Will FEMA help rebuild Florida’s waterfront condos?

September 19, 2017

Hurricane Irma floods condo in Jacksonville, waves destroy foundation Readers have been contacting me, wondering if FEMA will help homeowners, condominium, or cooperative associations rebuild after two major hurricanes (Harvey and Irma) have devastated communities in Florida, Southeast Texas, and portions of Louisiana. For example, what will become of River Oak Condominium and The Villas … More Will FEMA help rebuild Florida’s waterfront condos?

Florida HOAs dealing with hardship and damage following Hurricane Irma

September 18, 2017

Homeowners and residents are picking up the pieces after Irma barreled through the entire state of Florida. Damage is widespread throughout the Sunshine State. By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities After Hurricane Irma: Singer Island condo condemned; people scramble Julius Whigham II Palm Beach Post Staff Writer 6:16 p.m Friday, Sept. 15, 2017 A wall … More Florida HOAs dealing with hardship and damage following Hurricane Irma

Rockhill HOA orders homeowners to remove child’s playhouse from backyard

September 17, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Here we go again. Another HOA dispute over a child’s playhouse. Rockhill HOA, Blue Springs, Missouri, insists that the charming pink structure, tucked away in the back yard of the Goolsby family, must be removed. According to a report by KSHB 41/WISN, Kansas City, the HOA leadership says the … More Rockhill HOA orders homeowners to remove child’s playhouse from backyard

Stopping a condo to apartment deconversion is challenging

September 16, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities A controversy brewing in Chicago provides more evidence that the market for association-governed housing is on the decline, especially condominiums. River Trails Condominium, 16 buildings 360 units, located in Prospect Heights, Illinois, is one of the latest multifamily housing communities that real estate developers covet for a deconversion. A … More Stopping a condo to apartment deconversion is challenging

Spike in HOA foreclosures – implications for legislative change

September 15, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities The subject of foreclosure by association-governed communities is getting substantial attention in the past year or two, and that’s a good thing. Investigative reports, such as the following article published by The Arizona Republic at azcetnral.com, serve to increase public awareness of risks for homeowners, as well as the … More Spike in HOA foreclosures – implications for legislative change

Former Lynnhill residents awarded $100K from utility companies for abrupt shutoff

September 14, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Nearly a year has passed since State Senator C. Anthony Muse called for an investigation into alleged mismanagement of funds at Lynnhill Condominiums. Last fall, residents were abruptly forced to find alternate housing after Pepco and Washington Gas Light Company shut off utilities to the housing complex. No word … More Former Lynnhill residents awarded $100K from utility companies for abrupt shutoff

HOA, Condo, Co-op Legislative Highlights (Sept 2017)

September 13, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   California California residents of common interest developments have moved one step closer toward upholding their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and assembly. CA SB-407, An act to add Section 4515 to the Civil Code, has been signed by the Governor, and is now enacted as of September … More HOA, Condo, Co-op Legislative Highlights (Sept 2017)

Adult Bully: Condo association President arrested for harassment of former resident

September 12, 2017

NYPD arrests Neal Milano, condo President and manager of Sunnyside Condominiums,  a 47-unit building in Queens By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Multiple media reports of alleged abuse and discrimination are circulating about Sunnyside Condominium Association in Queens, New York. Photographs and TV news videos reveal a bizarre and frightening display installed by 70-year-old … More Adult Bully: Condo association President arrested for harassment of former resident

Community Associations, HOAs should seek to remove offensive covenants

September 11, 2017

Rodgers Forge, Towson, MD, seeks to eliminate racist covenants. But why can’t owners and residents in HOAs challenge any restrictive covenant or law that violates the rights of Americans? Every year I read reports of homeowners shocked and dismayed to learn that deed restrictions on their vintage or historic home contain blatantly racist rules against … More Community Associations, HOAs should seek to remove offensive covenants

Chicago homeowners unable to override condo board’s $500K special assessment

September 10, 2017

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   UPDATE on State Parkway Condo Association’s vote on special assessment: According to condo owner Michael Novak, State Parkway Condominium Association’s accountant, James P. Cherep, MBA, CFE, has officially tabulated condo association member votes with regard to the board-approved $500,000 special assessment. Only 29.05% of association membership voted to … More Chicago homeowners unable to override condo board’s $500K special assessment