violations

a neighbor asked permission from myself and my neighbor on the otherside if we would agree to him putting a patio out back which overlooks a small lake. We said we did not object and signed a blank document which the president gave us. Later, the president (now resigned) put in a patio area and fence. We are allowed to go out 5' and he went out 13'. I did not complain except when i was on the common area outside the fence, he called the police on me. I ended up getting the board to speak to the police to advise them that this was common area that i was on. Then my son went to the president to discuss this because i was so upset and the president threatened to call the sheriff on my son. He then said that the board would not give me permission to put in a patio area. What should I do?

Shelila,
Roger is correct and don't sign blanks documents. Deals with your neighbors seldom work, so if you want to change the rules go through the board in an open meeting. The out of control member that apparently likes to threaten people is very unlikely to to act up at an open meeting. Stay away from him and deal with the Board.

Roger,

I know we should obey the restrictions but it's hard when so many others do not and just get a slap on the hand. My board is so out of whack that they allowed my neighbor to install a retention wall that is 6" from the property line. This wall stops the natural water runoff from my property. Design guidelines state all walls should be 10" from the property line. The bottom line is that the board is going to do what they want. I found out that they do not want to hear objections...they just make your life miserable and have sent us many harassment letters over trivial stuff. To get a lawyer is very expensive and adds to more aggravation. I now have learned that by living in an HOA I gave up many basic rights as a citizen. It's sad.

JD - Tucson