On Dec 19, 12:38*pm, "SteveB" toquerville@zionvistas wrote:
"Frank" wrote in message

...





SteveBell wrote:
One of my neighbors came by the other day and asked that I sign a
Christmas card and chip in for a gift card for another neighbor, Mike.
It turns out that Mike is the guy who's been mowing the big right of
way around the entrance to our subdivision. I just assumed it was the
city. Nope, it's Mike, and he's been doing it for free for more than
two years. I was happy to kick in a few bucks. Thanks, Mike!

While she was here, she casually mentioned that "some of us" were
trying to set up an "unofficial HOA" that would ask people to
voluntarily donate a suggested amount to do things like decorating
around the entrance. I'm generally opposed to HOAs, so I just ignored
that and gave her some cash for Mike.

If someone asks me to help plant shrubs, I'll be glad to participate,
but I'm not going to support setting up an HOA. About what do I need to
worry here?

** I assume they can't impose an HOA after the fact unless we agree. Am
I right?
** What if 75% of the homeowners agree to the HOA?

It's unlikely this will ever get past the talking stage, but if nothing
else, it's an interesting question. I'll go talk to my lawyer if it
becomes a reality.

In your opinion, what's likely to occur, and what can I do about it.

Doubt if you will be obligated to join but you may suffer peer pressure to
pay if one is formed. *Back in old development, HOA was formed afterwards.
I refused to join but would pay for snow removal as this is an important
item here. *HOA would pester me for dues which was only a few dollars but
I would not pay out of principle.

Current neighborhood, required joining association on purchase of home.
Big item, is still snow removal and I participate gladly in association..

There is a BIG difference in being a reasonably minded neighbor and
subjecting yourself to a headache. *You took the high road.

Steve- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -



Geez, it looks like most of the posters here want to make something
simple into a big deal. The OP stated the issue was "set up an
"unofficial HOA" that would ask people to voluntarily donate a
suggested amount to do things like decorating around the entrance."

That's very different from an actual legal and binding HOA. So, I
don't see why anyone would have a problem with it. One owner has been
nice enough to mow/maintain the common entrance area. All this
neighbor was trying to do was come up with some informal, non-binding
way to collect money from the other owners willing to help pay for it
and maybe make the place look better. Instead of sending her on her
way, I would have said sure, I don't mind chipping in to a voluntary
system, paying my fair share, and think it's a great idea. I hardly
think she's going to come back with legal documents forming a HOA.