Neighbors worry about being left in the dark after FPL plans to shut of street lights: Whalen and her neighbors received a letter from FPL on Monday, stating that the street lights will be shut off on Oct. 22 because the former Home Owner's Association did not pay the bill.
Neighbors say the HOA fizzled out years ago. But it's contract with FPL still requires HOA representatives to pay for the lighting, according to an FPL spokesperson.
In a statement, FPL officials said ,"We've reached out to this Homeowner's Association representation, but they have been non responsive. Disconnection of streetlight service is clearly a last resort for FPL."
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The HOA may be defunct but Florida Power and Light wants someone to pay the street lighting bill.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Monday, October 07, 2013
Pevely man wins suit to post political sign : News
Pevely man wins suit to post political sign : News: “Homeowners are frequently stunned to be told that they cannot engage in such a basic right of free speech as putting a political sign on their own property because of a covenant,” Tony Rothert, legal director of the ACLU-MO, said in a prepared statement.
“Associations of homeowners across the state are now on notice that enforcing such a ban violates the Missouri Constitution.”
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In the Show Me State, free speech trumps the notion that political signs somehow adversely affect Privatopian property values. (Query: How? Show me.) Thanks to Bill Davis for the link.
“Associations of homeowners across the state are now on notice that enforcing such a ban violates the Missouri Constitution.”
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In the Show Me State, free speech trumps the notion that political signs somehow adversely affect Privatopian property values. (Query: How? Show me.) Thanks to Bill Davis for the link.
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
Neighbors say HOA forcing kids on dangerous path to school | khou.com Houston
Neighbors say HOA forcing kids on dangerous path to school | khou.com Houston: NORTHWEST HARRIS COUNTY, Texas -- Some people in northwest Harris County believe their homeowners association is putting children in danger.
The problem: a tall metal gate to the Champions Point Grove subdivision has been welded shut.
Neighbors claim they weren’t notified that this would be happening right before the start of this school year.
For more than ten years, kids have been using the opening at the back of their subdivision to get to three different schools.
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For years, the debate over the forting up of gated Privatopia was whether gates serve to keep undesirables out or the inmates inside. In this HOA, it appears to be the latter.
The problem: a tall metal gate to the Champions Point Grove subdivision has been welded shut.
Neighbors claim they weren’t notified that this would be happening right before the start of this school year.
For more than ten years, kids have been using the opening at the back of their subdivision to get to three different schools.
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For years, the debate over the forting up of gated Privatopia was whether gates serve to keep undesirables out or the inmates inside. In this HOA, it appears to be the latter.
Sellersville Residents Battle HOA Over Pet Policy And Fines - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29
Sellersville Residents Battle HOA Over Pet Policy And Fines - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29: Residents filed a complaint with the State Attorney General citing excessive and sometimes erroneous fines also prevents them from voting in association elections or running for a seat on the board.
"It's out of control. It's not a comfortable place to live anymore," said Fanelli.
Fox 29 contacted the president of the HOA. We have not heard back from him but his wife said he resigned Monday. She did not say why. Fox 29 also left a message for the board's Vice President. We're still waiting for comment.
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More trouble in Privatopia. Film at 10 on WTFX Fox channel 29.
"It's out of control. It's not a comfortable place to live anymore," said Fanelli.
Fox 29 contacted the president of the HOA. We have not heard back from him but his wife said he resigned Monday. She did not say why. Fox 29 also left a message for the board's Vice President. We're still waiting for comment.
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More trouble in Privatopia. Film at 10 on WTFX Fox channel 29.
The Source: Fighting Your Home Owner's Association | Big Changes At The MPO | Texas Public Radio
The Source: Fighting Your Home Owner's Association | Big Changes At The MPO | Texas Public Radio
In which you can hear yours truly talking about this and responding to Texas callers.
In which you can hear yours truly talking about this and responding to Texas callers.
