Condo owners told to remove religious statues -- Newsday.com
Here is a condo association that knows how to generate bad press.
Gloria Gamarano's statue of the Virgin Mary has been with her family for more than 45 years. Until two months ago, the statue decorated the small garden that wraps around the condominium she owns at Country Pointe at Coram, a Medford gated community. Now, though, it sits behind the home, a casualty of a potentially unlawful community rule at the complex that bans religious statues in gardens and other common areas.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Chimps choose more rationally than humans - UPI.com
Science makes another great leap forward. Does this mean it is fair to sell homes in HOAs to chimps, but maybe not to people?
LEIPZIG, Germany, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- German researchers have demonstrated chimpanzees make choices that protect their self-interest more consistently than do humans.
Science makes another great leap forward. Does this mean it is fair to sell homes in HOAs to chimps, but maybe not to people?
LEIPZIG, Germany, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- German researchers have demonstrated chimpanzees make choices that protect their self-interest more consistently than do humans.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Homebuilders use car dealer tactics on new-home lots
How delightful. What's next? Draft board tactics?
How delightful. What's next? Draft board tactics?
City passes camera law -- baltimoresun.com
This means public local governments will be requiring private security measures. Note that crime has been going DOWN.
Hoping to deter crime by expanding the use of surveillance cameras, Aberdeen passed a measure that empowers the city government and police to require cameras in new developments. The Police Department, the Department of Planning and Community Development, and the Department of Public Works will decide whether a new residential, commercial or industrial development must install cameras at "strategic locations" before a development permit is issued.,,Though crime is decreasing in Aberdeen, the city is seeking to prevent crime by expanding the camera program, Simmons said. The city installed cameras this year at two troubled intersections: one on Edmund and Washington streets and the other on East Bel Air and Aberdeen avenues. The cameras can zoom in, rotate 360 degrees, and are monitored from the city's police station.
This means public local governments will be requiring private security measures. Note that crime has been going DOWN.
Hoping to deter crime by expanding the use of surveillance cameras, Aberdeen passed a measure that empowers the city government and police to require cameras in new developments. The Police Department, the Department of Planning and Community Development, and the Department of Public Works will decide whether a new residential, commercial or industrial development must install cameras at "strategic locations" before a development permit is issued.,,Though crime is decreasing in Aberdeen, the city is seeking to prevent crime by expanding the camera program, Simmons said. The city installed cameras this year at two troubled intersections: one on Edmund and Washington streets and the other on East Bel Air and Aberdeen avenues. The cameras can zoom in, rotate 360 degrees, and are monitored from the city's police station.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Homeowners' Associations Operate As Governments. Why Shouldn't They Be So Treated? - Wide Open: Insight and Analysis from Ohio's Premier Political Bloggers - Cleveland.com
Here is a perspective from Ohio:
I'm sure there's a lot I've missed. I'm not impressed with the argument that "You agreed to it when you bought your house, now you have to live with it." My view: You agreed to be "governed" by reasonable people, not the petty tyrants and busybodies who have all too often gravitated towards HOA positions. Since the large majority of new homes and condos are governed (there's that word again) by the rules (which are for all practical purposes, laws) of HOAs, their actions and somewhat extra-legal nature deserve more scrutiny than they are receiving. I believe HOAs function as unnacountable de facto governments that need to be reined in. Though I haven't researched it, I would be not surprised to learn that their "trade group" is into big-league lobbying at the state and federal levels to protect their arbitrary interests. I would also suspect that their power to influence any potential legislation is growing. HOAs not happy with assuming the responsibilities commensurate with their power do have a choice: They can vote to disband. Many of them wouldn't be missed.
Here is a perspective from Ohio:
I'm sure there's a lot I've missed. I'm not impressed with the argument that "You agreed to it when you bought your house, now you have to live with it." My view: You agreed to be "governed" by reasonable people, not the petty tyrants and busybodies who have all too often gravitated towards HOA positions. Since the large majority of new homes and condos are governed (there's that word again) by the rules (which are for all practical purposes, laws) of HOAs, their actions and somewhat extra-legal nature deserve more scrutiny than they are receiving. I believe HOAs function as unnacountable de facto governments that need to be reined in. Though I haven't researched it, I would be not surprised to learn that their "trade group" is into big-league lobbying at the state and federal levels to protect their arbitrary interests. I would also suspect that their power to influence any potential legislation is growing. HOAs not happy with assuming the responsibilities commensurate with their power do have a choice: They can vote to disband. Many of them wouldn't be missed.
ABC News: Librarians Under New Management
It seems that privatization of municipal services has now hit one of the last bastions of municipal socialism: the local public library. Maybe now they will decide they run the library without 100 copies of the Alice Walker books.
The county will continue to own the buildings and all the books in them. But the libraries will be managed by an outside company for a profit. And the librarians will no longer be public employees and union members; they will be on the company's payroll. Library patrons might not notice much difference, but the librarians will, since the company plans to get by with a smaller staff and will have a free hand to set salaries and benefits.
It seems that privatization of municipal services has now hit one of the last bastions of municipal socialism: the local public library. Maybe now they will decide they run the library without 100 copies of the Alice Walker books.
The county will continue to own the buildings and all the books in them. But the libraries will be managed by an outside company for a profit. And the librarians will no longer be public employees and union members; they will be on the company's payroll. Library patrons might not notice much difference, but the librarians will, since the company plans to get by with a smaller staff and will have a free hand to set salaries and benefits.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Two Calif. cities to vote on banning smoking in apartments - USATODAY.com
We really are seeing a lot more intrusive governing going on at the local level, with HOAs and municipalities tag-teaming the local citizenry.
Lawmakers in two California cities are casting votes this month on unprecedented legislation that would widen a growing voluntary movement by landlords and resident associations to ban smoking inside apartments and condos. Today in Calabasas, the City Council plans to vote on expanding its anti-smoking law to bar renters from lighting up inside existing apartments. It would exempt current resident smokers until they moved but would require all new buildings with at least 15 units, including condos, to be smoke-free.
We really are seeing a lot more intrusive governing going on at the local level, with HOAs and municipalities tag-teaming the local citizenry.
Lawmakers in two California cities are casting votes this month on unprecedented legislation that would widen a growing voluntary movement by landlords and resident associations to ban smoking inside apartments and condos. Today in Calabasas, the City Council plans to vote on expanding its anti-smoking law to bar renters from lighting up inside existing apartments. It would exempt current resident smokers until they moved but would require all new buildings with at least 15 units, including condos, to be smoke-free.
Monday, October 01, 2007
NYC Mayor: Surveillance a City Necessity -- Newsday.com
Sometimes I think that raising issues of civil liberties in CIDs, on the grounds that they are quasi-municipalities, is becoming a non sequitur. I mean, if you don't have civil liberties in cities, why should you have them in HOAs? And according to Bloomberg, people in cities don't even want civil liberties. They want security.
Residents of big cities like New York and London must accept that they are under constant watch by video cameras, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Monday.
Sometimes I think that raising issues of civil liberties in CIDs, on the grounds that they are quasi-municipalities, is becoming a non sequitur. I mean, if you don't have civil liberties in cities, why should you have them in HOAs? And according to Bloomberg, people in cities don't even want civil liberties. They want security.
Residents of big cities like New York and London must accept that they are under constant watch by video cameras, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Monday.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
WSLS.com | Man Cut by Campaign Sign
People must take politics seriously in Massachusetts.
Razor blades inside a campaign sign badly cut a man who pulled up the sign.
People must take politics seriously in Massachusetts.
Razor blades inside a campaign sign badly cut a man who pulled up the sign.
Are you prepared to be ruled by a homeowners association? - MarketWatch
In my case, the answer, is "not unless I have no other alternative." Unfortunately, municipalities and developers are gradually creating a "no alternative" situation. So when I end up in an HOA, the industry will call me another person who "chose" an HOA.
In my case, the answer, is "not unless I have no other alternative." Unfortunately, municipalities and developers are gradually creating a "no alternative" situation. So when I end up in an HOA, the industry will call me another person who "chose" an HOA.
Some in Fairfax Public Housing Make Six Figures - washingtonpost.com
The median new home price in Fairfax County is $960,000, according to this article. And of course nearly all the new housing is in CIDs.
Hundreds of families living in housing subsidized by Fairfax County taxpayers exceed income caps designed to ensure that only the neediest receive assistance, a review of county records shows. In the most extreme cases, Fairfax is underwriting rents for families making well into six figures: One household getting help makes more than $216,000 a year; another, $184,000. Dozens of others -- making $60,000, $70,000, $90,000 -- exceed eligibility caps. And they do so with the tacit approval of county housing administrators, who do little to encourage occupants to move on when their fortunes improve.
The median new home price in Fairfax County is $960,000, according to this article. And of course nearly all the new housing is in CIDs.
Hundreds of families living in housing subsidized by Fairfax County taxpayers exceed income caps designed to ensure that only the neediest receive assistance, a review of county records shows. In the most extreme cases, Fairfax is underwriting rents for families making well into six figures: One household getting help makes more than $216,000 a year; another, $184,000. Dozens of others -- making $60,000, $70,000, $90,000 -- exceed eligibility caps. And they do so with the tacit approval of county housing administrators, who do little to encourage occupants to move on when their fortunes improve.
