2005 May
2005 May Vol. 25, No. 5
Focus on...Interior Design
Maintaining HOA Playgrounds
The sound of children playing outside is one of the many joys of the warm weather months. Playgrounds are a place where parents and guardians can relax while kids get some exercise and burn off energy before a nap. Playgrounds can also contribute to an association's property values and sense of community, but in order for a play facility to be enjoyable, however, safety must always come first. Read More
Keeping Rules Fair and Legal
Consider this scenario: You just found the perfect home for your family—equipped with beautifully manicured lawns and a great community of people. Unfortunately, the association bylaws state that your children can't play hockey with their friends on the blacktop, can't skateboard through the streets and can't—even for a moment—leave their bikes on the front lawn. Read More
Establishing Good Community Programming
There was a time when everyone knew their neighbors and you could trust letting your kids out in the neighborhood. There was a strong sense of community, and neighbors looked out for each other. But over the past few decades, people have become more private and aloof—perhaps not as willing to open up to others as they once were. The trend has become even more acute in recent years, as people have become more security-conscious and self absorbed, and fences and barriers between neighbors have increased. Read More
Maintaining Paved Recreation Surfaces
Recreation spaces such as tennis courts or basketball courts are always a welcome addition to any community, and the community associations that already possess these amenities understand the value they represent to homeowners. Though it might not seem like much care is required when the area in question is a paved surface, a certain amount of upkeep is necessary to preserve the value of the amenity for current and future residents. Read More
Managing HOA Swimming Pools
With summer fast approaching, no other amenity in a residential community is enjoyed more than the community swimming pool. From the community's perspective, a swimming pool can add to the value of the residences and attract prospective buyers. It's also seen as an amenity that can bring the residents of a community together; a gathering place where people can meet, relax, and socialize. Read More
A Look Inside the ABC-NJ
Construction is a massive industry in New Jersey, and the New Jersey chapter of the Associated Builders & Contractors Inc. (ABC-NJ) is an influential group with two main goals: to support building contractors throughout the state, and to provide consumers with a resource that allows them to find safe, reputable, licensed contractors. Read More
New-and-Improved Newark
For many years, Newark had it rough. Not only was the city mired in economic and social crisis, but it was the butt of late-night comedians' jokes, the red-headed stepchild of New York City, the charmless wasteland up the river. In the late 1970s, Harper's magazine thought enough of Newark to name it "the worst city in America," and one well-worn joke had it that the winner of a television game show back in the '50s got a one-week vacation in Newark. Second prize was two weeks. Read More
