These bylaws are standard

Whenever you move into a newly developing neighborhood, the developer (in this case, Village Homes) retains control of the HOA until most, or all, of the lots in the development are sold and closed. Additionally, they retain a higher voting power (generally 3 votes for each lot they own) than do the homeowners (with 1 vote per lot). The rationale behind that is so that the developer is able to maintain the community to a level where they can continue to sell lots.

I agree that it can be frustrating and often feels as though Village has all the power, but these bylaws are standard, not a product of Village Homes itself.

Being that this IS the reality, it is our responsibility as homeowners to attend meetings, communicate with our Board and utilize whatever avenues we have so that our voices and concerns are heard. Remember, we do have 2 homeowner seats on the Board as well.

At some point in the future we WILL have control of our HOA. Let's lay the groundwork for positive and effective teamwork now, so that we can be successful as a self-governing entity in the future.

Attend Meetings ??

You stated that "it is our responsibility as homeowners to attend meetings". Great, I agree. But I also work for a living, and cannot blow off the afternoon in order to attend a 3:30pm meeting. The Board meetings used to be at 5:30pm, but the Board decided to move them to 3:30pm, essentially precluding any working residents from attending. What is worse is that they don't make the meeting minutes part of the newsletter, so we, as HOA members, have no clue as to what is actually being discussed and/or decided at these meetings.

What's you'll find out of the Board is a complete lack of communication. The newsletter is a joke, i.e. a A.R.E.S. joke., with lots of fluff and little fact.

As for "standard bylaws", there is no such thing. Just as there is no such thing as a "standard contract", the Village Homes' lawyers drew up these bylaws specifically for Greenfield. Obviously, they want to protect their investment. The only question now is when will 75% of the units be conveyed to homeowners.

I like your style

Very nicely written.

By L.A.

More questions

Who is responsible for taking the minutes at the HOA meetings? And who is responsible for what is published in the newsletter? I as a resident of Greenfield, I want the HOA minutes published in the newsletter and I also want the meeting scheduled when "common working folks" are able to attend. (Any time after 6:00 p.m.) Some of the things that are being discussed in this forum can be easily rectified. I'm wondering why they aren't. I like newsletters that are entertaining, but I also want to know what's going on in our community.

By L.A.