If laws weren't made to be broken, they at least need to be amended once in a while. As a community's residents change—and the world in general changes around the community—yesterday's rules and bylaws can become outdated or no longer su…

When you're a homeowner living in an association environment, it's a good bet that at some point during your residence you are going to take issue with something that a neighbor is doing—or vice versa. Whether it be something small like …

Unlike the ordered governance of cooperative corporations and condo associations in places like New York City, New Jersey's community and homeowner associations largely govern themselves, with little oversight from the state and no standard…

Throughout its 200-year history, the New Jersey Legislature as an institution has reinvented and adapted itself to provide for the needs and concerns of its citizens and constituents. For all the impact the state legislature has on ordin…

For many years, Newark had it rough. Not only was the city mired in economic and social crisis, but it was the butt of late-night comedians' jokes, the red-headed stepchild of New York City, the charmless wasteland up the river. In the l…

Construction is a massive industry in New Jersey, and the New Jersey chapter of the Associated Builders & Contractors Inc. (ABC-NJ) is an influential group with two main goals: to support building contractors throughout the state, and to…

With summer fast approaching, no other amenity in a residential community is enjoyed more than the community swimming pool. From the community's perspective, a swimming pool can add to the value of the residences and attract prospective …

Recreation spaces such as tennis courts or basketball courts are always a welcome addition to any community, and the community associations that already possess these amenities understand the value they represent to homeowners. Though it…

There was a time when everyone knew their neighbors and you could trust letting your kids out in the neighborhood. There was a strong sense of community, and neighbors looked out for each other. But over the past few decades, people have…

Consider this scenario: You just found the perfect home for your family—equipped with beautifully manicured lawns and a great community of people. Unfortunately, the association bylaws state that your children can't play hockey with thei…