California Retirees Have Carona's Company in Crosshairs | The Texas Tribune
California Retirees Have Carona's Company in Crosshairs | The Texas Tribune
This is a long and thorough article that lays out the problems with HOAs as thoroughly as anything I've read recently. Really worth reading.
This is a long and thorough article that lays out the problems with HOAs as thoroughly as anything I've read recently. Really worth reading.
Tuesday, October 01, 2013
Fan’s 12th Man flag flies in face of homeowners association | HeraldNet.com - Local news
Fan’s 12th Man flag flies in face of homeowners association | HeraldNet.com - Local news: On other days, Carlson, a 48-year-old commercial fisherman, has flown an American flag in front of his home between Snohomish and Mill Creek.Now, he's hired an attorney who not only says Carlson has legal protection for flying the American flag, but is encouraging him to fly his 12th Man flag on Seahawks game days. (The "12th Man" is Seahawk lingo for fans, after the 11 players on the field.)The American flag is covered by the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005, said Carlson's attorney, Eric Lindell of Seattle.The law specifically precludes homeowners associations from restricting display of the flag, assuming it is done in accordance with flag decorum. He flies the American flag in support of armed forces, his attorney said.
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What is it about flags being such a hot button for HOAs?
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What is it about flags being such a hot button for HOAs?
Monday, September 30, 2013
Veteran wins battle to fly U.S., USMC flags outside home - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5
Veteran wins battle to fly U.S., USMC flags outside home - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5: The homeowners association at the Sun City retirement community said that covenants only allowed one flag to be displayed outside a home.
Despite public outcry, the homeowners association stood by their rules and threatened to fine Lowe $25 for each day that both flags were displayed. The HOA even warned about the possibility of placing a lien on Lowe's home.
Capt. Lowe and his wife, Sandy, had promised to move if the HOA wouldn't bend.
After the story attracted national attention, property management finally agreed to change the covenants. The new rules now allow for two flags as long as one of them is the U.S. flag, Lowe said
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Obdurate HOAs rarely prevail in the court of public opinion.
Despite public outcry, the homeowners association stood by their rules and threatened to fine Lowe $25 for each day that both flags were displayed. The HOA even warned about the possibility of placing a lien on Lowe's home.
Capt. Lowe and his wife, Sandy, had promised to move if the HOA wouldn't bend.
After the story attracted national attention, property management finally agreed to change the covenants. The new rules now allow for two flags as long as one of them is the U.S. flag, Lowe said
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Obdurate HOAs rarely prevail in the court of public opinion.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
A subdivision divided - Huntsville News | WAAYTV.com and ABC 31: Local News
A subdivision divided - Huntsville News | WAAYTV.com and ABC 31: Local News: MADISON, Ala. (WAAY) - Saturday residents of Whitworth, a subdivision in Madison, protested Woodland Homes on Highway 72. The residents are upset because their homeowners association dues keep increasing every two years. One resident said when he moved in the dues were 150 dollars a year now he pays 550.
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Trouble in Privatopia, Alabama sector. Video online at WAAYTV.com.
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Trouble in Privatopia, Alabama sector. Video online at WAAYTV.com.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Checking the financial health of a condo association - chicagotribune.com
Checking the financial health of a condo association - chicagotribune.com
All good advice, but who has the time, energy, and ability to get all this information and interpret it?
All good advice, but who has the time, energy, and ability to get all this information and interpret it?
Homeowner Association Feuds Grow Amid Rules And Fees - Investors.com
Homeowner Association Feuds Grow Amid Rules And Fees - Investors.com
Including a number of quotes from your truly.
