Homeowners call for HOA resignations

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Looking for a parking space in the Benjamin Crossing subdivision in Lafayette could be a challenge. That's because there aren't any along the street. The policy at the subdivision is no on-street parking.

"To the extent it was being enforced, we as homeowners, we couldn't have a birthday party or graduation party at our home or guests over," said homeowner Joe Gutwein.

Gutwein and a few other homeowners took it upon themselves to do something about Benjamin Crossing's parking covenant.

"Three of us met in our home. A couple ladies and my wife and we just started compiling all of the ideas that people had," said Gutwein.

What they came up with was a permit system. Homeowners wanting to have guests over would apply, pay a $40 refundable deposit and receive five parking permits for guests.

"This is better than nothing. Yeah, it is a little cumbersome," said Gutwein.

The plan is currently in a trial period and will be up for review on August 31st.

Others upset with the current covenant have taken it upon themselves to find a solution by calling for the resignation of every Homeowners' Association Member (HOA).

( See Facebook page here. )

HOA president Lyn Kaspar declined on camera comment, but said the builder, C.P. Morgan, made the rules; not the Homeowners' Association. She adds homeowners signed a 14 page document outlining each covenant before they moved in.

Currently anyone parking on the street at Benjamin Crossing without a permit will be towed. According to Kaspar, five different votes over the past five years to change the parking covenant have come up short of the 75% majority needed to change it.

In the meantime, a protest is being organized for this weekend at Oakley Park inside Benjamin Crossing to protest the current H.O.A. board.

Benjamin Crossings property management company, USA Property Management, had no comment Monday.