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Pasco County News | Breaking News

Readers stick up for Bridgewater HOA

Posted Sep 8, 2010 by Tom Jackson

Updated Sep 8, 2010 at 06:32 PM

When it comes to deed-restricted communities and homeowners’ associations, no one rides a fence. In all likelihood, the great majority of those who criticize HOAs choose to live outside the walled confines of these exquisitely planned communities, while those who are robust fans dwell inside them.

This arrangement suggests that both sides have freely made choices that suit their lifestyles and so, really, what’s to complain about? But never mind.

Two supporters of HOAs in general and the much-maligned Bridgewater Community Association in particular wrote to express their displeasure with my Wednesday column, linked here.

There was this from a longtime Bridgewater homeowner:

I feel very certain that if you had bought into the Bridgewater Community in 2004 as I did and watched it blossom and then rot, and then see someone like Mark Spector trying his utmost, even if he is not right every time, to make it a place that you are not embarrassed to call home, you would not be so quick to write your article on Bridgewater. If you did, you certainly would have stated it differently.

If you lived in Bridgewater, you would thank God for the Mark Spectors of the world.

And from a Seven Oaks resident came this harrowing retort (changed from its original shouting all-caps format in deference to the gentle reader’s tender ears and eyes):

Just wanted to let you know that I think you are in error re: your opinions as expressed in your column of Sept. 8 and you are trying to simplify a situation faced by the Bridgewater [association].

The buyer who brought his situation to your paper’s attention was smart enough to get through the process of buying a foreclosure. In doing so he had to check on possible liens on the home. He also knew there was an [association] involved with deed restrictions. Why didn’t he check as to [association] violations on the home? Surely he knew that banks don’t properly maintain homes they take over. He just figured that the easiest way to resolve was to complain to the paper in the hope the paper would take up his “cause” and put pressure on the [association] to give in. Sure enough the paper did just what he wanted. The “poor” little guy against the big bad [association]. No wonder no one is buying papers anymore. Tell it like it is.

I also do not agree with your general comments re: [associations] and deed restrictions. Let me preface my remarks by letting you know that I am no “right wing extremist” as regards deed restrictions. However they are necessary in a state where there are not enough proper zoning laws and building codes. Did you ever notice some of the communities that don’t have deed restrictions? In addition, conceding on deed restrictions in and of itself is not going to increase home sales. If you don’t like the [deed restrictions], don’t move into the community.

This is not a subtle point, and it references both the column and the introduction above.

Two of the reasons I moved into Seven Oaks were the fine property [association] and the deed restrictions. No one forced me to move here and I had seen a copy of the “covenants” before buying. Do I agree with all of the restrictions? Of course not. Some seem crazy – like the color of mulch – certain-type backyard fences – garage doors open [no] longer than necessary – restrictions on screen doors – and getting approval to make all home alterations. However, on balance the restrictions do make for a nicer community. Like I said – if you don’t like them then buy somewhere else. …

Why should my life be affected because someone refuses to adhere to a deed restriction? If everyone was reasonable in maintaining their communities most deed restrictions would not be necessary. However human nature being what it is. …

I readily concede that the would-be homeowner at the heart of Tribune business reporter Shannon Behnken’s story, rocked by the prospect of paying off a five-figure backlog of homeowners’ association fees, played an interesting card. But it’s not like your correspondent demanded a change in Bridgewater Community Association policy—or else. Otherwise, I’m not certain what this correspondent’s gripe was – I thought I made similar points – but, no matter. The healthy and freewheeling exchange of ideas is what makes the blogosphere the modernday Roman forum that it is, and we endorse it.