Why have municipal Wi-Fi networks been such a flop? - By Tim Wu - Slate Magazine
Municipal corporations trying to compete with business corporations and not doing so hot? Here's a case study. Are HOAs more like the munis or the businesses when it comes to providing wi-fi?
Municipal corporations trying to compete with business corporations and not doing so hot? Here's a case study. Are HOAs more like the munis or the businesses when it comes to providing wi-fi?
Saturday, September 29, 2007
The Sun Online - News: Jail ship to ease overcrowding
There's nothing like a great big prison ship to bring out the best in people, don't you think?
There's nothing like a great big prison ship to bring out the best in people, don't you think?
Las Vegas Business Press :: News : Web site ranks Las Vegas as nation's most overbuilt city
Most of this (overbuilt) housing supply is in HOAs, townhome associations, and condo associations. And it turns out that the units that are hardest to sell are...condos and townhomes. Single family homes sell much faster. Of course, those are in HOAs for the most part.
NuWireInvestor.com, a real estate investor Web site, recently ranked Las Vegas as the nation's most overbuilt city due to the 2005-'06 housing construction boom. There were 72,965 permits issued for residential construction during the last two years, reports the U.S. Census Bureau. Yet the inventory of homes available for sale on the Multiple Listing Service hit a record 24,341 in August, which is 19.4 percent more than last year, reports the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors. Roughly 40 percent of those homes are reportedly unoccupied. New home sales through August are also down 37.2 percent from a year ago, GLVAR adds.
Additionally Las Vegas has overbuilt its condominium and townhome sector. Condos and townhomes are spending 335 days on the market, says the National Association of Residential Real Estate Investment Advisors. The average single family home is spending 115 days on the market as of May 2007, according to Zip Realty.
Most of this (overbuilt) housing supply is in HOAs, townhome associations, and condo associations. And it turns out that the units that are hardest to sell are...condos and townhomes. Single family homes sell much faster. Of course, those are in HOAs for the most part.
NuWireInvestor.com, a real estate investor Web site, recently ranked Las Vegas as the nation's most overbuilt city due to the 2005-'06 housing construction boom. There were 72,965 permits issued for residential construction during the last two years, reports the U.S. Census Bureau. Yet the inventory of homes available for sale on the Multiple Listing Service hit a record 24,341 in August, which is 19.4 percent more than last year, reports the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors. Roughly 40 percent of those homes are reportedly unoccupied. New home sales through August are also down 37.2 percent from a year ago, GLVAR adds.
Additionally Las Vegas has overbuilt its condominium and townhome sector. Condos and townhomes are spending 335 days on the market, says the National Association of Residential Real Estate Investment Advisors. The average single family home is spending 115 days on the market as of May 2007, according to Zip Realty.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Tom Cruise building '£5m bunker to protect against alien attack'| Showbiz | This is London
I hope he went through the Architectural Review Committee.
Hollywood star Tom Cruise is planning to build a bunker at his Colorado home to protect his family in the event of an intergalactic alien attack, according to new reports. The Mission Impossible actor, who is a dedicated follower of Scientology, is reportedly fearful that deposed galactic ruler 'Xenu' is plotting an evil revenge attack on Earth.
I hope he went through the Architectural Review Committee.
Hollywood star Tom Cruise is planning to build a bunker at his Colorado home to protect his family in the event of an intergalactic alien attack, according to new reports. The Mission Impossible actor, who is a dedicated follower of Scientology, is reportedly fearful that deposed galactic ruler 'Xenu' is plotting an evil revenge attack on Earth.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
NPR : Town Weighs Ban on Leaf Blowers
One of these days I'm going to put together two lists of unusual prohibitions one list for HOAs, and the other for municipalities, and compare them.
One of these days I'm going to put together two lists of unusual prohibitions one list for HOAs, and the other for municipalities, and compare them.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
In Harford Co., residents pay their own way for safe streets -- baltimoresun.com
Frustrated with the police response, the residents in this southeastern Harford County community have hired security guards who conduct foot patrols each night. The neighborhood association has paid nearly $75,000 this summer for the patrols, while complaining that county government has ignored the residents' plight.
Frustrated with the police response, the residents in this southeastern Harford County community have hired security guards who conduct foot patrols each night. The neighborhood association has paid nearly $75,000 this summer for the patrols, while complaining that county government has ignored the residents' plight.
Homeowners Association Sells Disabled Couple's Home | WOAI.COM: San Antonio News
But ask anybody who works in this industry and they will tell you that things like this don't really happen. I guess this must have occurred in one of those alternate universes they have in science fiction novels.
But ask anybody who works in this industry and they will tell you that things like this don't really happen. I guess this must have occurred in one of those alternate universes they have in science fiction novels.
Bacteria sent to space come back more infectious
Great. Just great. Science marches on. Why not send up some plague while you're at it and see how virulent you can make that? To think that we are paying for this.
Great. Just great. Science marches on. Why not send up some plague while you're at it and see how virulent you can make that? To think that we are paying for this.
S&P: US Home Price Decline Accelerates: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
Every article I read with this or a similar headline says that this must be the bottom. But the next week there is another slide.
EW YORK (AP) -- The decline in U.S. home prices accelerated nationwide in July, posting the steepest drop in 16 years, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index released Tuesday. Home prices have fallen by more every month since the beginning of the year.
Every article I read with this or a similar headline says that this must be the bottom. But the next week there is another slide.
EW YORK (AP) -- The decline in U.S. home prices accelerated nationwide in July, posting the steepest drop in 16 years, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index released Tuesday. Home prices have fallen by more every month since the beginning of the year.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Hot property: a spacious missile base as your new home
I wonder if there are any old Cold-War Russian missiles sitting in silos with this address as their target.
I wonder if there are any old Cold-War Russian missiles sitting in silos with this address as their target.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
The Old "Scientific Consensus" about climate change
Ah, the good old days of the early 1970's, when NASA scientists predicted that burning fossil fuels would lead to global cooling.
On July 9, 1971, the Post published a story headlined "U.S. Scientist Sees New Ice Age Coming." It told of a prediction by NASA and Columbia University scientist S.I. Rasool. The culprit: man's use of fossil fuels. The Post reported that Rasool, writing in Science, argued that in "the next 50 years" fine dust that humans discharge into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuel will screen out so much of the sun's rays that the Earth's average temperature could fall by six degrees. Sustained emissions over five to 10 years, Rasool claimed, "could be sufficient to trigger an ice age."
Ah, the good old days of the early 1970's, when NASA scientists predicted that burning fossil fuels would lead to global cooling.
On July 9, 1971, the Post published a story headlined "U.S. Scientist Sees New Ice Age Coming." It told of a prediction by NASA and Columbia University scientist S.I. Rasool. The culprit: man's use of fossil fuels. The Post reported that Rasool, writing in Science, argued that in "the next 50 years" fine dust that humans discharge into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuel will screen out so much of the sun's rays that the Earth's average temperature could fall by six degrees. Sustained emissions over five to 10 years, Rasool claimed, "could be sufficient to trigger an ice age."
Smog and Mirrors: China's Plan for a Green Olympics
Here is a fascinating article sent by Mystery Reader about how China's government has implemented a massive plan to "green" Beijing for the Olympics, but the massive growth of the private economy is placing those efforts in jeopardy. This is quite a test for the Chinese experiment with keeping Communist Party control of what is by now the world's fastest growing capitalist economy. Well, Marx was a believer in dialectical materialism, which means you have to love contradictions.
Here is a fascinating article sent by Mystery Reader about how China's government has implemented a massive plan to "green" Beijing for the Olympics, but the massive growth of the private economy is placing those efforts in jeopardy. This is quite a test for the Chinese experiment with keeping Communist Party control of what is by now the world's fastest growing capitalist economy. Well, Marx was a believer in dialectical materialism, which means you have to love contradictions.
West Boca Raton condo association sues resident over loud TV -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
I think when you can hear somebody's TV five condos away, it is time to complain. But do you put an 80 year old in jail over it? Stay tuned. But be careful about the volume.
I think when you can hear somebody's TV five condos away, it is time to complain. But do you put an 80 year old in jail over it? Stay tuned. But be careful about the volume.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Capitol Hill Watch | U.S. Faces 'Fiscal Hurricane' Because of Entitlement Programs, Gregg Says - Kaisernetwork.org
Fred Pilot sent the link to this news of impending doom
Problems with the long-term financial stability of Medicare and other entitlement programs are "going to be a massive fiscal hurricane" as baby boomers begin to retire next year, Senate Budget Committee ranking member Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) said on Tuesday in an interview with Foster's Daily Democrat. According to Gregg, the U.S. has $162 trillion in unfunded liabilities for entitlement programs for baby boomers, and Medicare, which accounts for $45 trillion of that amount, is "by far the biggest issue.
