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In a recession, LOWA shows no mercy

Date published: 10/26/2009

In a recession, LOWA shows no mercy

I am writing in regard to the recent decision made by the Lake of the Woods Association.

Our esteemed board has voted to require every lot to pay an additional $1,200 by Dec. 1. This new payment is to help finance fixing a dam problem that they have been aware of for years.

This does not include the $1,200 we have already paid for homeowner association dues for 2009.

I wonder if they are aware of the current national climate. We are in the worst recession this country has seen in years. The percentage of the nation that is out of work is at an all-time high.

The number of homes in Lake of the Woods that are in foreclosure or empty is staggering.

Yet they feel we should be able to afford this additional amount easily.

Do the board members even live in Lake of the Woods? Have they taken into account that Orange County personal property taxes are also due on Dec. 1?

Let us also not forget the approaching holidays. This time of year, most parents start thinking of ways to make their holidays special for their loved ones. I am one of those parents. But now I am concerned that a payment of $1,200 could greatly decrease my ability to provide a Christmas for my family.

I would like to "thank" the board for thinking of the residents when they made this decision. They were elected by us, and yet they did not vote in our best interests.

How do we fight such a bully? Don't pay! I believe it is the only way to get our voices heard. Maybe they will finally listen.

Ashley Oehm

Orange



Date published: 10/26/2009



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By the way (posted by SimplyAmazed , Oct. 27, 2009 12:28 am)    0 likes
I don't live in Lake of the Woods. I believe HOAs are notoriously overreaching and overly invasive. Once someone is on an HOA Board, it is almost impossible to get them off! Why? Because some homeowners care; others don't-- especially if they're playing landlord and not residing in the community.

My advice to anyone considering buying a home (posted by SimplyAmazed , Oct. 27, 2009 12:20 am)    0 likes
located in a community regulated by an HOA is DON'T! I did and I regret it. You'll pay for the property but it will NEVER really be yours! As far as LOWA, they have known for years that the Dam needs repairs. To choose to do so at this time of year and in this economy is abhorent. Garbage(!) "mz". No one should have to turn up $1,200 at this time of year or in this economy. LOWA can wait--it has so far. What a crock!

excercise your freedom of choice (posted by Jaes , Oct. 26, 2009 6:27 pm)    0 likes
I did, thats why I dont have an HOA.

Decisions, Decisions (posted by MGWork , Oct. 26, 2009 11:53 am)    0 likes
And now the circles begin that go no where.

Call a meeting with the board (posted by peachesmom , Oct. 26, 2009 10:22 am)    0 likes
Call a meeting with the board to discuss alternatives. Also what about the general fund? Money is supposed to be put aside for things of this nature? Is it tied up in CDs and they not want to touch it? Hum 1200.00 additional is a lot in this recession.

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