Can we discuss HOAs? (RV park, lender, new house)

[Wittgenstein's Ghost]

Originally Posted by gentlearts

I think an HOA might be acceptable if you read and understand the tenets before you buy in.

We have a situation in our neighborhood that could be helped with an HOA. It’s an ungated neighborhood with one way in and out. The entryway has a brick sign and landscaping. One man (an original resident and a councilman) takes charge of requesting $35. a year for a landscaping company to maintain it. I think we pay about $750. a year, but the entrance looks terrible. In my opinion, everything needs to be ripped out. If we had a committee of more than one person, we could get something done, but it’s mostly older people who think an HOA is one step away from communism.

Last year we offered to chip in more $$ to replace some shrubs, or hire a different company, but this year I don’t think we will pay the $35.

That sounds like bad neighborhood design. There shouldn't be common spaces that need maintaining if there's no HOA in place to take care of these things.

I think the conclusion there, at least to me, is "Don't have common spaces that need maintaining" rather than "Get an HOA," but I agree that's a bad setup.

[Brill]

Got an email from HOA last week. Kids should not ride their bikes on sidewalks. Apparently little kids should be riding bikes in the street.

[otowi]

Originally Posted by Brill

Got an email from HOA last week. Kids should not ride their bikes on sidewalks. Apparently little kids should be riding bikes in the street.

That's ridiculous and awful.

[jcp123]

HOA is a hard no for me. Even the HOA you like today is only one Karen or one board meeting away from potentially becoming a vindictive hellscape forcing you to go to court, sell, or use malicious compliance. Paying dues to live in that kind of atmosphere is not cool in my book. And depending on the HOA, your vegetable garden could be a no-go in the covenants, unless it’s a place that’s just a “we maintain the streets” type of HOA…but even then, see my first point.

[suzco]

Originally Posted by Brill

Got an email from HOA last week. Kids should not ride their bikes on sidewalks. Apparently little kids should be riding bikes in the street.

Originally Posted by otowi

That's ridiculous and awful.

- next thing you know, kids will not be allowed to play outside.

[mtngigi]

Originally Posted by Brill

Got an email from HOA last week. Kids should not ride their bikes on sidewalks. Apparently little kids should be riding bikes in the street.

Hopefully residents will let the HOA know how utterly ridiculous, insane, and dangerous that would be. Unless of course, they want to build a bike lane for the little ones, protected by an indestructible and very high barricade. Maybe add some tiny little stop and go lights, yield and stop signs, etc.

Do residents get to ask why kiddos can't ride on sidewalks? There's certainly no chance of them running over front lawn gardens.

[COcheesehead]

Originally Posted by Brill

Got an email from HOA last week. Kids should not ride their bikes on sidewalks. Apparently little kids should be riding bikes in the street.

Where we live there is a no bike on the sidewalk rule too -its actually a city ordinance. The HOA just posts a sign when you enter the neighborhood to remind everyone. Virtually no kids in our community. The only rule breakers are old people on e bikes.

[Wittgenstein's Ghost]

Originally Posted by COcheesehead

Where we live there is a no bike on the sidewalk rule too -its actually a city ordinance. The HOA just posts a sign when you enter the neighborhood to remind everyone. Virtually no kids in our community. The only rule breakers are old people on e bikes.

I thought only some portions of downtown had this ordinance?

[skeddy]

Originally Posted by Brill

Got an email from HOA last week. Kids should not ride their bikes on sidewalks. Apparently little kids should be riding bikes in the street.

why did you buy into a community that prohibits riding bikes on the sidewalk? It has to be included in the CC&R's you were given when you bought.

[phetaroi]

Originally Posted by skeddy

why did you buy into a community that prohibits riding bikes on the sidewalk? It has to be included in the CC&R's you were given when you bought.

Sure...you should pick wisely. But HOAs are supposed to be little democracies, and there is nothing wrong with advocating for change.