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The reason for this page: Stop Using Pesticides on Dandelions

My $290 a month HOA includes maintenance of the common outside area. The landscapers take care of the lawn and trees, et cetera, but they like to “manage the weeds.” Weeds are a result of human migration and messing with the environment too much. I want to rectify it. I e-mailed HOA, attended a meeting, and they said they can ask the landscaping company to use a non-toxic alternative (lol forgive them, they know not what they do.) Another response was “because it’s a weed.” So I need to convince people that the concept of a “weed” is incredibly misguided. It is anti-environmentalist and a military-industrial mentality, and that’s not a neighborhood I’m ok living in.

Here’s a video about dandelions, bees, our health, the soil, and dandelions as medicine. It’s my first attempt at an a.i. generated video. Click here if you’re interested in learning more about A.I. and it’s applications. I love keeping tabs on how the increasing rate of technology will change life on this planet. I am hopeful the change is for good. Let’s not waste time being lazy, incompetent, or comfortably numb. Help me battle my defeatist-demon.

History

Part of adulting is becoming familiar with the structure of HOA’s. It’s rigid, process-oriented, bureaucratic, parasitic, and weird. The modern HOA model emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as a way to manage shared amenities and enforce neighborhood rules and regulations in planned communities and condominiums. These associations were typically established by developers to maintain common areas and uphold aesthetic standards within residential developments. HOAs became increasingly common as suburban and planned communities grew in popularity during this time period.

My townhome is managed by an organization previously known as “4 Seasons Homeowners Association”. It was recently rebranded “Brightstar Management” which continues to take $290 per household for “taking care of everything outside our walls.” For some, the sudden name change from 4 Seasons to Brightstar raises some questions. Such a significant shift without clear justification or input from the community calls into question whether they are operating with a lack of transparency and accountability within the organization. Over the years, HOAs across the country have faced numerous scandals, including mismanagement of funds, lack of transparency, and arbitrary rule enforcement. This article investigates the practices of homeowner association (HOA) management companies in Colorado. It reveals a pattern of mismanagement, conflicts of interest, and financial exploitation by these companies, often at the expense of homeowners. Some companies have been found to overcharge for services, neglect maintenance, and engage in questionable financial dealings. The lack of oversight and regulation exacerbates these issues, leaving homeowners vulnerable to exploitation.

There are rumors (posted as handwritten letters on the mailbox and dumpsters) that it appears that our own HOA may be falling into similar patterns, and it has been suggested that over a million dollars are unaccounted for in our HOA’s finances. It has been suggested that departing from the HOA empowers homeowners would help us reclaim autonomy over our poperties, promote community-driven solutions, and avoid the pitfalls associated with HOA bureaucracy and controversies.

What if we leave the HOA?

By voting to leave the HOA, we can regain control over our finances and decision-making processes. We can establish a more transparent and accountable system for managing our community affairs, free from the shadow of scandal and mismanagement. Leaving the HOA means taking responsibility for our own neighborhood’s well-being. Alternatively, I could become a board member to have more oversight and influence on the issues I care about. One preference I hold dearly and have communicated often is ending spraying pesticides on our grasses in order to protect our dogs, children, and bees!

The HOA’s responsibilities are minimal, such as maintaining grass, bushes, trash, and water services. Therefore, residents could manage these tasks collectively without the need for a formal organization. By working together as a neighborhood community, residents can allocate resources more efficiently and tailor maintenance efforts to suit their specific needs and preferences. However, leaving the HOA for us personally means taking care of anything outside of our walls, including the roof or siding. What if something happens? Who will decide that a repair is necessary? HOA’s serve an important function, and those gaps will have to be filled.

I created this page to start a dialogue with my neighbors about possible collaboration and action. Below, i have asked A.I. to educate me on the Pros and Cons of leaving the HOA as well as action steps to take if we want to proceed.

Pros:

Financial Independence: Leaving the HOA means homeowners can regain control over their finances. This includes transparency in how funds are managed and spent, as well as the ability to allocate resources more efficiently.
Freedom from Arbitrary Rules: Without the constraints of HOA rules and regulations, homeowners can enjoy greater freedom to personalize and modify their properties according to their preferences.
Community Collaboration: Departing from the HOA can foster a stronger sense of community among residents. By working together to address maintenance needs and make decisions collectively, homeowners can build stronger relationships and a more cohesive neighborhood. This can be crucial in times of trouble and build community resilience and cohesion!
Avoiding Scandals and Controversies: Recent scandals and controversies within the HOA, including financial discrepancies and lack of transparency, can be avoided by leaving the organization.

Cons:

Loss of Amenities: Our HOA provides amenities such as landscaping services, shoveling, trash removal, and water. Leaving the HOA means losing access to these amenities until alternative arrangements are made.
Individual Responsibility: Without the HOA to manage certain tasks like landscaping or trash removal, homeowners will need to coordinate with neighbors to ensure these tasks are completed satisfactorily. This is definitely a challenge. The community would have to pool its resources to take care of the exteriors and manage new subscriptions to trash and water ha ha, I said subscription, not ‘contract’. I’ll leave it for humor and so that you recognize that, of course, it’s a.i. generated pros and cons and action steps, but there’s a human behind this who has compassion for the insects that are dying on her doorstep.
Potential Legal Implications: Depending on the terms of the HOA agreement and local regulations, leaving the HOA may involve legal processes or financial obligations. Homeowners should carefully review their HOA agreements and seek legal advice if necessary.
Impact on Property Values: Some buyers may perceive homes without HOA oversight as less desirable due to concerns about neighborhood upkeep and property standards. This could potentially impact property values in the long run.

Action Steps

Please sign this interest form if you are interested in voting to leave the HOA! I’ll be notified that you care and will respond in kind!

Connect!

If we have any interest in leaving the HOA, here are the steps we must follow. More details of each step will be detailed after the “Documents” section below that have been saved from the original Grace Place Condo Association. Any updated bylaws for 4SHOA or Brightstar must be added to replace the below documents if applicable.

Review the HOA Documents: Carefully review the HOA’s governing documents (in the next section) to understand the procedures and requirements for leaving the association. Pay close attention to any provisions related to withdrawal or disaffiliation. The Bylaws pdf is searchable.
Check State and Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with any state or local laws that govern HOAs and homeowners’ rights. Some jurisdictions may have specific regulations regarding disaffiliation from HOAs.
Notify the HOA Board: Inform the HOA board of your intention to leave the association. This notification may need to be provided in writing and within a specified timeframe according to the HOA’s governing documents.
Follow Disaffiliation Procedures: Follow any specific procedures outlined in the HOA documents for disaffiliation. This may include obtaining approval from a certain percentage of homeowners, submitting a formal request, or attending a meeting to discuss the decision.
Settle Financial Obligations: Ensure that all outstanding dues, fees, and assessments owed to the HOA are paid in full before leaving the association. Failure to settle financial obligations could result in legal action or other consequences.
Update Property Records: Once disaffiliation from the HOA is complete, update property records with the appropriate authorities to reflect the change in status. This may include updating property deeds or records with the county or local government.
Maintain Communication: Throughout the process, maintain open communication with the HOA board and fellow homeowners. Address any concerns or questions they may have and work collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition…. transition to WHAT? Yeah, we’ll need a brainstorming session with whoever is interested.