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I want this

Started by KirkW1 • 6 replies • 1062 views

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KirkW1 (Texas)
Posts: 1,665
Posted:
http://www.oregonlive.com/washingtoncounty/index.ssf/2008/10/neighbors_squabble_and_mediato.html

Seems at least one community has a very active mediation program that doesn't cost people an arm and a leg. I could certainly support that if such were available that HOAs would have to at least attempt this kind of dispute resolution before turning to the courts. Better yet, require the owners to turn to this as well.

Of course it won't always work. But the whole thing is that you don't have a lot of risk in turning there. The whole thing would appear to be born by taxes at a very reasonable rate.
GeorgerwilliamsW (Indiana)
Posts: 975
Posted:
I want it too!

This is precisely the kind of easily accessible mediation that associations need to provide checks and balances for both the association and the homeowners.

Mediation is typically not binding, but it has the very great advantage of avoiding lawyers.

Thanks, Kirk! Keep up the common sense posts.
KirkW1 (Texas)
Posts: 1,665
Posted:
Part of me is wondering if they would be willing to share how they got the thing started. For the annual cost, it could be a fairly easy sell to get going. But where to start? I noticed that it is run by volunteers which is what keeps the cost down.

So I would think the hardest part would be the initial training and getting it started in itself.
GeorgerwilliamsW (Indiana)
Posts: 975
Posted:
I do like the notion of it being handled by volunteers and by a civic group or local government best of all.

But, there are also private firms out there as well, one just down the road from you, so to speak in Austin. Its fees are quite reasonable, as cheap as some fines--easily affordable by association and homeowner alike. (These people obviously have other day jobs as well.)
    ____________ Mediation Services began because our staff is completely convinced that mediation can help solve conflicts before they reach a critical stage. We specialize in the following areas: Home Owners Associations, Neighborhood Associations, Workplace Conflict, and Family Conflicts.

    Home Owners Associations, by their very nature, oftentimes can produce areas of disagreement. ________ can assist HOA’s and Neighborhood Groups by helping resolve conflict before it escalates to civil litigation.

    We even provide a special subscription service to HOA’s and Business concerns. PLEASE SEE OUR SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES PAGE FOR DETAILS


No endorsement, recommendation or even knowledge of the outfit implied, just a resource.
MicheleD (Kentucky)
Posts: 4,491
Posted:
This is exactly the kind of mediation/conflict resolution program our Neighborhoods Department (in our local government) has established.

It is funded by our metro government budget.

We've not used it yet, though a handful of other HOAs in our area have and it has been extremely beneficial.
KirkW1 (Texas)
Posts: 1,665
Posted:
Michele,

Do you know what kind of budget your program runs with? If they are anywhere close to what the program mentioned does it just seems like a great use of tax monies.
MicheleD (Kentucky)
Posts: 4,491
Posted:
No, I sure don't.

But they are offering another workshop this fall, so I will make a note to bring that up at the workshop.

Sorry I can't be more helpful.

I do know that the people who have used it have considered it worthwhile, given that it has resulted in the avoidance of costly litigation.

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