Are the Suburbs Making People Live Paycheck to Paycheck? - Matthew O'Brien - The Atlantic
Interesting analysis that points toward conclusion that people buy more house than they can afford because they want to live in certain school districts. It also could explain why HOA assessments go unpaid when money gets tight.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Cars must go in garage, judge says : Lincoln, NE Journal Star
Cars must go in garage, judge says : Lincoln, NE Journal Star: When the tow truck driver hoisted Matt Catlett's BMW onto his truck one summer day in 2012, he didn't know it, but he'd driven into the middle of a brewing feud.
Catlett, a Lincoln lawyer, didn't park somewhere he shouldn't have on a Husker game day. Nor did he forget to feed a meter.
He parked in his own driveway.
That violated a Bishop Square Inc. covenant, and the homeowners association for the townhouse development just south of the Country Club of Lincoln called for the tow truck.
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Lawyer trapped in Privatopian web of CC&Rs. The good counselor vows to continue fighting on appeal.
Catlett, a Lincoln lawyer, didn't park somewhere he shouldn't have on a Husker game day. Nor did he forget to feed a meter.
He parked in his own driveway.
That violated a Bishop Square Inc. covenant, and the homeowners association for the townhouse development just south of the Country Club of Lincoln called for the tow truck.
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Lawyer trapped in Privatopian web of CC&Rs. The good counselor vows to continue fighting on appeal.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Condo association tries to make cancer survivor remove pink ribbon | Odd News - Yahoo News
Condo association tries to make cancer survivor remove pink ribbon | Odd News - Yahoo News: 16 years ago, Naples, Florida resident Linda Karp successfully overcame her breast cancer diagnosis. Since then, the pink ribbon has been a symbol of great importance and meaning to her, so she displays it in the window of her home. Apparently, the homeowners association of Regent Park does not care for that, according to WFTX FOX 4 News .
Linda, who has been renting the home she lives in for the last three years, says she was told the pink ribbon violates the rules. Those rules don’t make sense to her. She told WFTX, “I'm not offending anyone. My neighbors are all supportive of breast cancer [sic]. I don't know why they’re not." On top of that, the ribbon is actually inside Ms. Karp’s home, affixed to the, “inside of [Linda’s] entryway.”
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More bad press for Privatopia. Film at 10 on WFTX FOX 4 News.
Linda, who has been renting the home she lives in for the last three years, says she was told the pink ribbon violates the rules. Those rules don’t make sense to her. She told WFTX, “I'm not offending anyone. My neighbors are all supportive of breast cancer [sic]. I don't know why they’re not." On top of that, the ribbon is actually inside Ms. Karp’s home, affixed to the, “inside of [Linda’s] entryway.”
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More bad press for Privatopia. Film at 10 on WFTX FOX 4 News.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Residential Segregation by Income, 1970-2009
www.s4.brown.edu/us2010/Data/Report/report10162013.pdf
Americans have become increasingly segregated by income over the last 40 years. There are several causes, one of which is increasing income inequality. The middle class has been squeezed by deindustrialization, deunionization, tax cuts that favor the rich, the loss of their home equity, and other forces. And in addition to all that, I am wondering what role the real estate development industry has played in sorting us out by income. In particular, what role does the rise of CID housing play in this sorting process?
Americans have become increasingly segregated by income over the last 40 years. There are several causes, one of which is increasing income inequality. The middle class has been squeezed by deindustrialization, deunionization, tax cuts that favor the rich, the loss of their home equity, and other forces. And in addition to all that, I am wondering what role the real estate development industry has played in sorting us out by income. In particular, what role does the rise of CID housing play in this sorting process?
Why We Should Focus Infrastructure Spending on Urban America
Why We Should Focus Infrastructure Spending on Urban America
My colleague Michael Pagano knows more about public infrastructure than just about anybody. Maybe it's time to stop builidng private infrastructure in CIDs and go public.
My colleague Michael Pagano knows more about public infrastructure than just about anybody. Maybe it's time to stop builidng private infrastructure in CIDs and go public.
America’s Most Unequal Metros | Trulia Trends
America’s Most Unequal Metros | Trulia Trends
And rising income inequality is a major contributor to residential income segregation.
And rising income inequality is a major contributor to residential income segregation.
Federal Privatization and the Expensive Philosophy of the Circular A-76 Process
Federal Privatization and the Expensive Philosophy of the Circular A-76 Process
Law professor Ellen Dannin shows how privatization isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Law professor Ellen Dannin shows how privatization isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Money missing from Murfreesboro neighborhood HOA fees - WSMV Channel 4
Money missing from Murfreesboro neighborhood HOA fees - WSMV Channel 4: MURFREESBORO, TN (WSMV) -
Money meant for the upkeep of a Murfreesboro neighborhood is now missing, and police have a lot of questions for the woman who was supposed to be keeping track of it all.
"I'm almost speechless. It's unbelievable to me," said neighbor Christin Barrett. "I'm appalled and disgusted by it."
Neighbors in the Villages of Garrison Cove subdivision trusted a property management company to keep things running smoothly, but the manager at the company is accused of keeping thousands of dollars for herself.
The homeowners' association board has since hired a new company to manage the neighborhood.
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Gambling in Casablanca? Graft in Privatopia? Shocking!
Money meant for the upkeep of a Murfreesboro neighborhood is now missing, and police have a lot of questions for the woman who was supposed to be keeping track of it all.
"I'm almost speechless. It's unbelievable to me," said neighbor Christin Barrett. "I'm appalled and disgusted by it."
Neighbors in the Villages of Garrison Cove subdivision trusted a property management company to keep things running smoothly, but the manager at the company is accused of keeping thousands of dollars for herself.
The homeowners' association board has since hired a new company to manage the neighborhood.
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Gambling in Casablanca? Graft in Privatopia? Shocking!
Scott Mooneyham: Why reining in homeowner associations is difficult
The Daily Advance: RALEIGH — A couple of years ago, two members of the state House who had been overseeing efforts to rein in abusive homeowners associations gave their colleagues a skeptical send-off as they handed over leadership of their committee.
“I wish you well,” said Rep. Julia Howard, a Davie County Republican.
Howard and then-state Rep. Jennifer Weiss, a Wake County Democrat, referred to previous legislation passed by the General Assembly as watered-down.
At the time, legislators had approved a measure that required a homeowners association board to at least take a vote before lawyers or property management companies could begin foreclosure proceedings.
Since then, the General Assembly has approved a law that encourages mediation when homeowners and the associations that enforce neighborhood covenants get into disputes.
Other bills, though, were never voted on. They include one that prohibits foreclosure proceedings over delinquent fees and another that would have required association board members to take a training course.
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This story underscores a point the perfessor has made over the years: The community association industry has a well greased lobbying machine -- and the denizens of Privatopia do not.
“I wish you well,” said Rep. Julia Howard, a Davie County Republican.
Howard and then-state Rep. Jennifer Weiss, a Wake County Democrat, referred to previous legislation passed by the General Assembly as watered-down.
At the time, legislators had approved a measure that required a homeowners association board to at least take a vote before lawyers or property management companies could begin foreclosure proceedings.
Since then, the General Assembly has approved a law that encourages mediation when homeowners and the associations that enforce neighborhood covenants get into disputes.
Other bills, though, were never voted on. They include one that prohibits foreclosure proceedings over delinquent fees and another that would have required association board members to take a training course.
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This story underscores a point the perfessor has made over the years: The community association industry has a well greased lobbying machine -- and the denizens of Privatopia do not.
After audit reveals corruption, Florida town's days could be numbered - Yahoo News
After audit reveals corruption, Florida town's days could be numbered - Yahoo News: "It's like something out of a Southern Gothic novel," Bradley told Time magazine. "This town exists apparently just to write speeding tickets. Most people don't understand why it exists in the first place."
Via CNN:
Via CNN:
Hampton cops were a fixture out on U.S. 301. They sat on lawn chairs, pointing radar guns at unsuspecting motorists. They hid behind recycling bins. As more and more money came in, they idled in slick SUVs, trolled the median strips in riot gear and toted state-of-the-art firepower. Locals gave one the nickname "Rambo" because he slung an AR-15 rifle across his chest.
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No, this isn't an HOA despite this being Florida. But could provide a business model for HOAs looking to boost revenues that would be less vulnerable to state disincorporation like this town. Y'all come back now, hear?
Monday, March 03, 2014
WPEC-TV CBS12 News :: News - Top Stories - Elderly man faces homelessness after being evicted for growing a garden
WPEC-TV CBS12 News :: News - Top Stories - Elderly man faces homelessness after being evicted for growing a garden: BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. - Rules are rules and the homeowners association inside Royal Manor Estates in Boynton Beach follows them very closely.
That's why a 4' x 8' garden outside the home of Israel Negron has put management over the edge and the Negron on the street.
"Someone's getting kicked out because of growing vegetables is insane and cruel ," said Barry Silver, Negron's attorney.
Silver attempted to file an emergency stay of eviction but the court denied it without a hearing.
The 72-year-old will have to vacate even though he owns his mobile home.
Negron did not take the news very well.
"I had to take him to the emergency room," said one friend.
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More bad press coming out of Florida spotlighting mean-minded governance in Privatopia. Film at 10 on WPEC-TV.
That's why a 4' x 8' garden outside the home of Israel Negron has put management over the edge and the Negron on the street.
"Someone's getting kicked out because of growing vegetables is insane and cruel ," said Barry Silver, Negron's attorney.
Silver attempted to file an emergency stay of eviction but the court denied it without a hearing.
The 72-year-old will have to vacate even though he owns his mobile home.
Negron did not take the news very well.
"I had to take him to the emergency room," said one friend.
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More bad press coming out of Florida spotlighting mean-minded governance in Privatopia. Film at 10 on WPEC-TV.
HOA head in RSF is paid $275K-plus | UTSanDiego.com
HOA head in RSF is paid $275K-plus | UTSanDiego.com: The head of the Rancho Santa Fe homeowners association has received more than $275,000 in compensation for the past three years, and the president of the board was ousted from her position after she raised questions about it.
Such pay levels are more typically reserved for city managers or school district superintendents running complex functions of large government agencies.
The community association’s manager, Pete Smith, is responsible for collecting association dues, maintaining common areas and enforcing covenants for the community of about 5,000 with a median income in excess of $172,000 and median home price of $2.4 million.
The ousted president, Ann Boon, said she wanted her questions to bring clarity to the pay process
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Pay's going up in Privatopia. But the managers apparently don't like the HOA directors who employ them asking questions about it. I guess the boards work for the managers instead of the other way around.
