CHIP
group merges with state coalition |
Article
Courtesy Ocala Star Banner -- The Leader
By
LAURA BYRNES
Published November 18. 2004
OCALA
- Concerned Homeowners In Partnership doesn't have to wonder what to do
when the chips are down.
Though the Ocala-based grassroots group has been losing membership since
it was founded four years ago, CHIP has merged with Cyber Citizens for
Justice to create a stronger consumer coalition for homeowners living in
deed-restricted communities.
And Friday tomorrow, members of the new and improved cyberspace coalition
will meet in Ocala with representatives from similar alliances from
throughout Florida.
CCFJ's annual meeting takes place Friday beginning at 8 p.m. and Saturday
at 9 a.m. at the Quality Inn of Ocala.
In what CCFJ director Jan Bergemann calls a "We The People"
movement, the growing statewide organization is intent on
"beneficially influencing government and improving the political,
economic and social aspects of Florida citizens."
CCFJ, which has members from St. Augustine to Miami-Dade County - and now
Ocala - wants increased regulation and full disclosure of deed
restrictions and all association membership and assessment or dues
requirements before a prospective buyer purchases a home. The group also
wants to see alternative resolution procedures set up so homeowners could
avoid going through costly court cases with associations.
Currently, there are about 120 deed-restricted communities in Marion
County where homeowners pay monthly fees for a variety of amenities such
as gated security, maintenance of common grounds, clubhouse and
recreational facilities, roadways, garbage collection, cable television
and golf.
Those fees can add up. According to the most recent reports on file with
the Marion County clerk of court, $17 million in fees are assessed for
amenities each year.
Bergemann said the choice of Ocala is ideal for CCFJ, now in its fifth
year, "since there are many unanswered questions and lots of unrest
in the communities in your area."
Channing Gerber of Cherrywood Estates, who served as CHIP's vice president
until it dissolved last month, said the merger will mean more voices and
more clout behind homeowners rights.
Year after year, CHIP and other groups have gone to Tallahassee seeking
revision to state laws governing homeowners' associations, which can levy
mandatory membership fees, deed restrictions and property liens. But while
there is a state statute dealing with associations, no state agency
regulates them or enforces compliance.
In 2000, Gerber and others lobbied county commissioners for an ordinance
that would require developers to file financial reports detailing how HOAs
spent residents' fees. But compliance has been limited at best, and there
are no teeth built into the ordinance that would force compliance.
But by combining forces with the Jacksonville-based CCFJ, Gerber is
optimistic that the group will be big enough to make an impact with
legislators.
"There's more to be gained by merging than just dissolving and riding
into the sunset," said Gerber, who also served on two of CCFJ's
homeowners' task forces. "It will certainly help our message when we
go before the legislature because we have a whole group of people."
The legislative process, "while perhaps more exciting than watching
paint dry, is certainly more frustrating," he said.
"We've had varying degrees of promises from legislators, and when
they get up there they find out it's a lot different than they thought it
was going to be."
Friday Tomorrow night, Cyber Citizens plans to honor Rep. Julio Robaina, a
Republican from Miami-Dade, for championing homeowners' advocacy,
education and legislative reform. Gerber also said that Rep. Larry Cretul,
whose district includes the Southwest State Road 200 corridor, has been
"very supportive of CHIP."
Cretul, in Tallahassee until Wednesday getting his new legislative
assignments, said Robaina is the "point person" on homeowners'
rights and that "he probably understands that issue as well as
anybody. I suspect if there is something coming, he'd be the best one to
bring it."
Cretul also said that if Robaina brings it up for "discussion"
in the upcoming session, "I'll look at it with him and work with him
on it and go from there."
"I fully realize how and what the concerns are of the folks in our
district," said Cretul, adding that while he didn't know about CCFJ's
meeting, he would "certainly have no problem stopping by."
|