Fred Pilot sent the link to this news of impending doom
Problems with the long-term financial stability of Medicare and other entitlement programs are "going to be a massive fiscal hurricane" as baby boomers begin to retire next year, Senate Budget Committee ranking member Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) said on Tuesday in an interview with Foster's Daily Democrat. According to Gregg, the U.S. has $162 trillion in unfunded liabilities for entitlement programs for baby boomers, and Medicare, which accounts for $45 trillion of that amount, is "by far the biggest issue.
Ways You Can Lose Your Property: Realty Times - Real Estate News and Advice
Care to guess what Way Number Five is?
Care to guess what Way Number Five is?
Homeowner says 'no' to taking down American flag | Local News | News for Charlotte, North Carolina | WCNC.com | South Carolina News
Year after Congress and numerous state legislatures tried to stop HOA flag-banning, here we go again. Another anti-flagpole association. Why?
YORK, S.C. -- Driving through the Bethelfields neighborhood in York, you can see it's a very patriotic community as American flags are flying outside many homes. But there's one flag that the homeowners association has a problem with. The flag flies on a 20-foot pole in the Bob Tremper’s front yard.
Year after Congress and numerous state legislatures tried to stop HOA flag-banning, here we go again. Another anti-flagpole association. Why?
YORK, S.C. -- Driving through the Bethelfields neighborhood in York, you can see it's a very patriotic community as American flags are flying outside many homes. But there's one flag that the homeowners association has a problem with. The flag flies on a 20-foot pole in the Bob Tremper’s front yard.
Former condo president in Hollywood accused of stealing insurance premiums -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
But...but...but...this sort of thing doesn't happen!
HOLLYWOOD - Authorities have charged the former president of a beachside condominium with grand theft for using condo funds to pay health insurance premiums for herself and her husband. Doris Weinstein, 64, is accused of enrolling in the health plan for the Quadomain condominium's Recreation Association employees and receiving coverage worth more than $13,000 over 30 months, according to a Hollywood police detective's report.
But...but...but...this sort of thing doesn't happen!
HOLLYWOOD - Authorities have charged the former president of a beachside condominium with grand theft for using condo funds to pay health insurance premiums for herself and her husband. Doris Weinstein, 64, is accused of enrolling in the health plan for the Quadomain condominium's Recreation Association employees and receiving coverage worth more than $13,000 over 30 months, according to a Hollywood police detective's report.
Palmer Ranch homeowner and association clash over Web site
This is the future of freedom of expression in this country.
Zaki is at odds with the homeowners association in his 254-home community called The Hamptons, which wants to prevent him from sponsoring a Web site he calls HamptonsNBC. As suggested by what those initials stand for -- Neighbors for a Better Community -- Zaki, a former president of the homeowners association, has some issues with how The Hamptons is being run these days. "Grievances and propaganda" is how the association's attorney described the Web site's content, in a certified letter Aug. 9 demanding that Zaki cease any use therein of the trademarked name The Hamptons. But because it is hard to complain about something without identifying it, and because Zaki felt there was a First Amendment principle involved, he ignored the letter. Last week, the association's property manager gave him until the end of the month to rename the Web site, dissolve it or face a $100-a-day fine, eventually resulting in a lien on his home.
This is the future of freedom of expression in this country.
Zaki is at odds with the homeowners association in his 254-home community called The Hamptons, which wants to prevent him from sponsoring a Web site he calls HamptonsNBC. As suggested by what those initials stand for -- Neighbors for a Better Community -- Zaki, a former president of the homeowners association, has some issues with how The Hamptons is being run these days. "Grievances and propaganda" is how the association's attorney described the Web site's content, in a certified letter Aug. 9 demanding that Zaki cease any use therein of the trademarked name The Hamptons. But because it is hard to complain about something without identifying it, and because Zaki felt there was a First Amendment principle involved, he ignored the letter. Last week, the association's property manager gave him until the end of the month to rename the Web site, dissolve it or face a $100-a-day fine, eventually resulting in a lien on his home.
Climate change may help rainforests - Times Online
So now are the global warming activists and the "save the rainforests" activists going to start counter-protesting each other?
So now are the global warming activists and the "save the rainforests" activists going to start counter-protesting each other?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Victorville Daily Press : Local News: Association fees increasing everywhere
I've been saying for years that there is a looming private infrastructure crisis because nearly all associations are under-reserved and there is this thing called the law of entropy. Stuff wears out. And then you have to fix it.
Spring Valley Lake’s recent fee increase encapsulates a situation happening all over the region, said an attorney specializing in homeowner’s association law.
“What I am seeing is homeowner dues increase dramatically all over Southern California,” said Michael Chulak, based in Calabasas, who conducts seminars for both members and board members of HOAs. The main reason for SVL’s increase is also the same for most other associations, he added: No money for infrastructure, or in HOA-speak, reserves.
I've been saying for years that there is a looming private infrastructure crisis because nearly all associations are under-reserved and there is this thing called the law of entropy. Stuff wears out. And then you have to fix it.
Spring Valley Lake’s recent fee increase encapsulates a situation happening all over the region, said an attorney specializing in homeowner’s association law.
“What I am seeing is homeowner dues increase dramatically all over Southern California,” said Michael Chulak, based in Calabasas, who conducts seminars for both members and board members of HOAs. The main reason for SVL’s increase is also the same for most other associations, he added: No money for infrastructure, or in HOA-speak, reserves.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Salt Lake Tribune - Great-grandma Betty pleads innocent to resisting arrest over dead grass
Thanks to Jeff Hammond for sending this saga of a crime wave in Orem, Utah.
OREM - Betty Perry pleaded innocent Tuesday to charges she failed to water her lawn and resisted arrest when an officer attempted to cite her.
Thanks to Jeff Hammond for sending this saga of a crime wave in Orem, Utah.
OREM - Betty Perry pleaded innocent Tuesday to charges she failed to water her lawn and resisted arrest when an officer attempted to cite her.
ABC7Chicago.com: Cook County sales tax increase proposed...to 11%!
I'm beginning to find hyperbole impossible these days. What can I say? Something like, "The Democratic Party's ongoing campaign to destroy the capitalist economy in the state of Illinois took another step forward today with a proposal to raise the brutal 9% Cook County sales tax to a confiscatory 11%. The current 9% rate has driven businesses into the collar counties like scalded dogs. The proposed increase, if enacted, would make it so hard for the county's municipalities to attract retailers that they will be holding bake sales to pay the police department."
Is that hyperbole? You be the judge.
September 18, 2007 - One Cook County commissioner wants to increase the county's portion of the sales tax, and if approved, the sales tax in Cook County would go up to 11 percent. That tax increase would also apply to restaurant and hotel bills.
Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy said the additional tax revenue would be used to avoid another crisis when it is time to come up with next year's budget.
I'm beginning to find hyperbole impossible these days. What can I say? Something like, "The Democratic Party's ongoing campaign to destroy the capitalist economy in the state of Illinois took another step forward today with a proposal to raise the brutal 9% Cook County sales tax to a confiscatory 11%. The current 9% rate has driven businesses into the collar counties like scalded dogs. The proposed increase, if enacted, would make it so hard for the county's municipalities to attract retailers that they will be holding bake sales to pay the police department."
Is that hyperbole? You be the judge.
September 18, 2007 - One Cook County commissioner wants to increase the county's portion of the sales tax, and if approved, the sales tax in Cook County would go up to 11 percent. That tax increase would also apply to restaurant and hotel bills.
Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy said the additional tax revenue would be used to avoid another crisis when it is time to come up with next year's budget.
Talk Like A Pirate Day - September 19
Avast, ye scurvy bilge rats. It be Talk Like a Pirate Day. So heave to and prepare to be boarded, by the powers! Arrr!
Avast, ye scurvy bilge rats. It be Talk Like a Pirate Day. So heave to and prepare to be boarded, by the powers! Arrr!
Monday, September 17, 2007
American Home tries to seize $27 million in retirement savings -- Newsday.com
So let's say they put their employees' retirement savings together with the escrowed property taxes that they may not have exactly, literally, technically, mailed to the tax collector. I bet that would be a pretty tidy sum.
Wilmington, De. - Melville-based American Home Mortgage is attempting to seize as much as $27 million that employees set aside from their paychecks as retirement savings -- and if it is successful, the workers may never see the money again.
So let's say they put their employees' retirement savings together with the escrowed property taxes that they may not have exactly, literally, technically, mailed to the tax collector. I bet that would be a pretty tidy sum.
Wilmington, De. - Melville-based American Home Mortgage is attempting to seize as much as $27 million that employees set aside from their paychecks as retirement savings -- and if it is successful, the workers may never see the money again.
Breitbart.tv » Clever Judge Sentences Annoying Noise Offenders to Mandatory Manilow Music
What ever happened to the 8th Amendment protection against cruel and unusual punishment?
What ever happened to the 8th Amendment protection against cruel and unusual punishment?
Sunday, September 16, 2007
San Diego Metro News | SignOnSanDiego.com -- Credit crunch attracts a wave of opportunism
Looks like some very sharp practices going on out there...