Such pay levels are more typically reserved for city managers or school district superintendents running complex functions of large government agencies.
The community association’s manager, Pete Smith, is responsible for collecting association dues, maintaining common areas and enforcing covenants for the community of about 5,000 with a median income in excess of $172,000 and median home price of $2.4 million.
The ousted president, Ann Boon, said she wanted her questions to bring clarity to the pay process
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Pay's going up in Privatopia. But the managers apparently don't like the HOA directors who employ them asking questions about it. I guess the boards work for the managers instead of the other way around.
Sunday, March 02, 2014
Insight: Underfunded U.S. homeowner associations get heavy | Reuters
Insight: Underfunded U.S. homeowner associations get heavy | Reuters
Thanks to Shu Bartholomew for this link. The first sentence is just plain wrong, but overall the article highlights the important fact that many associations are in financial trouble--and it isn't just because of the 2008 crash in real estate values.
"Foreclosures on delinquent properties by homeowner associations were almost unheard of before the financial crisis of 2008. Now lawyers and real estate researchers say they are becoming more common as association funding bases shrink because of previously foreclosed homes' standing empty. About 70 percent of association-governed communities are underfunded, up 12.5 percent from 10 years ago, according to Association Reserves. The average association has financial reserve accounts - the amount required to maintain infrastructure and common areas - that are only funded at 52 percent, down from 60 percent a decade ago, its research shows.Tyler Berding, an attorney whose firm is consulting with a San Francisco condo homeowner association, suggests the problem is one of governance. "It's very much akin to the public pension crisis," he said. "Homeowners' associations are simply not putting enough money away to make the repairs and replacements they will have to make over time."
Thanks to Shu Bartholomew for this link. The first sentence is just plain wrong, but overall the article highlights the important fact that many associations are in financial trouble--and it isn't just because of the 2008 crash in real estate values.
"Foreclosures on delinquent properties by homeowner associations were almost unheard of before the financial crisis of 2008. Now lawyers and real estate researchers say they are becoming more common as association funding bases shrink because of previously foreclosed homes' standing empty. About 70 percent of association-governed communities are underfunded, up 12.5 percent from 10 years ago, according to Association Reserves. The average association has financial reserve accounts - the amount required to maintain infrastructure and common areas - that are only funded at 52 percent, down from 60 percent a decade ago, its research shows.Tyler Berding, an attorney whose firm is consulting with a San Francisco condo homeowner association, suggests the problem is one of governance. "It's very much akin to the public pension crisis," he said. "Homeowners' associations are simply not putting enough money away to make the repairs and replacements they will have to make over time."
Friday, February 28, 2014
Court case could increase cost for homeowners associations | HeraldTribune.com
Court case could increase cost for homeowners associations | HeraldTribune.com
"A pending opinion from the Florida Supreme Court could dramatically increase operating costs for thousands of homeowner associations statewide and substantially drive up condo owners' expenses. The looming decision is connected to a recent Florida Bar opinion that, if enacted, will force community association managers to hire attorneys to handle various administrative duties now done primarily in-house."
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The issue is that some of the things property managers do arguably constitute the practice of law.
"A pending opinion from the Florida Supreme Court could dramatically increase operating costs for thousands of homeowner associations statewide and substantially drive up condo owners' expenses. The looming decision is connected to a recent Florida Bar opinion that, if enacted, will force community association managers to hire attorneys to handle various administrative duties now done primarily in-house."
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The issue is that some of the things property managers do arguably constitute the practice of law.
General Assembly: Bill that would widen homeowners association powers hits a snag - dailypress.com
General Assembly: Bill that would widen homeowners association powers hits a snag - dailypress.com
"The bill had been moving along in the House and Senate, albeit with some resistance and controversy. But on Thursday the House voted down a Senate version of the proposal, signaling tough sledding. "Members felt uncomfortable expanding the power of associations who could not get that power from their homeowners," Del. Scott A. Surovell, D-Mount Vernon, said in an email. Surovell led the charge against the bill in the House. He also was the attorney for a Northern Virginia couple who fought their homeowners association over fines several years ago, leading to the court decision that precipitated this legislative fight."
"The bill had been moving along in the House and Senate, albeit with some resistance and controversy. But on Thursday the House voted down a Senate version of the proposal, signaling tough sledding. "Members felt uncomfortable expanding the power of associations who could not get that power from their homeowners," Del. Scott A. Surovell, D-Mount Vernon, said in an email. Surovell led the charge against the bill in the House. He also was the attorney for a Northern Virginia couple who fought their homeowners association over fines several years ago, leading to the court decision that precipitated this legislative fight."
Thursday, February 27, 2014
General Assembly: Homeowner associations may get more power - dailypress.com
General Assembly: Homeowner associations may get more power - dailypress.com
RICHMOND — Legislation that would give more power to homeowners associations cleared the Virginia Senate Tuesday. It has already passed the House in a slightly different form and seems headed for final passage. House Bill 791 would let homeowner and condominium association boards levy fines against property owners who run afoul of association rules, even if the power to issue those fines isn't written into the association's controlling documents.
RICHMOND — Legislation that would give more power to homeowners associations cleared the Virginia Senate Tuesday. It has already passed the House in a slightly different form and seems headed for final passage. House Bill 791 would let homeowner and condominium association boards levy fines against property owners who run afoul of association rules, even if the power to issue those fines isn't written into the association's controlling documents.
Judge orders homeowner to mow lawn | News - Home
Judge orders homeowner to mow lawn | News - Home: JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -
After residents fought their neighbor for three years to get her to mow her lawn, a judge has finally ruled her grass must be cut down.
Neighbors said the grass grew well over 6 feet tall at Silverthorn Lane in the Walden Chase community. As of Wednesday night after the ruling, the residents are celebrating.
One of those neighbors, Carole Cooper, is ecstatic as the weeds and overgrown grass finally get cut at their neighbor Susan Trebbien’s home.
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As Jeff Foxworthy once put it, "If yew mow your front lawn and find a car, ya might be a redneck."
After residents fought their neighbor for three years to get her to mow her lawn, a judge has finally ruled her grass must be cut down.
Neighbors said the grass grew well over 6 feet tall at Silverthorn Lane in the Walden Chase community. As of Wednesday night after the ruling, the residents are celebrating.
One of those neighbors, Carole Cooper, is ecstatic as the weeds and overgrown grass finally get cut at their neighbor Susan Trebbien’s home.
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As Jeff Foxworthy once put it, "If yew mow your front lawn and find a car, ya might be a redneck."
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
LakeField Hills Home Owners Association - Fall Enforcement Drive Recruitment Video on Vimeo
LakeField Hills Home Owners Association - Fall Enforcement Drive Recruitment Video on Vimeo
Many are called. But few are chosen. Do you have what it takes to uphold the law in Privatopia?
Thanks to Shu Bartholomew for the link. Enjoy.
Many are called. But few are chosen. Do you have what it takes to uphold the law in Privatopia?
Thanks to Shu Bartholomew for the link. Enjoy.
General Assembly: Homeowner associations may get more power - dailypress.com
General Assembly: Homeowner associations may get more power - dailypress.com: RICHMOND — Legislation that would give more power to homeowners associations cleared the Virginia Senate Tuesday.
It has already passed the House in a slightly different form and seems headed for final passage.
House Bill 791 would let homeowner and condominium association boards levy fines against property owners who run afoul of association rules, even if the power to issue those fines isn't written into the association's controlling documents.
Associations have been doing this for years, but a recent court decision said they can't unless their charter spells out the power, according to the Community Associations Institute, an industry trade association.
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There was a Virginia Supreme Court decision some years ago that declared HOA fining an unconstitutional exercise of power reserved to the state. But in an odd twist, the Virginia Legislature and not the courts got the last word on what's constitutional in Privatopia when it comes to fines.
It has already passed the House in a slightly different form and seems headed for final passage.
House Bill 791 would let homeowner and condominium association boards levy fines against property owners who run afoul of association rules, even if the power to issue those fines isn't written into the association's controlling documents.
Associations have been doing this for years, but a recent court decision said they can't unless their charter spells out the power, according to the Community Associations Institute, an industry trade association.
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There was a Virginia Supreme Court decision some years ago that declared HOA fining an unconstitutional exercise of power reserved to the state. But in an odd twist, the Virginia Legislature and not the courts got the last word on what's constitutional in Privatopia when it comes to fines.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Another possible booze price hike looms over Wash. - seattlepi.com
Another possible booze price hike looms over Wash. - seattlepi.com
Wow. What a surprise!
Wow. What a surprise!
"Since the end of Prohibition in the 1930s the state had tightly controlled the distribution and sale of liquor. But in 2011 Washington voters approved a privatization initiative that was supported by Costco and other retail interests. Costco spent more than $20 million backing Initiative 1183 and distributors also provided millions . Following privatization there have been multiple lawsuits and some consumers have complained about sticker shock in grocery aisles."
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Darker U.S. homebuilder mood not just due to bad weather - Yahoo Finance
Darker U.S. homebuilder mood not just due to bad weather - Yahoo Finance: Jed Kolko, Trulia's chief economist, said because cities such as Las Vegas, Miami and Phoenix still have many vacant homes, those existing houses - rather than the weather - have been one of the biggest drags on the construction of new single-family homes, which account for roughly two-thirds of the U.S. housing market.
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Many of those vacant homes depressing this sector of the economy are in Privatopia.
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Many of those vacant homes depressing this sector of the economy are in Privatopia.
Monday, February 17, 2014
HOAs give migraines, not help | The Rebel Yell
HOAs give migraines, not help | The Rebel Yell: If you have never lived in a homeowner association, I strongly caution you not to. If you have lived in one, you know about the harassment and the stress it causes.
I recommend that we get rid of them all. Cities like them because the builder will pay for some streets and services and pass the cost on to the homeowner, alleviating this burden from the city.
Unfortunately, the HOAs are taking over.
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A call for HOA Apocalypse Now.
I recommend that we get rid of them all. Cities like them because the builder will pay for some streets and services and pass the cost on to the homeowner, alleviating this burden from the city.
Unfortunately, the HOAs are taking over.
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A call for HOA Apocalypse Now.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Detroit in the dark: How the city's streetlights went out and the plan to get them back on - Yahoo News
Detroit in the dark: How the city's streetlights went out and the plan to get them back on - Yahoo News: It’s a problem all over Detroit, where officials estimate at least half of the city’s 88,000 streetlights are broken. Aside from the abandoned buildings that dot the cityscape, the dark lights are the most visible evidence of the financial problems that sent Detroit into bankruptcy last summer seeking relief from an estimated $18 billion in debt. As the lights went out, the city couldn’t afford to turn them back on and keep them on.
