Message From the President

Dear Utopia Members,

As 2019 winds down I thought I would reflect on what a busy and eventful year it has been for our organization.

We have had success in maintaining our membership while we continue to add new members. We have had to face the challenges of payroll increases and a persistent party house but we have prevailed and continue to move forward.

First, I would like to extend a large thank you to long time board member Ron Morgan, for his dedicated service to the association as a member of the board and secretary as he steps down from the board this December. I also would like to thank the entire board for their efforts and contributions made all year long behind the scenes to keep our organization running smoothly.

Second, I would like to thank our long time members as well as new members because without your continued support there would be no association. You understand that our patrols are the heart of deterrence; they secure our safety and are the envy of many.

Finally, I hope to see you all at the Annual Members Meeting on January 26th (please save the date -details to follow) where we will kick off the new year by ratifying our board for 2020, introduce a new marketing plan to increase membership, speak with our patrol leadership and enjoy the fellowship of other members.

As we end the year, the board would like to wish all the membership the happiest of holidays as we look forward to next year to further strengthen and grow our organization.

 

Sincerely,

 

Corinne Collins

President

Utopia Homeowners’ Security Association

Update on Party House at 4080 Ensenada Ave.

Dear Members,

This message is to update you on the vacant property at 4080 Ensenada.  As you know, there have been numerous complaints about short-term rentals and large noisy events held at this property.  The City of Miami Code Enforcement had issued a code violation on this property, with a hearing set for Oct. 23rd.  As of yesterday, the property has been put on the market for sale and the listing for short term rentals on Airbnb has been removed from the website.
It would seem that this property has now come into compliance.  Contacting  Miami Code Enforcement has gained, in this case, the positive resolution we sought. 


Regards,

Utopia Board

Update on 4080 Ensenada Ave Party House

Utopia Members,
I just received a reply to my complaint  with instructions from Community Support at Airbnb to reach the right people with our complaint.

 I would like to share this link with my neighbors.

If you click on :  

and follow the instructions you will be able to fill out, anonymously, a form that will give Airbnb a reason to contact and take action regarding the disturbances and  sordid issues of the  rental of   4080 Ensenada  as a party house.

 I did this and received a nice reply and a case number for follow up.

 Glenn Patron

4050 Ventura Ave

Coconut Grove, FL

 

 

 

 

UPDATE: 4080 Ensenada Ave code violation

9/27/19

Dear Utopia Members,

As you are already aware the property at 4080 Ensenada (which is currently vacant) has been rented out for short term rentals as well as large events. This is a violation of the Miami 21 code for T3 zones (which our area is). This has come to the attention of the Utopia Homeowners’ Security Association because our officers on our usual patrols have had to control the crowds and cars on numerous occasions at this property. We are currently seeking reimbursement for our patrol costs from the owner of this property.

A complaint has been brought to Code Enforcement for the City of Miami on 4080 Ensenada Ave resulting in a notice of violation being issued specific to illegal short term rentals. The owner has until Oct. 3rd to correct the violation(s) and to notify the inspector. Otherwise the owner must appear before the Code Enforcement Board. If found guilty and they fail to correct the violation(s) the Code Enforcement Board can impose fines of up to $250 per day for each day the violations(s) remains uncorrected. Unpaid fines will become liens against this property.

We want all members of the Utopia Homeowners’ Security Association in the immediate area of this property to be aware of what is currently happening with this problematic vacant property. We also want to inform all our members that any short term rental is not legal in this area (Miami 21 – Article 1 Section 1.1 and Article 4 Table 3). If you see continued inappropriate activity at 4080 Ensenada Ave, please contact the code inspector Dennis Uriarte at 305 416-2137 or through email at [email protected] referencing the address or the Cr# CE2019018349.

If you become aware of any property that is causing issues due to short term rentals, it is our individual responsibility to notify the City of Miami Code Enforcement office. They will only act, if we/you act.

Sincerely,

The Utopia Board

Disturbances at Vacation Rental (AirBnB) Properties in Utopia

AirBnB event at the Park at Ensenada and Ventura – Numerous intoxicated UM students arriving with cases of beer and handles of liquor. Complaints of littering, public intoxication, abusive language, vomiting, and urination on neighbor properties.

Dear Utopia Security Association Homeowners:

It has come to our attention that several homes in our neighborhood are actively short term renting their property through AirBnB and other online vacation rental sites. Some recent rental events have caused a security concern which your board feels should be addressed. In the past few weeks, events at these properties have caused our patrol to be diverted toward attending to disorderly conduct, parking, and traffic disturbances. Your UHSA volunteer board members believe that these vacation rentals may be in violation of zoning or other ordinances. We have lodged a complaint with one property owner. We are also looking at actions that UHSA might take to limit these disturbances and ensure that all neighbors are able to peacefully enjoy the use of their property.

We may need an organized effort to contact our elected officials to enforce appropriate zoning and regulations. We will keep you posted, but please feel free to contact your elected representatives if you wish.

City Officials:

Mayor Francis Suarez
Commissioner Ken Russell

Sincerely,

Your Utopia Homeowners Security Association Board