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Welcome to On the Commons! |
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 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.
* Other On the Commons Web Sites: On the Commons Podcast Site On the Commons Weblog
The Current Show |
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On the Commons with Frank Short |
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One of the most despicable and abusive practices that has become an acceptable part of the American culture recently is that of fining by residential associations. Why is the HOA industry so enamored with the power to fine? Is it really designed to FORCE people to act, live and behave according to some aesthetic plan concocted by the architects of controlled living? Whatever the real reason, it is a punitive measure that strips a person of his or her assets. A few dollars can soon mushroom to tens and even hundreds of thousands of dollars, resulting in the loss of someone’s home. Proponents of this offensive practice wonder how else one can force compliance by a neighbor. But is that really what they are concerned about or do they have ulterior motives? Who benefits? Joining us On The Commons this week is Frank Short. Frank is an old friend of the show, a personal friend and a lawyer. And, as only Frank can, he takes us on a historical trip through court cases that have examined fines. We hear about the issues, the arguments and what the courts at various levels and in different states have ruled. He packs an hour with a comprehensive and chronological look at fines, the courts and the legislatures. You will not want to miss it. Listen to Frank Short Write Comment (0 comments) |
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On the Commons with Julio Robaina |
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Problems in HOAs? Really? Ask anyone, your problems are easy to fix if your problems are with your HOA. 1) you can move and 2) you can “throw the bums out”. We’ve all heard those simple solutions, right? Recall a board? There ought to be a law about it. There was. Joining us On The Commons this week is Julio Robaina. Julio has long been a friend of homeowners, first as a legislator in Florida and now as a partner in a management company, Pazos, Robaina & Zapata Management Group working in the private sector. We catch up with Julio, talk about the laws he put in place as a legislator and the laws that are being overturned now. We talk about the problems homeowners face and we discuss what the homeowners need to do to ensure that they are protected. As I drove home from the studio the tune From Both Sides Now kept playing in my head. Tune in and you’ll understand why. Listen to Julio
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