Speech given at Board Meeting of 12/20/10 by Judy Gann #711

I am speaking tonight, hopefully not in my ”customary scolding tone” because I will miss the next two Board meetings.

· The idea of having petitions and letters sent to select members of the Elizabeth Condo runs counterintuitive to a democratically run condominium, which I have always felt that we were and are.

· I am appalled that members of our community would make statements about other residents that are, at best, debasing.

· It was my goal at the beginning of this project that we, The Elizabeth Condominium, would defy the odds other condos have faced and would complete the refurbishment of our home with all of us remaining friendly and caring of others. Unfortunately, a few mean spirited individuals have ensured that this is not happening.

· As to exaggerations of the cost of the refurbishment and other details of the work that was completed, I would note that this money had been set aside for over five years and in fact, has been in several recent five year plans.

· Those, who would blame this refurbishment for our current financial state are incorrect. This money was set by the Board (in fact it was a larger number originally and then was cut back to $1.25M) over four years ago. Perhaps these same individuals should look to the Boards who refused to raise condo fees for over 10 years. Perhaps this is the real reason for our current financial status.

· We are dealing with a 35 year old building with repairs that have become more necessary as the building ages.

· It is obvious to anyone understanding the current financial picture that we must continue with our refurbishment of the halls as well as replacement of the windows and sliding doors. If this requires increased condo fees, so be it.

· Our residents should understand that this is our home and while it is a jointly owned structure, anyone who has ever owned a single family home is well aware that roofs and eaves must be replaced, painting inside and outside must be maintained; the only difference is that we are all under one roof.

· As to the statement in a letter delivered by Sheila Bason to many individuals, but not all of us, the statement about doors to units was incorrect. What I had said was that because many residents had shaved the bottom of their doors to allow for carpeting, the integrity of the fire retardancy of the doors no longer exists per the Montgomery County Fire Marshall.

· Another erroneous statement was that the residents never had an opportunity to see how the lobby would be divided. In fact, immediately following the meeting with the Hartman Group, I met with several residents, including Mollie Frantz and Mr. Bason, who asked to see the plans. We spent time together going over the plans and discussing space issues. In addition, The Committee made itself available to meet with any resident wishing to see the plans.

· It has been stated that windows were blocking light in the new design. Not true. Only two windows were replaced with dry wall and that was to improve the heating/air conditioning of the vestibule and lobby.

In conclusion, I would hope that we can all embrace the changes that have been and will continue to be made to improve our home, The Elizabeth. Let us live in harmony and enjoy our new, updated surroundings.