No Action

I'm genuinely writing for your opinion ..
Since 2011 (I have all the documentation in writing), I have been asking our HOA to install a light (of any kind) by cement steps to get my mail. All the mailboxes are there. I have fallen now three times, injuring myself each time. Also, I have been asking for external repairs of sorts including removing debris from the roof and gutters, green algae on the facia boards, steam clean the sidewalk common area outside our front door, etc. This HOA president keeps saying it is on the list...or everyone has to approve it... or some kind of promise. Recently, I asked to meet with them for about 15 minutes (I thought I could show them and it might mean more to them). But they are not wanting to meet, or take any action...until everyone wants to tent for termites. They do nothing to maintain the property but just host an annual meeting to re-elect themselves.
This is so frustrating...my property outside looks years older ...looks run down. I don't know what to do.

Doesn't your Board hold board meetings, Mary? Can you take pictures of the problems to a board meeting? Can you get others to attend who'll support you?? What size is your HOA? How many on the Board?

If you sought medical attention for your falls near the mailboxes, take those receipts to a board meeting to show the hazardous condition. Your Board has a personal injury liability lawsuit just waiting to happen. Menatime, take a flashlight or pick up mail when it's daylight??

As Glen wrote, you really do need to get others who share your concerns together and jointly try to get the Board to act. Or vote them out! Or, as our tough love folks here say: move.

Thanks to all who responded...and know that I read every word. Our community is very small...10 families...we each take turns being President. But this current President who recently wrote she is expecting any day, will not resign (been President for 3 years..this year, 2014, will be her 4th term). All you need is a majority vote and here, it is all about 'friendships' ...and she knows how to work our neighborhood.

The lights needed (or a simple handrail...or motion detector...all these were suggested by me) is in our common area courtyard. Of course, I try to get my mail during daylight hours. But working full time and going to school at night leaves little daylight.

I have written to our board via email numerous times...their focus is saving all monies...will not spend on most anything...just want to keep our HOA dues low.

It is obvious that this will continue so I must make this 'no action' turn into 'action' by getting legal help. No one wants to form bad neighbor alliances and it is not my intention to make this a 'hate thing'...just want my property fixed.

Wish me luck!

P.P.S. I wrote several emails of late asking for 15 to 20 minutes of their time (at the most) to show them the issues. The issues are so obvious it would have probably taken 5 minutes. But this President does not want to meet...now I could understand because she recently wrote that she is expecting but why not send one of the other two board members? When I asked about this, I was told again that every concern of mine was addressed and that they meet once a year.

Sorry about sharing this but as you can see, I am trying every avenue to avoid legal assistance ...thanks for listening.