The Detroit Public Lighting Department, the underfunded and understaffed entity in charge of fixing the streetlamps, has been in “constant triage” for years, officials say, trying to mend a lighting system that, in some areas, is so old it has to be manually switched on at night.
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This used to be confined to Privatopia when HOAs fell apart and stopped paying the light bills.
The Detroit Public Lighting Department, the underfunded and understaffed entity in charge of fixing the streetlamps, has been in “constant triage” for years, officials say, trying to mend a lighting system that, in some areas, is so old it has to be manually switched on at night.
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This used to be confined to Privatopia when HOAs fell apart and stopped paying the light bills.
Friday, February 07, 2014
Yeager in Sacramento court as part of lawsuit - Our Region - The Sacramento Bee
Yeager in Sacramento court as part of lawsuit - Our Region - The Sacramento Bee: The lawsuit “is essentially about homeowners getting something for nothing,” plaintiffs’ lawyer Eugene P. Haydu said in his trial brief.
Haydu is representing Park River Oak Estates Homeowners Association. The association runs a townhouse complex next to Garcia Bend Park. The suit says Yeager and his wife, who live near Grass Valley, own a couple of units in the development but haven’t paid their association fees.
“While defendant General Charles Yeager may be a famous man, that fame does not make him immune … from principles of simple fairness,” the brief said.
The defendants’ attorney Michael Thomas argued in his brief that the Yeagers’ properties were never annexed to the association and that the couple has not requested nor have they ever received any services from it.
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The community association bar plays no favorites.
Haydu is representing Park River Oak Estates Homeowners Association. The association runs a townhouse complex next to Garcia Bend Park. The suit says Yeager and his wife, who live near Grass Valley, own a couple of units in the development but haven’t paid their association fees.
“While defendant General Charles Yeager may be a famous man, that fame does not make him immune … from principles of simple fairness,” the brief said.
The defendants’ attorney Michael Thomas argued in his brief that the Yeagers’ properties were never annexed to the association and that the couple has not requested nor have they ever received any services from it.
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The community association bar plays no favorites.
Sunday, February 02, 2014
HOA bans medical marijuana in home yards
HOA bans medical marijuana in home yards
"The board at Carrillo Ranch, a homeowners association in Chandler, has ruled that residents cannot smoke marijuana — medical or otherwise — in their backyards, front yards and patios. Some residents say the decision is absurd, while lawyers are questioning whether the rule can be enforced."
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But look on the bright side. This will generate attorney's fees!
"The board at Carrillo Ranch, a homeowners association in Chandler, has ruled that residents cannot smoke marijuana — medical or otherwise — in their backyards, front yards and patios. Some residents say the decision is absurd, while lawyers are questioning whether the rule can be enforced."
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But look on the bright side. This will generate attorney's fees!
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Florida Man Fined $1,000 For Flying Wounded Warrior Project Flag
Florida Man Fined $1,000 For Flying Wounded Warrior Project Flag: A Florida man was told by his homeowners association that he would have to remove a flag for the Wounded Warrior Project from his residence or face a $1,000 fine.
Thomas Bagnoli, who has lived in the Grand Haven community of Palm Coast for 13 years, refused to take it down. He says the flag has been up for at least a year.
"They can do whatever they want. I’m doing what I want,” Bagnoli told WJXT-TV. “I feel strongly about this.”
He said the association told him the flag is against association rules, but other homes fly prisoner of war flags and missing in action flags without fines.
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HOA flag flap No. 725,891. Film at 10 on WJXT Channel 9 Eyewitness News.
Thomas Bagnoli, who has lived in the Grand Haven community of Palm Coast for 13 years, refused to take it down. He says the flag has been up for at least a year.
"They can do whatever they want. I’m doing what I want,” Bagnoli told WJXT-TV. “I feel strongly about this.”
He said the association told him the flag is against association rules, but other homes fly prisoner of war flags and missing in action flags without fines.
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HOA flag flap No. 725,891. Film at 10 on WJXT Channel 9 Eyewitness News.
Friday, January 24, 2014
The pros and cons of homeowners associations - MSN Real Estate
The pros and cons of homeowners associations - MSN Real Estate
Including a brief quote from yours truly.
Including a brief quote from yours truly.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Council considers which residents required to pay streetlight fees The Commercial Appeal
Council considers which residents required to pay streetlight fees � The Commercial Appeal: The committee reviewed one measure Tuesday to remove the streetlight fee from bills for newly-annexed homes in Cordova that don’t yet have streetlights, with no opposition to doing so. The discussion then turned to whether residents who already pay for private streetlights through homeowners associations should be required to pay the public streetlight fee.
Last year, City Council agreed to change the billing for streetlight fees in an effort to spread the cost to all Memphis residents, not just those who pay property taxes, said Councilman Myron Lowery. Instead of the fee being assessed to property taxes, it is now part of utility bills.
However, some residents in Cordova complained they were paying a fee for a service the city had not rendered as part of its annexation responsibilities.
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The coexistence of public and private local government can be dicey, particularly when it comes to determining who pays for a given service and who benefits.
Last year, City Council agreed to change the billing for streetlight fees in an effort to spread the cost to all Memphis residents, not just those who pay property taxes, said Councilman Myron Lowery. Instead of the fee being assessed to property taxes, it is now part of utility bills.
However, some residents in Cordova complained they were paying a fee for a service the city had not rendered as part of its annexation responsibilities.
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The coexistence of public and private local government can be dicey, particularly when it comes to determining who pays for a given service and who benefits.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Holding water companies accountable sounds good to this HOA
Holding water companies accountable sounds good to this HOA: The Summertree community in New Port Richey has been fighting its water company for more than a decade.
Homeowners Association President Rich Neilsen says poor water quality has forced homeowners to buy their own filtration systems.
"We are paying enormous funds for unsatisfactory water," Neilsen said. "The residents of this community need to buy bottled water to drink. We can't drink our water."
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Private water companies don't go over well in Privatopia, Florida sector.
Homeowners Association President Rich Neilsen says poor water quality has forced homeowners to buy their own filtration systems.
"We are paying enormous funds for unsatisfactory water," Neilsen said. "The residents of this community need to buy bottled water to drink. We can't drink our water."
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Private water companies don't go over well in Privatopia, Florida sector.
The Fate of a City | KUNSTLER
The Fate of a City | KUNSTLER
Interesting paragraph about doomed-to-fail condos and HOAs in this post by the author of The Geography of Nowhere, talking about how the financialization of the economy flooded New York City with money, but (Kunstler says) it is all about to dry up:
"Mayor Bloomberg was celebrated for, among other things, stimulating a new generation of skyscraper building. There is theory which states that an empire puts up its greatest monumental buildings just before it collapses. I think it is truthful. This is what you are now going to see in New York, especially as regards the empire of Wall Street finance, which is all set to blow up. The many new skyscrapers recently constructed for the fabled “one percent”— the Frank Gehry condos and the Robert A.M. Stern hedge fund aeries — are already obsolete. The buyers don’t know it. In the new era of capital scarcity that we are entering, these giant buildings cannot be maintained (and, believe me, such structures require incessant, meticulous, and expensive upkeep). Splitting up the ownership of mega-structures into condominiums under a homeowners’ association (HOA) is an experiment that has never been tried before and now we are going to watch it fail spectacularly. All those towering monuments to the beneficent genius of Michael Bloomberg will very quickly transform from assets to liabilities."
Interesting paragraph about doomed-to-fail condos and HOAs in this post by the author of The Geography of Nowhere, talking about how the financialization of the economy flooded New York City with money, but (Kunstler says) it is all about to dry up:
"Mayor Bloomberg was celebrated for, among other things, stimulating a new generation of skyscraper building. There is theory which states that an empire puts up its greatest monumental buildings just before it collapses. I think it is truthful. This is what you are now going to see in New York, especially as regards the empire of Wall Street finance, which is all set to blow up. The many new skyscrapers recently constructed for the fabled “one percent”— the Frank Gehry condos and the Robert A.M. Stern hedge fund aeries — are already obsolete. The buyers don’t know it. In the new era of capital scarcity that we are entering, these giant buildings cannot be maintained (and, believe me, such structures require incessant, meticulous, and expensive upkeep). Splitting up the ownership of mega-structures into condominiums under a homeowners’ association (HOA) is an experiment that has never been tried before and now we are going to watch it fail spectacularly. All those towering monuments to the beneficent genius of Michael Bloomberg will very quickly transform from assets to liabilities."
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Infrastructure 101: The Evolution of Building Big Things (Part 1)
Infrastructure 101: The Evolution of Building Big Things (Part 1)
This is a brilliant and easily understood series on the privatization of infrastructure by Dickinson Law School professor Ellen Dannin. The second part is here.
And here is a great PBS program on this subject that includes Professor Dannin.
This is a brilliant and easily understood series on the privatization of infrastructure by Dickinson Law School professor Ellen Dannin. The second part is here.
And here is a great PBS program on this subject that includes Professor Dannin.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
HOAs and pot: A complicated, volatile mix | The Cannabist
HOAs and pot: A complicated, volatile mix | The Cannabist: Homeowner associations are approaching lawyers to find out whether they can ban marijuana use, even in homes, much as they do garish paint colors and funky yard art — a question that may have to be settled in court.
Already, at Breckenridge’s River Mountain Lodge, a condominium in which second-homeowners rent out their properties mainly to vacationers, growing pot and distributing it was banned last year for medical marijuana. And that now extends to recreational pot, as does a previous smoking ban in all of the units.
In Aurora, several HOAs have inquired about their rights regarding restricting the use, possession and cultivation of pot.
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Do bogart that joint, my friends.
Already, at Breckenridge’s River Mountain Lodge, a condominium in which second-homeowners rent out their properties mainly to vacationers, growing pot and distributing it was banned last year for medical marijuana. And that now extends to recreational pot, as does a previous smoking ban in all of the units.
In Aurora, several HOAs have inquired about their rights regarding restricting the use, possession and cultivation of pot.
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Do bogart that joint, my friends.
Thursday, January 02, 2014
In Search of the First Human Home - Issue 8: Home - Nautilus
In Search of the First Human Home - Issue 8: Home - Nautilus
"If an archaeologist had to pick an example of the earliest structures that most resembled our modern idea of home, it would probably be the round houses built by the semi-sedentary Natufians, an ancient people who lived around the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea (Israel, Syria, and environs) at the end of the last Ice Age, some 12,000 years ago."
