. Instead, structural obstructions like tapering columns now prevent direct access to risers in kitchens across several lower units in four different tiers.

From $1,200 to $8,200 — With No Warning

For affected residents, initial estimated costs around $1,200 have abruptly jumped to nearly $8,200—a startling increase of nearly 600%. Even worse, residents received minimal notice, leaving little time to thoughtfully plan renovations or upgrades.

Trapped by the Contract: No Way to Opt Out

The financial burden becomes even heavier because of how the contracts were structured—specifically, the absence of deductive change orders. Deductive change orders typically allow residents to subtract costs for services they choose not to utilize. Without these, residents are locked into paying the full cost outlined in the original contract, even if certain work is unnecessary or unwanted.

Why You’re Paying Twice to Stand Still

This oversight forces residents into paying close to $10,000 just to have the same outdated kitchen put back exactly as it was, losing a significant opportunity to modernize or upgrade their spaces. Consider the reality: if you wish to replace a dishwasher that no longer adequately cleans dishes, install cabinets better suited to your needs, or even add essential features like improved storage, you’re forced into paying twice. First, you pay the mandatory contracted charges for reinstalling your old fixtures, whether or not this service is even required. Then, you must pay separately for your chosen upgrades.

Even Code Violations Cost You

Moreover, even the smallest code compliance issues discovered during this process can trigger additional forced expenditures—again potentially resulting in double-dipping and unnecessary expense.

A Real Example from Your Neighbor

To illustrate, one resident recently faced additional charges totaling over $8,000 simply for selecting their new cabinets to be installed—expenses incurred on top of the already mandatory base fees.

What I’ll Fight For — With Your Support

If elected, I will push for transparency, demand deductive change order clauses in all future contracts, and ensure residents are never forced to pay twice for one job. Every dollar should work harder for us — not against us.

It’s Time for Strong, Resident-Focused Leadership

Let’s put an end to rushed decisions, weak oversight, and passive approval. This building deserves smart, engaged leadership — and I’m ready to lead.

Pledge your support today to show our board that residents are paying attention — and we won’t accept silence, surprise costs, or broken trust any longer. Together, we can demand transparency, fairness, and a board that puts residents first.