Changing subjects a bit today. We did a thorough search of what's referred to "LSD" -- Lower Southern Delaware for our home. We found a gem in our small community with open water views right off the Bay. The neighbors: Unbelievably kind. Nicest folks you ever want to meet. Everyone is from everywhere. A perfect place to enjoy the beaches and waterways.
We got involved. Attending our first homeowner's meeting was an eye opener. Imagine walking into a full room of neighbors and feeling like you should dial 911. Screaming. Arms flailing. First thought, as I looked at the table where it appeared to be volunteers from our Board sitting quietly was, WTH...where did we move? People started walking out. I became curious.
The trend continued at following meetings, every one since. In between lawsuit threats, angry emails, refusal to pay community dues. Digging deeper, turns out it was a handful of people driving it. Just a few. Ain't that always the case?
We live in a beautiful waterfront community. Amazing water view, few rules, low annual dues. After checking out many private communities--more expense and with better Bay access than where we landed, we saw a trend: Stunning homes with dumpsters, school buses and sheds next door. Still curious, we learned each of these communities has covenants (rules) for their property owners. Some manage them better then others, obviously. Our community managed our covenants well, until now.
Changing of the guard (guided by the handful described above) created a Board that's overlooking and not enforcing basic rules, like you don't build a structure along the back 5' of the water. Why? Because our legal covenants spell out a 20' setback to make sure the entire community keeps our gorgeous views.
Now I'm super curious, as people are complaining, but nothing is happening. So I question. For 5 months. And I'm asked why I "don't mind my own business." I am. Because ignoring a simple rule will rapidly become messy for the whole community. So it is my business--and my neighbor's.
What would you do? I've been encouraged and am considering a run for the Board. Because this isn't pretty:
