Fort Lauderdale’s Senior Living Facility Scandal: Chaos and Controversy

Background

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A recent upheaval surrounding Oasis Living Quarters has raised alarms among residents and their families, particularly due to alleged ties between the facility’s management and notorious New York City landlords. A witness video from a chaotic residents’ meeting has become pivotal in highlighting the distress faced by seniors living in the facility.

The Chaos Unraveled: A Witness Account

Residents at the Oasis Living Quarters, marketed as a “warm and supportive” community catering to seniors in need of various levels of care, found themselves in turmoil. During a “mandatory” meeting, many were informed they would need to vacate their independent living spaces. This meeting quickly spiraled into chaos, with residents expressing anger, confusion, and fear.

Key Moments from the Meeting:

• Emotional Reactions: Many residents broke down in tears as they were confronted with the reality of forced relocation.
• Pointed Questions: A resident directly questioned the facility’s leadership, asking, “Are you going to close assisted living and memory care, yes or no?”

Misleading Renovations?

Initially, residents were led to believe the moves were part of a renovation plan. Instead, evidence suggests that the facility is undergoing a conversion to "The Waterview Rental," a new leasing community boasting "lavish amenities" and "palatial" apartments. The abrupt change has left many, especially the vulnerable population relying on memory care and assisted living services, feeling utterly deceived.

The People Behind the Scandal

The situation has unearthed troubling connections to New York and New Jersey. Notable personalities linked to the scandal include:

• Steven Gottlieb: The facility administrator at the center of the controversy.
• Rema Comras: A resident affected by the upheaval and the widow of an immigration judge.
• Mark Tress: Known in New York City for his poor record as a landlord; he was recently designated as one of the "Worst Landlords of 2024" due to numerous housing violations.

Connections to Notorious Landlords:

• Mark Tress: Tied to multiple housing violations in New York, he became associated with the management of Oasis Living Quarters and Waterview Residences, with troubling histories of mismanagement.
• Sharon Olson: Another key figure who assumed control of Waterview Residences and is linked to previous eviction scandals in Miami.

Legal Challenges and Resident Struggles

The turmoil has ignited legal action from residents and their families. David Comras, a local attorney and nephew of Rema Comras, has initiated a lawsuit citing Florida law violations regarding the mass eviction.

Allegations Include:

• Forced Evictions: Claiming the residents were given less than 45 days to vacate their homes without proper written notice.
• Fraudulent Evidence: Accusations have been made regarding the production of fabricated documentation by the opposing legal team.

Tragic Outcomes

The tragic fallout of these events has taken a toll on the mental and emotional well-being of the residents. David Comras reflects on the distress experienced by his aunt, who succumbed to her worries about the impending move before her untimely death at age 88.

Conclusion

The situation at Oasis Living Quarters underscores growing concerns about the treatment of seniors in assisted living facilities and the motivations driving property conversions. Familial bonds are being tested, and the community stands at a crossroads, advocating for justice and a return to stability for its vulnerable members.

Related Stories:

• Families ‘disgusted’ after seniors told to leave Fort Lauderdale facility
• Judge halts eviction at senior living facility amid alleged luxury apartment plan

As authorities delve deeper into the scandal, the plight of the residents serves as a sobering reminder of the critical need for accountability in the management of senior living facilities.