Pruning Shears: Utopian colonies and the deep roots of the Occupy Movement

Today's CID housing is frequently marketed to tap into people's yearning for a strong sense of community. What is usually missing from the product they deliver, however, is a common sense of values. But from the late 19th century through the early 20th, many people set up their own utopian communities, some religious and some socialistic.  This blog post points out that some of these socialistic communities were similar in a number of ways to the Occupy movement.  It is in part a reaction to a book concerning authoritarian tendencies on the left.  But the larger issue is how to structure rights, control, and privacy in common living arrangements. Today's CID activists tend to be focused on how abusive current forms of CID government are, and some of them offer state law reforms to protect owners, while others demand abolition. But the greater challenge is how to structure CIDs so that they offer residents a richer social life than they would have living in an apartment or detached single family home in the stereotypical faceless suburb.  Is such a goal realistic, or just a fantasy?   

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"What is really fascinating (and surprisingly relevant) is Ellis’ coverage of utiopian communities that began to form in the late nineteenth century. Inspired in part by proto-science fiction like Edward Bellamy’s Looking Backward, these communities withdrew from the larger society in an effort to construct the one they envisioned. While the only separatist type impulses these days seem to be on the right, their governance had striking similarities to Occupy - including its weaknesses....The near-unanimous vote of the general assembly resembles the consensus model used by Occupy. As our group noted last year, a consensus model eventually works to the advantage of those with the most time. Getting 90% approval might represent the overwhelming view of the majority, but it might also might represent 90% of the handful left after an extended and frustrating filibuster."

TV Guide - Today's News: Our Take - Holly Madison Leaves Home After Dispute Over Giant Dog House - DeRidder, LA - Beauregard Daily News - Beauregard, LA

TV Guide - Today's News: Our Take - Holly Madison Leaves Home After Dispute Over Giant Dog House - DeRidder, LA - Beauregard Daily News - Beauregard, LA: Holly Madison's relationship with her homeowners association has really gone to the dogs.

The former Girls Next Door star is selling her home in Southern Highlands, Las Vegas, because of an ongoing dispute with the association over a giant pink dog house she built in her backyard, according to Las Vegas Weekly.

High court rules a house is a house, even if it floats | Nation & World | The Seattle Times

High court rules a house is a house, even if it floats | Nation & World | The Seattle Times: Lawyers for the Seattle Floating Homes Association and a similar association in Sausalito, Calif., praised the Supreme Court ruling.

The San Francisco law firm Munger, Tolles and Olson filed a friend of court brief on behalf of the two floating-homes associations, arguing that they should be regulated as houses and not under maritime law as vessels.

Developer pitches $1B commonwealth for Belle Isle | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com

Developer pitches $1B commonwealth for Belle Isle | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com:
Detroit — As the broken city thinks big and radically about its future, a developer is stepping forward with a revolutionary idea: Sell the city's Belle Isle park for $1 billion to private investors who will transform it into a free-market utopia. The 982-acre island would then be developed into a U.S. commonwealth or city-state of 35,000 people with its own laws, customs and currency.
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Here we go again. Another libertarian utopia, to go with Paulville, TX, those proposed oil platform communities out at sea, Glenn Beck's planned utopia, The World (ocean liner), and a bunch of others. Can't we just give them Wyoming or something?

Central figure, conspirators in HOA scheme indicted by federal grand jury - News - ReviewJournal.com

Central figure, conspirators in HOA scheme indicted by federal grand jury - News - ReviewJournal.com: "Leon Benzer, the former construction company boss at the center of a long-running investigation into fraud and corruption at homeowners associations, and 10 other defendants were indicted Tuesday by a federal grand jury. The long-awaited indictment is part of the final Justice Department push to charge conspirators in a massive scheme to take over homeowners associations across the Las Vegas Valley between 2003 and 2009."
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There have been 28 guilty pleas so far. Now we have 11 more indictments.  Nevada is one of only a handful of states that has an ombudsperson and/or a government agency with special responsibilities regarding common interest housing. But nonetheless, the most massive HOA/condo association fraud ever uncovered happened right under their noses. What do we conclude from that? How about:  this is what privatization without accountability looks like. This is what happens when state and local governments hand over major responsibilities--including the power to tax, run elections, enforce rules, and make major decisions that affect people's lives--to unpaid, untrained volunteers who have to meet no minimum qualifications and who have no meaningful oversight.  There have been other frauds and embezzlements across the nation. There will be more to come. Will our public policy makers adopt common sense reforms to protect people?

HOA President Threatens To Sue Newspaper For Using Neighborhood’s Name In Article – The Consumerist

HOA President Threatens To Sue Newspaper For Using Neighborhood’s Name In Article – The Consumerist
Followup to the story below from an Indiana newspaper that went into detail about problems with HOA governance, and included by name Stonecreek Arbors, in Vandenburgh County, Indiana.  The Consumerist is reporting that the president of the Stonecreek HOA sent the following to the newspaper, after being interviewed, proving once again (as if any additional proof were needed, after all these years) that many HOA leaders need to get a clearer understanding of the limits on their powers.

