Tag Archives: retention ponds

Hidden liabilities of HOA ponds, lakes can wreck property values

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boat-lake-dam

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities deborahgoonan@icloud.com   Home buyers are often tempted by the natural beauty and recreational value of ponds and lakes. But condo, HOA, and lake association members don’t always consider the hidden risks and liabilities of life near the water.   WISCONSIN The case of the disappearing pond Homeowners in the Auburn Hills subdivision of Caledonia, Wisconsin, are angry and disappointed, now that they’ve learned that their view of an unattractive Continue ReadingHidden liabilities of HOA ponds, lakes can wreck property values→

Fairfax County to take over Kingstowne Lake?

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Suburban pond lake sidewalk storm water woes

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities debgoonan@icloud.com   A large-scale Virginia homeowners’ association is asking its County to take a 14-acre stormwater retention pond off its hands. Kingstowne Residential Owners Corporation, or KROC, is a planned development of more than 5,300 homes. It shares maintenance costs of Kingstowne Lake with the Kingstowne Commercial Owners Corporation (KCOC). KROC sent a petition to Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay in July, asking the County to take over maintenance Continue ReadingFairfax County to take over Kingstowne Lake?→

HOA Realities — living next to a retention pond or wetland

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Suburban pond lake sidewalk storm water woes

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Have you ever seen a real estate ad for a home boasting its “water view” or a “lake” view? Today’s post is a Buyer Beware message. Unless you’re viewing a home near a recreational lake — a real lake used for boating, fishing, swimming and other water sports — that ornamental “lake” is nothing more than a retention pond. Its primary purpose is to collect stormwater runoff for environmental Continue ReadingHOA Realities — living next to a retention pond or wetland→

Kansas homeowners deal with defunct HOA and foul smelling ponds

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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→