For nearly a year, the inhabitants of Ski Time Square Condominiums have been dwelling in a state of uncertainty. This uncertainty stems from the closure of their vital parking garage, which local authorities deemed unsafe.
Marcus Fresques, the President of the Ski Time Square Condominiums Homeowners Association (HOA), expressed his primary goals, stating, “My motivation is essentially twofold — to offer assurance to the HOA and also to present options. Assurance comes from knowing where we will park, at least in the short and medium term, and understanding the long-range plan for parking and development around Ski Time Square. Once we arrive at a resolution and gain more clarity, we will have more flexibility in our choices.”
Fresques, along with fellow Ski Time Square residents, anticipates that a resolution will be reached soon through the deliberation of two pending motions for summary judgment by Chief Judge Michael O’Hara III of the 14th Judicial District. These judgments may ultimately decide the future of the parking garage situated between the former Tugboat and the Ski Time Square Condominiums.
Fresques explained that the HOA is seeking a legal interpretation of the lease, requesting the judge to declare it as a 98-year term, irrespective of the garage’s condition. On the other hand, DBT Development Group, the garage owners, filed a separate motion for summary judgment, urging the court to deem the garage unsafe due to deterioration, terminate the lease, and relieve DBT from providing parking.
He points out that even if the judge issues a ruling, there might still be room for appeals. However, he remains optimistic that the decision will provide clarity on the legal standing and potentially facilitate constructive discussions.
He foresees DBT Development Group eventually selling the property to a third party, which would likely lead to the demolition of the garage for the purpose of the Ski Time Square redevelopment project. He emphasized that the Ski Time Square Condominium owners are open to redevelopment, but they want to ensure the safeguarding of their parking arrangements in both the immediate and distant future.