We have been awaiting the final report from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on the reasons for the collapse of the Champlain Towers on June 24, 2021, resulting in the death of 98 individuals. The technical findings are now available on the NIST website – the link below provides access to the report and two videos detailing the report’s findings.   

NIST Releases Technical Findings on What Caused the 2021 Partial Collapse of Champlain Towers South | NIST

From the report: “The low margins against failure were primarily caused by two factors. First, severe and widespread deviations in the building’s original structural design from the codes and standards of the day, but also some limitations in those codes and standards. And second, deviations in the building’s construction from the design drawings.  Loads added to the structure over its lifetime — including pool deck modifications described in a previous investigation update — further diminished the margins against failure, as did long-term degradation from corrosion.”

“Factors that the investigation has ruled out as contributing to the failure, including vibrations from nearby construction; foundation failure, sinkholes or settling; hurricane and storm surge effects; impulsive loads (e.g., weight dropped from a crane or explosion); and accidental overloads caused by a roof project underway at the time of the collapse.” 

The Miami Herald had a full story on the findings:  NIST findings about what caused the Surfside condo collapse | Miami Herald

Champlain Towers was the first, and only building, in the United States to collapse without explanation.  We now have the technical findings as to the reasons why. 

QUESTION:  Did the four condo bills passed by the state legislature really address this issue?  The legislators claim that the condo bills will prevent another such collapse.  A bold statement to make before knowing why the building collapsed.  “In true legislative fashion, this a perfect example of what happens when elected officials feel obligated to take action without knowing what the actual problem is. Ready fire aim.”   And now, knowing why the building collapsed, will the four condo bills really prevent this in the future or will these bills simply destroy condo living?  You decide.

Summer Learning​ Program: Color Our World:  June 1 – August 9, Registration open ​(online) coloring books and canvas for painting

Summer reading promotes literacy: Early Literacy Program; Children’s Program; Teen Program; and Adult Program.​​

Special Events: Get the Scoop on Medicare – Tuesday, June 03: 2:30pm – 3:30pm; Ask Us Anything: Technology and Computers – Tuesday, June 10: 2:00pm – 3:00pm; Galt Ocean Mile Photography Club – Thursday, June 26: 3:00pm – 4:00pm.

So many other events are listed on the calendar.  There is truly something for everyone. 

This session, which begins at 10 am and lasts one hour, is open to all Galt Mile residents.  There is no charge for this training class. However, you must register for the class ahead of time – by contacting Cornelia Cave at Corneliasouthpoint@aol.com or if you have questions about the class. The class is also open to employees of the condo buildings, such as office staff, maintenance, security and housekeeping. 

Remember – giving an hour of your time to be trained in CPR/AED could save someone’s life. 

Click here to read the article.

An article from Becker Legal talks about the issues related to EV charging stations in condos, and provides some guidance on this issue. 

Click here to read about condos and EV charging stations.