We have a big hairy controversy here in our condominium complex – you know, where people move to when they want to simplify their life.
A new couple moved here about a year
ago. They’ve been trying to make their mark on the place ever since. The wife
has managed to get a spot on the board that manages us, and the husband has
tried a succession of committees, but leaves when things don’t go his way.
Case in point, when they decided they
didn’t like the three approved window vendors for replacements, they sued the complex
until they were allowed to bring in a fourth. So far, with one thing and
another, they’ve cost the HOA over $3,000 in legal fees.
They’ve now decided they want to put
solar panels on their unit. Our units are built in groupings of two, three, or
four units joined together. We only own what is in our four walls and do not
own our roofs, which of course are contiguous. Thus, it would take a major vote
to allow them to slap a big ol’ panel on top of their place.
They began with a mass mailing to each
of the owners, explaining the glories of solar energy. The board then sent out
a survey to all owners. The response was 69% against.
We are not troglodytes here. Most of
us are pro-solar, but there are many reasons why it won’t work for us.
-The buildings
are over 25 years old and are not framed for the additional weight
-These
require battery units, usually lithium that have a history of fire. We share
walls with our neighbors, so all would be at risk.
-We just
finished a multi-million dollar roofing replacement.
-Lifespan
of solar units
-Insurance
issues
And so on, and so on.
And in yesterday’s email: The Board at its upcoming meeting will consider
and vote on ****’s application for a solar panel system installation, as well as
addressing notice of threatened litigation received from the attorney
representing the owner(s)
Barbarians at the gate.
Solar panels take a long time to pay for themselves, and you are a seniors' residence.
ReplyDeleteGood point. (Not officially 'over-55' here, but the majority of residents are, anyway.)
DeleteSigh. They seem like bullies. And self centred at that.
ReplyDeleteHow I know this! The laundry police have moved to my floor and commandeered the laundry facility! What was common sense has become all out war.
ReplyDeletePetty tyrants.
DeleteI think they should be evicted and other housing associations warned about them.
ReplyDeleteIf only we could do that.
DeleteI agree with River. Get those louts out!
ReplyDeleteAs many of us have been saying, why don't they just go buy a house? They could put anything they wanted on it.
DeleteUgh. What is it about condos and co-ops that brings out the worst in people? I guess it's the fine line between community and individual freedom and property.
ReplyDeleteAnyone who buys in a condo community needs to realize it's a COMMUNITY. Rules and regs so the neighbor can't put his truck up on blocks in the driveway, etc.
DeleteThese people sound awful. Too bad they can't be evicted for bad manners.
ReplyDelete