“[T]his notice also requires you not to at any measure mention anything regarding my name, any resident of Stonecreek, NOR will we ALLOW any of your printing in any article regarding Stonecreek at any time in any publication… You will be held liable for any violations of this letter and notice/request in this email. If we find/discover you have mentioned Stonecreek in any legal matter their (sic) will be action toward yourself as well as any print paper you represent in the media article.

“You may contact any HOA in the County of Vanderburgh, the State of Indiana, but Stonecreek will not PERMIT OR ALLOW YOU our legal name in any future article.”

Independence Park to be Glenn Beck's 'Galt's Gulch' | Right Wing Watch

Independence Park to be Glenn Beck's 'Galt's Gulch' | Right Wing Watch
"On his program last night, Beck revealed that his intention to "go Galt" is quite literal, unveiling grandiose plans to create an entirely self-sustaining community called Independence Park that will provide its own food and energy, produce television and film content, host research and development, serve as a marketplace for products and ideas, while also housing a theme park and serving as a residential community.

At the center - in the middle of the lake that is itself larger than all of Disney Land - Beck (with the help of David Barton) will create a massive "national archive"/learning center where people can send their children to be "deprogrammed" and elected officials can come to learn "the truth."

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To which I can only say, "Don't let the door hit you where the dog should have bit you."

Woman says HOA demanded microchip in her dog � Evansville Courier & Press

Woman says HOA demanded microchip in her dog � Evansville Courier & Press
With a bunch of quotes from me, which you can read if you scroll down.  Sample:
"If you're going to buy a house, you ought to know well in advance of even making an offer on the house not only that there is an association, but what the rules are and what the finances of the association are," he said.
and:

Homeowners might spare themselves the grief of being under the thumb of domineering, combative HOA officials, McKenzie said, by meeting them before buying. But he conceded they  [the board members] would have no real incentive to agree to such a meeting. "You'd want to find out what the climate is around here, what the attitude is toward owners, really to find out how strictly rules are enforced and how assessments are collected," he said. "You might ask some questions about how strict people are. Is it neighborly, is it friendly?"

Note: The reporter asked me if meeting the board members in advance would be a good idea, and I said it would, but that the BOD members have no obligation to do that and it hardly ever happens. I also pointed out that this sort of meeting does occur in housing cooperatives, and it probably contributes to the lower level of conflict found in co-ops.

New federal indictment coming soon in HOA scheme - News - ReviewJournal.com

New federal indictment coming soon in HOA scheme - News - ReviewJournal.com:
"Federal prosecutors are preparing to seek a long-awaited indictment as early as next week in their final push to charge conspirators in a massive scheme to take over Las Vegas Valley homeowners associations. The Las Vegas Review-Journal has previously reported that as many as a dozen defendants could be named in the corruption indictment being sought by attorneys with the Justice Department's Fraud Section in Washington, D.C."
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There have been 28 guilty pleas so far. If the article is correct in saying that as many as twelve new indictments are coming, it would make the network of schemers as many as forty people. Contemplate that: an industry so troubled that, in a single mid-sized city, there is a fraud network encompassing forty people.

Brockton, Massachusetts, Considers Eminent Domain To Address Foreclosures

Brockton, Massachusetts, Considers Eminent Domain To Address Foreclosures:
In a move that’s pitting grassroots housing activists against Wall Street interests, the City Council of Brockton, Mass., decided this week to commission a study into the feasibility of using eminent domain powers to seize the mortgages of local residents struggling to pay off their loans.
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This idea has popped up elsewhere. It will be interesting to see what happens if and when a city does this and it gets challenged in court.

Former Clinton Township housing cooperative employee gets 3 years for theft - The Macomb Daily

Former Clinton Township housing cooperative employee gets 3 years for theft - The Macomb Daily:
A 36-year-old woman was ordered to spend more than three years in prison and pay $79,000 in restitution for stealing from the Clinton Township housing cooperative for which she worked.
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Yet another one of those isolated instances...

Mayor Rahm Emanuel to announce Midway privatization committee - Transportation News - Crain's Chicago Business

Mayor Rahm Emanuel to announce Midway privatization committee - Transportation News - Crain's Chicago Business:
Midway is one of Chicago's two major airports.  The first attempt to privatize it failed before the deal could be consummated.  Probably a good thing when you consider the disastrous parking meter privatization deal.  Now, here they go again.  Here's my favorite line:  "The committee will be given the authority to hire an independent auditor to make sure the arrangement bears little resemblance to the botched parking meter deal, according to the source."

