Downstate neighborhoods: Built by association; Groups unite residents, concerns

Thanks to Fred Pilot for this. I keep pointing out that municipalities are a major force behind the spread of HOAs, and not just in the Sunbelt. Here's another example, this one from Delaware:

Kent County Planning Director Michael J. Petit de Mange said the county's interest in homeowner associations is to have a legal entity maintaining common property, such as open space, playgrounds, stormwater ponds, clubhouses or other items a developer provides. In June 2003, Kent County changed its subdivision code to make sure developers provide for perpetual ownership and maintenance of common space or stormwater ponds. The developer can either maintain ownership or provide for the establishment of a legal entity such as a homeowners association, a community open space trust or a maintenance corporation. Mr. Petit de Mange said development projects through the '90s proposed homeowners associations, but many never formed or possibly failed. "Trying to form one after the fact is extremely difficult," he said.