The first time Sandra Barranon heard that her home in Potrero had been foreclosed on and sold in a courthouse auction was when the new owner came to her door and told her she and her children had two weeks to vacate. Behind in her mortgage payments, Barranon had been working with First Gov, an El Segundo-based foreclosure consulting firm recently censured with an “F” rating by the Better Business Bureau of the Southland. She said she was contacted by First Gov in March with a promise to restructure the debt on her house.
Looks like some very sharp practices going on out there...
The first time Sandra Barranon heard that her home in Potrero had been foreclosed on and sold in a courthouse auction was when the new owner came to her door and told her she and her children had two weeks to vacate. Behind in her mortgage payments, Barranon had been working with First Gov, an El Segundo-based foreclosure consulting firm recently censured with an “F” rating by the Better Business Bureau of the Southland. She said she was contacted by First Gov in March with a promise to restructure the debt on her house.
It's Godzilla vs. Megalon in the AZ legislature again...
This year's "new laws" article for Arizona, with a battle or two over HOA law:
It wouldn't be a legislative session without a pitched battle or two over homeowner-association rules. As of Wednesday, score one for homeowners within HOAs who want to post for-sale signs on their property: The signs can't be prohibited by HOAs.
This year's "new laws" article for Arizona, with a battle or two over HOA law:
It wouldn't be a legislative session without a pitched battle or two over homeowner-association rules. As of Wednesday, score one for homeowners within HOAs who want to post for-sale signs on their property: The signs can't be prohibited by HOAs.
Full text of Common Ground article on HOA activists
I see that somebody has decided to upload the entire text of the "Critical Mass" article by Chris Durso.
I see that somebody has decided to upload the entire text of the "Critical Mass" article by Chris Durso.
West Lake Worth residents want subdivision gated after crime wave -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
West Lake Worth - In the last week the Sherbrooke Estates subdivision has been hit with six car break-ins, an armed home invasion and a burglary.
Now residents say they want to put up a gate that might help keep crime out.
West Lake Worth - In the last week the Sherbrooke Estates subdivision has been hit with six car break-ins, an armed home invasion and a burglary.
Now residents say they want to put up a gate that might help keep crime out.
Ailing lender's checks bounce -- baltimoresun.com
Shu Bartholomew sent this along. Lenders insist on creating an escrow account and having mortgagors send their property tax payments to the lender along with their house payment. Then the mortgage company makes their property tax payment for them. That's supposed to be so much more reliable than having the flighty wastrel of a homeowner do it him/herself, because the owner will of course have no money when the payment comes due.
Right. Now it seems that American Home Mortgage sent out a bunch of rubber checks. Question: where is the money that is supposed to be in the so-called "escrow" account that each of these owners is supposed to have, safely maintained by the dependable mortgage company?
And of course now the owners are delinquent and may end up having to cough up the money...again. They are the ones who owe the taxes, not the mortgage company.
Checks sent out by the troubled American Home Mortgage Investment Corp. to pay the property taxes of more than 70 homeowners in the Baltimore metropolitan area have bounced, local officials said yesterday. Baltimore City received bad checks for 53 properties - a total of about $63,500. Baltimore County said American Home Mortgage checks bounced for 21 properties, totaling $41,000. Taxes are due at the end of the month.
Shu Bartholomew sent this along. Lenders insist on creating an escrow account and having mortgagors send their property tax payments to the lender along with their house payment. Then the mortgage company makes their property tax payment for them. That's supposed to be so much more reliable than having the flighty wastrel of a homeowner do it him/herself, because the owner will of course have no money when the payment comes due.
Right. Now it seems that American Home Mortgage sent out a bunch of rubber checks. Question: where is the money that is supposed to be in the so-called "escrow" account that each of these owners is supposed to have, safely maintained by the dependable mortgage company?
And of course now the owners are delinquent and may end up having to cough up the money...again. They are the ones who owe the taxes, not the mortgage company.
Checks sent out by the troubled American Home Mortgage Investment Corp. to pay the property taxes of more than 70 homeowners in the Baltimore metropolitan area have bounced, local officials said yesterday. Baltimore City received bad checks for 53 properties - a total of about $63,500. Baltimore County said American Home Mortgage checks bounced for 21 properties, totaling $41,000. Taxes are due at the end of the month.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Carmichael Man Wants To Build Backyard Crypt - Yahoo! News
Now here is something to make every back yard special--twenty crypts. Fred Pilot dug it up. Reminds me of a story about a gentleman from Transylvania setting up a nice home in England.
Now here is something to make every back yard special--twenty crypts. Fred Pilot dug it up. Reminds me of a story about a gentleman from Transylvania setting up a nice home in England.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Ruidoso News - Water cutoff forces condo dwellers to bottle up
Fred Pilot sent this along. Seems there was a little shortfall in paying the water bill, to the tune of some $24,000, so now these condo inmates have been transported to the 19th century and are lugging their water around in jugs.
Fred Pilot sent this along. Seems there was a little shortfall in paying the water bill, to the tune of some $24,000, so now these condo inmates have been transported to the 19th century and are lugging their water around in jugs.
My Way News - Philly Seeks 10,000 Men to Guard Streets
Is this a new form of privatization or an abject confession of failure by municipal government?
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The city's embattled police chief, acknowledging that police alone cannot quell a run of deadly violence, has called on 10,000 black men to patrol the streets to reduce crime.
Is this a new form of privatization or an abject confession of failure by municipal government?
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The city's embattled police chief, acknowledging that police alone cannot quell a run of deadly violence, has called on 10,000 black men to patrol the streets to reduce crime.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
School Rescinds Ban On Flag Clothing - News - NBC 17
It seems that somebody found and returned the principal's brain (see below).
It seems that somebody found and returned the principal's brain (see below).
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
High School Bans American Flag - News - NBC 17
I have often wondered what people do for a living after they accidentally leave their brain on a bus bench and never get it back. Now I know.
I have often wondered what people do for a living after they accidentally leave their brain on a bus bench and never get it back. Now I know.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
The Daily Commercial | City puts bite in 'no barking' ordinance
See? Cities are getting more like the stereotypical HOA.
MOUNT DORA - The city may put a leash on frequent dog-barking. Under a proposed change in Mount Dora's noise ordinance, dogs won't be able to just keep barking and barking, creating a disturbance in a neighborhood. Mount Dora already prohibits dogs from barking for five minutes at a time. But under the revised ordinance, even if dogs bark for less than five minutes, their owners can be cited by the city if the dog barks for three periods in 24 hours. Such barking is considered a noise disturbance.
See? Cities are getting more like the stereotypical HOA.
MOUNT DORA - The city may put a leash on frequent dog-barking. Under a proposed change in Mount Dora's noise ordinance, dogs won't be able to just keep barking and barking, creating a disturbance in a neighborhood. Mount Dora already prohibits dogs from barking for five minutes at a time. But under the revised ordinance, even if dogs bark for less than five minutes, their owners can be cited by the city if the dog barks for three periods in 24 hours. Such barking is considered a noise disturbance.
Monday, September 10, 2007
wcbstv.com - Housing Market Slump Forces Couple To Open Brothel
That's the old entrepreneurial spirit at work, I guess.
That's the old entrepreneurial spirit at work, I guess.
Limits proposed on fast-food restaurants - Los Angeles Times
Attack of the 50-Foot Nanny State!
Amid worries of an obesity epidemic and its related illnesses, including high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, Los Angeles officials, among others around the country, are proposing to limit new fast-food restaurants -- a tactic that could be called health zoning.
Attack of the 50-Foot Nanny State!
Amid worries of an obesity epidemic and its related illnesses, including high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, Los Angeles officials, among others around the country, are proposing to limit new fast-food restaurants -- a tactic that could be called health zoning.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Condo and homeowner associations want to change the laws that govern them. -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
This story is mostly about the efforts of "homeowner" groups that are cozy with the industry. There have been claims that some of these groups are "Astroturf roots." It's getting hard to tell who represents whom these days...but I guess if you were a law firm that wanted to stop reform efforts brought about by real owner groups (like Jan Bergemann's Cyber Citizens for Justice), you might want to confuse the situation.
This story is mostly about the efforts of "homeowner" groups that are cozy with the industry. There have been claims that some of these groups are "Astroturf roots." It's getting hard to tell who represents whom these days...but I guess if you were a law firm that wanted to stop reform efforts brought about by real owner groups (like Jan Bergemann's Cyber Citizens for Justice), you might want to confuse the situation.
Jacksonville.com: Business: Story: CONDO CONVERSIONS GONE BAD
This looks like a playground for lawyers.
Several apartment-turned-condo complexes in the Jacksonville area are swimming in lawsuits, with complaints filed against developers, against homeowners and against condo associations.
This looks like a playground for lawyers.
Several apartment-turned-condo complexes in the Jacksonville area are swimming in lawsuits, with complaints filed against developers, against homeowners and against condo associations.
Business Edge News Magazine - businessedge.ca - Ontario Edition - Dual-purpose airport attracts 'condo' buyers
But can I get a doughnut there, eh?
