HOAs. . . the new unresponsive governments

Two interesting stories lately about homeowner associations.  Of note, both stories involve wildlife.  The first is about an alligator (small one) in a neighborhood pond.  Alligators abound this time of year, there’s even a small one behind Sam’s on College Rd.  Anyway, the property owners think the HOA should do something, but. . . .

(WWAY) - The HOA told WWAY it is only responsible for the maintenance of the pond, not the removal of wildlife. We were told that if an animal poses a threat, call 911 or the police department, and they will send someone out to inspect.

Essentially the HOA doesn’t really care what happens in the pond that they maintain.  Individual owners would have to make the call on this even though the gator isn’t technically on anyone’s property yet.

The second story is a bit more alarming as an owner is alleging that the HOA is targeting her after she reported a wildlife problem. The original HOA response was disturbing.  The raccoons in the story have been living in the attic spaces, defecating and urinating in the walls and ceilings.

(WWAY) - We tried to talk to someone with the property. When we went to the office, no one answered the door. When we called the property manager, he told us he did not have the HOA president’s number, that he would not talk to us and then hung up. . . The resident says the health department came out and was appalled by what they found. So far the health department has not returned our call.

After the initial news story ran, apparently someone made a few calls and there was finally a response from the health department,  but the HOA is still unresponsive.

This is really a sad statement about why HOAs should act more responsibly.  If they don’t, it will a sad day when local/state governments take over and then the argument for higher taxes for less efficiency will replace would should a simple association of property owners dealing with their problems sans government.

(WWAY)