Willowbrook Residents Take Aim at Builder

Residents of the county's Willowbrook condominiums pleaded with County Commissioners on Tuesday to prevent KB Homes from building anything else in Manatee County until they resolve existing construction problems.

KB Homes, they said, has been abe to get away with shoddy home construction that has led to failing balconies, moisture intrusion and mold.

Commissioners stopped short of going to KB Homes executives. Instead they asked the county attorney and county inspectors for a report about KB Homes, the problems with the condominiums and when they can expect repairs to be completed. The county's inspectors were out at the condominums this week to document the problems at the housing development.

KB Homes did not send a representatitve to Tuesday's meeting, even though residents informed the company they planned to meet with commissioners about the problems.

Cara Kane, a spokeswoman for KB Home, told the Herald-Tribune in an emailed statement,

"KB Home has made a comprehensive proposal to the Willowbrook Association to resolve the homeowners' concerns and complete repairs to the impacted homes. Again this week, KB Home was actively making repairs to the accessible homes, and we stand ready to continue to address any concerns."

But residents told commissioners that the company has never addressed the major issues. Residents, who are prohibited under their contracts from suing the company, have inundated KB Homes with letters listing complaints. Those letters have also been sent to stte and federal officials.

Under the terms of the purchase contracts, homeowners must enter into arbitration over any problems with their homes.