Condo boards decisions and protection of unit owners

[compassrose88]

What is the name of your state? Connecticut
I have a neighbor who has a commercial vehicle he uses for his job. It's a disturbance every morning. The board gave him permission to park this vehicle in his extra parking spot. The bylaws say a decision like that is at the descretion of the board. I hired a lawyer who said I had a case to have the truck removed, though it would cost me a lot. I have not pursued it as yet. The board has continuously protected my neighbor and basically told me to pound sand. My neighboor then went ahead and ripped out mature bushes which were healthy and provided privacy between us that were common element without permission from the board. I wanted them replaced with mature bushes, I felt my neighbor should pay for it, since he hadn't gotten permission. The board said if you want it, pay for it, so I had to pay $500 for bushes that were like the ones ripped out. Now my neighboor has an unregistered ATV and rides it up and down the condo street. It's loud and disturbing. He also has a workshop in his garage complete with compressor to work on dirt bikes and other atv's. He also stores his gas grill in the garage with propane tanks. Will it ever end?? The association doesn't seem to care. What protection do I have as a unit owner when the association and managment company doesn't do anything? Is there an agency in CT that protects unit owners from this total lack of interest on their part?

[Paddy Reagan]

Unless you alone are fuming over the actions of the neighbor and the board, discuss the issue with your neighbors. If they share your concerns, consider a recall of the board of directors. Most state condo statutes authorize this action, usually without cause.

You may also consider complaints about the board's behavior to the state agency which regulates condominiums. Finally, if you live in a city or metropolitan area, file a complaint with the code compliance office. That should get rid of the workshop and the fuel tanks.