MIAMI BEACH / JDSPulse — August 2025.
A document obtained by JDSPulse sheds light on the pressure tactics used by representatives of 1250 West Ave Owner LLC, a company affiliated with controversial developer Michael Stern. The document in question — a so-called “Seller Release” — was signed by a former owner of a unit at Bay Garden Manor Condominium in Miami Beach.
This agreement, presented just prior to the property closing, contains highly one-sided and aggressive terms, including:
- A complete waiver of all present and future claims against the Buyer and its affiliates;
- A non-disparagement clause, prohibiting any public criticism;
- A $100,000 penalty for any alleged breach;
- A sweeping confidentiality provision, barring disclosure of even the document’s existence.
PRESSURED TO SIGN — OR ELSE
As the former unit owner told JDSPulse:
“It’s a scare tactic — they didn’t address it properly, and I signed under pressure. Now we’re getting multiple owners together to launch a lawsuit against Stern and Dan Marinkberg — one of his affiliates.”
In a follow-up email to JDSPulse, the same individual confirmed:
“You have full permission to use the document however you wish. I have many other owners who also have something to say.”
JDSPulse is now in contact with multiple former and current owners who report similar tactics — a systematic attempt to silence criticism and shield the developer from liability or public scrutiny.
WHY IT MATTERS
“Seller Release” documents are not uncommon in corporate transactions. But in this case, it was signed just one day before closing, with:
- No reciprocal obligations from the Buyer;
- No financial consideration or meaningful benefit to the Seller;
- And excessive penalty clauses likely to be deemed unenforceable in court.
If similar tactics were used against other owners, the legal implications could be substantial — including potential claims of coercion, bad faith, and abuse of process.
WHO ELSE IS INVOLVED?
The name of Dan Marinkberg, a known associate of Michael Stern, was repeatedly mentioned by owners as the person overseeing communication and paperwork around these “releases.” At least one witness claimed that pressure to sign came directly through him.
If these practices are confirmed to be widespread, they may amount not just to civil misconduct, but to criminal liability in the context of real estate fraud and intimidation.
This article is just the beginning of a story of deception and coercion… the continuation will follow soon!
If you are a former or current owner at 1250 West Avenue and were asked to sign a similar document — or were pressured to remain silent — contact our editorial team confidentially: contact@jdspulse.com
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