💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.

Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in

GaryP (Ohio)
Posts: 1
Posted:
Our subdivision has 2 traffic islands at the rear entrance of our
subdivision. This was done several years ago, by the township with the support of the HOA board, in a futile attempt to minimize cut-through traffic. The HOA board agreed to put landscaping (shrubs) on the islands, along with maintaining them. Nothing was ever added to our HOA Commercial Property insurance policy claiming this action. My concern, as a current HOA board member, is we could be liable if a traffic accident occurred there and the driver said his visibility was hindered by the island shrubbery. There is no majority of homeowners as to whether to keep/remove the islands. From a liability perspective, I am supporting the position of, irrespective of whether we decide to keep/remove the islands, the HOA should remove all landscaping. That way the traffic islands are strictly a township road department liability problem if they remain.
RonaldW (South Carolina)
Posts: 901
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By GaryP on 05/05/2007 10:34 AM
Our subdivision has 2 traffic islands at the rear entrance of our
subdivision. This was done several years ago, by the township with the support of the HOA board, in a futile attempt to minimize cut-through traffic. The HOA board agreed to put landscaping (shrubs) on the islands, along with maintaining them. Nothing was ever added to our HOA Commercial Property insurance policy claiming this action. My concern, as a current HOA board member, is we could be liable if a traffic accident occurred there and the driver said his visibility was hindered by the island shrubbery. There is no majority of homeowners as to whether to keep/remove the islands. From a liability perspective, I am supporting the position of, irrespective of whether we decide to keep/remove the islands, the HOA should remove all landscaping. That way the traffic islands are strictly a township road department liability problem if they remain.

One would hate to see the landscaping come and go with each new board election.

Does the landscaping improve the looks of your developement? I would think it would.

Does the landscaping meet any requirements or restrictions of the township? I suspect it does. If the shrubs are higher than eye level (from a vehicle) can they be trimmed back ?

My suggestion is to contact your insurance agent and ask about liability and if you're not covered, as for the cost of adding coverage. I suspect it will be a very small added charge.

Most people find well maintained landscaping, bushes, shrubs, etc. add value to a property. I do.

Ron
SC
GloriaM (North Carolina)
Posts: 829
Posted:
Gary:

Your insurance agent would be the best person to speak to concerning the liability issue. If visablity is affected by overgrown landscape, then having foresight of planting low lying shrubs would perhaps serve the islands better.
JM2 (Oregon)
Posts: 439
Posted:
Think about groundcover plants and flowers, make sure that views will not be blocked.

JPM

🎯 You've read this entire discussion

Join the conversation with 50,000 HOA & Condo Leaders:

  • ✓ Ask follow-up questions
  • ✓ Share your experience
  • ✓ Get expert advice
  • ✓ Access 350,000 discussions
Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in here