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"If an archaeologist had to pick an example of the earliest structures that most resembled our modern idea of home, it would probably be the round houses built by the semi-sedentary Natufians, an ancient people who lived around the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea (Israel, Syria, and environs) at the end of the last Ice Age, some 12,000 years ago."
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Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Privatization Debate Likely to Resurface in 2014 General Assembly | WEKU
Privatization Debate Likely to Resurface in 2014 General Assembly | WEKU
"Kentucky lawmakers are being asked to consider a new proposal for privatizing certain services or projects. It is not new to Kentucky state government. Privatization was used in a significant way to house inmates across the Commonwealth for decades. The state cut its tie to privately run prisons earlier this year. The number of inmates housed in prisons has been on the decline. There were also sexual abuse of inmate allegations and complaints by shift supervisors, allegations denied by the private firm. Bob Gray worked in state government for a quarter century before going into consulting. He believes private firms can be key players in the public arena."
"Kentucky lawmakers are being asked to consider a new proposal for privatizing certain services or projects. It is not new to Kentucky state government. Privatization was used in a significant way to house inmates across the Commonwealth for decades. The state cut its tie to privately run prisons earlier this year. The number of inmates housed in prisons has been on the decline. There were also sexual abuse of inmate allegations and complaints by shift supervisors, allegations denied by the private firm. Bob Gray worked in state government for a quarter century before going into consulting. He believes private firms can be key players in the public arena."
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
2013 highlights--Illinois condo and HOA law--Pamela McKuen, Chicago Tribune
2013 highlights for Illinois condo association law
"If your community association's meetings seem to be getting longer, it's not your imagination. Myriad court judgments, legislation and hot topics this year have given boards plenty to talk about and added work to do."
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Including the horrendous Lake Holiday case that allows HOAs to create private police departments and conduct traffic stops.
"If your community association's meetings seem to be getting longer, it's not your imagination. Myriad court judgments, legislation and hot topics this year have given boards plenty to talk about and added work to do."
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Including the horrendous Lake Holiday case that allows HOAs to create private police departments and conduct traffic stops.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Homeowners group targets HOA transfer fees in Colorado - The Denver Post
Homeowners group targets HOA transfer fees in Colorado - The Denver Post: "Community managers have never justified this fee," said Stan Hrincevich, president of the Colorado HOA Forum, who calls the charges "costly" and "unwarranted."
Hrincevich said he has seen transfer fees ranging from $50 to $500 or more and estimates they average about $200 per sale.
He argues that transfers should be handled as part of existing administrative costs, given that they usually involve nothing more than a form letter drafted from existing HOA records.
Hrincevich said his group is working with state Rep. Jeanne Labuda, D-Denver, and state Sen. John Kefalas, D- Fort Collins, on a bill that would either eliminate the transfer fees or cap them at $50.
Hrincevich said he has seen transfer fees ranging from $50 to $500 or more and estimates they average about $200 per sale.
He argues that transfers should be handled as part of existing administrative costs, given that they usually involve nothing more than a form letter drafted from existing HOA records.
Hrincevich said his group is working with state Rep. Jeanne Labuda, D-Denver, and state Sen. John Kefalas, D- Fort Collins, on a bill that would either eliminate the transfer fees or cap them at $50.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
10News - La Jolla man fighting for Christmas decorations - 10News.com - News
10News - La Jolla man fighting for Christmas decorations - 10News.com - News
The HOA grinch goes after some guy's holiday lights. He puts up more lights and brings in carolers. Fa la la la la. Film at 10 on ABC 10 San Diego.
The HOA grinch goes after some guy's holiday lights. He puts up more lights and brings in carolers. Fa la la la la. Film at 10 on ABC 10 San Diego.
Why the system of rail privatisation in the UK has been a disaster | British Politics and Policy at LSE
Why the system of rail privatisation in the UK has been a disaster | British Politics and Policy at LSE
"A troublemaking report from the Centre for Research in Socio-Cultural Change (CRESC) has been upsetting the powerful again. The Great Train Robbery: rail privatisation and after has a great deal to say about the business models that now underpin the disastrous system of rail privatisation in the UK, but it also reveals a pattern that will particularly interest the readers of a politics blog. It shows that the initial vision offered by privatisers of a transparent and democratically accountable set of privatised markets has turned out, in reality, to be something very different: the politics of rail privatisation involves backstairs lobbying, manipulation of the terms of public debate by well resourced private interests and a blurring of the divide between the public and the private."
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In the 1980s many people saw privatization as a panacea for all the problems associated with provision of public goods. The "private sector" had all the answers, they said. Markets would bring about efficient delivery of high-quality public services. Now there are hundreds of case studies raising all sorts of troubling questions.
"A troublemaking report from the Centre for Research in Socio-Cultural Change (CRESC) has been upsetting the powerful again. The Great Train Robbery: rail privatisation and after has a great deal to say about the business models that now underpin the disastrous system of rail privatisation in the UK, but it also reveals a pattern that will particularly interest the readers of a politics blog. It shows that the initial vision offered by privatisers of a transparent and democratically accountable set of privatised markets has turned out, in reality, to be something very different: the politics of rail privatisation involves backstairs lobbying, manipulation of the terms of public debate by well resourced private interests and a blurring of the divide between the public and the private."
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In the 1980s many people saw privatization as a panacea for all the problems associated with provision of public goods. The "private sector" had all the answers, they said. Markets would bring about efficient delivery of high-quality public services. Now there are hundreds of case studies raising all sorts of troubling questions.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
HOA tells homeowner to get rid of metal security doors - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5
HOA tells homeowner to get rid of metal security doors - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5: MORROW, Ga. - A Morrow man is battling his homeowners association over security doors.
Mathew Goodson installed metal security doors in June after a rash of break-ins in his subdivision. Goodson said just last week the security doors kept out an attempted burglar. He points to a ripped screen as evidence of the attempted break-in.
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When Privatopia becomes the hood. Film at 10 on Fox 5 Atlanta.
Mathew Goodson installed metal security doors in June after a rash of break-ins in his subdivision. Goodson said just last week the security doors kept out an attempted burglar. He points to a ripped screen as evidence of the attempted break-in.
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When Privatopia becomes the hood. Film at 10 on Fox 5 Atlanta.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Ridgeland homeowner ordered to take down Christmas decorations - Cincinnati News, FOX19-WXIX TV
Ridgeland homeowner ordered to take down Christmas decorations - Cincinnati News, FOX19-WXIX TV: RIDGELAND, MS (Mississippi News Now) - A Ridgeland homeowner is upset after being told she had to take down some of her Christmas decorations.
A Christmas mural that hangs on Carrie Higbie's garage was ordered to be taken down earlier this week because according to the Homeowners Association it doesn't adhere to the covenants for the neighborhood.
Higbie was told through a notice she had 30 days to take it down.
The HOA President says her mural violated the covenants including signage and altering the structure of the home.
Higbie was told through a notice she had 30 days to take it down.
The HOA President says her mural violated the covenants including signage and altering the structure of the home.
It's business that really rules us now | George Monbiot | Comment is free | The Guardian
It's business that really rules us now | George Monbiot | Comment is free | The Guardian
George Monbiot asks: "So I don't blame people for giving up on politics. I haven't given up yet, but I find it ever harder to explain why. When a state-corporate nexus of power has bypassed democracy and made a mockery of the voting process, when an unreformed political funding system ensures that parties can be bought and sold, when politicians of the three main parties stand and watch as public services are divvied up by a grubby cabal of privateers, what is left of this system that inspires us to participate?"
George Monbiot asks: "So I don't blame people for giving up on politics. I haven't given up yet, but I find it ever harder to explain why. When a state-corporate nexus of power has bypassed democracy and made a mockery of the voting process, when an unreformed political funding system ensures that parties can be bought and sold, when politicians of the three main parties stand and watch as public services are divvied up by a grubby cabal of privateers, what is left of this system that inspires us to participate?"
Friday, December 13, 2013
West Virginia HOA residents say "No more HOAs."
New law worries HOA members - journal-news.net | News, sports, jobs, community information for Martinsburg - The Journal: However, HOA members like Nance Briscoe, a member of Cloverdale HOA and membership chair for the EPOHOA, believe that while a Planned Neighborhood District might be good for the county, current language does not protect future HOAs developed in a PND from current HOA issues like representation.
"When you live in an HOA, you live under the restrictions that run with the land. There's no oversight for HOAs, and these PNDs are going to inherit this," Briscoe said.
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Inmates of this province of Privatopia, West Virginia sector, don't want more private HOA regimes formed under this new type of zoning known as a Planned Neighborhood District.
"When you live in an HOA, you live under the restrictions that run with the land. There's no oversight for HOAs, and these PNDs are going to inherit this," Briscoe said.
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Inmates of this province of Privatopia, West Virginia sector, don't want more private HOA regimes formed under this new type of zoning known as a Planned Neighborhood District.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Loxley Homeowners Association Kills Geese
Loxley Homeowners Association Kills Geese: LOXLEY, Alabama - The Lakeland Homeowners Association in Loxley is killing geese at subdivision pond. The HOA considers the geese nuisance birds.
The Lakeland HOA would not talk to us on camera but a board member did confirm the association has eliminated at least four geese.
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Geese naturally flock to retention ponds that commonly dot Privatopia. But here's another story of an HOA declaring them a public nuisance and terminating with extreme prejudice.
The Lakeland HOA would not talk to us on camera but a board member did confirm the association has eliminated at least four geese.
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Geese naturally flock to retention ponds that commonly dot Privatopia. But here's another story of an HOA declaring them a public nuisance and terminating with extreme prejudice.
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
O.C. neighborhood ordered to take down Christmas lights - latimes.com
O.C. neighborhood ordered to take down Christmas lights - latimes.com: The strands of Christmas lights strung across a suburban Orange County street were meant to unite neighbors during the holidays. Instead, the brightly colored decorations have left them entangled in red tape.
The canopy of lights that bring a festive glow to a Wagon Wheel neighborhood when the sun goes down are an “unpermitted encroachment” in the eyes on county officials, who’ve ordered them removed.
But residents in the subdivision tucked in the foothills of Trabuco Canyon said they have no plans to take down the lights that zigzag above the street -- despite warnings that they could be fined or even prosecuted if they fail to remove the display by nightfall Wednesday.
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It's that time of year again, boys and girls, when the HOA grinch steals Christmas and orders holiday lights and displays taken down. However in this instance, the HOA is taking a hands off stance and county code enforcers are playing Scrooge and crying "bah humbug!"
The canopy of lights that bring a festive glow to a Wagon Wheel neighborhood when the sun goes down are an “unpermitted encroachment” in the eyes on county officials, who’ve ordered them removed.
