Unless you are a member with an RV, you may not be aware of a problem...
I don't own an RV, but wish I could afford to have one. I can see how they would be a lot of fun and it would sure beat camping. I can understand and am somewhat aware of the difficulties that the owners of RV's have in Surfside. This will be my attempt to explain the situation as I know it. I am not going to try and give dates and figures. I will leave that to others here. Guess you could call this my overview. Corrections and comments will be appreciated. This might help us all understand the issues better. This is a posting where I will delete comments off subject and insulting personal remarks. Remember, the following is what I think I know.
History:
The RV storage lot was constructed as a convenience for the RV owners so that they had a close affordable storage area for their RV's during the time they are not allowed on lots. Today, the present site would probably not be allowed in it's location because of wet land issues. Not all storage lots were provided with electrical service. At the time of it's construction, the RV's consisted mostly of small trailers and the electricity provided low wattage for dehumidifiers. Until the last few years, the charge for the spaces did not cover the maintenance costs and electricity. Boats and trailers were allowed a few years ago because there were empty spaces and the rental would help expenses. The understanding was that they would be removed if the demand for space exceeded supply. There is nothing in our documents that require an RV storage lot.
The Problem:
Demand is exceeding supply. Larger RV's are requesting space in a lot that was designed for smaller RV's. Larger units use more electricity than what was designed and provided. This has resulted in electrical repairs. The RV committee is trying to find solutions to these problems. A redesign of the spaces to accommodate larger RV's would result in less spaces available.
Solutions:
The past several years, the space rental income has exceeded the expenses by thousands of dollars. The excess collected has gone into the general operating fund to be used elsewhere. Using the excess for redesign, expansion and other related expense has been advocated.
An adjoining non member property was offered to the association to purchase. This consisted of several acres, the problem being that it was classified as wet land. Some are looking at other options on buying additional property for RV storage. This creates all kinds of problems. They even looked at lots on the West side, until someone pointed out that would not work, as those were areas where RV's are not allowed all year.
Another obvious solution would be to allow RV's on all lots all year. About half of Surfside allows that now. This could eliminate the need for an RV storage lot. Remember, there is no requirement for the association to provide storage.
The other solution is no solution at all.
Continue as present and storage could be by first come first served basis. No space available, your on your own. We could also just eliminate the storage, but continue the restrictions.
I hope this posting will generate some thoughtful discussion.
17 comments:
I don't want RV's left on properties. I own an RV, but bring it home for covered storage. I would like the excess funds, from the current storage facility, to be saved and used to update the current facility and for future added storage areas.
I use Surfside for recreational fun only and would hate for it to turn into a trailer park.
Not sure why only part of Surfside allows Rv's full-time and not the other part since everyone pays their dues? Could someone explain please? But then why would anyone want to leave their nice rig at the coast without enclosed shelter with this weather. To much rust and wear.
Not quite sure if this is the answer, but some of the reasons why some parts of Surfside have different rules is because the area was added on and it was decided to have them remain the same rather than having to change. That is why in certain areas homes are under certain rules that another just down the street doesn't.
Main reason given is wind exposer. Goes for rv's n tree height restrictions, manufactured homes etc. but its really bout the veiw.
I have a lot a few blocks east of J and don't understand the reasoning for some of this. I keep my RV covered when not in use and during the storage season in the RV lot so would do the same on my property and would even sign a form if required. Additionally, I can't have a manufactured home, secured to a foundation, but there are some homes on my street that couldn't withstand the elements that a new high quality manufactured home can. A new manufactured home on my lot would bring more positive views to the community then any RV on the site no matter how expensive.
Keep the RV restrictions as they are, keep the RV storage as is, us funds generated to cover maintenance of the lot. First come first serve.
Also, not sure how they are charging for RV storage, but it should be a flat fee for up to a certain or average? length of RV, then extra (Per FT) for those that go over the length. Or, just straight per ft with a minimum charge TBD. That would be fair?
I too do not want our area to look like a trailer park. I know that most RV owners take care of their equipment and keep their lots tidy, but there is a small percentage that don't and I would hate to be living next to one of those. .
You knew this was a mixed use community when you bought here. Sound familiar? Shoe on other foot? Lol
One particular factor, that seems to be ignored, is the economic value of the RV owners. Our community needs their revenue! If you make them a disadvantage minority, which they effectively are, they will go elsewhere, and we will be the worst for it.
Understand that status quo is not enough. stick built.
Regardless of restrictions, RV folks will continue to come here regardless, the beach will draw them....
And to 1151 - Yes I did know it was a mix use community when I bought here. I also read and agreed with the covenants, a big reason I purchased property here in the first place. I got no issues with a person using their property with an RV, as long as they are in compliance with the covenants?
Like I said, most RV owners take care of their equipment and are compliant, it's the 2%'s that make the covenants needed.
Like you I also read and agreed with the covenants and like you that is the reason I chose to live here and not elsewhere on the peninsula. Unfortunately for us the are a vocal group on here that feel the opposite. They, like some former Trustees feel that there should be no covenants at all.
I see no reason to make changes to the RV storage lot. Yes, the monies generated from the lot should be used for maintenance of the area. The electrical system does require attention. Yes, RV's have priority over non-rv space use. Whoever came up with the idea to put the monies into the general fund should be fired.
The restrictions on allowing RV's to be left in-place AND used year-around need to be removed from the covenants so members (dues paying property owners) can use their RV and their lot any damn time they please. It's time to stop treating RV owners as second class members!!!
Labor costs have never been included in the costs of maintaining the RV storage site. The costs of the work of the Surfside employees is not cheap and is supported by the payments from all members, not just RV members. I suspect that the surplus from RV fees would disappear if costs of labor were included in the expenditures for the storage site. It looks to me like all members have been subsidizing the storage site that benefits only the RV folks and some boat owners.
Right on 4:10 you are so correct! When you own your property, pay taxes on it and pay dues this hoa needs to back off. One more thing this idea of one having to show a permit in your window of your rev when and how long you will be using it is a joke. It just isn’t going to happen SS!
Fact check:
The labor costs are included..Look at the monthly financial reports and the budget for proof.
That was “a permit in the window of your RV”
Fact check - it is my understanding that labor cost for the RV site are only tracked and recorded when someone or company outside of Surfside performs work at the site. Labor costs of Surfside employees working at the site are not tracked or recorded.
Most work, other than mowing is contracted out and charged to the lot. It is mowed only once or twice a year. No maintenance, no charge. Only work done there has been by electrical contractors fixing electrical issues.
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