Tag Archives: Kansas

Million-dollar HOA lawsuit grabs headlines in WSJ

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HOA conflict fight

  By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities This week the Wall Street Journal published a story about an insanely expensive lawsuit over petty homeowners’ association rules. Many WSJ readers don’t know that the story has been making headlines in the Kansas City Star since 2016. I’ve been following the story of Jim Hildenbrand and the HOA for Avignon Villa Homes for nearly three years, from the initial report, to Hildenbrand’s court “win” in 2017, to Continue ReadingMillion-dollar HOA lawsuit grabs headlines in WSJ→

Kansas HOA special assessment conflict turns ugly

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Few homeowners know what to expect when they buy into a planned community governed by a homeowners association. After all, home builders and real estate agents sell buyers on modern, attractive features of the home, pristine-looking landscapes, and neighborhood bling. You know, the sparkling community swimming pool, peaceful-looking nature trails, recreation centers, club houses, and, in some cases, dozens of planned social activities. Sales agents avoid serious talk about Continue ReadingKansas HOA special assessment conflict turns ugly→

Kansas homeowners deal with defunct HOA and foul smelling ponds

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Retention-pond

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities With technical assistance from city officials, homeowners in one Wichita subdivision will share costs to be rid of a foul smell from neighborhood ponds. As reported on KAKE, the unpleasant odor is caused by a combination of stagnant water, organic debris, lawn fertilizer run off, and dying algae blooms. The Dell was developed in the 1950s, and, at one time, had a homeowners association to adjust pond levels and Continue ReadingKansas homeowners deal with defunct HOA and foul smelling ponds→

Homeowners fight over money: $6K HOA special assessment

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Here we go again, with yet another HOA fight over money . The HOA board for Lincolnshire, a subdivision in Mission, Kansas, recently proposed a $6,000 special assessment to repair roofs, gutters, and chimney caps on its 33 townhouses. But under protest of homeowners, that proposal was rejected by the board last Thursday. According to the details, published in the Kansas City Star, homeowners disapprove of current board president Ellen Hoerle, Continue ReadingHomeowners fight over money: $6K HOA special assessment→