"They've cooked up a different way to run an airport in northern Alberta - they've gone condo. At the Cooking Lake Airport - the only facility in the province with both a floatplane base and a conventional runway - the traditional model of running an airport has taken a backseat. Instead, the undertaking is described as the only airport in Canada operating with a condominium ownership structure.
But can I get a doughnut there, eh?
"They've cooked up a different way to run an airport in northern Alberta - they've gone condo. At the Cooking Lake Airport - the only facility in the province with both a floatplane base and a conventional runway - the traditional model of running an airport has taken a backseat. Instead, the undertaking is described as the only airport in Canada operating with a condominium ownership structure.
Unusual Insurance Claims
"...every once in awhile, a co-op board or condo association must be prepared to deal with out-of-the-ordinary claims that involve more than just the predictable insurance issues."
"...every once in awhile, a co-op board or condo association must be prepared to deal with out-of-the-ordinary claims that involve more than just the predictable insurance issues."
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Karate school robbery leaves thief hospitalized - Yahoo! News
Proving once again that society's best and brightest do not become street criminals...
Proving once again that society's best and brightest do not become street criminals...
Techdirt: City Sends Spy Planes Out To Determine If Your Home Is Wasting Energy
Wow. Mystery Reader sent this link. Hard to believe this is going on, but there it is.
Wow. Mystery Reader sent this link. Hard to believe this is going on, but there it is.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Police bugs put up for sale | NATIONAL | NEWS | tvnz.co.nz
A Cromwell man who found police surveillance gear in two cars they returned to him has been arrested for theft of property. Ralph Williams had put the devices up for auction on Trade Me but police had the ad taken off the the internet website. Williams was being a little cheeky when he found the bugs in two cars given back to him by police and put them up for sale on the web.
A Cromwell man who found police surveillance gear in two cars they returned to him has been arrested for theft of property. Ralph Williams had put the devices up for auction on Trade Me but police had the ad taken off the the internet website. Williams was being a little cheeky when he found the bugs in two cars given back to him by police and put them up for sale on the web.
Reason Magazine - The Limits of Anti-Kelo Legislation
Thanks to Mystery Reader for this link to an assessment of the limits on "economic development" justifications for eminent domain that were passed all over the nation in the wake of Kelo decision by the USSC.
Legislators have found many different ways to produce bills that appear to protect property rights without actually doing so. Texas, for example, banned "economic development" takings but continues to permit them under other names, such as "community development." The most common tactic, used in some 16 states' post-Kelo laws, is to allow economic development condemnations to continue under the guise of alleviating "blight." While it may sometimes be desirable to use eminent domain to transform severely dilapidated areas, many states define "blight" so broadly that almost any neighborhood qualifies.
Thanks to Mystery Reader for this link to an assessment of the limits on "economic development" justifications for eminent domain that were passed all over the nation in the wake of Kelo decision by the USSC.
Legislators have found many different ways to produce bills that appear to protect property rights without actually doing so. Texas, for example, banned "economic development" takings but continues to permit them under other names, such as "community development." The most common tactic, used in some 16 states' post-Kelo laws, is to allow economic development condemnations to continue under the guise of alleviating "blight." While it may sometimes be desirable to use eminent domain to transform severely dilapidated areas, many states define "blight" so broadly that almost any neighborhood qualifies.
Bloomberg.com: Opinion: A Wall Street Trader Draws Some Subprime Lessons: Michael Lewis
How's this for a pithy lead:
Sept. 5 (Bloomberg) -- So right after the Bear Stearns funds blew up, I had a thought: This is what happens when you lend money to poor people.
How's this for a pithy lead:
Sept. 5 (Bloomberg) -- So right after the Bear Stearns funds blew up, I had a thought: This is what happens when you lend money to poor people.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
California: Homeowner Protection Act clears Legislature
Another step toward making HOAs behave like governments.
Homeowner associations, which already act like little governments, would have to hew to some of the standards of larger regulatory bodies under a proposed state law that has gotten unanimous approval by the California Assembly and Senate. SB 528, authored by state Sen. Sam Aanestad, R-Grass Valley, now heads to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to be signed into law. The Aanestad measure strengthens homeowner protections in common interest developments (CIDs), such as homeowner associations, by requiring all CID boards to only consider matters that are listed on an agenda during regularly scheduled meetings.
Another step toward making HOAs behave like governments.
Homeowner associations, which already act like little governments, would have to hew to some of the standards of larger regulatory bodies under a proposed state law that has gotten unanimous approval by the California Assembly and Senate. SB 528, authored by state Sen. Sam Aanestad, R-Grass Valley, now heads to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to be signed into law. The Aanestad measure strengthens homeowner protections in common interest developments (CIDs), such as homeowner associations, by requiring all CID boards to only consider matters that are listed on an agenda during regularly scheduled meetings.
Ruling on pickups won't wipe out bans by condo associations -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Cities can't ban pickups in Florida, but not so fast...condos can?
`Residents of condo and homeowner association communities who want the right to park pickups in their driveways shouldn't look to a recent appeal court decision for relief, legal experts say. That ruling applies only to cities. The Third District Court of Appeal in Miami ruled 2-1 that the city of Coral Gables can't enforce the "unconstitutional" code that for years prevented residents from parking pickups in their driveways overnight. In the ruling, Senior Judge Alan R. Schwartz called it "frightening" for a government to make something illegal because some people don't like the way something looks.
Cities can't ban pickups in Florida, but not so fast...condos can?
`Residents of condo and homeowner association communities who want the right to park pickups in their driveways shouldn't look to a recent appeal court decision for relief, legal experts say. That ruling applies only to cities. The Third District Court of Appeal in Miami ruled 2-1 that the city of Coral Gables can't enforce the "unconstitutional" code that for years prevented residents from parking pickups in their driveways overnight. In the ruling, Senior Judge Alan R. Schwartz called it "frightening" for a government to make something illegal because some people don't like the way something looks.
FCC may ban cable exclusivity deals - USATODAY.com
These anti-competitive deals have been going on for decades:
Federal regulators appear set to crack down on cable companies that sign exclusive deals with apartment and condominium buildings, denying residents the fruits of emerging pay-TV competition. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin is recommending prohibiting such future agreements and preventing enforcement of exclusivity clauses in existing contracts, three FCC officials say.
These anti-competitive deals have been going on for decades:
Federal regulators appear set to crack down on cable companies that sign exclusive deals with apartment and condominium buildings, denying residents the fruits of emerging pay-TV competition. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin is recommending prohibiting such future agreements and preventing enforcement of exclusivity clauses in existing contracts, three FCC officials say.
Condo group suing couple over Web site- mlive.com
Here is a story from Michigan. The real problem seems to be that this website includes a forum where people can criticize the BOD and management company. So now do we have attorneys arguing that such activities can be prohibited?
MUNDY TWP. - A married couple who started a Web site for residents in their condominium complex are learning that free speech can be costly. James and Helen Cunningham say they are staggered by a bill from their condo association for more than $3,000 - the attorney's fees racked up by the board of directors so far in suing the couple in Genesee Circuit Court over the site. In court papers, the board claims the site should be shut down because it violates an association bylaw that forbids "annoyances" and interferes with association business. The Cunninghams said they started the site so they could get to know more neighbors in the Lake Park Village subdivision on Fenton Road, north of Baldwin Road, where they've lived for 13 years. James Cunningham said he is dismayed by the board's effort to force him and his wife to finance the lawsuit, even threatening to put a lien on their property if they don't pay by Monday.
Here is a story from Michigan. The real problem seems to be that this website includes a forum where people can criticize the BOD and management company. So now do we have attorneys arguing that such activities can be prohibited?
MUNDY TWP. - A married couple who started a Web site for residents in their condominium complex are learning that free speech can be costly. James and Helen Cunningham say they are staggered by a bill from their condo association for more than $3,000 - the attorney's fees racked up by the board of directors so far in suing the couple in Genesee Circuit Court over the site. In court papers, the board claims the site should be shut down because it violates an association bylaw that forbids "annoyances" and interferes with association business. The Cunninghams said they started the site so they could get to know more neighbors in the Lake Park Village subdivision on Fenton Road, north of Baldwin Road, where they've lived for 13 years. James Cunningham said he is dismayed by the board's effort to force him and his wife to finance the lawsuit, even threatening to put a lien on their property if they don't pay by Monday.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Pending Home Sales Sink in July: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
More bad news...
"Numbers like this should put to rest the belief that we've reached the bottom" in the housing market, said Joel Naroff, chief economist for Commerce Bancorp Inc. "There's still a lot of pain that's ahead of us."
More bad news...
"Numbers like this should put to rest the belief that we've reached the bottom" in the housing market, said Joel Naroff, chief economist for Commerce Bancorp Inc. "There's still a lot of pain that's ahead of us."
Monday, September 03, 2007
Insigniaresidential - FSBO » Blog Archive » Luxury Ghost Towns
Nice turn of phrase...
