A Message from Commissioner Burt Aaronson

Last spring my staff began receiving phone calls from residents who were concerned they were victims of Chinese drywall.  At the time no one fully realized the consequences those residents faced.  I immediately began working with our federal and state elected officials to find solutions to this very serious problem.

I have met and visited with residents who had heartbreaking stories they shared with me.  I have witnessed the tears and the frustration of people who don’t know where to turn.  Homes are badly damaged.  Health issues have been raised.  Insurance companies have denied coverage.  Mortgage companies demand payments.   Lawsuits take time.   As I said to the Sun Sentinel, “It’s really a mess.”

The County has been monitoring whether there is money available from the State of Florida and the Federal Government to assist with residents’ Chinese drywall problems.  We were informed that there may be federal funds now but the State must declare an emergency in order for these funds to be released.  At my urging, a resolution was prepared and brought before the County Commission on January 26th.  It was adopted unanimously.  The resolution states that we request the Governor to activate all available State emergency relief resources and mechanisms for the benefit of homeowners impacted by defective or reactive drywall.  It also requests an immediate direct allocation of monies through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), FEMA and/or any other agency/program of the U.S. Government.  The resolution has been forwarded to the Governor, the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation and the Palm Beach County Congressional Delegation.

The County stands ready to help in any way it can.  I have been working with County Administration who is consulting with the banks to find ways to assist with mortgage abatement.  The Building Division will expedite any building permits for Chinese drywall victims.  Our neighbors have lived with this nightmare for many months.  It is my hope that their nightmare ends soon.

As always, I invite your comments on any issue of interest to you.  As your Commissioner, I am here to help you.  You may write me at 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, 33401 or call my staff at 276-1310 or toll free at 877-930-2205.  My email address is:  baaronso@pbcgov.org.