Things are downright catty these days at Seven Bridges, an upscale, gated west of Boca Raton development of 701 single-family homes. From last November through May, there have been a number of incidents, Read the article…………………………
No repair date set for neighborhood damaged by June tornado (LA)
On the morning of June 24, an EF-1 tornado hit parts of Baton Rouge along Essen Lane, near I-10. One neighborhood in the storm’s path is still trying to clean up the damage. Cypress Point, just north of the interstate, was damaged by that tornado. Blanche Williams has lived in her Cypress Point condo for […]
The Colony to require HOA approval before changing residential speed limits (TX)
If someone wants the speed limit on a residential street in The Colony to change they better hope the most of their neighbors feel the same way. During last week’s meeting The Colony City Council directed the staff to amend its process for changing speed limits on residential streets. Going forward a request for a […]
HOA Homefront: The reserve fund – how much is too much? (CA)
Q: Something has been bothering me for a while regarding the reserve funding level that is appropriate for a given association. Many associations strive (and set the dues) to achieve 100% funded. Do they really need to carry such high balances? Wouldn’t it be enough to carry only sufficient balances to meet the future projected […]
A matter of principle: Who runs the Bear’s Club, Jack Nicklaus or community residents? (FL)
Earlier this year, residents of the exclusive Bear’s Club community, built by golf great Jack Nicklaus, overwhelmingly approved a measure pitched as giving homeowners more control over their Jupiter community. The move came after two years of litigation between the club and two Bear’s Club residents who said the golf club had too much power […]
Orland Park residents urge village to reconsider plan of planting native grasses around detention pond (IL)
He and other residents that surround Eagle Ridge Pond have signed a petition in hopes Orland Park officials will reverse plans that call for planting native grasses around the pond’s perimeter. Residents say that would affect the aesthetics of their neighborhood. Read the article………………………………..
Firefighters rescue multiple people after fire in Springfield apartment building (OH)
A family who escaped from the Olympic Street condominium fire in Springfield is thankful for the firefighters, who rescued them by ladder and the family dog, who alerted them to the fire in a neighboring condo. Read the article………………………………
Neighbors rally for couple sued by the Dixie Springs Architectural Control Committee over wall height (UT)
In November 2019, the Dixie Springs Architectural Control Committee filed a lawsuit against retired police officer Andrea Kaz and retired firefighter Steve Kaz for the height of a wall they built around their home. The lawsuit was launched after Chris Howell, former president of the Dixie Springs Architectural Committee (ACC), approached the Kazes and told […]
Condo questions: Amending governing documents, bylaws and board member requirements (FL)
Q: My cooperative dock association board of directors is exploring the ability to “self-insure” by cancelling the wind coverage on the docks and increasing the reserves. The present windstorm insurance is almost half of the annual budget and is effectively useless due to the deductible. The board thinks they can do this by amending the […]
Will condo association documents expire after 40 years? (MI)
Q: I’ve heard that there may be some issue with community associations’ recorded governing documents expiring next March if they are over 40 years old, is that right? Read the Q&A…………………………….
Ask The HOA Expert: Policies, Statements, And Responsibilities
Question: Our collection policy states that if an owner is 30 days past due, the management company sends a pre-lien notice letter. Several board members think the board members should be notified when these letters are sent. Read the Q&A………………………………..
Fire crews respond to condo fire in Bozeman (MT)
Firefighters responded to a fire at a condominium unit at the corner of Baxter Creek Way and Laurel Parkway on Monday morning. Read the article…………………………………
Apex woman who worked near 9/11 attacks says homeowner’s association told her to take down flag (NC)
With the anniversary of of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks just days away, people are reflecting on it in their own way, but an Apex woman’s attempts to remember that day have run afoul of her homeowner’s association. Read the text………………………….
Condominium Associations can Purchase Property (FL)
Q: The board of directors of my condominium association have been discussing purchasing an adjacent parcel of land. There is a question in the community as to whether this is allowed. Can a condominium association purchase additional property? Read the Q&A…………………………..
A Pewaukee attorney says a condo association threatened to sue him if he doesn’t remove a Biden/Harris 2020 sign (WI)
A condominium association is threatening to take legal action against a Pewaukee attorney over a political sign for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris. Read the article……………………………….
Hospitalized Woman With Coronavirus Sues HOA to Return Home (CA)
A discrimination suit has been filed on behalf of an 80-year-old woman with dementia who allegedly has been blocked along with her two caregivers from returning to her Wilshire Boulevard condominium out of homeowners association concerns that all three previously tested positive for the coronavirus. Read the article……………………………….
Fire crews battle large fire at Hidden Lagoon Condominium (OH)
Fire crews are at the scene of a large fire at the Hidden Lagoon Condominiums in Green Township. A witness tells WLWT she saw the fire when she was driving near the complex around 7:40 p.m. Saturday. Read the article……………………………….