Three years ago, this Las Vegas suburb was teeming with modern-day prospectors armed with low-interest mortgages, all hoping to strike it rich in real estate. Now, what started with the subprime-mortgage mess and subsequent credit crunch are turning communities like Black Mountain Vista into luxury ghost towns. Buyers who got in over their heads are being forced to abandon their homes, leaving behind empty McMansions on the California coast and see-through condominium towers on Miami Beach. Real estate is turning into a money pit, sapping the fortunes of home buyers, hedge-fund managers and house painters alike. The really bad news? This is only the beginning.
Nice turn of phrase...
Three years ago, this Las Vegas suburb was teeming with modern-day prospectors armed with low-interest mortgages, all hoping to strike it rich in real estate. Now, what started with the subprime-mortgage mess and subsequent credit crunch are turning communities like Black Mountain Vista into luxury ghost towns. Buyers who got in over their heads are being forced to abandon their homes, leaving behind empty McMansions on the California coast and see-through condominium towers on Miami Beach. Real estate is turning into a money pit, sapping the fortunes of home buyers, hedge-fund managers and house painters alike. The really bad news? This is only the beginning.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Invented languages: They're not just for Klingons anymore
A few years ago, I was in Germany having breakfast with economist Fred Foldvary. We were at a conference on gated communities. There were people from all over the world at this conference, and I said, jokingly, it was too bad everybody couldn't speak Esperanto. Fred replied in Esperanto. He is one of the 2,000,000 Esperanto speakers. What are the odds? I guess about 150 to one?
A few years ago, I was in Germany having breakfast with economist Fred Foldvary. We were at a conference on gated communities. There were people from all over the world at this conference, and I said, jokingly, it was too bad everybody couldn't speak Esperanto. Fred replied in Esperanto. He is one of the 2,000,000 Esperanto speakers. What are the odds? I guess about 150 to one?
Harvard reader of chicken entrails and tea leaves warns of recession, Urges Fed to Cut Rate to 4.25%
You may have gathered from the headline that I am a bit skeptical of economic or other social scientific forecasts. Heck, throw in hard science as well. But who knows? Maybe he's right.
Sept. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Harvard University economist Martin Feldstein said the U.S. housing slump threatens a broader recession, and the Federal Reserve should lower interest rates.
You may have gathered from the headline that I am a bit skeptical of economic or other social scientific forecasts. Heck, throw in hard science as well. But who knows? Maybe he's right.
Sept. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Harvard University economist Martin Feldstein said the U.S. housing slump threatens a broader recession, and the Federal Reserve should lower interest rates.
Private subdivision road upkeep bedevils Gilbert | EastValleyTribune.com
This story is what triggered the editorial linked below. Crumbling private streets coupled with no money to fix them is going to be a huge and growing problem in the years to come, for HOAs across the nation. Finally a public official uses the same term I've been using: "timb bomb."
t least 90 subdivisions in Gilbert are facing a “ticking time bomb” when it comes to their privately owned roads, town officials say. The problem comes after several years of wear and tear start to show and residents start wondering when the town’s government is going to get around to fixing their streets. But in developments with private streets, residents or their homeowners associations are responsible for maintaining the roads. And as these neighborhoods grow older, their deteriorating streets become a problem for the entire town. As a result, the problem has been dropped in the Town Council’s lap as Gilbert helps look for solutions. “It’s a time bomb because, basically, these homeowners associations don’t know what the costs are,” Gilbert Town Manager George Pettit said.
This story is what triggered the editorial linked below. Crumbling private streets coupled with no money to fix them is going to be a huge and growing problem in the years to come, for HOAs across the nation. Finally a public official uses the same term I've been using: "timb bomb."
t least 90 subdivisions in Gilbert are facing a “ticking time bomb” when it comes to their privately owned roads, town officials say. The problem comes after several years of wear and tear start to show and residents start wondering when the town’s government is going to get around to fixing their streets. But in developments with private streets, residents or their homeowners associations are responsible for maintaining the roads. And as these neighborhoods grow older, their deteriorating streets become a problem for the entire town. As a result, the problem has been dropped in the Town Council’s lap as Gilbert helps look for solutions. “It’s a time bomb because, basically, these homeowners associations don’t know what the costs are,” Gilbert Town Manager George Pettit said.
HOAs should shore up own private roads | EastValleyTribune.com
Great editorial forwarded by Fred Pilot. For years I have been warning people about the looming private infrastructure crisis. Here is Gilbert, AZ, addressing one of the biggest time bombs: private streets. The whole problem is laid out in a couple of paragraphs:
In fact, Gilbert had a policy for years of allowing subdivision developers to build smaller, narrower streets with the understanding that a subsequent HOA would have the legal requirement for maintenance. The arrangement meant developers could devote more space to additional houses or other amenities, while Gilbert reduced its commitment to street construction issues. In the most cases, the actual homeowners weren’t around when these deals were struck. So developers should have made it clear to newly created HOAs that privately owned streets were part of the package. In turn, each HOA’s original board should have established a street maintenance program to be followed, and modified as warranted, by those came along afterward. In many cases that didn’t happen, Markham reported, and homeowners only learned they would have to personally foot the bill when they started asking who was going to deal with the crumbling asphalt. The widespread confusion and headaches for homeowners has prompted Gilbert leaders to stop making such arrangements, Markham reported. Most new residential streets must be built to public standards and handed over to the city. But Gilbert wisely isn’t bailing out HOAs that failed to plan ahead. The city is helping such HOAs to get a break on street repair costs from contractors already doing work on city-owned streets in the area.
Great editorial forwarded by Fred Pilot. For years I have been warning people about the looming private infrastructure crisis. Here is Gilbert, AZ, addressing one of the biggest time bombs: private streets. The whole problem is laid out in a couple of paragraphs:
In fact, Gilbert had a policy for years of allowing subdivision developers to build smaller, narrower streets with the understanding that a subsequent HOA would have the legal requirement for maintenance. The arrangement meant developers could devote more space to additional houses or other amenities, while Gilbert reduced its commitment to street construction issues. In the most cases, the actual homeowners weren’t around when these deals were struck. So developers should have made it clear to newly created HOAs that privately owned streets were part of the package. In turn, each HOA’s original board should have established a street maintenance program to be followed, and modified as warranted, by those came along afterward. In many cases that didn’t happen, Markham reported, and homeowners only learned they would have to personally foot the bill when they started asking who was going to deal with the crumbling asphalt. The widespread confusion and headaches for homeowners has prompted Gilbert leaders to stop making such arrangements, Markham reported. Most new residential streets must be built to public standards and handed over to the city. But Gilbert wisely isn’t bailing out HOAs that failed to plan ahead. The city is helping such HOAs to get a break on street repair costs from contractors already doing work on city-owned streets in the area.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Polk County Condo Complex Has Power Shut Off, Water To Come - News Story - WFTV Orlando
I expect a lot more of this in the near future.
DAVENPORT, Fla. -- Dozens of Polk County families will spend another day in the sweltering heat without electricity, and on top of that could have their water shut off Wednesday. More than 100 residents at the Tropicana Resort condos in Davenport protested outside the front office Tuesday. They said they've paid their rent, but the condo association that runs the complex fell behind on its utility payments by tens of thousands of dollars.
I expect a lot more of this in the near future.
DAVENPORT, Fla. -- Dozens of Polk County families will spend another day in the sweltering heat without electricity, and on top of that could have their water shut off Wednesday. More than 100 residents at the Tropicana Resort condos in Davenport protested outside the front office Tuesday. They said they've paid their rent, but the condo association that runs the complex fell behind on its utility payments by tens of thousands of dollars.
Barclays Capital bails out $1.6bn hedge fund | | Guardian Unlimited Business
Barclays Capital, the high street bank's investment banking arm, has bailed out a $1.6bn (£800m) Cairn Capital hedge fund after it was pushed to the brink of collapse by the global credit squeeze and sub-prime mortgage crisis.
Barclays Capital, the high street bank's investment banking arm, has bailed out a $1.6bn (£800m) Cairn Capital hedge fund after it was pushed to the brink of collapse by the global credit squeeze and sub-prime mortgage crisis.
Friday, August 31, 2007
The Pullins Report - Pullins Law Firm Wins Big in Appeals Court
With links to information about the case.
With links to information about the case.
Bush to unveil homeowners' plan - Mortgage Mess - MSNBC.com
I see no mention of a bailout for the companies that went bust making these loans. I'm wondering what this package is going to look like and who is going to be making the loans.
WASHINGTON - Offering federal help for strapped mortgage holders, President Bush is proposing to aid hundreds of thousands of borrowers hard hit by the housing slump. The president on Friday was to talk about several initiatives and reforms to help homeowners with risky mortgages keep their homes, a senior administration official said Thursday. Bush also was to discuss efforts to prevent these kinds of problems from arising in the future.
I see no mention of a bailout for the companies that went bust making these loans. I'm wondering what this package is going to look like and who is going to be making the loans.
WASHINGTON - Offering federal help for strapped mortgage holders, President Bush is proposing to aid hundreds of thousands of borrowers hard hit by the housing slump. The president on Friday was to talk about several initiatives and reforms to help homeowners with risky mortgages keep their homes, a senior administration official said Thursday. Bush also was to discuss efforts to prevent these kinds of problems from arising in the future.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Subprime loans face big hikes - Yahoo! News
New York - Millions of homeowners around the nation are now getting the news in the mail: The interest rate on their home loans is going up, possibly to double-digit levels.