New mortgage rules block no-doc loans, limit debt - Chicago Sun-Times

New mortgage rules block no-doc loans, limit debt - Chicago Sun-Times

"Lenders will be required to verify and inspect borrowers’ financial records. The rules discourage them from saddling borrowers with total debt payments totaling more than 43 percent of the person’s annual income. That includes existing debts like credit cards and student loans...The rules limit features like teaser rates that adjust upwards and large “balloon payments” that must be made at the end of the loan period. They include several exceptions aimed at ensuring a smooth phase-in and protecting access to credit for underserved groups. For example, the strict cap on how much debt consumers may take on will not apply immediately. Loans that meet separate federal standards also would be permitted for the first seven years. Balloon payments would be allowed for certain small lenders that operate in rural or underserved communities, because other loans may not be available in those areas."

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9 Worst Recession Ghost Towns in America

9 Worst Recession Ghost Towns in America:
"America has a new kind of ghost town, haunted by the spirits of the recession. Developers caught up in the runaway housing boom overbuilt and oversold lots, houses and condos, leaving neighborhoods barren with uninhabited model homes, eerily desolate luxury condos, and abandoned McMansions in the aftermath of the collapse."
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These are reminders of lessons that will be quickly forgotten.

Illegal short-term rentals flood N.O. market ahead of Super Bowl | wwltv.com New Orleans

Illegal short-term rentals flood N.O. market ahead of Super Bowl | wwltv.com New Orleans
"With Super Bowl 2013 just weeks away, acquaintances from out of town are asking the Uptown resident if he will be renting out his place."The houses in our neighborhood have been going for wild amounts of money, up to $20,000 for the weekend," said Blaine, who knows short-term rentals are illegal in the city."
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Interesting property rights issue...

The 40,000 pound battle of the wheelie bins: Homeowner slapped with massive legal bill after row with neighbour ends up in court | Mail Online

The 40,000 pound battle of the wheelie bins: Homeowner slapped with massive legal bill after row with neighbour ends up in court | Mail Online

"When Liaquat Ali’s next door neighbour complained that his wheelie bin was blocking the narrow alleyway between their homes, he agreed to move it.But its new position at a wider point of the shared access route prompted a solicitor’s letter stating it was still causing problems. The dispute developed into a bitter feud between Mr Ali, 47, and neighbour Iqbal Suleman, which ended in a court ruling that neither homeowner could keep a bin there. But they still ‘refuse’ to see eye-to-eye after Mr Ali was ordered to pay both of their legal bills, totalling almost £40,000."

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It is amazing to see how many neighbor disputes over minor issues end up costing people a fortune.

‘Disciplinary fees’ show the trouble with charter schools and privatization — MSNBC

‘Disciplinary fees’ show the trouble with charter schools and privatization — MSNBC:
"Chicago’s Noble Network of Charter Schools is making some cash on the side by charging “disciplinary fees” to unruly students. The parents of one teenager, writes Traci Lee, had to pay close to $2,000 in fines for infractions including “an unkempt appearance and not making eye contact.”
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Another example of using contracts and privatization to soak people for acts that would be OK except for private tyranny.

Corporate personhood advances – in carpool lane - Political Blotter - Politics in the Bay Area and beyond

Corporate personhood advances – in carpool lane - Political Blotter - Politics in the Bay Area and beyond: "Corporate personhood takes a new leap forward Monday as a Marin County motorist challenges his traffic ticket by arguing it was OK to drive in the carpool lane because his corporation was with him.

Jonathan Frieman, a local activist and nonprofit consultant, was ticketed Oct. 2 for driving in the carpool lane during restricted hours; the officer apparently wasn’t impressed when Frieman showed him his incorporation papers. A traffic court hearing is scheduled for Monday afternoon.

The fine for such a violation is $478, but Frieman, 59, of San Rafael, says that if the court rules against him Monday, he’s prepared to appeal the case all the way to the California Supreme Court in an effort to expose the impracticality of corporate personhood."
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Great argument. Just cite Citizens United v. FEC

HOAs in the Media: 5 Scandals affecting community associations in 2012

HOAs in the Media: 5 Scandals affecting community associations in 2012
Interesting piece that finds five big "scandals" relating to HOAs:
1.  George Zimmerman and the Trayvon Martin shooting
2.  Embezzlement and fraud
3.  Erroneously blaming the actions of a historic district on HOAs (this isn't a scandal--let's not get hypersensitive)
4.  Banks not paying assessments on foreclosed properties
5.  Citizens' Property Insurance in Florida

Think tank to study privatizing most Postal Service operations - The Washington Post

Think tank to study privatizing most Postal Service operations - The Washington Post

"As members of Congress pledged Thursday to revive legislation to save the financially ailing U.S. Postal Service, a Washington think tank announced it will conduct an independent study of how the quasi-government agency could cede much of its operation to private companies. The review by the nonprofit National Academy of Public Administration will analyze the benefits of restoring the agency’s financial health by using a “hybrid” model, which would farm out to the private sector postal operations other than the last delivery mile. A letter carrier would still drive or walk that last part, dropping letters and packages in mailboxes."
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So the easy part would be privatized, and the hard part would be left to the the quasi-public Postal Service. Sounds like the usual cream-skimming that characterizes many privatization arrangements.