But residents in the subdivision tucked in the foothills of Trabuco Canyon said they have no plans to take down the lights that zigzag above the street -- despite warnings that they could be fined or even prosecuted if they fail to remove the display by nightfall Wednesday.
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It's that time of year again, boys and girls, when the HOA grinch steals Christmas and orders holiday lights and displays taken down. However in this instance, the HOA is taking a hands off stance and county code enforcers are playing Scrooge and crying "bah humbug!"
Community Suggests Gun Possession Is Illegal For Residents - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports
Community Suggests Gun Possession Is Illegal For Residents - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports
Two weeks ago, residents received a letter from their homeowners' association indicating that guns are not allowed on the property. "I thought it was ironic that they say you can't have something when the United States government says you can," said resident Cristina Salajanu. Salajanu would like to give her neighborhood management company a history lesson."I think it's unconstitutional," Salajanu said. "They can't tell you what to own or not to own in your own house."
Two weeks ago, residents received a letter from their homeowners' association indicating that guns are not allowed on the property. "I thought it was ironic that they say you can't have something when the United States government says you can," said resident Cristina Salajanu. Salajanu would like to give her neighborhood management company a history lesson."I think it's unconstitutional," Salajanu said. "They can't tell you what to own or not to own in your own house."
Saturday, November 30, 2013
SHRUB PRUNING BRINGS FELONY CHARGE | UTSanDiego.com
SHRUB PRUNING BRINGS FELONY CHARGE | UTSanDiego.com
"The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting Juvencio Adame, known locally as Vince, for “defacement, damage and destruction” in excess of $400 or more after he pruned the shrubbery near his home in July, court records show. The shrubbery in this case was on city land that abuts his property on Niagara Avenue along a popular surfing area. Adame told neighbors he did so because the overgrown shrubbery became a haven for homeless people to sleep and litter."
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Having eliminated all street crime in San Diego County...
"The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting Juvencio Adame, known locally as Vince, for “defacement, damage and destruction” in excess of $400 or more after he pruned the shrubbery near his home in July, court records show. The shrubbery in this case was on city land that abuts his property on Niagara Avenue along a popular surfing area. Adame told neighbors he did so because the overgrown shrubbery became a haven for homeless people to sleep and litter."
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Having eliminated all street crime in San Diego County...
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Bank seeks help from city on foreclosed subdivision CullmanTimes.com - Cullman, Alabama
Bank seeks help from city on foreclosed subdivision Top News CullmanTimes.com - Cullman, Alabama: HANCEVILLE — People’s Bank is seeking financial help from the City of Hanceville on the incomplete, foreclosed subdivision Baylor Cove so it can get the struggling development’s residential streets paved.
Mark Vincent with People’s Bank proposed the bank give the city three lots inside the subdivision in exchange for the city applying a final top coat to the streets and taking over their maintenance. Vincent said the bank has sought and received two bids for the paving work and both averaged around $50,000.
The price of the lots have fallen from a high of $40,000 to about $10,000 in current value, but the city could sell the lots in the future if they gain value, Vincent said.
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The bank is seeking a municipal bailout for this troubled development that like many of those similarly situated lacks a functioning HOA to levy property owners for needed infrastructure work.
Mark Vincent with People’s Bank proposed the bank give the city three lots inside the subdivision in exchange for the city applying a final top coat to the streets and taking over their maintenance. Vincent said the bank has sought and received two bids for the paving work and both averaged around $50,000.
The price of the lots have fallen from a high of $40,000 to about $10,000 in current value, but the city could sell the lots in the future if they gain value, Vincent said.
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The bank is seeking a municipal bailout for this troubled development that like many of those similarly situated lacks a functioning HOA to levy property owners for needed infrastructure work.
Suit alleges fraud by officers of Brentwood homeowners association | The Tennessean | tennessean.com
Suit alleges fraud by officers of Brentwood homeowners association | The Tennessean | tennessean.com: Beneath the facade of one of Brentwood’s most affluent communities, neighbors have come toe-to-toe in federal court over allegations of wiretapping, fraud and public, vulgar name-calling.
A homeowner in the gated Hampton Reserve subdivision has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Nashville alleging that neighbors and former homeowners association officers fraudulently tried to obtain portions of neighborhood common land and then suppressed opposition by intercepting and blocking community emails between residents, charges the defendants hotly deny.
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A really nasty legal fight in Privatopia, Tennessee sector. The lawsuit alleges the board wrongly gerrymandered common area boundaries to benefit a handful of owners and afford one director sufficient room to build a swimming pool on her property.
A homeowner in the gated Hampton Reserve subdivision has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Nashville alleging that neighbors and former homeowners association officers fraudulently tried to obtain portions of neighborhood common land and then suppressed opposition by intercepting and blocking community emails between residents, charges the defendants hotly deny.
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A really nasty legal fight in Privatopia, Tennessee sector. The lawsuit alleges the board wrongly gerrymandered common area boundaries to benefit a handful of owners and afford one director sufficient room to build a swimming pool on her property.
LEX 18 Investigates: Council Member Challenging HOA Foreclosure Laws | LEX18.com | Lexington, Kentucky
LEX 18 Investigates: Council Member Challenging HOA Foreclosure Laws | LEX18.com | Lexington, Kentucky: Ingrid Boak lost her house, but says she was never personally served with any papers. No one knocked on her door and no one called, she says.
The homeowners association lawyers sent plenty of letters and they all went unanswered.
"I believe that if a house can be sold without me personally getting something in my hand or sign something, it is almost like communism," Boak said.
She knows a thing or two about communism. Communists took her east German childhood home after World War II. The same feelings she had as child, have been resurrected as an adult.
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This is a familiar story. Foreclosed unit owner claims no notice of assessment delinquencies. HOA counters its letters were ignored, so pack up your stuff and get out. Hopefully there are provisions in Kentucky law that can provide an equitable outcome.
The homeowners association lawyers sent plenty of letters and they all went unanswered.
"I believe that if a house can be sold without me personally getting something in my hand or sign something, it is almost like communism," Boak said.
She knows a thing or two about communism. Communists took her east German childhood home after World War II. The same feelings she had as child, have been resurrected as an adult.
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This is a familiar story. Foreclosed unit owner claims no notice of assessment delinquencies. HOA counters its letters were ignored, so pack up your stuff and get out. Hopefully there are provisions in Kentucky law that can provide an equitable outcome.
INVESTIGATORS: Corporation forces homeowners to sell property | wtsp.com
INVESTIGATORS: Corporation forces homeowners to sell property | wtsp.com: Here is how it happened. In the past few years, more than 80 percent of the condos at Madison Oaks were bought up, not by new neighbors, but by a single company called "Madison Oaks, LLC".
The company wants the whole complex switched to apartments- forcing residents to sell their homes.
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Regime change, condo style. Or inverse condemnation, private sector style. However it's described, the minority stake owners taking a loss are upset that this move is permitted under Florida law.
The company wants the whole complex switched to apartments- forcing residents to sell their homes.
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Regime change, condo style. Or inverse condemnation, private sector style. However it's described, the minority stake owners taking a loss are upset that this move is permitted under Florida law.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Lighter shade ends homeowner dispute
ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - An Albuquerque woman who was threatened with eviction from her own home for painting her garage door red is now painting it a new--and similar--color her homeowners association chose.
There's no question Sonja Waldrop's red garage stands out in a sea of neutrals in the Volterra neighborhood near Kirtland Air Force Base.
A few weeks ago she painted her garage and front door with "red hawk" red. Some of her neighbors liked it; some of them didn't including the homeowners association.
"They came to my door and said that I was in violation and that I needed to change it back to the original color," Waldrop told KRQE News 13. "They did say if I stayed in violation they could actually put a lien on my house."
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HOA channels the Rolling Stones: We see a red door and we want it painted black.
There's no question Sonja Waldrop's red garage stands out in a sea of neutrals in the Volterra neighborhood near Kirtland Air Force Base.
A few weeks ago she painted her garage and front door with "red hawk" red. Some of her neighbors liked it; some of them didn't including the homeowners association.
"They came to my door and said that I was in violation and that I needed to change it back to the original color," Waldrop told KRQE News 13. "They did say if I stayed in violation they could actually put a lien on my house."
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HOA channels the Rolling Stones: We see a red door and we want it painted black.
Friday, November 15, 2013
HOA Fires Back at Fla. Man Who Said He Was Fined $5K Short Trees - Yahoo
HOA Fires Back at Fla. Man Who Said He Was Fined $5K Short Trees - Yahoo: After a Florida man says he was fined $100 a day, or $5,000, for having two Magnolia trees that were too short, his homeowners association is defending itself, saying it's not just the height that's the problem, but the number of trees.
Patrick Fitzgerald, 51, said he planted two small trees by his home in Merritt Island, Fla. a year ago. Now he and the River Grove Homeowners Association have undergone legal mediation and some heated words in which he has called the board "idiots."
"This has gotten so carried away it is absolutely ridiculous," the HOA president told ABCNews.com. "To me it's ludicrous."
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As media coverage of accounts of HOA follies has grown in recent years, HOA officials and managers usually remain mum and avoid reporters. But sometimes as in this case they do comment.
Patrick Fitzgerald, 51, said he planted two small trees by his home in Merritt Island, Fla. a year ago. Now he and the River Grove Homeowners Association have undergone legal mediation and some heated words in which he has called the board "idiots."
"This has gotten so carried away it is absolutely ridiculous," the HOA president told ABCNews.com. "To me it's ludicrous."
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As media coverage of accounts of HOA follies has grown in recent years, HOA officials and managers usually remain mum and avoid reporters. But sometimes as in this case they do comment.
Thursday, November 07, 2013
Levy Court considers taking over responsibility for Homeowners Association fees - News - Dover Post - Dover, DE
Levy Court considers taking over responsibility for Homeowners Association fees - News - Dover Post - Dover, DE: Ideas floated included sending collection letters from the county or putting the fee as a line item on property tax bills. In either case, the funds received then would be disbursed back to the HOA.
The idea is similar to a system used in New Castle County, but legislation from the state General Assembly would be required to enable the county to start collecting the fees. The HARP committee already has set Nov. 12 as a date to sit down with local legislators, to include Sen. Brian Bushweller, (D-Dover) and Rep. Trey Paradee, (D-Dover) to discuss such legislation.
Both men were at the Levy Court session in support of examining the idea.
Commissioner Eric Buckson said afterward he is sympathetic to problems faced by the HOAs, although he normally does not favor increasing government intervention in non-governmental issues.
