2006 Dec
2006 Dec Vol. 4, No. 12
Focus on...Safety & Security
Preventing Crime in Your HOA
Even with crime rates decreasing and cities improving their safety profiles, crime and public safety are still issues we all must deal with in both urban and suburban environments. One of the worst things a board/management team can do is turn a blind eye to crime, thinking 'it won't happen to us.' Criminals don't care about zip code, or the number of people in your community, or whether you live in a large city or a small town. Crime happens everywhere and the best way we can prepare for it is to realize that it could, indeed, happen to us. Read More
Hiring Security for Your HOA
Different HOAs take varying approaches to securing their properties—some rely entirely on video surveillance, some utilize intercom systems and leave it at that, and others want a living, breathing security personnel to patrol and guard their community. Hiring security staff is no small undertaking, however—there are multiple questions and issues that must be considered in order to ensure the safety of residents and protect your association from unnecessary liability. Read More
Addressing the Question of Subletting
For many New Jersey co-op shareholders and condo unit owners, the question of subletting their apartment can be one of simple convenience, or major necessity. Perhaps they've been given an extended out-of-town work assignment and need someone to watch their place (and pay their maintenance fees) while they're away, or maybe economic times are tough and they want to bring in a roommate to occupy the spare bedroom and help with expenses. Read More
Security in High-rises and HOAs
Security and safety are among the most important concerns of condos, co-ops and HOAs today. Even though crime is down everywhere, 9/11 has heightened security concerns in general. Read More
Winter Worries
Homeowners association and co-op/condo buildings have their work cut out for them when winter arrives; residents may slip and fall on icy sidewalks, roofs can leak, and recreational amenities need looking after. Some of these things can be controlled—and some can't, but it's important for every board/management team to keep an eye out for wintertime conditions that can lead to liability and legal problems, and do what they can to remove the risk. Read More
A Look Inside the NCPC
Is your block safe? What about the area surrounding your neighborhood's schools? Crime may be down overall, but regular reports of violent crime in schools have many community members increasingly concerned about neighborhood and school safety. There are programs available that help law enforcement keep the peace by raising awareness and providing guidance to those who wish to get involved. The largest of these programs is the nonprofit National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC). Read More
Visiting Cherry Hill
Every year, Money Magazine releases its extremely popular list of the top 100 places to live in the United States. This year, Cherry Hill, New Jersey made the list at number 47. Of course Bernie Platt, mayor of the 24 square-mile township, isn't surprised. Read More
Telecommunication Options for HOAs
Not so long ago, when people wanted to communicate or do business with each other, doing so usually involved a piece of paper and a pen, or the use of a land-line telephone plugged into a wall. Today of course, it's a whole new ballgame. The grinding "ping" of a dial-up modem sounds almost quaint, and we take our ability to access the Web wirelessly from remote locations for granted. Read More
