Charleston residents still await re-entry to evacuated condos

Residents of the Dockside Condominiums in Charleston are still struggling to retrieve their belongings after being evacuated almost a month ago due to structural concerns. Many homeowners, including Veronica Sarmanian, left behind valuable items like furniture and artwork when they were forced to leave within 48 hours. The city evacuated the building on February 26, citing safety risks that engineers have not yet resolved. A report indicated that a failure in the building's structure could lead to a progressive collapse, similar to the tragic Surfside condo disaster in 2021, which killed 98 people. Engineers are working on assessing the risks, but it may take months to complete their evaluations. For residents, the lack of a timeline for re-entry adds to their frustrations. They worry about their possessions and the financial burden of having to pay mortgage bills while displaced. With a 30-year mortgage, homeowners could face payments of nearly $3,000 a month along with additional expenses for temporary housing and storage. Experts note that homeowners remain responsible for their mortgages, even when a property becomes uninhabitable. Insurance policies and homeowners association (HOA) dues may offer some relief, but specific coverage will depend on what caused the building's issues. Currently, residents are navigating many uncertainties about their future. They seek clarity on what support they may receive and how to manage the financial implications of their situation.