Ongoing Controversy: Assisted Living Home’s Conversion to Luxury Apartments

The controversial transition of an assisted living facility into luxury apartments has sparked outrage and legal action, resulting in significant fines for the owners. The transformation of Oasis Living Quarters has raised serious concerns among residents, advocates, and city officials.

Allegations of Improper Eviction

In March, management at Oasis Living Quarters announced the eviction of all residents, many of whom were vulnerable individuals, including the bedridden and those with dementia. According to a state inspection report, these evictions occurred without the necessary written notices, leading to legal repercussions.

• Residents Removed: Evictions included individuals who required daily assistance.
• Legal Action: A lawsuit has been filed in Broward County Court regarding these removals.

Code Violations and Fines

The Fort Lauderdale code enforcement officials have reported that the property owners accrued $40,000 in fines as of July 2025, with penalties expected to rise daily. The fines stem from the following violations:

• Renovations Without Permits: The owners initiated significant renovations, such as demolishing kitchenettes and tearing down walls, without obtaining the proper permits.
• Unapproved Change of Use: The transition from an assisted living facility to apartment buildings was not sanctioned by the city.

At a code enforcement hearing held on May 27, the board instructed Lauderdale Commercial Blvd Partners LLC, the property’s owner, to rectify the violations within two weeks. A daily fine of $1,000 was imposed if compliance was not achieved.

Ongoing Non-compliance

As of the latest updates, building inspector Andrew Gebbia reported that the owners remained out of compliance. Issues included:

• No applications submitted for plumbing and electrical permits.
• Construction ongoing in areas that previously housed assisted living residents.

Despite ongoing construction, it was noted that half of the original assisted living premises had already begun operating as Waterview luxury apartments.

Legal Representation and Future Hearings

During a recent meeting, attorney Ariel Grosfeld, representing the owners, requested a postponement for a hearing, citing the complicated nature of the case and the absence of legal counsel due to other trials. The code enforcement board decided to postpone the case until August while continuing to impose daily fines.

• Daily Fine Accumulation: The board confirmed that the $1,000 daily fine continues to accrue during the postponement.

Impact on Vulnerable Populations

The broader implications of this situation are significant. The aggressive evictions and lack of support for vulnerable residents have drawn attention to the urgent need for regulatory oversight in the assisted living sector.

• A lawsuit related to the case was originally filed on behalf of a bedridden tenant, who tragically passed away shortly after being moved from the facility.

Conclusion

The ongoing situation at Oasis Living Quarters underscores the pressing challenges faced by assisted living facilities and their residents. As legal proceedings and code enforcement actions unfold, the community remains vigilant about the welfare of vulnerable populations affected by these changes.

For more updates on assisted living facilities and legal actions affecting vulnerable communities, visit The Sun Sentinel and explore additional resources on assisted living regulations.

This comprehensive overview provides important insights into the current controversy surrounding Oasis Living Quarters, emphasizing the impacts on vulnerable residents and the surrounding community.