As for the 16% default not being intentional . . .actually, if you choose not to pay your dues, for whatever reason, that is a choice. If you don't have the $$, then you need to find a way to get some, just like you will have to to pay your mortgage, car insurance, or other bills. That might sound harsh, but if you sign the paperwork, stating you will live here, that is binding just like a mortgage is. Sorry, there are no "bailouts" for HOA dues. In relation to other HOAs across the country, our dues are very reasonable and the payments could me made by selling via ebay/craigslist, delivering pizzas a night or two a week, child care services etc- things that you can do outside the hours of a traditional job.

Also, please do not assume the rest of us are not willing to help out our neighbors and friends. I have actually found Daybreak to be very friendly, people pitching in to help others out, being neighborly. I think we have all been in a tough spot at one time or another and we do have compassion for our neighbors that are suffering from job loss or illness.

If you are having yard concerns, it is Hamlet that needs to fix them. It is not the HOA's fault that they messed up. It sounds like you and your neighbors may need to pitch in and hire a good lawyer to get Hamlet to correct the problem asap.

I am sorry you are frustrated and having a tough time. I sincerely hope your concerns can be resolved soon.

“Littleash”, that was truly insensitive and harsh of you to say. Do you think most people who are going through tough situations are sitting in their rears! That was so judgmental and rude to say, my plea for sympathy was based on people who I have helped and are working multiple jobs, sold most their belongings, have had help from family!! I only hope that you would not go through what these people have been through and experience that it is much harder than it seems and the struggles are greater when children are involved. As far as Hamlet, I support them 100% and I am confident that the screw up was not theirs...as they came out several times correcting peoples yards, because the HOA added additional landscaping guidelines before people closing on their homes or shortly after. The “nasty” notification we received from the HOA was sent to us in January 09, almost 2 yrs after most the homes here where built and closed on!! Pretty much saying your yards are wrong… fix it or pay up, oh and by the way you have until May 1, 09! These homes where inspected before closing by the HOA & HAMLET! So what right does the HOA have to go back almost 2 yrs after people have closed in their homes and expect Hamlet to fix it! I don’t think so! NOPE Hamlet is not at fault here either, as they are also battling with the HOA in trying to get this matter resolved. So either you work for the HOA or just have not been hit by it yet….good luck!

Don't get me wrong I love Sugarhouse and I lived in the Avenues for years. There is a lot of charm and also chain link fences, houses painted tacky colors, people that leave up their Christmas lights all year long. I am glad people have to get permission to change the color of their house because I don't want someone moving next to me that paints their house the same color as mine or bright pink with lime green shutters. If your landscaping was approved then what exactly is it that they are saying needs to change. How are you not in compliance?

Sorry 123, but if you chastise those reading this board for not being good neighbors or understanding, what type of response do you expect? If you have helped those around you, that is fantastic, but please don't assume others do not to the same.

Likewise, let's not jump to conclusions. My response was based on the information you provided and my personal experience. My family HAS been in the situation you have described, so I am not naive in that regard.
In no way did I mean that those experiencing financial difficulties were lazy or weren't trying. I was merely offering possibilities to come up with the extra $80 or whatever it is a month for the dues that we are required to pay, just like we are required to pay for other service bills- electric, gas, mortgage etc. For all of these bills, we are REQUIRED to pay for the services we receive, no matter what our personal situation is. That is why I see it as "intentional" - we have to choose where our money is allocated, and if we come up short, try to do all we can to make up the difference. My suggestions were for simple ideas outside normal business hours for making a little extra $$, that is all.

As for your issue with the HOA, I suggest you read the latest post on the home page. It states Hamlet will be fixing the yards in Eastlake, so maybe that will help your case.

What exactly is the problem with the yard and landscaping?

Yes, I read it as I have been talking with Scoop and had been fighting for this issue since the notifications sent in Dec 08. I talked with Hamlet, HOA, BOD's and Media to get this into light and get it resolved. I am happy to hear that Hamlet will correct the issue as they were not in fault because they too where miscommunicated between Kennecott/HOA. They too are disgusted on how these letters where sent out and then left everyon in limbo.

In regards to "Chastise" It was in defense of the situation and how sensitive the subject can be when it comes to struggling families. Again, all scenarios are different and if you feel that a struggling family not paying HOA fees is intentional, then that is your choice. But your suggestion or "simple ideas on how someone can get extra cash after normal hours, could also be viewed as offensive or childish since you would assume that a 12 yr old is not the one who purchased a home in this community. I have absolutely nothing against Daybreak or their homeowners and in starting this post, it was merely my voice and those of my neighbors on how customer service continues to deteriorate within the Developer, the HOA and its Management CCMC. How we as homeowners are struggling to speak, have opinions and left feeling hopeless when trying to go against the Management and people who are supposed to help and serve us. Article #2 is another example of that with homeowners secretly having liens placed by subcontractors and Kennecott keeping the blindfold and ear plugs on.