There are many planned unit developments (PUDs) in our community. Most are
known as an HOA (homeowners association), but there are several other types—
individual family homes in developments of different sizes (think Summerlakes
and River Oaks)—townhome PUDs like Maple Hill and Emerald Green)—other HOA types that cover condo chartered properties, and non-condo developments.
Whichever type it is, these communities are governed by HOA boards of directors. Complexities of law create many headaches for the volunteer boards. Most HOAs hire management firms to gain access to legal advice, management talent and policy development expertise.
But local decisions still have to be made to properly represent the needs and tastes of the unit owners. Those variations, coupled with economic challenges, land-use issues, and stormwater management problems, to name just a few, make the HOA board’s job even more difficult.
The City of Warrenville is practiced with HOAs and is supportive of their efforts. Learning when, how, and to whom local expertise can be applied is not always easy.
An association of HOAs in Warrenville would address sharing of successes and failures. Perhaps only a quarterly gathering is needed. On the other hand a more formal structure may be useful in working toward the long-term success of all HOAs in our community?
For example, an umbrella organization could be helpful in facilitating the choices of contractors or vendors who had been found to be reputable in other situations.
Or, perhaps group training sessions could be structured for new board members.
An oversight entity might also prove useful in establishing stronger ties with various city and county departments.
If you are interested in pursuing this idea, please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We will report the strength of interest and help put respondents in contact with one another.
