M.S. from New Haven county, Connecticut writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Our 7-floor condo high-rise has two lower floors dedicated to “commercial use”. These are offices with services such as insurance, real estate, counseling. They park on a dedicated parking area connected to our residential parking (not separate). Problem is that for the third time in two months we have seen a large transportation truck parked in our lot. The driver seems to be sleeping in the cab area, leaves in the AM. Last visit was on a Sunday afternoon from 3:00 PM onwards. The events have been reported to the board (and to the condo management). I believe the condo manager knows who this is and is allowing this overnight parking on an oversized vehicle with Indiana plates. Expecting no action from the board how can I best proceed to try to obtain an answer from the board? Should I have my attorney inquire officially as to the lack of response or proactive actions on part of the board? Thank you!
Mister Condo replies:
M.S., I am sure that having an overnight truck parked in your lot is discomforting. Depending on the rules for parking at your mixed-use condo, this may or may not be a violation. I am not sure why you would not expect action from the Board but this is clearly an issue for the Board to handle as they are the governing body charged with rules enforcement in the common areas, including the parking lot. The Property Manager also plays a role here in helping the Board maintain order in the association. In writing, contact both the Property Manager and the Board with your concern. Check your rules on parking to see if you can cite a specific rule that is being broken. As I have said many times before, the Board is comprised of democratically elected members of your association. If they aren’t governing in your best interest, replace them with volunteers that will govern better. Include yourself as a possible Board member. If the Board doesn’t change, neither will their actions. All the best!
Also go to a board meeting and speak to this in the required owner comment period. Talk to your fellow owners, if they are concerned ask them to go and speak at that same board meeting.