In a surprise decision Friday night, a federal district court ruled that the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) is unconstitutional, effectively placing the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting on hold. By way of background, the CTA was enacted on January 1, 2021 as part of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act as an attempt to prevent […]
DI resident concerned over ‘illegal’ traffic island (AL)
Eight years ago, however, Reeves said the HOA illegally placed trees and a boulder in the middle of his turnabout, otherwise known as a traffic island. He claims the HOA shortened the width of the roads and has also placed rebar into the ground which can tear into tires of vehicles trying to make the […]
Craft Farms Property Owners Association manager charged with theft of property first degree (AL)
Fifty-four-year-old female arrested for embezzling thousands of dollars. According to Gulf Shores Police, on March 24, 2023, the department received a report of embezzlement and misuse of funds involving the Craft Farms Property Owners Association. Read the article………………………………
‘It stinks’: Moody homeowners upset after neighborhood pond packed with dead fish (AL)
A pond in the Avalon neighborhood in Moody is dried out and filled with hundreds of dead fish. It’s causing problems for dozens of homeowners who say it smells, even in their homes, and they’re fed up. Read the article…………………………….
Fred the tortoise to celebrate Ross Bridge eviction reprieve Sunday with community party
There will be smiles of joy instead of tearful goodbyes when the owner of the Fred the tortoise, who was threatened with eviction from Ross Bridge, holds a party for the reptile and concerned community members on Sunday. Read the article………………………..
Smiths Station woman accused of using $11,000 in Home Owners Association funds for personal use (AL)
A Smiths Station woman is facing theft charges after authorities say she may have used thousands of dollars in Home Owners Association (HOA) funds for her own use. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a theft report from the Shadow Wood subdivision HOA in Smiths Station on July 31. Read the article………………………..
People displaced from homes after heavy rain causes flooding in Pell City (AL)
The city manager says the city is working to figure out how the damage occurred but believe the responsibility to fix the easement will fall on the homeowners association. Read the article………………………..
Fred the tortoise won’t be evicted from Ross Bridge, property manager says )AL)
Fred the tortoise will not be required to pack his shell and move out of Ross Bridge, the property manager for the Hoover development told AL.com Monday night. Read the article………………………..
Ross Bridge family fights to save beloved pet from eviction (AL)
A young man in Ross Bridge is fighting to save his beloved pet after he says the homeowner’s association told him it was not allowed. “Fred” lives in an enclosed backyard in the neighborhood. He weighs about 130 pounds and is kind of a cross between a pet and a landscaper. Read the article………………………..
Mobile Police investigating woman found dead in fire at condo (AL)
Neighbors reported that a resident might still be trapped inside. All other condo units were successfully evacuated prior to fire department arrival on scene. Read the article………………………..
Hoover council OKs $3 million road and dam repair, annexation of Riverchase Country Club (AL)
While the dam and property beneath the road are on private property, the Riverchase Country Club cannot afford to pay to fix the problem, City Administrator Allan Rice said. Thus, the section of the road that goes across the dam has remained closed for more than a year. Read the article………………………..
Subdivision homeowners still waiting on street damage to be fixed five years later (AL)
Springville Public Works Department Director Earl Peeples said since the developer of the subdivision went bankrupt, these roads were never technically turned over to the city. Instead, they’re owned by the homeowners association which never formally organized. Read the article………………………..
ADPH investigating Legionella outbreak in Baldwin County condo complex; no serious illness reported (AL)
The Alabama Department of Public Health is investigating cases of Legionella disease linked to a condominium complex in Baldwin County. State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said the ADPH is not aware of any serious illnesses from the outbreak. Legionella is not spread person-to-person. People are infected by breathing a mist or vapor containing the […]
IRS audits Lake Forest POA (AL)
It’s been a tumultuous time in Lake Forest with a faction of homeowners publicly questioning the property owners’ association board and alleging improper financial dealings. Read the article………………………..
Lake Forest residents petition city to add speed bumps due to safety concerns (AL)
Traffic safety concerns are growing in the Lake Forest subdivision as residents are asking the Property Owner’s Association to get the city to crack down on speeding in their neighborhood. Read the article………………………..
Moody Council addresses Springview maintenance responsibilities (AL)
Members of the Springview Homeowners Association spoke during a meeting of the Moody City Council on Monday, Sept. 12, where they addressed questions about maintenance responsibilities of streets and sidewalks. Read the article………………………..
