Some associations finding rules easy to bend


 

Article Courtesy of  the Venicegondolier.com

By Tommy McIntyre
Saturday, August 28, 2004

 

At least two homeowner associations have stepped up to the plate and relaxed rules for displaced storm victims, but one condominium association in the Plantation will not relent.

A condominium association within The Plantation Community is reportedly making it difficult for Hurricane Charley victims and relief workers to rent emergency shelter.

Robert Kopple, of Laura B. Kopple, Inc., Realtors, said all but one of the 27 condo associations in the community (Rockley Road) do not charge for rental applications and accept a simple one-page application form.

The apparent holdout is the Myrtle Trace Condominium Association.

"I don't know when they went to the $100 (application) fee and I don't know if they did it to discourage disaster victims," Kopple said, "but I do know they are the only association that charges a fee for the rental form and the only one that sends out a three-page application."

What's up -- besides the fee?

In an MTCA rental application obtained by the Venice Gondolier Sun, the first printed line of the three-page application reads: "A non-refundable fee of $30 must accompany this application."

The MTCA's business affairs are handled by the Lighthouse Management and Realty company, 16 Church Street, Osprey.

A woman named Irene answered the telephone and said the application fee has always been $100.

She would not explain when the fee was bumped from $30 to $100 or why it was not being waived to make it easier for storm victims to rent.

Instead, she referred the reporter to Lloyd Keith. The reporter left voice mails for Keith with no response.

When the reporter called for the third time, an operator checked with someone, returned and said "We have no comment on that."

Hang up

According to Kopple, MTCA refuses to waive the fee and simplify the application in a time of disaster.

"I do not have the power as an individual to change anything," MCTA president Leo Boudreax told a Gondolier reporter. "And, I don't think I want to continue this conversation."

Boudreax hung up on the reporter.

"The stance that Leo Boudreax has taken in the name of MTCA is, in our opinion, contrary to helping our fellow human beings at a desperate time of need," Kopple said.

Kopple sent a fax to Gondolier Sun publisher Bob Vedder stating:

"Laura, myself, and our entire staff has been working seven days and nights since the hurricane trying to help people get roofs over their head.

"We are unappreciative of those hindering victims finding shelter. Most Plantation owners have been wonderful -- but -- there are some pompous people wishing to discourage "others" from being their neighbor -- even for a short period."

The good guys

Two homeowner associations have waived or relaxed rules regarding the emergency housing of Hurricane Charley victims.

In a letter to the newspaper, the Venice Isle (Estates) Home Owners Association stated its board of directors has relaxed the rules including age (55) and is allowing families with children and pets displaced by Hurricane Charley to move into its mobile homes until Jan. 1, 2005.

"Our owners are calling from up north and asking us to rent their homes for nothing or have the renter pick up the utilities cost only," VIHOA park manager Donald DeMott said. "Other owners are opening their spare bedrooms to the homeless,"

A previous Gondolier Sun report stated that several condominium and homeowner associations have refused to waive or bend age, minimum lease and vehicle restrictions for Hurricane Charley victims and relief workers.

One Venice realtor said it should be mandatory that homeowner and condo associations waive their rules during times of emergency.

Generosity

DeMott said the VIHOA has donated more than $11,000 to the homeless in food and money. Donations are still coming in, DeMott said.

Park residents bought a busload of food at Sam's Club and Kmart for stricken families in Arcadia.

"And, we have retired fire fighters and volunteers who have gone to Arcadia and Port Charlotte and done whatever was asked," DeMott said.

DeMott said the VIHOA activity club and park church donated money.

Bay Indies

A reporter contacted former Bay Indies Home Owners Association President and current honorary board member Glenn Eastman to find out the park's emergency practices for storm victims.

"Our general manager and I do not believe there is anything in our rules that prevents us from doing this (relaxing the rules) under these circumstances," Eastman said.

Bird Bay Village residents have called the Gondolier and said they have given emergency shelter to many Hurricane Charley victims.


See as well: Realtors: Condo associations hindering hurricane recovery

 

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