New York - Millions of homeowners around the nation are now getting the news in the mail: The interest rate on their home loans is going up, possibly to double-digit levels.
Boom of condo crash loudest in Miami -- OrlandoSentinel.com
Miami, with its unmatched volume and untold number of speculative buyers, is ripe for the hardest fall in the U.S. "Miami is the poster child for the condo bust," said Jack McCabe, CEO of McCabe Research & Consulting, a real-estate market-analysis firm located in Deerfield Beach. "There are probably only two cities in the world with more construction: Shanghai and Dubai. Unfortunately, there is going to be a lot of foreclosures . . ., and developers, lenders, title companies and real-estate companies will go under."
Miami, with its unmatched volume and untold number of speculative buyers, is ripe for the hardest fall in the U.S. "Miami is the poster child for the condo bust," said Jack McCabe, CEO of McCabe Research & Consulting, a real-estate market-analysis firm located in Deerfield Beach. "There are probably only two cities in the world with more construction: Shanghai and Dubai. Unfortunately, there is going to be a lot of foreclosures . . ., and developers, lenders, title companies and real-estate companies will go under."
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
JS Online: Severed goat head left at law office
Making her an offer she couldn't refuse, or just negative feedback?
Making her an offer she couldn't refuse, or just negative feedback?
Plano man told to remove solar lights | WFAA.com | Local News: TV
More absurd repression by an HOA:
PLANO - Do homeowners' associations wield too much power? Some North Texans facing fines, liens and even foreclosures for everything from fake flowers to satellite dishes say there's no question about it. Eli Barron didn't ask his homeowners' association for permission to install seven solar lights. He didn't know he had to until he received a letter. The association threatened to fine him $200 a day until he removed the energy-conserving lights.
More absurd repression by an HOA:
PLANO - Do homeowners' associations wield too much power? Some North Texans facing fines, liens and even foreclosures for everything from fake flowers to satellite dishes say there's no question about it. Eli Barron didn't ask his homeowners' association for permission to install seven solar lights. He didn't know he had to until he received a letter. The association threatened to fine him $200 a day until he removed the energy-conserving lights.
News: How involved are you with your homeowner's association? | - OCRegister.com
This is a poll. The results aren't in yet, but here's a spoiler: the answer is going to be...not very.
This is a poll. The results aren't in yet, but here's a spoiler: the answer is going to be...not very.
In Greenwood, Home Projects Might Need Neighbors' OK - Local News Story - WRTV Indianapolis
So--another example of building associations into the structure of local government.
GREENWOOD, Ind. -- Greenwood's city council is considering an ordinance that would require homeowners to get approval from their neighborhood association before obtaining a city permit for home additions.
So--another example of building associations into the structure of local government.
GREENWOOD, Ind. -- Greenwood's city council is considering an ordinance that would require homeowners to get approval from their neighborhood association before obtaining a city permit for home additions.
Century Village unit criticized for spending $11,000 to alter elevator for Sabbath -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Usually stories like this involve an association banning religious displays or some such thing because the practice conflicts with a rule. Here we have an association spending money to accomodate religious practices. Apparently either way they get criticized...
Most of the 56 owners in Berkshire E are Orthodox Jews barred for religious reasons from pushing the buttons on their elevator during the Sabbath, which runs from Friday evening to Saturday evening. They persuaded their board to spend $11,000 to convert the elevator so it automatically stops on each of the four floors during the Sabbath.
Usually stories like this involve an association banning religious displays or some such thing because the practice conflicts with a rule. Here we have an association spending money to accomodate religious practices. Apparently either way they get criticized...
Most of the 56 owners in Berkshire E are Orthodox Jews barred for religious reasons from pushing the buttons on their elevator during the Sabbath, which runs from Friday evening to Saturday evening. They persuaded their board to spend $11,000 to convert the elevator so it automatically stops on each of the four floors during the Sabbath.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
RHE man gets jail time for property fixes
And you thought your HOA was tyrannical? How does six months in jail stack up, courtesy of your friendly neighborhood municipality?
He built a fence, a retaining wall, a patio and a few concrete columns to decorate his driveway, and now Francisco Linares is going to jail for it.
And you thought your HOA was tyrannical? How does six months in jail stack up, courtesy of your friendly neighborhood municipality?
He built a fence, a retaining wall, a patio and a few concrete columns to decorate his driveway, and now Francisco Linares is going to jail for it.
Home Prices: Steepest Drop in 20 Years
As predicted, and even worse.
NEW YORK (AP) -- U.S. home prices fell 3.2 percent in the second quarter, the steepest rate of decline since Standard & Poor's began its nationwide housing index in 1987, the research group said Tuesday.
As predicted, and even worse.
NEW YORK (AP) -- U.S. home prices fell 3.2 percent in the second quarter, the steepest rate of decline since Standard & Poor's began its nationwide housing index in 1987, the research group said Tuesday.
Monday, August 27, 2007
The Coloradoan - www.coloradoan.com - Ft. Collins, CO.
Here is a proposal in Ft. Collins, CO, to convert neighborhoods to HOAs, just as economist Robert Nelson has been proposing for years. Thanks to Fred Pilot for the link.
City Council member Wade Troxell wants the city to take a fresh look at code enforcement and has asked staff to study the concept of neighborhood-created homeowners associations. Neighborhoods could be as small as a city block, and people living in an area where a HOA is passed could be forced to join, even against their will, and possibly be asked to pay association fees.
Here is a proposal in Ft. Collins, CO, to convert neighborhoods to HOAs, just as economist Robert Nelson has been proposing for years. Thanks to Fred Pilot for the link.
City Council member Wade Troxell wants the city to take a fresh look at code enforcement and has asked staff to study the concept of neighborhood-created homeowners associations. Neighborhoods could be as small as a city block, and people living in an area where a HOA is passed could be forced to join, even against their will, and possibly be asked to pay association fees.
News - Hope on the rise in Phoenix Park - sacbee.com
Fred Pilot sent this update on the municipal takeover of the collapsed Franklin Villa association.
Fred Pilot sent this update on the municipal takeover of the collapsed Franklin Villa association.
ABC News: Right to Dry? Fight to Hang Clotheslines may be protected by legislatures against HOA prohibitions
Vermont is the latest state to introduce a bill that would override clothesline bans, which are often instituted by community associations loath to air laundry even when it's clean. Now, clothesline restrictions may be headed the way of bans on parking pickup trucks in front of homes, or growing grass too long -- all vestiges of trim and tidy hopes that may not fit with the renewed emphasis on going green.
Vermont is the latest state to introduce a bill that would override clothesline bans, which are often instituted by community associations loath to air laundry even when it's clean. Now, clothesline restrictions may be headed the way of bans on parking pickup trucks in front of homes, or growing grass too long -- all vestiges of trim and tidy hopes that may not fit with the renewed emphasis on going green.
Embattled Attorney General Resigns - New York Times
It's about time. The pattern of the Bush administration is to keep people on long past the point where any other administration would have dropped them in order to stop the bleeding. I gather this reflects the President's determination to show that nobody can make him do anything. He is, after all, "The Decider." But this is a self-destructive strategy, unless the people and policies being stubbornly supported prove in the end to have been good ones. The result to date is that Bush's job approval rating has been buried at the bottom of a deep crater on one of the frozen moons of Jupiter for a year or so. If he's waiting to be bailed out by the history professors, all I can say is "Don't hold your breath." The judgment of history will not be that George Tenet, Norman Mineta, Donald Rumsfeld, Alberto Gonzales, et al., did a fantastic job that was under-appreciated at the time.
It's about time. The pattern of the Bush administration is to keep people on long past the point where any other administration would have dropped them in order to stop the bleeding. I gather this reflects the President's determination to show that nobody can make him do anything. He is, after all, "The Decider." But this is a self-destructive strategy, unless the people and policies being stubbornly supported prove in the end to have been good ones. The result to date is that Bush's job approval rating has been buried at the bottom of a deep crater on one of the frozen moons of Jupiter for a year or so. If he's waiting to be bailed out by the history professors, all I can say is "Don't hold your breath." The judgment of history will not be that George Tenet, Norman Mineta, Donald Rumsfeld, Alberto Gonzales, et al., did a fantastic job that was under-appreciated at the time.
Larry Summers: US could be heading for recession - Telegraph
I hope he is wrong about this, but people have been saying for years that the housing market was keeping the economy rolling.
Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers warned that the United States may be heading into recession as the biggest victim to date of the sub-prime mortgage debacle was humiliatingly sold for a token sum in Germany. Traders are braced for another week of turmoil after the near breakdown of America's $2,200bn (£1,100bn) market for commercial paper...Federal Reserve data shows that the outstanding stock of US commercial paper has fallen by $255bn over the last three weeks, a sign that borrowers have been unable to roll over huge amounts of debt. The fall is comparable to the sudden shrinkage that occurred at the onset of the dotcom bust, and may have the effect of draining liquidity.
