Tag Archives: community development districts

Instead of HOA, Community Development District enforces restrictions

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Rules restrictions hand written

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities A Community Development District in The Villages is enforcing deed restrictions, demanding that homeowners tear out driveway extensions, or face steep monetary fines. In my opinion, this is one of the most stupid and petty architectural covenants ever. But, even worse, in this case, it’s not an HOA enforcing architectural standards. Instead, the Community Development District (CDD) that governs Hallandale Villas is enforcing the CC&Rs. The Villas are located Continue ReadingInstead of HOA, Community Development District enforces restrictions→

How HOAs abuse power to impose fines

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Another week, another report of HOA lunacy. The latest story comes from Seven Oaks Property Owners Association (SOPOA) in Wesley Chapel, Florida. According to a report by Kendra Conlon, WTSP, SOPOA’s management company Associa, working with an attorney from Bush Ross, is now threatening to foreclose on the home of Joe DiVierde, over a $1,000 fine for not painting his mailbox. WTSP reports that Bush Ross says it mailed Continue ReadingHow HOAs abuse power to impose fines→

Update on FL HOA that foreclosed on home over $150 assessment

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Image Source: https://goo.gl/images/sThqof   UPDATE: the Lopez family appeared in court earlier this week to make their case for keeping their home after the Rivercrest HOA sold it at foreclosure auction for less than $20,000. This all started with a $150 missed HOA assessment, which later ballooned to $4300, mostly to cover attorney fees. In this video, you get to see the HOA attorney Charles Glausier, from Bush Ross, arguing Continue ReadingUpdate on FL HOA that foreclosed on home over $150 assessment→

Should Community Development District purchase Golf Club without a referendum?

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities How would you feel if your city, township, county, or school board voted to add an additional $499 – $531 to your annual tax bill next year? Chances are, you’d be quite upset about it, especially if that extra tax would be used to purchase and make capital improvements to a 20-year old golf course and 16-year-old country club that has been losing money for years. For owners of 609 homes Continue ReadingShould Community Development District purchase Golf Club without a referendum?→