Black Lives Matter or Hate has no home here, Denver neighborhood tiff over yard sign is just the beginning (CO)
A quick drive through Denver’s Lowry neighborhood late last week was akin to a voyage through a haven of tranquility and quiet, with rows of homes fronted by tidy lawns and smiling, helmeted families biking down tree-lined streets. But just 48 hours prior, this community on the city’s east side was at the center of […]
Homeowner Tells Court She Wasn’t All That Bad (FL)
The drama over the federal lawsuits in the Delray Beach community of Seven Bridges continues to unfold through federal filings. One homeowner is suing another — and the HOA — in federal court, while a separate suit has been filed in state court. Read the article…………………………….
Loud guests? Condo rules may be enforced several ways (FL)
Q: Our governing documents clearly state that there are to be no visitors for more than 30 days per year. We have one condominium owner who has his girlfriend living with him, without board approval, for well over 30 days. They scream, yell and use foul language on a regular basis, disturbing everyone in the […]
Former all-pro NFL lineman faces lawsuit alleging his 2 dogs terrorized Delray residents (FL)
Pahokee native Ray McDonald, 35, an all-pro NFL lineman whose career was cut short by allegations of domestic violence, is now facing a lawsuit alleging his two 115-pound Corso dogs terrorized a number of residents at the Foxe Chase development. Read the article………………………………
HOA board member has a lot of questions (NV)
Q: Thank you for your homeowners association column. I have been a HOA board director for a year. On July 5, new board members, including the new president, were elected to our board of seven. If possible, could you provide information (and Nevada Revised Statute 116 provision) for the following matters: Read the Q&A………………………………
HOA Homefront: Can non-residents run for board? Why can’t spouses of directors? (CA)
Q: Can a non-resident owner be on the board? A board member moved but still stayed on the board while he rented his unit. Several homeowners opposed, but the manager said it’s a new law that just came in effect, however our bylaws state that board members need to be resident owners. What would be […]
Mount Laurel condo association charged for denying disabled resident a service dog (NJ)
A Mount Laurel condo association has been charged with housing discrimination for allegedly not allowing one of its residents to have a service dog, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced.
4 Taken To Hospital After Fire At Norman Condominium (OK)
Norman firefighters are investigating the cause of an overnight fire at the Quorum Condominiums. Firefighters responded to the scene near 24th Avenue SW and West Lindsey Street just after 1 a.m. Fire crews said residents in several units were forced to evacuate. Read the article………………………………….
Opera Tower sues Airbnb, claims short term rentals have turned Miami condo building into ‘unlicensed hotel’ (FL)
Just a month after a 7News investigation into pandemic parties at Miami condos, one building is taking action. 7’s Karen Hensel investigates A DJ playing pulsating music, colorful lights and no social distancing. The video, posted on Instagram in late July, is not from inside a club but inside a condo unit at Opera Tower […]
Homeowner asked by HOA to take down pro-police flag in Draper neighborhood (UT)
A Utah woman is expressing her frustration after she was asked by a local homeowner’s association to take down her family’s “Thin Blue Line” flag. “It’s awfully convenient that in years past they never have requested this, but this year it’s a big deal,” Aimee Peterson told 2News. Read the article………………………………..
Beatrice Homeowner Association Seeking Injunction Against Sex Offender Residency (NE)
A Beatrice homeowners association is seeking a judge’s order that would prevent a convicted sex offender from residing in their neighborhood. The Wildwood Estates Homeowners Association is seeking temporary and permanent injunctions Read the article………………………….
HOAs grapple with sign rules in era of social justice reform (CO)
Colorado law states community associations can’t ban political signs around elections but can make rules about all other signs. That’s prompting debate in Lowry. Read the article……………………………..
Owners, preservation advocates agree to pause landmark process for Denver condo building (CO)
The future of the Carmen Court condo building in Denver’s Speer neighborhood and a decision about whether or not its past makes it a historic landmark have both been put on hold. Read the article…………………………………..
Homestead homeowners bring lawsuit (WA)
Homeowners in north Lynden’s Homestead development have sued its golf course owners and managers claiming misappropriation of maintenance fees that have been collected over the years. The seven homeowner couples or individuals bringing the lawsuit say they want to regain control for parcel owners of how the maintenance fees are spent by establishing a homeowners […]
Jones Creek golf course to be auctioned (GA)
A defunct Columbia County golf course is going on the auction block more than two years after closing while embroiled in lawsuits. The 18-hole course of nearly 7,000 yards is nestled among hundreds of upscale homes whose residents have expressed concern about the course’s future. Read the article……………………………
Country Club HOA could split from town hall model (FL)
Board members of the Country Club Edgewater Village Association hope to save money on property management services, though others worry a change could increase costs to residents outside CEVA’s boundaries. Read the article…………………………………
‘Gated’ Fairview community has gate removed, road determined as public (TN)
A “gated community” in Fairview is gated no more. After research into the Stable Acres subdivision history, analysis of what’s allowed on a city public road, and input from the homeowners, the Fairview Board of Commissioners decided to take no action — essentially they chose not to vacate the public road. Read the article……………………………….
