Editorial Courtesy of the News Leader
Published December 14, 2003
An Amelia Island condominium owner is lobbying
state legislators to redress an unfair change of rules that has limited
his right to make best use of his property.
We respect the rights of homeowners' associations
to set rules that restrict common behavior. We appreciate why year-round
condo residents would not wish to live in a complex that allows short-term
rentals. But we think the Piper Dunes North condo association was too strict
in applying its new rules.
Steve and Judy Comley and another condo
owner had the only two of 28 units that were being rented short-term. No
evidence has been presented that short-term renters in either of those
units was causing problems at Piper Dunes.
But rather than grandfather their units,
as the Comleys requested, the association has been adamant. That jeopardizes
the Comleys' ability to retain their condo. Planning to move here permanently
after retirement, they live on the island seven months a year and rent
their condo the other five.
But Comley is an ardent adversary, and
he has taken his case to a state legislature that seems inclined - given
the number of condo owners complaining about their associations - to enact
reforms that make those associations more democratic.
Amelia Island Plantation, where Piper Dunes
is located, supports Comley's position, as do many other local residents
and business who judge this an issue of fairness.
We believe the legislature ultimately will
agree. |