‘I think this is a little excessive’: HOA asks Huntsville family to remove American flag display (AL)
“Just to ride home, see a flag out front that represents what you stood for both as a public servant and in the military as well,” said Anthony. They’re now being asked to take down the patriotic symbol. According to the Lake Forest HOA, they have a section written in their “Covenants and Restrictions” that […]
Shelby County woman sentenced for stealing from HOAs, employer (AL)
A Shelby County woman was sentenced for embezzling from her employer and the homeowners’ associations they managed, according to U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp Jr. United States District Judge Karon O. Bowdre sentenced Aimee Louise Statham, 47, of Chelsea, to 40 months in prison for wire fraud. […]
Community group sends thousands of complaints to IRS, Alabama AG about Lake Forest HOA
You may remember a few months back, NBC 15 reported live from a community gathering in the Lake Forest subdivision in Baldwin County. the largest subdivision in the state of Alabama. A group of residents called “Lake Forest Strong” brought forth their complaints about the property owners association board of directors, and what the group […]
Daphne residents unhappy with homeowners association (AL)
There are some very big issues festering in Alabama’s biggest subdivision. Around 3,500 families make up Lake Forest in Daphne. They all pay homeowner’s dues that add up to nearly $3 million a year. Read the entire article……………………………….
Volunteers work to revitalize Isle Dauphine Golf Club (AL)
It’s hard to beat the views Domenic Carlucci takes in everyday as he tends to Isle Dauphine Golf Club on Dauphin Island. He’s part of a group of retired volunteers with the Dauphin Island Property Owners Association that have been maintaining the sandy links since last May. The DIPOA owns the course. Read the entire […]
Natural drainage area creates flooding concerns for Shelby County neighborhoods (AL)
An elderly Shelby County is concerned about drainage and water issues. It’s something they never suspected when they bought their home a few years ago. Now they question why the city of Alabaster won’t do more to offer relief for their property and the neighborhood. Read the entire article……………………………….
Daphne homeowners win in court, DR Horton to pay damages (AL)
After two years of digging and a recent court battle, a local property association is claiming victory over lenders, investors, and home builder DR Horton. Read the entire article……………………………….
Shelby County woman accused of stealing from HOAs, employer (AL)
Federal prosecutors charged a Shelby County woman for wire fraud for embezzling from her employer and the homeowners’ associations they managed, according to U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp Jr. Read the entire article……………………………….
Neighborhood residents concerned with dangerous exit (AL)
A neighborhood in Huntsville is sounding the alarm in the name of safety. Woodmill Trace is located on Christopher Drive, just down the road from the intersection of U.S. Highway 72. The intersection of Christopher Dr. and Highway 72 is the only exit out of the neighborhood. Read the entire article……………………………….
Huntsville Police officers will soon access more security cameras around the city (AL)
HPD Investigator Mike Eichhorn says they’re mostly on Homeowners Association buildings and private businesses. He says every Flock camera in Huntsville will be privately owned, HPD will not be buying any additional cameras. Read the entire article……………………………….
Jefferson County HOA sues management company and bank (AL)
A Jefferson County Homeowners Association is suing its management company, and the bank that held its money. A lawsuit filed by the Black Creek Station Subdivision alleges that Rouland Management Services (RMS), it’s owner, and an employee, mismanaged and even stole HOA dollars that were entrusted to it. Read the entire article……………………………….
WVTM 13 Investigates: Rouland Management accused of mismanaging HOA money (AL)
Four neighborhoods in Shelby and Jefferson Counties have filed suit against Rouland Management, a local subdivision management company, after residents say the company misplaced at least $200,000 of their funds. Watch the news report……………………………
Fairhope veteran training new service dog amid legal battle with HOA (AL)
The legal battle between a Baldwin County veteran and his homeowner’s association continues as he claims the Fairhope Motorcoach Resort seeks to prevent him from having a service dog in the neighborhood. Read the entire article……………………………….
License plate reader use expanding in local neighborhoods leading to privacy concerns (AL)
Police say new camera systems give them the edge alerting them of things like stolen vehicles entering their city, vehicles wanted in Amber Alerts, or even to search for a particular car description. But there are some privacy concerns. Read the entire article……………………………….
Heavy rain to blame for sinkholes in Baldwin County neighborhood (AL)
A large hole creating a problem for residents in the Donovan Landing subdivision in Seminole this week. Flash flooding in Baldwin County Wednesday proving how powerful rushing water can be in areas already inundated with rain. “It was 7 inches over a few hours time,” said Ronald Griffin, vice president of the Donovan Landing homeowner’s […]
Know your rights when dealing with homeowners associations (AL)
Highland Lakes residents tell us their once pristine lake is now brown with little life. “We used to have ducks and geese. Now they don’t come around at all. The fish are all dead,” explains Rex Dotts. Read the entire article……………………………….
Crews dig out Gulf Shores condo pool buried by Ida (AL)
The Edgewater Condos in Gulf Shores could add a toy sandbox to the resort amenities after their outdoor poll was buried under sand from Hurricane Ida. Read the entire article……………………………….
Homeowners complain HOA won’t cut weeds that cause bug and snake problems (AL)
When you live in Alabama snakes and bugs are just a fact of life. But in one Chelsea community, property owners say the situation is so bad it’s become a health hazard. They contacted the I-Team’s Cynthia Gould after they say they couldn’t get help from their homeowners association. Read the entire article……………………………….