Condo questions: Don’t enter into a contract without proper protections (FL)
Q: We signed a contract for a landscape vendor to install various trees and shrubs throughout the community. The contract is simply an estimate of $50,000 with no content other than a price and a description of the plant materials. Our president signed the estimate and now the contractor claims he can’t get the materials. […]
State pilot brings drainage relief to local subdivision after years-long effort (IN)
Standing water and mosquitoes plague the Willow Lakes East subdivision in White River Township with every heavy rainstorm. Residents of the subdivision and others in the county inspired County Commissioner Ron West to put forward legislation that would allow Indiana counties to step in and help subdivisions that have no other recourse for drainage control. […]
PSC investigating North Star after homes abruptly lose water (MT)
The Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) has opened an investigation into what led to the loss of water to the North Star Subdivision on Sunday Aug. 30. Read the article………………………………..
Volusia condo complex reopens 4 years after Hurricane Matthew (FL)
Four years after being severely damaged by Hurricane Matthew, a condominium complex received the OK to reopen. Peck Plaza stands tall, despite being hit by Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and then Hurricane Irma in 2017. It’s been a long four-year journey for the 100 or so owners of condominiums in the 29-story landmark property. Read […]
After 2 years, homeowner told to take down US flag adorned with thin-blue line, which honors police (NC)
A retired sheriff’s deputy didn’t see any problem with hanging a U.S. flag with a thin blue line outside his Lancaster County home to show his support for local police. Property management at Tree Tops retirement community told John Nakaji last week to take it down after two years. Read the article…………………………….
Suwanee works out agreement with HOA for trail access (GA)
The Suwanee City Council recently approved an agreement with the Pierce Point subdivision homeowners association for access and trail maintenance to the Suwanee Creek Greenway. The section of greenway between Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road and Suwanee Elementary School is on land that belongs to the Pierce Point subdivision. Read the article………………………………
Birds ousted by condo board may return home (FL)
Two colorful macaws and an African gray bird that have lived for more than a decade in the outdoor courtyard at Duval Square, just outside New York Pasta Garden restaurant, may be able to return. Read the article…………………………….
Several families displaced after overnight fire at DeKalb condo building (GA)
The American Red Cross of Georgia is helping several families who were displaced from an overnight fire at a DeKalb County condo building. The non-profit said its volunteers were assisting 10 families – a total of 17 people – who live at the Georgetown of Atlanta Condominiums on Colonial Way in DeKalb County. Read the […]
Removing Officers and Directors Require Different Procedures (FL)
Q: Our homeowners’ association board president has not been responsive. He is also over two months overdue on assessments. Can he be replaced and what are the steps for that process? Read the Q&A……………………………..
SW Bend HOA to residents: No ‘solidarity’ or political signs, except at election time (OR)
Some residents in southwest Bend’s River Rim neighborhood are reacting with concern to a board letter telling them that what are defined as ‘solidarity signs” must come down until election time. Read the article……………………………..
Three years after Harvey, Kingwood continues to battle for flood mitigation (TX)
Three years ago, Hurricane Harvey inundated much of the Kingwood area after Lake Houston and the San Jacinto River overflowed and deposited flood waters into thousands of homes and businesses. Established in 1970, Friendswood Development billed Kingwood as The Liveable Forest — a neighborhood on the northeast side of Houston that was lush with trees […]
Condominium must allow census worker to enter building (IL)
Q: A census worker contacted our condominium association in connection with the 2020 federal census. The census worker asked to be admitted into the condominium building, to which the entry doors are locked. Does our association need to admit census workers to the property? Read the article………………………………….
House divided: Plaza residents, hotel battle over union labor (NY)
An internal dispute over union labor at the Plaza has gone public. In a lawsuit filed last week, One Central Park South’s residential board, which represents the Plaza condominiums, alleged that the hotel has stalled and obstructed a nonunion contractor from initiating repairs to a 15th-floor balcony. Read the article……………………………….
Ex-St. Pete condo property manager vacationed at Disney on company dime (FL)
A former property manager of Parkshore Plaza, a high-end condominium building in downtown St. Petersburg, was sentenced to two years in prison this week after authorities say she used company money to buy vacations to Disney, book personal flights to Maryland, pay for expensive trips to the salon and cover her home water bill. Read […]
HOA Homefront: Our association stopped meeting. Is that OK? (CA)
Q: Our board says that due to the pandemic they are suspending board meetings “until further notice.” Our bylaws state board meetings must be held at least every three months. They said if they do hold a meeting they will limit attendance to 10 members, but the Open Meeting Act says it must be open […]