I hope he is wrong about this, but people have been saying for years that the housing market was keeping the economy rolling.
Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers warned that the United States may be heading into recession as the biggest victim to date of the sub-prime mortgage debacle was humiliatingly sold for a token sum in Germany. Traders are braced for another week of turmoil after the near breakdown of America's $2,200bn (£1,100bn) market for commercial paper...Federal Reserve data shows that the outstanding stock of US commercial paper has fallen by $255bn over the last three weeks, a sign that borrowers have been unable to roll over huge amounts of debt. The fall is comparable to the sudden shrinkage that occurred at the onset of the dotcom bust, and may have the effect of draining liquidity.
Flips, scams blamed in California housing decline | Reuters
How one HOA development fell victim to some people who gamed the system. While the gaming was good, at least.
The families believe the investors were not just people flipping houses for a quick profit, but also a group of scammers taking advantage of lax lending rules that permitted 100 percent financing with no money down and minimal documentation. For the Gordons and Taylors, these are the people who ruined the neighborhood by using their homes like revolving night clubs, cramming cars into the cul de sacs and threatening neighbors who complained.
How one HOA development fell victim to some people who gamed the system. While the gaming was good, at least.
The families believe the investors were not just people flipping houses for a quick profit, but also a group of scammers taking advantage of lax lending rules that permitted 100 percent financing with no money down and minimal documentation. For the Gordons and Taylors, these are the people who ruined the neighborhood by using their homes like revolving night clubs, cramming cars into the cul de sacs and threatening neighbors who complained.
Charlotte Observer | 08/26/2007 | Shalt-nots that shape neighborhoods
I like this lead:
Your neighborhood is more likely to have this pairing than not: rules, enforced by a homeowners association.
I like this lead:
Your neighborhood is more likely to have this pairing than not: rules, enforced by a homeowners association.
The Enquirer - Problem ponds
Here's another issue to keep an eye on. Cities make developers deal with potential drainage issues at the time of initial construction, and if the developer has enough open space they do it by building detention ponds, which is cheaper than building more sewer capacity. These ponds turn into an expensive nuisance if not maintained, and guess who gets the responsibility and the bill? The HOA, of course. Like the man says, the bottom line is money, and solving a problem with a detention pond can run into seven figures.
But what happens when the retention pond doesn't function properly? Who's to blame when the ponds leak or sediment builds up? And who fixes the problem when algae blooms begin to stink? Homeowners in several local communities have learned the hard way that getting answers to such questions can take years - and can cost a lot of money...If the developer has enough open space, building a retention pond that controls the flow into existing storm sewers is cheaper than installing bigger storm sewers. "The bottom line is money," said Petty.
Here's another issue to keep an eye on. Cities make developers deal with potential drainage issues at the time of initial construction, and if the developer has enough open space they do it by building detention ponds, which is cheaper than building more sewer capacity. These ponds turn into an expensive nuisance if not maintained, and guess who gets the responsibility and the bill? The HOA, of course. Like the man says, the bottom line is money, and solving a problem with a detention pond can run into seven figures.
But what happens when the retention pond doesn't function properly? Who's to blame when the ponds leak or sediment builds up? And who fixes the problem when algae blooms begin to stink? Homeowners in several local communities have learned the hard way that getting answers to such questions can take years - and can cost a lot of money...If the developer has enough open space, building a retention pond that controls the flow into existing storm sewers is cheaper than installing bigger storm sewers. "The bottom line is money," said Petty.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Drop Foreseen in Median Price of U.S. Homes - New York Times
Here is a milestone nobody wants to see. This is mainly the result of the overpricing that occurred during the housing bubble, but I can't help thinking that on some level the market is reflecting the fact that, apart from the investment expectations and the tax advantages, home ownership isn't worth as much as it once was. With today's new CID housing, you just don't get the dominion and control that was once considered a major part of the package. For example, if it comes to deciding whether or not to buy a condo unit, and the value isn't increasing, many people would just as soon rent. Home ownership can be a huge hassle, and the costs can offset the tax advantages. I know some people with substantial assets who have rented their entire lives, including at least one famous law professor. In some big cities it isn't all that unusual a thing to do.
Here is a milestone nobody wants to see. This is mainly the result of the overpricing that occurred during the housing bubble, but I can't help thinking that on some level the market is reflecting the fact that, apart from the investment expectations and the tax advantages, home ownership isn't worth as much as it once was. With today's new CID housing, you just don't get the dominion and control that was once considered a major part of the package. For example, if it comes to deciding whether or not to buy a condo unit, and the value isn't increasing, many people would just as soon rent. Home ownership can be a huge hassle, and the costs can offset the tax advantages. I know some people with substantial assets who have rented their entire lives, including at least one famous law professor. In some big cities it isn't all that unusual a thing to do.
Federal Reserve allows Citigroup to elude key banking rule - Aug. 24, 2007
From CNN Money:
In a clear sign that the credit crunch is still affecting the nation's largest financial institutions, the Federal Reserve agreed this week to bend key banking regulations to help out Citigroup (Charts, Fortune 500) and Bank of America (Charts, Fortune 500), according to documents posted Friday on the Fed's web site. The Aug. 20 letters from the Fed to Citigroup and Bank of America state that the Fed, which regulates large parts of the U.S. financial system, has agreed to exempt both banks from rules that effectively limit the amount of lending that their federally-insured banks can do with their brokerage affiliates...The Fed says that it made the exemption in the public interest, because it allows Citibank to get liquidity to the brokerage in "the most rapid and cost-effective manner possible." So, how serious is this rule-bending? Very. One of the central tenets of banking regulation is that banks with federally insured deposits should never be over-exposed to brokerage subsidiaries; indeed, for decades financial institutions were legally required to keep the two units completely separate. This move by the Fed eats away at the principle. Sure, the temporary nature of the move makes it look slightly less serious, but the Fed didn't give a date in the letter for when this exemption will end. In addition, the sheer size of the potential lending capacity at Citigroup and Bank of America - $25 billion each - is a cause for unease.
From CNN Money:
In a clear sign that the credit crunch is still affecting the nation's largest financial institutions, the Federal Reserve agreed this week to bend key banking regulations to help out Citigroup (Charts, Fortune 500) and Bank of America (Charts, Fortune 500), according to documents posted Friday on the Fed's web site. The Aug. 20 letters from the Fed to Citigroup and Bank of America state that the Fed, which regulates large parts of the U.S. financial system, has agreed to exempt both banks from rules that effectively limit the amount of lending that their federally-insured banks can do with their brokerage affiliates...The Fed says that it made the exemption in the public interest, because it allows Citibank to get liquidity to the brokerage in "the most rapid and cost-effective manner possible." So, how serious is this rule-bending? Very. One of the central tenets of banking regulation is that banks with federally insured deposits should never be over-exposed to brokerage subsidiaries; indeed, for decades financial institutions were legally required to keep the two units completely separate. This move by the Fed eats away at the principle. Sure, the temporary nature of the move makes it look slightly less serious, but the Fed didn't give a date in the letter for when this exemption will end. In addition, the sheer size of the potential lending capacity at Citigroup and Bank of America - $25 billion each - is a cause for unease.
Homeowners may face liens from city:
After homeowners association disbanded, city forced to mow common areas, out $1,600 - Clarksville, TN
This is the kind of thing I am expecting to see a lot more of in the years to come.
Homeowner associations, when working smoothly, can be the perfect tool to keep neighbors' yards mowed and chain-link fences at bay. One Clarksville neighborhood, however, is demonstrating what happens when those associations fall apart. In short, things get complicated...Riggins said the city's policy regarding inactive homeowner associations, which allows it to place liens on individual property owners when communal properties are no longer maintained, is a standard practice in other cities.
After homeowners association disbanded, city forced to mow common areas, out $1,600 - Clarksville, TN
This is the kind of thing I am expecting to see a lot more of in the years to come.
Homeowner associations, when working smoothly, can be the perfect tool to keep neighbors' yards mowed and chain-link fences at bay. One Clarksville neighborhood, however, is demonstrating what happens when those associations fall apart. In short, things get complicated...Riggins said the city's policy regarding inactive homeowner associations, which allows it to place liens on individual property owners when communal properties are no longer maintained, is a standard practice in other cities.
Chapelwood residents debating pros and cons of homeowners association - Dothan, Alabama
Nice that the city set up a forum for the owners to make up their own minds about this. The normal route is the developer bundles a mandatory association with the choice to buy the home. Then you have to listen to all this nonsense about how "you voluntarily joined the association," as if you had signed up to be a member of the Moose Lodge or something.
They can be the bane of a homeowner’s existence or a protective force against obnoxious house colors and unsightly yard art.
Nice that the city set up a forum for the owners to make up their own minds about this. The normal route is the developer bundles a mandatory association with the choice to buy the home. Then you have to listen to all this nonsense about how "you voluntarily joined the association," as if you had signed up to be a member of the Moose Lodge or something.
They can be the bane of a homeowner’s existence or a protective force against obnoxious house colors and unsightly yard art.
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