Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
The CCOC – Commission on Common Ownership Communities – is Not Working
Has Montgomery County, MD's agency for resolving Homeowner disputes with HOA and Condo boards gone off the rails?
Steven Lapham, Neighbor
- Gaithersburg, MD
Steven Sellers Lapham is a retired editor (science & social studies education), amateur musician, PTA volunteer, MoCo Weed Warrior, and 21-year resident of Quail Valley, which is just outside the boundary of the City of Gaithersburg. These blogs are my own reporting & opinions. FYI, I'm a member of the Silver Spring Justice Coalition, Voices from the Holy Land Online Film Salon, and UUs for Justice in the Middle East, as well as the Quail Valley Friendly Team.
Posting Activity
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
An HOA Double-Bills an Elderly, ESL Homeowner
Does the HOA look carefully and then correct errors (whether the HOA's or the homeowner's) – or does it pile on more and more confusion?
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
HOA Hobbles Homeowners Trying Merely to Maintain Their Properties
An HOA offers delays and errors – for years – instead of clear instructions for homeowners striving to REPAIR their fences.
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
MCSP School Counselors and Nurses: Let's KEEP Them!
Our school board members and county councilors have the good sense to provide mental health services & gun control–not armed police. Right?
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Was this a WSSC "Shakedown" for $1,167.02? Does This Happen Often? Oversight, Hello?
Any replies that we receive from "oversight" offices – tasked with protecting the public – we will share here on PATCH.com
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Where's the Water Shutoff? Where's the Pipe in the Wall?
If you live in a common ownership community (COC), your association often has no clue ... and won't even bother advising you Where to Ask.
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Motorbikes on the lawns of Quail Valley: Who is This?
Mud tracks and high-impact collisions with pedestrians are two reasons why motorized vehicles are forbidden in Quail Valley HOA.
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Let's Sow Grass WITHOUT Planting Plastic
A mat of hemp or jute– instead of plastic– is the best "erosion control blanket" to use when planting grass. Let's plan to convert.
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Yellow Pavement Stripes Come Loose on Rt. 28, W. Montgomery Ave.
Year after year, we observe this problem on our roads. Maybe old-fashioned road paint was the better method and material.
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Judge Orders HOA to Permit Hispanic American Family Pool Access TODAY
Absurd property violations were dropped, and records of monthly dues payments were clarified. Can a predatory system be curbed? Be reformed?
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
A Small Victory: HOA drops fine for a spot of dirt on the lawn
Another family gets some relief in court. Enough. Let's study, confront, & reform the abusive HOA system we have here in Maryland
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Quail Valley HOA Threatens Fines for Children's Toys in the Front Yard
Property inspections in the Spring of 2024: A predatory HOA industry targets families for living normal lives. Is this what we want?
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Quail Valley HOA Conducts Predatory Inspections, Again in 2024
This HOA cites "property violations" that are fraudulent, year after year. This is not an error. It's a profitable business model.
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
How Can I Contact My HOA Board Members Directly?
The inaccessibility of HOA board members is "Exhibit A" for lack of transparency and accountability in HOAs all over the United States.
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
End Abusive HOA Laws and Practices in Maryland (A Petition)
Maryland upholds laws and practices that feed an HOA industry that profits by manufacturing homeowner debt. We demand Economic Justice.
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Property Manager Obstructs Free Discussion at an HOA Community Meeting
A manager stifles discussion at the Quail Valley HOA meeting, blocking HOA legitimate business, and canceling First Amendment free speech.
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Trees Can Kill. SNAGS Can Saves Lives, and Budgets Too. (Exhibit A)
A snag is the trunk that remains after you cut off ALL the dead (and deadly) limbs. Woodpeckers love it. Humans are safer. [TREE IS FELLED!]
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Homeowners Resist HOA Abuses in Maryland – and Are Winning
Homeowners have been searching for a government agency–anywhere–that could curb HOA abuses. "We can't help you," was the refrain. Until now.
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Finding Nimo ... and the office of TMGA, Inc. Look for PRECISION LABS
Finding our HOA's property management office is difficult. Poor signage. It's at the back in an office park maze. GoogleMaps may freeze.
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Can We Outsmart Trickster Crow and Make Benches Useable Again? "Yes!"
Crows perched on the back of a bench at a RideOn bus stop. They cawed (that's okay) and pooped onto the slats (that's Not Okay). Solvable!
