The roof is caving in. Water damage is omnipresent. A rotted ceiling fell on a resident. One resident says the pool hasn’t worked in years. Wilton Pointe Apartments has been falling apart for months and the situation remains dire.

Code Enforcement has visited multiple times and fines are accruing daily and exceed $360,000. With some rents at “only” $1,650 per month, it’s one of the few places in the city that are considered affordable housing.

The mortgage is delinquent, and now an investment group is looking to step in and reinvigorate the property in the 2600 block of North Andrews Ave. A representative of the group addressed the dais during the July 14 city commission meeting and said they were looking for a speedy closing. 

But there’s one catch: the mountain of fines.

The new group is willing to put aside 10% of the current total and pay the city. Commissioners say that amount is unsatisfactory. At a minimum they want $100,000. That would be a bit more than the 10% offered plus about $50,000 in legal fees.

Commissioner Mike Bracchi and Mayor Scott Newton were the leaders of the hardline stance. They point out the current owner may still walk away with a hefty profit even after the mortgage is satisfied. Commissioners don’t want to reward neglectful behavior.

City attorneys are working with the owner and potential buyer and proposing a step-up plan. One proposal tossed out during the meeting would see Wilton Manors get the first $100,000 after the bank, and then an increasing amount of the “profit” until about half the fines are paid and forgive the rest.

The buyers are also worried about fines that will accrue from the time they take ownership until the repairs are finished. However the city may be inclined to forgive those after Code Enforcement signs off.