On the Commons Site Syndication http://onthecommons.us Fri, 18 May 2012 12:49:10 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://onthecommons.us/images/M_images/rss20.gif http://onthecommons.us On the Commons Site Syndication http://onthecommons.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=1 On The Commons is a weekly radio show, dedicated to discussing the many issues surrounding mandatory membership common ownership developments. It is broadcast live from WEBR, Fairfax, Virginia and available on this web site. Join us as we explore the world of common ownership developments, which is the fastest growing form of residential development in America today. This housing concept includes condominiums, cooperatives, and both attached and detached single-family homes that are part of a mandatory homeowners association. Unfortunately this type of housing is not as Utopian as its advocates would have us believe. Living in a mandatory homeowners’ association means giving up a part of the American dream. It means giving up Constitutional rights and control over one’s most valuable asset - one’s home.*Source Documents for LBCA Law SuitThe Transcript (images/stories/Short/may 20 2011 transcript 7 14 11.pdf) The Order (images/stories/Short/order 5 20 11.pdf)*Comments on the Proposed Amendments (http://lakebraddockburke.blogspot.com/)**Winner of the Geneva Kirk Brooks Homeowner Rights Awardfrom the Texas Home Owners For HOA Reform, Inc.March 6, 2010 Certificate of Achievement for 500 Shows Produced and Aired Through Fairfax Public Access March 31, 2010 Other On the Commons Web Sites: On the Commons Podcast Site (http://onthecommons.net)On the Commons Weblog (http://blog.onthecommons.us) The Current Show Terry Bartholomew http://onthecommons.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=268&Itemid=67 Housing consumers are advised to do their due diligence, to read the governing documents of the HOA, before buying a unit in an association controlled development. In fact some states have disclosure laws requiring sellers to provide these documents. Are housing consumers being given a false sense of security? What happens the next time the legislature convenes to introduce new laws? Joining us On The Commons is Frank Short with our annual St. Patrick’s Day round up of the latest in HOA land. Frank is an attorney, an owner and a long time advocate for homeowner rights. We’ll talk about proposed legislation in Virginia, the good, the bad and the ugly and the legislators who sponsored the bills. Listen to Frank (http://media.podcastingmanager.com/79121-82159/Media/20120310short.mp3) Terry Bartholomew http://onthecommons.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=269&Itemid=67 Hosted and produced by Shu Bartholomew, On The Commons is a weekly radio show dedicated to discussing the many issues surrounding mandatory homeowner associations, the fastest growing form of residential housing in the nation. The papers, TV news reports, radio news and talk shows and blogs the world over have been reporting on the horror stories, tragedies and financial problems facing America’s millions of homeowners trapped in association controlled dwelling units. You can read and listen to many versions of the suicides in Las Vegas, the fatal shooting of a teenager by a “volunteer” patrolling the neighborhood for Neighborhood Watch, the condo owner being fined and sued for having the temerity to plant flowers in front of her unit, the homeowner threatened with fines for placing a small religious symbol on her front door. And the list goes on, from the horrendous to the insanely stupid and petty. Regardless of how horrible or hideous the news from associations is, proponents of controlled living insist associations protect you, the unit owners. But do they? Joining us On The Commons is Bill Davis. Bill is a Texas attorney who has been digging a little deeper into all the ramifications of housing associations. We’ll talk about the latest pitfalls not generally known and understood by unit owners and what to look for to determine whether or not you are adequately protected or….? You won’t want to miss this one. Listen to Bill Davis (http://media.podcastingmanager.com/79121-82159/Media/20120331davis.mp3) Terry Bartholomew http://onthecommons.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=270&Itemid=67 Technology has revolutionized the way we communicate today. Internet, Skype, cell phones as well as regular home phones, can cross oceans and connect friends and loved ones in a matter of seconds. Staying in touch has never been so accessible to so many - or so vulnerable. While we take our communication tools and methods for granted, we hardly ever give a thought to what would happen if we could no longer just reach out and call someone . But the reality is that phone lines can be cut, the world wide web can go dark and cell phones silenced due to acts of war, terrorism or even a natural disasters. And then how do we keep in touch?One way is through Amateur Radio, or HAM radio operators who could still send and receive information over the air - or would be able to, IF they were allowed, by their HOA, to have their HAM radio antennas. Currently the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is seeking public comments on whether the Federal Government should intervene and propose legislation easing the restrictions on antennas in Homeowner Associations. Whether you are a HAM radio operator or not, or plan on taking it up in the future, your life may depend on there being one in your neighborhood. Take a minute to make your voice heard.Joining us On The Commons is Don Schellhardt. Don is the President and founder of HAMS for Action, (HFA). Don and his organization are writing to the FCC. Join us and hear what Don has to say and if you would like to add your name to this comment: We are not Amateur Radio operators ourselves, but we would like to see ALL neighborhoods enjoy the kind of Emergency Communications protection that ham radio operators can provide. Therefore, we strongly advocate vigorous and well-defined Federal Government action, in ALL American communities, to override the total prohibition of ham antennas by Homeowners' Associations and landlords. We do not propose DEregulation of ham antennas -- but rather REASONABLE regulation of ham antennas. Mandatory Federal standards, for REASONABLE regulation of ham antennas, should replace the current practice -- in many, many neighborhoods -- of not allowing any kind of ham antenna at all. Send Don an email at djslaw@gmail.com (mailto:djslaw@gmail.com) Listen to Don Schelhardt (http://media.podcastingmanager.com/79121-82159/Media/20120511schelhardt.mp3) Terry Bartholomew