"I don't think Levy Court wants to be involved, but I think we have to be involved," he said. "As a county, though we don't require HOAs, we enable them and rely on them. If they don't function properly, eventually it will fall back into our laps. That's my greatest fear.
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Fiscal distress continues in Privatopia five years after the economic downturn as local governments fear the consequences.
The idea is similar to a system used in New Castle County, but legislation from the state General Assembly would be required to enable the county to start collecting the fees. The HARP committee already has set Nov. 12 as a date to sit down with local legislators, to include Sen. Brian Bushweller, (D-Dover) and Rep. Trey Paradee, (D-Dover) to discuss such legislation.
Both men were at the Levy Court session in support of examining the idea.
Commissioner Eric Buckson said afterward he is sympathetic to problems faced by the HOAs, although he normally does not favor increasing government intervention in non-governmental issues.
"I don't think Levy Court wants to be involved, but I think we have to be involved," he said. "As a county, though we don't require HOAs, we enable them and rely on them. If they don't function properly, eventually it will fall back into our laps. That's my greatest fear.
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Fiscal distress continues in Privatopia five years after the economic downturn as local governments fear the consequences.
Wednesday, November 06, 2013
Don’t forget your CC&Rs Mountain Democrat
Don’t forget your CC&Rs Mountain Democrat: “Honestly, 80 percent of the time, people just don’t know they need to go through this approval process. They didn’t receive the CC&Rs or it’s part of a big stack of papers they never read,” said Priest. “We’re trying to work with the Realtors and title companies to make sure new homeowners are given those copies.”Some including the perfessor who blogs here believe Privatopia's governance issues can be addressed with better state regulation. But more regulation cannot address a fundamental lack of stakeholder buy-in to these private local governments as this story illustrates. If homebuyers were truly engaged with and accepting of HOA governance, this classic CC&R disconnect that happens all over Privatopia wouldn't be so commonplace.
Friday, November 01, 2013
Blind man fights with HOA over neighborhood fence | KXAN.com
Blind man fights with HOA over neighborhood fence | KXAN.com: AUSTIN (KXAN) - A legally blind man is planning to sue his homeowners association after they blocked access to a bus stop.
Chris Prentice is legally blind. He moved into the Berdoll Farms neighborhood because of the easy access to the bus stop. Then the HOA installed a fence last week, meaning Prentice's walk is now about a mile long.
"We wanted something close enough to the bus that I could get to and from work independently, " Prentice said.
A year ago, the City of Austin sent a warning letter to the HOA saying the fence needed to be removed because it blocked access for disabled residents. The city also suggested a possible compromise and suggested adding a gate. So far, that hasn't happened.
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Yet another paradoxical account from gated Privatopia where the gates ostensibly are there to keep the bad guys out but can also lock the inmates inside.
Chris Prentice is legally blind. He moved into the Berdoll Farms neighborhood because of the easy access to the bus stop. Then the HOA installed a fence last week, meaning Prentice's walk is now about a mile long.
"We wanted something close enough to the bus that I could get to and from work independently, " Prentice said.
A year ago, the City of Austin sent a warning letter to the HOA saying the fence needed to be removed because it blocked access for disabled residents. The city also suggested a possible compromise and suggested adding a gate. So far, that hasn't happened.
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Yet another paradoxical account from gated Privatopia where the gates ostensibly are there to keep the bad guys out but can also lock the inmates inside.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Las Vegas HOA to pay $65K to family after barring them from parking ambulance in driveway | Star Tribune
Las Vegas HOA to pay $65K to family after barring them from parking ambulance in driveway | Star Tribune: LAS VEGAS — Federal officials say a Las Vegas homeowners association will pay $65,000 to a family after refusing to allow them to park an ambulance in the driveway.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the settlement in the disability discrimination complaint Wednesday.
Officials say the family bought the ambulance because their disabled son needed to be taken to medical appointments while lying down. But authorities say the Harbor Cove Homeowners Association banned the family from parking the vehicle in the driveway, saying community rules prohibited commercial vehicles.
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You vill only ride in a passenger vehicle sitting upright.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the settlement in the disability discrimination complaint Wednesday.
Officials say the family bought the ambulance because their disabled son needed to be taken to medical appointments while lying down. But authorities say the Harbor Cove Homeowners Association banned the family from parking the vehicle in the driveway, saying community rules prohibited commercial vehicles.
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You vill only ride in a passenger vehicle sitting upright.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Double-murder suspect Mahmoud Hindi commits suicide in jail | The Courier-Journal | courier-journal.com
Double-murder suspect Mahmoud Hindi commits suicide in jail | The Courier-Journal | courier-journal.com
"The man awaiting trial on charges that he murdered two other men during a homeowners association meeting in September 2012 committed suicide in his Louisville Metro Corrections cell Saturday afternoon, officials said. Mahmoud Yousef Hindi was found hanging by a bedsheet around 3:55 p.m. — about 10 minutes after staff observed him praying in his cell, according to Corrections Director Mark Bolton."
"The man awaiting trial on charges that he murdered two other men during a homeowners association meeting in September 2012 committed suicide in his Louisville Metro Corrections cell Saturday afternoon, officials said. Mahmoud Yousef Hindi was found hanging by a bedsheet around 3:55 p.m. — about 10 minutes after staff observed him praying in his cell, according to Corrections Director Mark Bolton."
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Neighbors worry about being left in the dark after FPL plans to shut of street lights
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, September 08, 2013
Left with nothing | The Washington Post
Left with nothing | The Washington Post
The retired Marine sergeant lost his house on that summer day two years ago through a tax lien sale — an obscure program run by D.C. government that enlists private investors to help the city recover unpaid taxes. For decades, the District placed liens on properties when homeowners failed to pay their bills, then sold those liens at public auctions to mom-and-pop investors who drew a profit by charging owners interest on top of the tax debt until the money was repaid. But under the watch of local leaders, the program has morphed into a predatory system of debt collection for well-financed, out-of-town companies that turned $500 delinquencies into $5,000 debts — then foreclosed on homes when families couldn’t pay, a Washington Post investigation found.
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Thanks to Mystery Reader for the link to this infuriating story. These "tax farmers" are all over the country, but it appears that at least in DC it has "morphed" into something much more dangerous. To own a home today is to be exposed to a terrifying range of predatory business practices. And look at what's coming up in parts 2 and 3 of this story:
"Part 2 — As federal agents investigated a sweeping bid-rigging scheme at Maryland’s tax auctions, some of those same suspects were in the District, engaging in dozens of rounds of unusual bidding. Coming Monday. Part 3 — District tax officials have made hundreds of mistakes in recent years by declaring property owners delinquent even after they paid their taxes, forcing them to fight for their homes. Coming Tuesday."
The retired Marine sergeant lost his house on that summer day two years ago through a tax lien sale — an obscure program run by D.C. government that enlists private investors to help the city recover unpaid taxes. For decades, the District placed liens on properties when homeowners failed to pay their bills, then sold those liens at public auctions to mom-and-pop investors who drew a profit by charging owners interest on top of the tax debt until the money was repaid. But under the watch of local leaders, the program has morphed into a predatory system of debt collection for well-financed, out-of-town companies that turned $500 delinquencies into $5,000 debts — then foreclosed on homes when families couldn’t pay, a Washington Post investigation found.
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Thanks to Mystery Reader for the link to this infuriating story. These "tax farmers" are all over the country, but it appears that at least in DC it has "morphed" into something much more dangerous. To own a home today is to be exposed to a terrifying range of predatory business practices. And look at what's coming up in parts 2 and 3 of this story:
"Part 2 — As federal agents investigated a sweeping bid-rigging scheme at Maryland’s tax auctions, some of those same suspects were in the District, engaging in dozens of rounds of unusual bidding. Coming Monday. Part 3 — District tax officials have made hundreds of mistakes in recent years by declaring property owners delinquent even after they paid their taxes, forcing them to fight for their homes. Coming Tuesday."
AG’s Office: Verdict kills new HOA laws
AG’s Office: Verdict kills new HOA laws: PHOENIX — Concluding state legislators likely violated the Arizona Constitution, the Attorney General’s Office has agreed not to enforce some new laws governing homeowner associations.
In an agreement filed Friday, the state agreed to accept a court order that eight separate provisions of SB1454 were enacted illegally and are void. These include language that was designed to prohibit cities and counties from requiring developers to established planned communities as a condition of getting the necessary zoning or permits.
It also knocks out another section that would have limited the ability of associations from demanding that homeowners furnish them with certain information about those to whom they rent their units. Also gone are various changes in things like casting absentee ballots in HOA issues
In an agreement filed Friday, the state agreed to accept a court order that eight separate provisions of SB1454 were enacted illegally and are void. These include language that was designed to prohibit cities and counties from requiring developers to established planned communities as a condition of getting the necessary zoning or permits.
It also knocks out another section that would have limited the ability of associations from demanding that homeowners furnish them with certain information about those to whom they rent their units. Also gone are various changes in things like casting absentee ballots in HOA issues
Saturday, September 07, 2013
Homeowner wins tree battle against Southern Highlands HOA - www.ktnv.com
Homeowner wins tree battle against Southern Highlands HOA - www.ktnv.com:
"In the Spring, the Southern Highlands HOA began sending Louis letters saying he was in violation for not having trees in his front yard. "My house has more greenery than any house you wanna go around and look at, and they're saying I still need a tree, which I do not agree with that." They told him he had to put two trees in, despite the fact that he bought the home brand new from builder Pulte Homes, who installed the landscape in 2002. "If they had came to us a year after we came, I would have probably had to give in, but 11 years?" Louis says incredulously. "I don't see why I have to give in." Another issue wrapped up in all this is that by requiring homeowners to put in more trees, the HOA is requiring homeowners to use more water. And many say that's just plain irresponsible, considering the drought situation we're in here in Southern Nevada."
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Ordering people to plant more trees in a Southern Nevada yard? This makes sense to somebody? How, please?
"In the Spring, the Southern Highlands HOA began sending Louis letters saying he was in violation for not having trees in his front yard. "My house has more greenery than any house you wanna go around and look at, and they're saying I still need a tree, which I do not agree with that." They told him he had to put two trees in, despite the fact that he bought the home brand new from builder Pulte Homes, who installed the landscape in 2002. "If they had came to us a year after we came, I would have probably had to give in, but 11 years?" Louis says incredulously. "I don't see why I have to give in." Another issue wrapped up in all this is that by requiring homeowners to put in more trees, the HOA is requiring homeowners to use more water. And many say that's just plain irresponsible, considering the drought situation we're in here in Southern Nevada."