Mobile HOA board responds to protest over hefty due increase (AL)
“I don’t blame them. They should be mad,” said attorney Patrick Collins, who represents the Briargrove Homeowner’s Association Board. Collins says the board has been actively fighting in court with the developer since 2017 to turn over ownership of a detention pond, he argues, wasn’t maintained properly. Read the entire article……………………………….
Briargrove Neighborhood residents protest large increase in HOA fees (AL)
Residents of Briargrove Neighborhood said they’ve received very little information about why their homeowners’ association dues are now roughly five times what they were asked to pay last year and they voiced their concerns during a protest Saturday. Read the entire article……………………………….
Cracks, separated staircases, moving walls: Similarities with Surfside disaster in Orange Beach condo lawsuit (AL)
The issues of cracked walls and foundation at Palm Beach Resort – similar to the Champlain Towers South — are laid out in a Baldwin County civil lawsuit, filed last August. The lawsuit has taken on a newfound sense of attention as beachfront cities ponder additional condo inspection protocols in the aftermath of a disaster […]
Alabama beach visitors’ condo reservations canceled days, hours before check-in
Sanspree said it’s a reoccurring problem as insurance contractors continue to inspect condos impacted by Hurricane Sally in September of 2020. He says most condos meet their reopen date, but some don’t. Read the entire article……………………………….
Judge orders Bay Minette homeowner to remove flagpole after violating HOA covenants (AL)
A flagpole is no longer standing in Brandon Scott’s front yard in Bay Minette. The centerpiece of his lawn is now vacant. The Canterbury Homeowner’s Association took him to court over covenant violations they say he broke when the flagpole and a statue were placed on his property. Read the entire article……………………………….
A volunteer board with no government oversight: What could go wrong?
A few years ago, as our son and his wife were considering how and where to build their home, he laid down this condition: “We’re not building a house anywhere that has a homeowners association.” When he made that assertion around our kitchen table, I was a little surprised. Today, in light of the Surfside […]
Trussville homeowners complain construction runoff flooding and damaging their property (AL)
Despite high prices, there is a building boom in new construction. But some neighbors say it’s coming at a high price for them with erosion, storm water runoff and flooding. Read the entire article………………………………. Update
HOA and Fairhope Veteran to go to court over service dog (AL)
A local veteran is suing his homeowner’s association after the HOA claimed he is not following the neighborhood rules when it comes to pets. The veteran who lives in Fairhope has a service dog. The issue is now going to court. Read the entire article……………………………….
Business licenses now necessary for short-term rentals (AL)
Owners of short-term rentals, like those posted on sites like Airbnb, will now have to get a business license to continue operating in Auburn. Read the entire article……………………………….
Residents show interest in license-plate recognition (AL)
Auburn neighborhoods were well-represented at a recent virtual meet-and-greet with the city’s neighborhood specialist and an officer from the Auburn Police Division. Neighborhood residents were able to introduce themselves to Neighborhood Specialist Allison Blankenship, who wanted to foster better relationships with HOA representatives and neighborhoods in general, while seeking feedback on the best ways to […]
Hoover neighborhood association pens letter of thanks to community after storms (AL)
The Greystone Farms Homeowners Association wrote a letter on behalf of residents, after homes in the Hoover neighborhood were torn apart in Thursday’s severe storms. Below, the HOA Board acknowledges the various entities that came to their aid in the wake of the devastation. Read the article………………………………..
PD launches program to access community surveillance video (AL)
With your permission, the Spanish Fort Police Department could have remote access to your surveillance footage to help fight crime more quickly. Read the article……………………………………
‘I just want my mail’ – Dothan homeowners caught in Postal Service, developer dispute (AL)
Anew local subdivision area has a pool, a homeowner’s association, and convenient access to medical facilities, shops, and restaurants — but it does not have mail service. New homeowners in the Dothan Charleston Mills subdivision are caught in the middle of the dispute between the U.S. Postal Service and Stone Martin Builders, the developers behind […]
Residents in Mobile neighborhood fighting $6K HOA increase (AL)
Residents in a Mobile neighborhood aren’t happy about an increase in their HOA dues. Those dues are now rising and they want answers. “It’s a terrible shock and we’re not going to pay it,” said Ben Preston. Preston says he went from paying $300 a year to his homeowner’s association in 2019 to owing $6300 […]
Two months after Sally landfall, debris piles weigh on homeowners (AL)
It’s been exactly two months since Hurricane Sally made landfall in Baldwin County. Some homeowners say they’re frustrated by what they say is a lack of progress on cleaning up. The Audubon subdivision near Highway 59 has good looking homes with good piles of trash out front. Read the article………………………………
15 people displaced after Woodside Condominium fire (AL)
Birmingham Fire crews are working to extinguish a fire at Woodside Condominiums Sunday afternoon. Due to the fire, 15 people have been displaced, according to authorities on the scene. However, there was no report of any injuries. Read the article…………………………….