2007 July
2007 July Vol. 5 No. 7
Focus on...Building Community Spirit
Electing Those Called to Serve
It was a typical sunny July morning in New England. Hot cups of coffee and the big Sunday papers were being enjoyed in communities across the region: in Rhode Island, Charles was at the breakfast table on the tenth floor of his spacious high rise condominium; in Massachusetts, Rita sat at her kitchen table in her comfortable townhouse; in Connecticut, Roger was on the patio of his neatly appointed garden home; in Maine, Samantha was headed over to the neighbor's to enjoy some coffee and pastries in their recently converted 20-unit condominium; and in Vermont, Elliot and his wife had finished their coffee and paper and were headed for a round of golf on the grounds of their active adult community. Read More
The New Rules for Recruiting Volunteers
If volunteering since September 11 has experienced a full-scale revival, why are so many condominiums still struggling to fill boards and organize events? Read More
You Don't Say?
In the past few months, much radio air time has been devoted to the post-Imus considerations of how to respond to inappropriate verbal and written language. These issues are pervasive and extend well beyond radio talk shows, including in the world of condominium management. Read More
A Numbers Game
It's a numbers game. As association homeowners gather for their annual meeting to discuss important issues and elect new board members, the count is on. Maybe, just maybe, business will be transacted tonight. Read More
Smart, Affordable Housing
Until recently, Massachusetts encouraged the development of affordable housing through Chapter 40B, an unpopular law characterized by critics as a sledgehammer that allows developers to bypass local zoning laws and build developments that many towns view as large, inappropriate, and sometimes unwanted. Read More
Signs of Trouble
Given the attention that well-managed condominiums pay to preserving architectural integrity and fostering a carefully maintained appearance, it's no wonder that they bristle at the appearance of flamingo lawn ornaments or other outdoor bric-a-brac. Read More
No Effort Required
Can you believe it?" my friend Faith confided. "Gerald takes eight different pills a day, and I think all that medication mix is affecting him. The doctors are working on figuring out what to do." Her confidences concerned her overweight husband. Read More
Bed Bugs Redux
In January 2006, we reported on the reemergence of bed bugs in the Northeast. Unfortunately, bed bug infestation problems in condominiums have not lessened at all during the ensuing period of time. Quite the contrary: property managers, hotel executives, and pest control operators are grappling with increasing numbers infestations in residential living areas. Read More
