HOA trying to remove street lights

Bruce,

Are your roads private? If not, then the street lights are likely public as well and maintained by the county. If your roads are private, then you have a much bigger maintenance budget requirement than the lights. You should be funding a replacement reserve fund to cover the eventual seal coating/repaving that will be needed. The amount that would be saved by removing the lights is tiny compared to what maintaining private roads will cost.

It seems like the other board members may be fiddling while Rome burns.

Bruce,

I would put the onerous task back on them in order to turn off the street lights. Essentially, make them get approval from the HOA insurance company and a recommendation from your attorney to do this. If you don’t have an attorney, then I would suggest you get one for the HOA. I think they will find that this is not wise or safe. You are right on, not a good idea.

Street lights are very expensive and inefficient. I agree with turning them off and selling them. It sounds like your HOA has money trouble and needs to make cuts regardless of how you feel. Money needs to come from somewhere.

I've lived in neighborhoods where people have their own lamp post, in their yard using, their own electricity. Works just fine.



Something to think about.

Thank you all for the feedback and information. I do want to mention a couple of other things: First, as i have been researching this issue, i have found numerous articles about safety, related to neighborhoods without streetlights. The Homeowner's Advocacy Association of America states that there is a 7% increase in crime with neighborhoods that don't have street lights. And that percentage increase dramatically as the price point of the neighborhood goes up. This is a "high end" neighborhood, and this is not just a perceived safety risk, it is a proven one. Secondly, this is an equestrian neighborhood, with a barn and horses down the street. Our girls walk to the barn at night to take care of the horses. This means they would be walking in the dark, through the neighborhood, and i do believe this is a real safety issue. I do believe there are neighbors who are experiencing financial issues and that very well may be at the heart of their concern. My intent is not to be cold or uncaring about those issues, but their financial issues shouldnt trump my children's safety. One of the other comments is about lighting being listed as a "Common Element", and after reviewing our covenants, i do see that referenced. This very well may be the direction i need to proceed with. Thank you all again for your assistance.

Hi Bruce:

The association also has set precedence with the lighting and therefore safety of owners. I would suggest if they want to remove the lights that the association get majority vote agreement from owners per the governing documents.

I know I have seen an article and case law where an HOA made a homeowner remove an exterior light fixture as it violated the CCR’s. She later was assaulted, sued the HOA, and if I remember off the top of my head it was costly for the association. Sorry I have not found the info on it again but I’ll try to keep looking.

Check with your local planning and zoning. Developers usually have to file their plans with the town and the lighting may have been one of the requirement in order for them to receive a permit.

wow... I am so lucky.

My HOA hasn't a single streetlight. we cover about 12 square miles, and not a streetlight on it.

And, no crime.

When we walk to the horse barns, we carry flashlights.
and in the summer, usually a handgun or shotgun with snakeshot. Maybe that explains the low crime.

Jant

I have nevr viewed you as a "snake" but maybe I am willing to change my mind...send pics.....LOL