Mar. 03, 2021
HARRISBURG – To help ensure fairness for homeowners, Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) today introduced
House Resolution 69 that would direct the Joint State Government Commission to study common interest owned communities (CIOCs). Specifically, the study would focus on the impact the communities have on local governments and Pennsylvania, the challenges facing the residents and governing bodies of these CIOCs, and opportunities for the Commonwealth to assist local governments and CIOCs to deliver adequate services to their residents at an affordable cost.
“The number of CIOCs in Pennsylvania is rapidly expanding as this type of community is becoming a more popular way of developing housing,” said Gaydos. “Due to these factors, it is important to continually receive an updated picture of these communities and recommendations, in order to better serve our residents.”
In 2009, the House passed House Resolution 350 directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a similar study. Released in 2011, it provided a more robust picture of the planned communities, cooperatives and condominiums, or CIOCs, that are located in Pennsylvania.
“As we come upon the 10-year anniversary of the release of the first study, I believe that now is a good time to commission a second study to review the rapidly evolving landscape of CIOCs,” said Gaydos.
The legislator said that new rules for private communities are needed as they have evolved over the years. Many residents voice their complaints about association fees and limited services, including a lack of full police coverage to road repairs and trash pickup.
“Many private communities act like municipal governments, and a study is needed to determine if that is an appropriate form of governance, and if so, what their duties and responsibilities should be,” said Gaydos. “They levy fees on members, who also pay property taxes to municipalities and school districts to support public schools and public roads.”
House Resolution 69 has been referred to the House Urban Affairs Committee for consideration.
Representative Valerie Gaydos
44th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437
rleiner@pahousegop.com
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