Ugh.. sick to my stomach

Started by SharonB6 • 11 replies • 1675 views

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SharonB6 (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 70

Posted:

I know I posted something similar about this before, but this is my only outlet right now..
I called in a tow about 2 weeks ago on a guy that had personally been warned not to. His car actually got in the way of a firetruck when a neighbors stove blew up.. Anyway that's when ALL the board decided to write him a letter he can't park on the road. Anyway I called the tow, he confronted me.. I admitted it was me.. Ever since then he has been writing nasty facebook replies about me. Even though it gives me a sick feeling in my stomach I know this is going to happen. My question is.. For those who do not have a management company would you first knock on their door first? Another board member knocked on people's door and asked them to move. Should I be knocking on doors first? I don't really feel i have the time to do that especially since the no parking has been drilled over and over.

GlenL (Ohio)
Posts: 5,491

Posted:

No, I wouldn't knock on the door unless you know the person reasonably well and even then you don't know what type of response you will receive. You should have a written policy for all Board members on how violations of any kind are to be handled. For instance we give members a ten day period to cure the violation if their car is parked properly in a space but violates the rules somehow i.e. flat tire, out of date tag etc. For more glaring violations like parking in the fire lane we call the FD and they are more than happy to come tag the violator. Parking in the grass or on the roadway gets an immediate tow.

Studies show that 5 out of 4 people have problems with fractions

SharonB6 (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 70

Posted:

You know what.. that is a great idea. I think having some sort of policy is a good idea. I will bring that up.
Unfortunately we can not call the fire department on them. Trust me we tried. Our land is considered private therefore they will not tow anything off our land. Even though they made it perfectly clear we had to keep the streets clear of cars.

GlenL (Ohio)
Posts: 5,491

Posted:

Our community is private too but they will certainly enforce the fire lanes with a citation.

Studies show that 5 out of 4 people have problems with fractions

GlenL (Ohio)
Posts: 5,491

Posted:

Our community is private too but they will certainly enforce the fire lanes with a citation.

Studies show that 5 out of 4 people have problems with fractions

SharonB6 (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 70

Posted:

I think that is worth looking into. The local township said it was our responsibility, but I am not sure I ever asked the fire marshal directly.

SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202

Posted:

Sharon - you must get yourself out of the loop on these road violations.

Insist on the board's accepting responsiblity - you cannot put yourself in harm's way. There are too many nuts out there.

BarbaraD6 (Florida)
Posts: 347

Posted:

Sharon,

DON'T KNOCK ON THE DOOR, its not worth it. If they don't follow the rules give them a fine or get them towed. You said you are private property then you should have the right to tow.

Barbara

RyanD1 (California)
Posts: 38

Posted:

Just fine them per occurrence until they stop. That could really add up quickly and make it unworthy for them to park there.

Confrontation can only make the matters worse and can lead to personal harm.

MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 388

Posted:

Sharon,

IMO, you should never have admitted to him that you called in the tow because that makes him think it's only you who is "picking" on him. If there is a next time, don't admit to anything, just say it's a board action. Write up that violation/fine policy immediately and send it to all the members. Make it clear that the board will stick to it.

If your streets are public the city should enforce any city code violations; however if your street are private they may not want to get involved. But, as for parking in a fire zone,whether the streets are private or public the fire dept should be concerned.

As for towing vehicles,make certain you are in compliance with any state laws. I know that in some states it is required to post signs stating vehicles will be towed. Also, the HOA can only tow if the streets are private; only the local jurisdiction can tow vehicles from public roadways.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Don't just check State laws. County laws apply as well. IMO it's the county laws that require specific language on the signs and placement of the signs before towing can be enforced.

CjF (Virginia)
Posts: 7

Posted:

Can you call the police in such situations? We call when people are parked well out in the cul de sacs for exactly the reason you describe - blocking access to emergency vehicles should a situation arise. The police come out and they're the ones to knock on the door or call for a tow. It's a public safety issue.

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