Learning About BK1 From Someone Else’s Board Meeting

Key Takeaways

Owners are learning important BK1 updates at the BKMA board Meeting — not from our own board.
A new manager was announced publicly elsewhere, yet no formal update was provided to BK1 residents.
BK1 has not signed up for vibration monitoring for the Mandarin Hotel implosion, while other Brickell Key buildings reportedly have.
Major projects — including the fire alarm system, elevators, garage work, and a $400,000+ gym renovation — continue with no communication to owners.
Owner participation at recent BK1 meetings has been restricted, raising concerns about transparency and openness.
Transparency is not optional — (WE) owners fund every contract, project, and legal decision.

I learned more about Brickell Key One during the 2/26/26 BKMA board meeting than I have from our own board.

That should concern every owner.

While observing the meeting online, several items were discussed that directly affect BK1 — yet have not been communicated to us.

A New Manager — But No Update to Owners

During the BKMA meeting, our board president announced that BK1 will have a new manager starting March 1.

Interestingly, our board is holding a “closed door” meeting on that same date.

Was this hiring decision made by the full board?
Was it a presidential decision? Based on the revolving door the track record is poor.
There has been no official update to residents.

Vibration Monitoring for the Mandarin Hotel Implosion

It was also discussed that BK1 has not signed up for vibration monitoring during the upcoming Mandarin Hotel implosion.

Other buildings reportedly participating include:

Asia
Courts Brickell Key
Tequesta 1
Tequesta 2
Tequesta 3
Courvoisier Courts

Why has BK1 not signed up we are physically closer to the site than any of the other buildings that are moving forward?
Have owners been informed of the risks or rationale?

Again — no updates.

Updates — Or the Lack Thereof

What was particularly striking was hearing frustration by our board president expressed about not receiving enough updates from BKMA.
That is surprising — because BK1 owners have received NO updates about our own projects.

The BKMA sends out a weekly newsletter with updates on the hotel and bridge projects, along with other necessary news for island residents. Our association and board president are silent.

Consider the following:

Fire Alarm System

False alarms continue. Testing continues.
What is the plan? What is the timeline for resolution?
Are we safe?
No updates.

Second Floor Elevator Lobby

A contract was signed in September.
A board member reportedly said materials are still pending. Strange as the contract was signed five months ago.
Why is there no completion date?
No updates.

Elevator #2

Out of service since November.
No updates.

Garage Work

Power washing and painting appear limited to one area where the board president parks at least two cars.
When do the rest of us get the treatment?
No updates.

$400,000+ Gym Renovation

Early stages, but two months of silence.
When asked about funding, a board member stated, “It’s paid for.”

Paid for by whom? I can answer that: by us!
That is association money. Owner money.
We had no say in what to spend those funds on.
What alternatives were considered?
No updates.

A Clear Contrast

At the BKMA meeting, voting members were allowed to speak, ask questions, and make comments.

At our last three BK1 board meetings, owner participation has been restricted in ways that raise concerns about compliance with Florida law and certainly about openness. At two meetings Q&A was not permitted.

Owners are not outsiders.
We are stakeholders.
We each own a portion of the common elements — the gym, the lobby, the elevators, the fire alarm system, and more.

The Real Issue

This is not about personalities.

It is about transparency.
It is about communication.
It is about respect for the people who fund this association.

Decisions are being made.
Contracts are being signed.
But owners only learn after the fact.

That is not how a healthy and trustworthy association operates.

Step Up, Speak Up, Demand More

This is the moment for owners to become informed, engaged, and organized. Silence is often mistaken for approval.
If you care about transparency, accountability, and protecting your investment, attend meetings, ask questions, speak with your neighbors, and stay involved.
Change does not happen by accident — it happens when owners collectively demand higher standards. The future direction of Brickell Key One depends on whether we choose to participate or remain passive observers.