Including a number of quotes from your truly.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Chicago COA’s City Trash Rebate | Refuse Specialists
Chicago COA’s City Trash Rebate | Refuse Specialists
"The City of Chicago has been reimbursing condo owners $75.00 every year since 1985, due to the fact that their city haulers are unable to retrieve trash from condominium buildings. Thus causing condominiums to hire their own waste haulers. Now, this wouldn’t be such a big deal, but the city trash fees are incorporated into the citizen’s taxes. This means the condo owners are essentially paying double for trash removal services. However, in 1985 the city established a garbage rebate for condominium owners, where condominiums were reimbursed $75.00 for every unit in the building. So, everything works out. Until now, or technically two years ago. Mayor Rahm Emanuel was trying to do away with the City of Chicago’s Garbage Rebate, in order to help the city’s budget deficit. "
"The City of Chicago has been reimbursing condo owners $75.00 every year since 1985, due to the fact that their city haulers are unable to retrieve trash from condominium buildings. Thus causing condominiums to hire their own waste haulers. Now, this wouldn’t be such a big deal, but the city trash fees are incorporated into the citizen’s taxes. This means the condo owners are essentially paying double for trash removal services. However, in 1985 the city established a garbage rebate for condominium owners, where condominiums were reimbursed $75.00 for every unit in the building. So, everything works out. Until now, or technically two years ago. Mayor Rahm Emanuel was trying to do away with the City of Chicago’s Garbage Rebate, in order to help the city’s budget deficit. "
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Privatization fetishists resist reform, costing cities millions - Salon.com
Privatization fetishists resist reform, costing cities millions - Salon.com
“It’s an ideological wave,” says Evan McKenzie, lawyer and professor of political science at the University of Illinois-Chicago and author of two books on privatization. “[Politicians] try to argue that privatization is about sheer dollars and sense, that it’s cost benefit analysis. That’s hogwash.”
“It’s an ideological wave,” says Evan McKenzie, lawyer and professor of political science at the University of Illinois-Chicago and author of two books on privatization. “[Politicians] try to argue that privatization is about sheer dollars and sense, that it’s cost benefit analysis. That’s hogwash.”
Vincenz Homeowners Association bans organized sports at Gilbert park
Vincenz Homeowners Association bans organized sports at Gilbert park
Well, there's one difference between public and private local government. At least real governments know what parks are for.
Well, there's one difference between public and private local government. At least real governments know what parks are for.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Speech can be dangerous: The cost of defamation | Washington Times Communities
Speech can be dangerous: The cost of defamation | Washington Times Communities
"WASHINGTON, September 15, 2013 – A Roanoke, Virginia jury recently awarded $250,000.00 to a former homeowners association president (Clatterbuck vs. Burkett). A disgruntled resident in the community was upset about association repair fees, so he spread multiple false comments about the president and the president’s wife, accusing them of criminal sexual activity."
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"WASHINGTON, September 15, 2013 – A Roanoke, Virginia jury recently awarded $250,000.00 to a former homeowners association president (Clatterbuck vs. Burkett). A disgruntled resident in the community was upset about association repair fees, so he spread multiple false comments about the president and the president’s wife, accusing them of criminal sexual activity."
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Saturday, September 14, 2013
Family beats HOA in suit over pet pig - San Antonio Express-News
Family beats HOA in suit over pet pig - San Antonio Express-News: District Judge Mike Engelhart ruled that evidence is clear that this pig breed is considered a household pet and that they are not used for commercial purposes. He also said the dispute puts a spotlight on homeowners associations' restrictions and residents' property rights.
“I think we need to forget about this being about a pig for a moment and look at the broader issue of homeowners associations and residents,” Engelhart said. “Homeowners associations are there, on one hand, to maintain a neighborhood in a particular way, but they also have responsibilities not to infringe too much on homeowner's use of their land the way they see fit.”
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Thus spake hizzoner.
“I think we need to forget about this being about a pig for a moment and look at the broader issue of homeowners associations and residents,” Engelhart said. “Homeowners associations are there, on one hand, to maintain a neighborhood in a particular way, but they also have responsibilities not to infringe too much on homeowner's use of their land the way they see fit.”
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Thus spake hizzoner.
