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Political Club using HOA Facility

Started by RuthH1 • 15 replies • 2431 views

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RuthH1 (Maryland)
Posts: 8
Posted:

Do any of your associations provide your facility (clubhouse) as a base for a specific political party club. If so have you had any problems. My concern is that the request to use the association facility included this statement.

"Any resident could attend the meetings but only (specific political party" could be members of the club."
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061
Posted:
Typically Associations are not to be involved in the political process.
If my Association had received the request, I would have lobbied against approving it based on it being a political organization and cite the applicable law supporting the decision.
SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699
Posted:
Personally I wouldn't care if someone held a political meeting at my clubhouse. But that is just me.
JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265
Posted:
If one is to rent their clubhouse, then they should not be making decisions based on ones leanings. Rent to all, or to none.

I am a left wing liberal, but if we rented our clubhouse (we actually do not have one) then I would rent it to the Tea Party as long as they pay the bill.

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239
Posted:
Ruth,

The HOA should not be an official host of a partisan political gathering out of respect for its members, but a clubhouse rental to a group is no problem at all.
MatthewW4 (Arizona)
Posts: 500
Posted:
My association has no clubhouse and our CC&R's disallow construction of one, so this is not based on experience.

Instinct says nothing good will come from allowing political or religious groups to use an HOA's clubhouse. The problem will arise when the Neo-Nazi's or Al Queda or the KKK want the same access. How will it look when the newspaper prints the announcement that Skinheads Club will have it regular meeting at the ABC HOA clubhouse?

There is also the problem that some may perceive the use of the clubhouse by one group as an endorsement of that group's political agenda. That is, someone will argue that the HOA is now a PAC or lobbying agent.

This just a path I would not want to go down.

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239
Posted:
Matthew,

HOAs are private organizations and can self-regulate the access to amenities. I doubt the Skinheads will rent the clubhouse. If they ask, the HOA can say, "No." A basic political meeting does not equate with Al Qaeda. Come on.
MatthewW4 (Arizona)
Posts: 500
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By KellyM3 on 04/23/2013 5:30 PM
Matthew,

HOAs are private organizations and can self-regulate the access to amenities. I doubt the Skinheads will rent the clubhouse. If they ask, the HOA can say, "No." A basic political meeting does not equate with Al Qaeda. Come on.

If my HOA had a clubhouse and they allowed the Tea Party to meet there you can bet I would be requesting the use of the same facility for my newly formed chapter of the Al Queda Skinheads Alliance. I would have just as much right to hold political meetings there as any other owner.

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239
Posted:
There is no right. It's at your board's discretion to rent its clubhouse to you and, theoretically, they could. A basic politically-themed meeting is fine w/ my board. Our policies prohibit clubhouse rentals in order to engage in business commerce (flea market stuff).

I will agree there are probably better venues because bored, HOA-involved, residents seek conflict...even butting into a private group who is paying to rent a facility. This ventures into "Get a Life" status and fulfills stereotypes that are unfair of most board members. I assume you're a director.
RuthH1 (Maryland)
Posts: 8
Posted:
Thank you all for your input.
clarifications-
1. This would not be a rental. The request is to form a club in the community that could use the community clubhouse free of charge.
2. My initial concern relates to the restriction concerning "club Membership" being only granted to those of that specific political party. All our other clubs are open "membership".

I believe that the range in attitudes and opinions displayed by your responses has given me insight into what to expect from our community unit owners and will assist me in my position.

Thank you all again for taking the time to share your insights. Very helpful!
Ruth

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239
Posted:
Ruth,

The board response should be "No" to the request by the political group if they seek exclusivity of membership. They want to host a private event, free-of-charge. They should pay nightly rent or not use the facility since their intentions are not inclusive of all dues payers. But, if they pay (they won't), they should be allowed to meet as they wish.

Sorry for missing those facts in your earlier post.
DoloresM2 (California)
Posts: 60
Posted:
While I agree with your sentiments, I think Al Qaeda is on the terrorist watch list and it might be a good idea for them not to hold public meetings in this country.
JeanI (Louisiana)
Posts: 112
Posted:
Do you have written rules as to the private use of the clubhouse? If not, you should develop some. Our clubhouse can only be used by association members but can also be rented by association members for an event peculiar to them, ie. their birthday, anniversary etc. where they may invite outside guests. A fee is charged for this use. JMI
JeanI (Louisiana)
Posts: 112
Posted:
Do you have written rules as to the private use of the clubhouse? If not, you should develop some. Our clubhouse can only be used by association members but can also be rented by association members for an event peculiar to them, ie. their birthday, anniversary etc. where they may invite outside guests. A fee is charged for this use. JMI
CarolR11 (Colorado)
Posts: 2,563
Posted:
Along with Kelly, all owners pay dues for that clubhouse: IMO, if they're to be denied access for a birthday party or club, the latter group should pay a fee to reserve it and rent it and a refundable cleaning/security deposit as Jean's & our HOA require.
RuthH1 (Maryland)
Posts: 8
Posted:
Thank you all for your input. I have decided on a position. You all have been most helpful.

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