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Ordering people to plant more trees in a Southern Nevada yard? This makes sense to somebody? How, please?
Man stabbed in dispute with HOA president | UTSanDiego.com
Man stabbed in dispute with HOA president | UTSanDiego.com:
SAN DIEGO — A man was stabbed Friday during a dispute between the president of an Otay Mesa homeowners association and a worker, San Diego police said. The 59-year-old HOA officer got into an argument with the 39-year-old man about work that was done for the association, police Officer David Stafford said.
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I haven't tried to add up all the incidents of HOA and condo violence, but these incidents underscore how intense HOA/condo neighborhood disputes can be, beyond the sense of injustice that arises in many conflicts. One reason is the inability to separate people. Two people can get into a dispute at a baseball game or a bar, and after they are separated they may never see each other again. But when people live in the same neighborhood they run into each other again and again. And in a condo association or HOA, there is another level of connection because everybody is linked in an economic and governance arrangement. So there is no way to separate the combatants unless one of them moves. A second reason is that HOA and condo disputes often involve people's feelings about their home, which are intensely personal. The home is where we can be ourselves and where we go when we want to feel safe. If people feel that they are being plagued by neighbors, even when they are home, they often experience a deep sense of insecurity, intrusion, and even violation.
SAN DIEGO — A man was stabbed Friday during a dispute between the president of an Otay Mesa homeowners association and a worker, San Diego police said. The 59-year-old HOA officer got into an argument with the 39-year-old man about work that was done for the association, police Officer David Stafford said.
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I haven't tried to add up all the incidents of HOA and condo violence, but these incidents underscore how intense HOA/condo neighborhood disputes can be, beyond the sense of injustice that arises in many conflicts. One reason is the inability to separate people. Two people can get into a dispute at a baseball game or a bar, and after they are separated they may never see each other again. But when people live in the same neighborhood they run into each other again and again. And in a condo association or HOA, there is another level of connection because everybody is linked in an economic and governance arrangement. So there is no way to separate the combatants unless one of them moves. A second reason is that HOA and condo disputes often involve people's feelings about their home, which are intensely personal. The home is where we can be ourselves and where we go when we want to feel safe. If people feel that they are being plagued by neighbors, even when they are home, they often experience a deep sense of insecurity, intrusion, and even violation.
Friday, September 06, 2013
Court: Deed restrictions can't ban 'for sale' signs on homes
Court: Deed restrictions can't ban 'for sale' signs on homes
Thanks to Fred Fischer for the link to this story. So the HOA was so determined to prohibit "for sale" signs that it launched a doomed-from-day-one challenge to the constitutionality of the 2009 state law that protects a homeowner's right to post the signs. The statute is presumed to be constitutional, and the burden is on the HOA to show that the statute has no "significant or legitimate purpose." What chance did the HOA of invalidating this statute? How would you like to be one of the owners who has to pay the HOA's lawyers who lost in the trial court and then took the case up on appeal and lost again?
"PHOENIX — The right of state lawmakers to allow homeowners to post “for sale’’ signs trumps any deed restrictions that ban them, the Arizona Court of Appeals has ruled. In a unanimous ruling Tuesday, the judges rebuffed arguments by a planned community that its pre-existing ban on such signs remains valid despite a 2009 law to the contrary. Potentially more significant, the appellate judges rejected the contention that the 2009 law unconstitutionally interfered with the contracts previously signed by all property owners agreeing to the restriction...As to the constitutional claim by the association, Swann said it is up to the group challenging the law to show that it “substantially impairs’’ the contractual arrangement. Even then, the judge said, a challenger must also show there is no “significant or legitimate public purpose” behind the law, or that the impairment is an “unreasonable means’’ of achieving that purpose."
Thanks to Fred Fischer for the link to this story. So the HOA was so determined to prohibit "for sale" signs that it launched a doomed-from-day-one challenge to the constitutionality of the 2009 state law that protects a homeowner's right to post the signs. The statute is presumed to be constitutional, and the burden is on the HOA to show that the statute has no "significant or legitimate purpose." What chance did the HOA of invalidating this statute? How would you like to be one of the owners who has to pay the HOA's lawyers who lost in the trial court and then took the case up on appeal and lost again?
"PHOENIX — The right of state lawmakers to allow homeowners to post “for sale’’ signs trumps any deed restrictions that ban them, the Arizona Court of Appeals has ruled. In a unanimous ruling Tuesday, the judges rebuffed arguments by a planned community that its pre-existing ban on such signs remains valid despite a 2009 law to the contrary. Potentially more significant, the appellate judges rejected the contention that the 2009 law unconstitutionally interfered with the contracts previously signed by all property owners agreeing to the restriction...As to the constitutional claim by the association, Swann said it is up to the group challenging the law to show that it “substantially impairs’’ the contractual arrangement. Even then, the judge said, a challenger must also show there is no “significant or legitimate public purpose” behind the law, or that the impairment is an “unreasonable means’’ of achieving that purpose."
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Duck Dynasty vs the HOA
Shu Bartholomew sent me these links to YouTube clips from a TV show (I think) that involves some hillbillies who suddenly discover that they living in an HOA. Where's Buddy Ebsen?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0vSJIup-UY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMTTpi5KmKk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0vSJIup-UY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMTTpi5KmKk
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Details revealed surrounding Hideaway Lake community investigati - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports
Details revealed surrounding Hideaway Lake community investigati - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports
So what we have here is a Texas HOA that is under investigation by the Smith County Sheriff's Office. It appears that a tree trimming company has complained that one or more HOA employees was or were demanding kickbacks in exchange for getting a contract. In a followup to the original story, it is reported that the general manager has been fired.
"The affidavit states two board members met with investigators about concerns surrounding some Hideaway Lake employees. "I'm going to use the word alleged, that he had to pay off or give a kickback to a Hideaway employee in order to do business in Hideaway," said Jerry Toon, board member. The affidavit reveals a vendor complained that the maintenance supervisor was requiring a 50% kickback from the vendor to cut trees in Hideaway Lake. When the board started investigating, the affidavit says the general manager stopped all access to the invoices and records."
So what we have here is a Texas HOA that is under investigation by the Smith County Sheriff's Office. It appears that a tree trimming company has complained that one or more HOA employees was or were demanding kickbacks in exchange for getting a contract. In a followup to the original story, it is reported that the general manager has been fired.
"The affidavit states two board members met with investigators about concerns surrounding some Hideaway Lake employees. "I'm going to use the word alleged, that he had to pay off or give a kickback to a Hideaway employee in order to do business in Hideaway," said Jerry Toon, board member. The affidavit reveals a vendor complained that the maintenance supervisor was requiring a 50% kickback from the vendor to cut trees in Hideaway Lake. When the board started investigating, the affidavit says the general manager stopped all access to the invoices and records."
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Don't let emotions color redecorating projects - chicagotribune.com
Don't let emotions color redecorating projects - chicagotribune.com
"For some community associations, choosing a paint color is more difficult than passing a special assessment. "Board members often look at decorating as a personal decision rather than a business decision," said Cathy Ryan, president of Property Specialists Inc. in Rolling Meadows. "They typically want what they would put in their homes, not something that is pleasing to everyone." Then hurt feelings and angry words linger, sometimes for years, when someone's favorite color or style isn't selected, she said."
"For some community associations, choosing a paint color is more difficult than passing a special assessment. "Board members often look at decorating as a personal decision rather than a business decision," said Cathy Ryan, president of Property Specialists Inc. in Rolling Meadows. "They typically want what they would put in their homes, not something that is pleasing to everyone." Then hurt feelings and angry words linger, sometimes for years, when someone's favorite color or style isn't selected, she said."
Feds: Bank chairman used bailout money to buy luxury condo - NBC News.com
Feds: Bank chairman used bailout money to buy luxury condo - NBC News.com
"A bank chairman from Missouri pleaded guilty on Tuesday to lying about how he used bailout money given to banks during the 2008 economic crisis. Rather than using the federal funds to stabilize his small bank, court records say, the chairman spent about a third of the money on an oceanfront condo in Florida. Darryl Layne Woods, 48, of Columbia, Mo., could be sentenced up to a year in prison and may also have to pay a $100,000 fine. Lying to federal officials about how the money was spent is a misdemeanor crime. Court records do not say whether Woods will be charged with misusing the money, which came from the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP."
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Well, that's pretty disgusting.
"A bank chairman from Missouri pleaded guilty on Tuesday to lying about how he used bailout money given to banks during the 2008 economic crisis. Rather than using the federal funds to stabilize his small bank, court records say, the chairman spent about a third of the money on an oceanfront condo in Florida. Darryl Layne Woods, 48, of Columbia, Mo., could be sentenced up to a year in prison and may also have to pay a $100,000 fine. Lying to federal officials about how the money was spent is a misdemeanor crime. Court records do not say whether Woods will be charged with misusing the money, which came from the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP."
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Well, that's pretty disgusting.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Homeowner group backs off claim that couple with Cal-Vet loan don't own their home - Our Region - The Sacramento Bee
Homeowner group backs off claim that couple with Cal-Vet loan don't own their home - Our Region - The Sacramento Bee: A South Natomas couple in an ugly fight with their homeowners association won a partial victory last week, after a lawyer representing the association's board backpedaled on his assertion that they weren't homeowners because they had a home loan for military veterans.
While Allen Campbell, a 75-year-old disabled Marine, lay in a hospital bed on Tuesday night after fracturing his back in a fall, his wife, Cynthia Campbell, attended her first board meeting of the Sonora Springs Homeowners Association in months.
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These kinds of situations arise often in Privatopia where homeowners are viewed as irritants rather than constituents served by HOA boards. That in turn overly personalizes relations between board members and owners and sets the stage for court battles -- and substantial legal exposure for HOAs when the unit owners get government agencies to go to bat for them such as in this case.
While Allen Campbell, a 75-year-old disabled Marine, lay in a hospital bed on Tuesday night after fracturing his back in a fall, his wife, Cynthia Campbell, attended her first board meeting of the Sonora Springs Homeowners Association in months.
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These kinds of situations arise often in Privatopia where homeowners are viewed as irritants rather than constituents served by HOA boards. That in turn overly personalizes relations between board members and owners and sets the stage for court battles -- and substantial legal exposure for HOAs when the unit owners get government agencies to go to bat for them such as in this case.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Chicago loses court challenge to vacant building registry - chicagotribune.com
Chicago loses court challenge to vacant building registry - chicagotribune.com
"Vacant buildings in foreclosure with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not have to follow Chicago’s vacant building ordinance, a federal judge has ruled. The decision, filed Friday in Chicago by U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Durkin, deals a blow to the city, which is trying to grapple with thousands of empty buildings caught up in a lengthy foreclosure process and dragging down neighborhoods. It also has national implications. More than 1,000 municipalities around the country, by one count, have laws that require the registration and maintenance of vacant properties."
