Economy Challenges Homeowner and Condo Associations

Article and Video Courtesy of First Coast News

Published September 25, 2010

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jerry Petosky is dealing with a new problem as the president of the Old Mill Cove homeowners association: a half dozen homes in foreclosure.

The Arlington neighborhood of 80 homes is hardly unique in having to deal with vacant homes and trying to get all homeowners to pay their dues.

"Just watching the vacant homes and trying to get people to join the association," said Petosky is part of the challenge, plus his new chore of inspecting vacant homes.

Attorney Barry Bobek said he's hearing from more homeowners frustrated with associations that are 

experiencing problems collecting dues and assessments. Those fees help pay for bills associated with maintaining common areas like swimming pools and playgrounds.

 

"In a lot of cases you wind up with as few as 25 percent of condo owners paying for the whole building," said Bobek, who noted condominiums are generally experiencing tougher times than subdivisions.

This Saturday, the city Housing and Neighborhoods Department is hosting a free workshop for homeowner associations looking for guidance on their legal rights and obligations. A local law firm is partnering with city to help homeowner and condo associations navigate challenges resulting from foreclosures.

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