On June 28, 2023, at the request of Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez, the Mayor and City Commission referred an agenda item (C4 AB) for discussion to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC) related to access to the laundry facilities, meal site, and other amenities at Council Towers North and Council Towers South comprising of a total of 250 residential units located at 1040 Collins Avenue and 533 Collins Avenue (the Buildings), respectively.

These facilities, dedicated to providing safe, secure, and affordable housing for elderly residents aged 62 and older, are owned and operated by Elderly Housing, Development & Operations Corporation (EHDOC), a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization. On July 9, 1976, the City executed a land lease agreement with EHDOC for both facilities.

On May 8, 2015, Amendment No.1 to the lease was executed as EHDOC desired to obtain financing to undergo capital improvements at the Buildings, including building systems, individual dwelling units, and common areas. To obtain long-term financing for EHDOC’s then-proposed renovations, they requested an extension of the lease term for a period of fifty (50) years, following the expiration of the initial term on July 8, 2026.

EHDOC commenced the $26M renovation project in June 2020 to maintain the long-term affordability and quality of the housing units. EHDOC, at its sole cost and expense, is solely responsible for the design, development, and construction of Council Towers South and Council Towers North renovation improvements, including renovation of individual dwelling units. The upgrades include all work required for the Buildings to comply with applicable laws and Miami-Dade County's forty (40)-year recertification requirements. In addition, EHDOC will enhance the generator capacity to ensure the continued operation of HVAC systems, elevators, life safety systems, and other building systems after a tropical storm, hurricane, or other acts of God that may impact the Buildings and residents' safety.

Since project commencement, EHDOC has faced multiple challenges that led to project delays. An incident on June 17, 2023, involving damage to the HVAC system at Council Towers South due to heavy rain, prompted EHDOC staff to accommodate residents in a hotel while repairs were underway. EHDOC’s contractor has installed portable HVAC units in the common areas of floors 3-12. The Administration visited the South Tower on July 20, 2023, and has maintained communication with EHDOC for repair updates. Since the visit, the chiller has been repaired, and cooled air flows into the hallways and lobby.

Subsequent to a complaint received referencing residents not having access to the laundry rooms for one year in the North and South Towers, a visit was made to the properties on June 27, 2023. The North Tower laundry rooms underwent a floor-to-ceiling remodel, which encountered delays due to unforeseen electrical revisions. However, the final outcome of these improvements will significantly enhance the capacity and number of resident amenities. EHDOC management advised that residents from the North Towers could use the laundry facilities of the South Towers, which were fully accessible. Many residents have vehicles and can drive to the South Tower, or their home health care aide assists them with their laundry needs. The lunchroom was not accessible due to the renovation project. However, the meal programs provided through the Little Havana Nutrition Program have not been interrupted.

On September 25, 2023 and October 17, 2023, the Administration conducted a site visit to individual units and the common areas in the South Tower. EHDOC placed portable units in the lobby on the first floor and temporarily installed portable units in each apartment unit to ensure all residents have access to cool temperatures until the HVAC system is fully repaired. The HVAC in the hallway of each floor is currently functioning properly.

On January 11, 2024, the Administration conducted a site visit and met with representatives of EHDOC who provided the following updates:

• The Community room in both towers are operating at 50% capacity but must remain fluid to accommodate construction demands. In addition, weather permitting, the second-floor terrace in both buildings are also available for activities. 
•  The South Tower has a new AC in corridor floors 3-12 and temporary AC units in corridor floors 1 and 2, as well as in residential units and the management offices.
•  The North Tower has a new AC in corridor floors 3-12 and temporary AC in corridor floors 1 and 2.  They are also providing AC from an existing chiller system to residential units, as well as the management offices.
•  Meals continue to be provided and delivered by the vendor to each resident’s unit.
• The Laundry Room in the North Tower will be ready for use, subject to the City’s inspections and issuance of a Certificate of Use.
•  The Laundry Room in the South Tower has not had any interruption to use.

The Administration maintains ongoing communication with EHDOC staff to monitor the rehabilitation project's advancement. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the project's status, challenges, and milestones, allowing for timely updates and informed decision-making. Through this consistent communication, the Administration remains actively engaged in observing the project's progress and addressing any potential issues that may arise during the rehabilitation.