RonaldW (South Carolina)
Posts: 901
Posts: 901
Posted:
I recently examined the records of our ACC. Very interesting! Among the records, I found the following from 2002:
Background – the homeowners sent a handwritten note “informing” the board that they would be installing a shed in their back yard. Apparently, one of the ACC members went to their house to explain the procedure to them (Submit an application, wait for approval, etc.) They responded with this handwritten letter (there are several words underlined that may not translate to this forum. Also, my comments are enclosed in brackets.):
“We were recently paid a visit on the evening of 5/16/02 by a member of the ARB, [It’s actually the ACC] whom we found to be very condesending [sic] and as a result of this we are requesting that any future communications between your board members and us are to be made by mail only!!
We further are requesting that these members do not have our permission to enter on our property for any reason. Failure to comply with our request will be deemed as harassment and we will therefore seek legal assistance.
In reference to the comment made about the covenants being the bible ----- members! that is not our Bible and if you truly would read the Bible you would find how you have violated it! God wants us to care for and help each other. You are not God!!
This is also no Coosaw Creek [a nearby upscale gated community] which is a beautiful gated community with several amenities, so we can never compare to that community at all. Members slavery has been over a long time ago, you need to adjust yourselves mentally! We will not any forms of slavery.
Thank you,
[signed by the homeowners]”
Subsequently, they installed the shed, fabric awnings over their front windows, and a satellite dish antenna without ACC approval. The ACC demanded that they remove them, the homeowners refused, the HOA took them to court and the homeowners incurred $3K or so in legal fees. They were forced to relocate the antenna and file an application for the shed and awnings which the ACC approved. They have been relatively compliant since.
For those of us on our boards or other committees, you have probably seen or heard things such as the above. For those who have never served and only complain, this is what we have to deal with to keep our communities places where we would want to live.
Background – the homeowners sent a handwritten note “informing” the board that they would be installing a shed in their back yard. Apparently, one of the ACC members went to their house to explain the procedure to them (Submit an application, wait for approval, etc.) They responded with this handwritten letter (there are several words underlined that may not translate to this forum. Also, my comments are enclosed in brackets.):
“We were recently paid a visit on the evening of 5/16/02 by a member of the ARB, [It’s actually the ACC] whom we found to be very condesending [sic] and as a result of this we are requesting that any future communications between your board members and us are to be made by mail only!!
We further are requesting that these members do not have our permission to enter on our property for any reason. Failure to comply with our request will be deemed as harassment and we will therefore seek legal assistance.
In reference to the comment made about the covenants being the bible ----- members! that is not our Bible and if you truly would read the Bible you would find how you have violated it! God wants us to care for and help each other. You are not God!!
This is also no Coosaw Creek [a nearby upscale gated community] which is a beautiful gated community with several amenities, so we can never compare to that community at all. Members slavery has been over a long time ago, you need to adjust yourselves mentally! We will not any forms of slavery.
Thank you,
[signed by the homeowners]”
Subsequently, they installed the shed, fabric awnings over their front windows, and a satellite dish antenna without ACC approval. The ACC demanded that they remove them, the homeowners refused, the HOA took them to court and the homeowners incurred $3K or so in legal fees. They were forced to relocate the antenna and file an application for the shed and awnings which the ACC approved. They have been relatively compliant since.
For those of us on our boards or other committees, you have probably seen or heard things such as the above. For those who have never served and only complain, this is what we have to deal with to keep our communities places where we would want to live.
Ron
SC
SC
If only they could appear in the weekly comics in the sunday paper...