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The ordinance requires the building owner to pay a $500 fee, among other things, and the judge saw this as an effort by the city to tax the federal government, which has been unconstitutional since McCulloch v. Maryland in 1819. This is just a district court so it isn't a precedent for any other court, but it could encourage the feds to try the same argument elsewhere. That's unfortunate, because cities need some way to address this problem. We live in a society where it seems that financial institutions can do whatever they want with no consequences, and governments are restricted by courts and legislatures when they try to protect us from the "externalities" of business transactions.
"Vacant buildings in foreclosure with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not have to follow Chicago’s vacant building ordinance, a federal judge has ruled. The decision, filed Friday in Chicago by U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Durkin, deals a blow to the city, which is trying to grapple with thousands of empty buildings caught up in a lengthy foreclosure process and dragging down neighborhoods. It also has national implications. More than 1,000 municipalities around the country, by one count, have laws that require the registration and maintenance of vacant properties."
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The ordinance requires the building owner to pay a $500 fee, among other things, and the judge saw this as an effort by the city to tax the federal government, which has been unconstitutional since McCulloch v. Maryland in 1819. This is just a district court so it isn't a precedent for any other court, but it could encourage the feds to try the same argument elsewhere. That's unfortunate, because cities need some way to address this problem. We live in a society where it seems that financial institutions can do whatever they want with no consequences, and governments are restricted by courts and legislatures when they try to protect us from the "externalities" of business transactions.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
8 Ways Privatization Has Failed America | Common Dreams
8 Ways Privatization Has Failed America | Common Dreams
This is an article by Paul Buchheit that talks about health care, water, internet/tv/phone service, transportation, banking, prisons, education, and consumer protection regulation. You can also watch him on YouTube. He teaches in the School for New Learning at DePaul University in Chicago.
This is an article by Paul Buchheit that talks about health care, water, internet/tv/phone service, transportation, banking, prisons, education, and consumer protection regulation. You can also watch him on YouTube. He teaches in the School for New Learning at DePaul University in Chicago.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
In Paper War, Flood of Liens Is the Weapon - NYTimes.com
In Paper War, Flood of Liens Is the Weapon - NYTimes.com
It's the "sovereign citizen" movement. They are filing bogus liens against the property of government officials:
"...as Sheriff Stanek soon learned, the liens, legal claims on property to secure the payment of a debt, were just the earliest salvos in a war of paper, waged by a couple who had lost their home to foreclosure in 2009 — a tactic that, with the spread of an anti-government ideology known as the “sovereign citizen” movement, is being employed more frequently as a way to retaliate against perceived injustices. Over the next three years, the couple, Thomas and Lisa Eilertson, filed more than $250 billion in liens, demands for compensatory damages and other claims against more than a dozen people, including the sheriff, county attorneys, the Hennepin County registrar of titles and other court officials."
It's the "sovereign citizen" movement. They are filing bogus liens against the property of government officials:
"...as Sheriff Stanek soon learned, the liens, legal claims on property to secure the payment of a debt, were just the earliest salvos in a war of paper, waged by a couple who had lost their home to foreclosure in 2009 — a tactic that, with the spread of an anti-government ideology known as the “sovereign citizen” movement, is being employed more frequently as a way to retaliate against perceived injustices. Over the next three years, the couple, Thomas and Lisa Eilertson, filed more than $250 billion in liens, demands for compensatory damages and other claims against more than a dozen people, including the sheriff, county attorneys, the Hennepin County registrar of titles and other court officials."
KXAN - HOA used satellites to spot violations | KXAN.com
KXAN - HOA used satellites to spot violations | KXAN.com
But three years after buying the property, the Henry's received a letter from their homeowner's association. "It said that they were doing an audit and they noticed I had a metal shed in my back yard and it wasn't approved by my homeowners association," Henry said. Gavin, who is a disabled veteran, told the HOA the shed was there before he bought the property and none of his neighbors had ever complained about it. He was then told it was now his responsibility to remove it, change it up to code, or else. "They said they would put a lien on my house and this is problem now," Henry said. But that wasn't his only problem. Since the shed isn't visible from the front yard and no one knocked on the Henry's door, Gavin contacted the HOA to ask how they performed the audit. "I was told they went on Google Earth and they were looking into the backyard of the residents to find any disputes," Gavin said. "I felt like that's an invasion of our privacy for one."
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Charming. Maybe they should contact the NSA next time. Thanks to Shu Bartholomew for the link.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Mayor: 'Everybody's wound up' over plans for white supremacist takeover of N.D. town
Mayor: 'Everybody's wound up' over plans for white supremacist takeover of N.D. town
"Craig Paul Cobb, 61, who has been called one of the most extreme white supremacists and neo-Nazis in the country, has purchased 13 lots in the mostly abandoned town of Leith with plans to fill the town with other racists and haters and eventually take over the community. Cobb himself lives in a small house in Leith and residents knew he was buying up other lots last year. It wasn't until the past few days that they learned of his scheme to turn Leith into a white nationalists' community, where people could fly Nazi flags and other racial banners, take over the city through elections and write their own laws."
"Craig Paul Cobb, 61, who has been called one of the most extreme white supremacists and neo-Nazis in the country, has purchased 13 lots in the mostly abandoned town of Leith with plans to fill the town with other racists and haters and eventually take over the community. Cobb himself lives in a small house in Leith and residents knew he was buying up other lots last year. It wasn't until the past few days that they learned of his scheme to turn Leith into a white nationalists' community, where people could fly Nazi flags and other racial banners, take over the city through elections and write their own laws."
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This is one intentional community we can do without.
KXAN - Chalk drawing draws citation from HOA| KXAN.com
KXAN - Chalk drawing draws citation from HOA| KXAN.com: BUDA, Texas (KXAN) - In many neighborhoods, playful, colorful sidewalk chalk art is a summertime staple. But in one Hays County neighborhood, parents are finding out their kids' art isn't a game.
A homeowner in the Elm Grove Neighborhood was hit with a citation telling her to remove her children's "chalk drawings" or risk paying a pretty hefty price.
The notice from the homeowner's association prompted her friends and neighbors to contact KXAN for answers.
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Kids with chalk threaten property values. See the special investigative report at 10 on KXAN-TV.
A homeowner in the Elm Grove Neighborhood was hit with a citation telling her to remove her children's "chalk drawings" or risk paying a pretty hefty price.
The notice from the homeowner's association prompted her friends and neighbors to contact KXAN for answers.
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Kids with chalk threaten property values. See the special investigative report at 10 on KXAN-TV.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Condo residents go to court over Divvy bike sharing station - chicagotribune.com
Condo residents go to court over Divvy bike sharing station - chicagotribune.com
David Kolin and his wife, Jeannine Cordero, learned Tuesday that the area in front of their North Side condo building soon would be home to a Divvy bike-sharing station, one of hundreds the Chicago Department of Transportation is installing across the city. The station, which can hold up to 15 of the baby-blue rental bikes, opened Wednesday near Addison Street and Pine Grove Avenue. But the three-unit building's condo association, of which Kolin is president, on Wednesday asked a Cook County judge to stop the station from becoming a fixture in front of their home. "We don't think it's appropriate in a residential area to have this thing set up," said Kolin, an attorney. "It's not a very attractive thing to have. It's led to crowds already."
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Wow. Who would have guessed that the association that filed this churlish, obnoxious, NIMBY lawsuit was led by an attorney? Who could have seen that coming? Thanks to Mystery Reader for the link.
David Kolin and his wife, Jeannine Cordero, learned Tuesday that the area in front of their North Side condo building soon would be home to a Divvy bike-sharing station, one of hundreds the Chicago Department of Transportation is installing across the city. The station, which can hold up to 15 of the baby-blue rental bikes, opened Wednesday near Addison Street and Pine Grove Avenue. But the three-unit building's condo association, of which Kolin is president, on Wednesday asked a Cook County judge to stop the station from becoming a fixture in front of their home. "We don't think it's appropriate in a residential area to have this thing set up," said Kolin, an attorney. "It's not a very attractive thing to have. It's led to crowds already."
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Wow. Who would have guessed that the association that filed this churlish, obnoxious, NIMBY lawsuit was led by an attorney? Who could have seen that coming? Thanks to Mystery Reader for the link.
Upscale condo owners use one door, renters use the POOR DOOR
West Side Rag » NEW UWS DEVELOPMENT COULD HAVE SEPARATE ENTRANCE FOR POORER PEOPLE
"A 33-story building slated to be built on Riverside Boulevard between 61st and 62nd street will have an entirely separate entrance for people of lower socioeconomic means: a door for the poor, or as we call it, a “Poor Door.” The affordable homes will be oriented towards the back of the building, while market-rate units will have a view of the Hudson."
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The developer had to include some affordable units in order to get credits that allow more floor area, and this is worth maybe "tens of millions of dollars." Sounds very inclusionary until you realize that the developer intends to completely segregate the renters from the condo owners.
"A 33-story building slated to be built on Riverside Boulevard between 61st and 62nd street will have an entirely separate entrance for people of lower socioeconomic means: a door for the poor, or as we call it, a “Poor Door.” The affordable homes will be oriented towards the back of the building, while market-rate units will have a view of the Hudson."
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The developer had to include some affordable units in order to get credits that allow more floor area, and this is worth maybe "tens of millions of dollars." Sounds very inclusionary until you realize that the developer intends to completely segregate the renters from the condo owners.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
3 dead, 5 wounded in shooting in southern Germany | Wichita Eagle
3 dead, 5 wounded in shooting in southern Germany | Wichita Eagle: BERLIN — A gunman opened fire on a meeting in a village in south Germany on Tuesday, killing two people and wounding five before taking his own life, police said.
A police statement said the assailant had been attending an evening meeting of a property owners' association in a restaurant in Dossenheim, a village near Heidelberg, about 273 miles (440 kilometers) southwest of Berlin.
Heated words were exchanged and the man stormed out but returned later with a weapon and opened fire on the meeting before turning the weapon on himself, the statement said.
A police statement said the assailant had been attending an evening meeting of a property owners' association in a restaurant in Dossenheim, a village near Heidelberg, about 273 miles (440 kilometers) southwest of Berlin.
Heated words were exchanged and the man stormed out but returned later with a weapon and opened fire on the meeting before turning the weapon on himself, the statement said.
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