Homeowners associations bring communities together
CRANBERRY TWP — With 99 residential developments and 15 under construction in the township, homeowners associations have been springing up since the 1980s.
Tim Casey is acting president of the homeowners association at Winchester Farms, a neighborhood of 116 single-family homes off Unionville Road.
Casey, 46, said an annual homeowner's fee covers expenses like insurance, landscaping and bills for association administration.
He said another function of the association is participating in community activities to bring residents together. He said the 5K race associated with Community Day partially goes through Winchester Farms, whose residents help host the race.
"It's a nice way for us to give back and foster that sense of community sometimes lacking in suburban life," said Casey, who works as chief informational officer at Allegheny Health Choices.
Duane McKee, assistant township manager of operations, said he organizes a homeowners association forum on a regular basis. McKee said the meetings help the township maintain a line of communication with the many neighborhoods.
He said the forums allow the homeowners associations to get information on landscapers, insurance companies, attorneys and other items. He said the forums help the township to determine whether officials need to become involved in certain issues.
McKee said attendance normally is 10 to 13 board members from various developments.
"It's always a positive experience for the group," McKee said.
Casey said overseeing possible changes in a neighborhood is a challenge faced by homeowners association leaders.
For example, he said a project to promote street lighting in Winchester Farms fell flat because residents whose homes were close to prospective light poles feared too much nighttime lighting would shine into their homes.
Casey said residents elect board members to represent them, but many still want a say in every decision made by the board. He said that phenomenon occurs when the board considers adding a feature such as a gazebo, pool, windmill or an item that would benefit the entire neighborhood.
"It's the age-old question of do you live in a democracy or a republic?" Casey said.
He said while there are five board positions on the association, only three individuals are currently serving.
Casey said he became involved in the association to have an influence on the proceedings at Winchester Farms and to give back to the community.
"You've got to get in the game of life," Casey said. "Sitting on the bench just isn't worth it."
Casey said he intends to increase interest and participation in Winchester Farms' homeowners association.
"I hope to reinvigorate the idea of the board so it will be more active," he said.