HOA Horrors and How Not to Fall Victim to Them | AOL Real Estate
HOA Horrors and How Not to Fall Victim to Them | AOL Real Estate
"When purchasing real estate, you might be one of the 25 percent of people who purchase a property in a common interest development, which is more commonly known as a homeowners association, or HOA. And while all properties have issues, HOAs have a unique set of additional operational, legal and financial issues that buyers must consider, analyze and review in conjunction with their purchase.
Because many horror stories are associated with HOAs, some people won't even consider buying into one, which is understandable. It's ultimately a personal choice for a buyer to consider. These are few of those HOA horror stories."
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Wow. The press has really sunk its teeth into this "horror story" angle. No wonder the industry keeps paying for polls showing how happy everybody is.
"When purchasing real estate, you might be one of the 25 percent of people who purchase a property in a common interest development, which is more commonly known as a homeowners association, or HOA. And while all properties have issues, HOAs have a unique set of additional operational, legal and financial issues that buyers must consider, analyze and review in conjunction with their purchase.
Because many horror stories are associated with HOAs, some people won't even consider buying into one, which is understandable. It's ultimately a personal choice for a buyer to consider. These are few of those HOA horror stories."
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Wow. The press has really sunk its teeth into this "horror story" angle. No wonder the industry keeps paying for polls showing how happy everybody is.
Friday, September 13, 2013
HOA, Celina homeowner battle over fines for roof color | wfaa.com Dallas - Fort Worth
HOA, Celina homeowner battle over fines for roof color | wfaa.com Dallas - Fort Worth: The shingles had to be a color called "weathered wood," and had to be approved by the HOA architectural committee. They thought they'd jumped through those hoops, hired a contractor, and work began.
Then, there was a knock on the door. It was the roof police.
David Hawkes said the president of the homeowners association and the HOA's management company actually told them to stop construction.
"'The roof you're putting on is not going to match,'" Hawkes recalled the pair saying. "'It's not going to match the code. It's not going to be accepted here.'"
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Privatopia's roof police will undoubtedly be using satellite imagery and spectrum analysis to ensure all rooftops are a uniform color lest property values be destroyed by a slightly off color roof.
Then, there was a knock on the door. It was the roof police.
David Hawkes said the president of the homeowners association and the HOA's management company actually told them to stop construction.
"'The roof you're putting on is not going to match,'" Hawkes recalled the pair saying. "'It's not going to match the code. It's not going to be accepted here.'"
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Privatopia's roof police will undoubtedly be using satellite imagery and spectrum analysis to ensure all rooftops are a uniform color lest property values be destroyed by a slightly off color roof.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
California city backs plan to seize negative equity mortgages - Yahoo! News Canada
California city backs plan to seize negative equity mortgages - Yahoo! News Canada
RICHMOND, Calif (Reuters) - Richmond, California's leaders approved on Wednesday morning a plan for the city to become the first in the nation to acquire mortgages with negative equity in a bid to keep local residents in their homes...Richmond can now invoke eminent domain if trusts for more than 620 delinquent and performing "underwater" mortgages reject offers made by the city to buy the loans at deep discount pegged to their properties' current appraised prices to refinance them and reduce their principal.
RICHMOND, Calif (Reuters) - Richmond, California's leaders approved on Wednesday morning a plan for the city to become the first in the nation to acquire mortgages with negative equity in a bid to keep local residents in their homes...Richmond can now invoke eminent domain if trusts for more than 620 delinquent and performing "underwater" mortgages reject offers made by the city to buy the loans at deep discount pegged to their properties' current appraised prices to refinance them and reduce their principal.
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This should set off a firestorm.
Monday, September 09, 2013
Owner, CFO of homeowner association management company accused of embezzlement Ventura County Star
Owner, CFO of homeowner association management company accused of embezzlement Ventura County Star: She and her boss, Kristin Davis, 44, the owner and CEO of Paradigm Management Group, were arrested last weekend after a years-long investigation. Hoff-Solomon-Ramsey was the company’s chief financial officer, authorities said.
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Isolated incident No. 547,851.
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Isolated incident No. 547,851.
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