Petition for Residents of Romaine Village and HOA Association

To: Appropriate Authorities (List relevant local and state agencies, e.g., Bend Code Enforcement, Oregon Fair Housing Council, Oregon Health Authority)

From: Concerned Residents of the Romaine Village Community as well as their Homeowner's Association (19940 Mahogany Street, Bend, Oregon 97702)

Date: June 8, 2024

Subject: Urgent Request for Action: Addressing Concerning Conditions in the Romaine Village Community as well as their Homeowner's Association

Introduction

We, the residents of the Romaine Village Community and Homeowner's Association, are writing to express our deep concern about the ongoing issues that significantly compromise the safety, health, and overall well-being of our community. This petition outlines numerous problems with Park management and living conditions that require immediate attention from the relevant authorities.

Detailed Description of Concerns

Uninhabitable Amenities and Potential Health Hazards:

The advertised pool, hot tub, and recreational facilities are frequently closed due to unclear reasons. When operational, concerns exist regarding water quality and proper maintenance. These factors render the amenities unusable and raise potential health risks for residents, especially children.

Safety Hazards and Neglected Infrastructure:

Overgrown vegetation throughout the Park creates visibility obstructions and potential dangers like harboring pests. Inadequate street lighting increases the risk of accidents, especially for pedestrians, and creates an environment conducive to criminal activity. Limited staff availability raises further concerns about timely response to emergencies and overall security.

Unsanitary Waste Management Practices:

The Park enforces unreasonable restrictions on what recyclables are accepted, leading to increased household waste and unnecessary environmental strain. Residents suspect additional fees for disposing of extra garbage are excessive and not clearly outlined in any agreements. Furthermore, inefficient collection schedules result in overflowing bins and unsanitary conditions around the Park.

Potential Fair Housing Violations:

A significant portion of residents, particularly those from certain ethnicities or with lower incomes, are reportedly denied access to advertised amenities. This raises serious concerns about potential fair housing violations, creating a divided and unequal living environment.

Water System Issues and Unresponsive Management:

Recurring water shutoffs with little to no prior notice leave residents inconvenienced and unprepared. The aging pipes throughout the Park raise concerns about water quality. Additionally, unaddressed irrigation leaks suggest a disregard for responsible water management and the potential for water waste. Efforts to communicate these issues to Park management are often met with unprofessional responses or lack of action.

Hostile Living Environment Due to Staff Conduct:

Residents have reported instances of Park staff harassing and intimidating residents, particularly children. These incidents include taking unauthorized photos, making threats, and selectively enforcing rules. Such behavior creates a climate of fear and distrust within the community.

Unethical Business Practices and Non-Compliance with Regulations:

Disregarding established occupancy limits creates overcrowding concerns and potential fire hazards. The lack of proper lease agreements and background checks raise safety questions. Chronic understaffing leads to a backlog of maintenance issues, further compromising resident safety. Furthermore, the Park appears to be non-compliant with city regulations regarding lighting standards and road conditions, creating additional safety hazards. Additionally, unfulfilled promises concerning amenities like a dog park and playground amount to deceptive advertising.

Homeowner's Association (HOA) Issues and Profiteering Concerns:

The residents of Romaine Village Community, including those who do not pay space rent, are subject to HOA fees. These fees are ostensibly meant for the maintenance, upkeep, and improvement of community amenities and infrastructure. However, it has become evident that the owner is not fulfilling these obligations. The HOA fees do not go towards the intended purposes, and instead, it appears that the owner is profiteering off the residents. Essential maintenance and upkeep tasks remain neglected, leading to further deterioration of living conditions. This exploitation not only breaches the trust of the residents but also raises serious ethical and legal concerns.

A Call to Action and Vision for a Better RMVP

We, the residents, urge the appropriate authorities to investigate these matters at Romaine Village Community and Homeowner's Association. The Park's management must be held accountable for its failures to provide a safe, fair, and well-maintained living environment. We request a formal meeting with the relevant authorities and Park management to discuss these concerns in detail and explore solutions collaboratively.

The residents of Romaine Village Community and Homeowner's Association deserve a community that prioritizes our well-being. We believe that by implementing clear solutions to the problems outlined in this petition, Romaine Village has the potential to become a safe, comfortable, and welcoming place for all residents. We stand ready to work with the authorities and Park management to achieve this goal. We encourage a prompt and thorough investigation into the issues raised in this document, followed by a clear action plan with concrete steps for improvement.