Homeowner Associations

A while ago, someone left a slightly angry and puzzling comment here blaming home owner associations for being bossy (and suggesting that they obstruct housing developments? Confusing...)

Guess the reader was right with regard to bossiness, but not everyone is opposed to being bossed around by their neighbors (that is, everyone who is most likely white, privileged and can afford to purchase a new single-family property in a hot new development and whose neighbors are of a similar demographic). A new study by economists at George Mason University suggests that there is great value placed on homeowner associations in new housing developments. It also suggests that people want to be regulated - but not by state or even county/city officials. They want to be regulated by their neighbors.

John Tierney commented on it this week in the NYTimes (a digression: TimesSelect is one of the worst decisions NYTimes Direct has made, how much revenue can this subscription really generate?), speaking from his own experience with his neighborhood. Thank goodness for syndication - here's the op-ed re-run in the Rutland, VT newspaper, without the byline.

Thanks Kayx!