Over the past five years, the state Legislature has spent more time than ever before on homeowners and condominium association issues while, during a time of explosive suburban growth, residents have taken a greater interest in how these issues affect their communities.

This trend will continue, Boca Raton attorney Joshua Gerstin told members of the Alliance of Delray Residential Associations today. He urged members to continue to stay apprised of issues affecting them. "For our legislature to spend so much time on this, it's time for you to get involved," Gerstin told members of the Alliance, which he represents. Among the issues the legislature has dealt with: * Making it easier for condominiums to insure themselves.

* Allowing a majority of owners to vote to require the board to establish reserve accounts, an issue that many older communities faced in paying for hurricane repairs.

* Allowing owners and associations to find a mediator themselves instead of waiting for the state to assign one to resolve disputes.

* Requiring 45 days notice to owners before filing a lien for unpaid assessments.

Alliance officials plan to attend a meeting of the Coalition of Community Associations with representatives from across the state Thursday in Port St. Lucie. Officials from southwestern Palm Beach County's other super-associations, the Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations and the West Boynton Community Council, also plan to attend. "We are very active in COCA," said Alliance President Bob Schulbaum. "We contribute our time to review all the legislation passed in the previous year and upcoming years." COBWRA President Barbara Katz, at the Alliance meeting, agreed.

"Vigilance is important," she said. "We need to know what bills are being planned and what's best for homeowners associations and condo associations." The south county groups, the Alliance in particular, form a formidable bloc of voters who have legislators' attention, Gerstin said.

"They're incredibly informed," he said. "They're really up to date on what's going on in the Palm Beach County area."

COMMENT:

It's always great to see the fox warn the chicken that they should watch, because there is somebody trying to protect the chicken from the fox! This is really good for a laugh!