As a resident of Norris Lake neighborhood in Snellville, Georgia, I have witnessed firsthand the steep increase in Homeowners Association (HOA) fees, more than 100% year on year, which is a significant financial burden on residents, especially those of us who do not utilize the provided amenities such as the pool, tennis courts, clubhouse, boat ramp, main beach and parks/playgrounds.

Our Homeowners Association provides a range of amenities that are wonderfully appealing to many. However, not every resident chooses to, or is able to, use these amenities. Yet, currently, all residents pay for them through the HOA dues, despite their usage or financial capacity.

Therefore, I propose a different fee structure for Norris Lake neighborhood residents. This new structure should differentiate between those who opt to use all of the amenities and those who do not. Residents utilizing all available amenities could pay the full HOA dues, whereas those not using facilities should be required to pay lesser dues.

As per one report by CNBC, HOA fees have climbed by 32.4% nationwide over the last 10 years. This outpaces the growth of the cost of single-family homeownership (28.9% increase) over the same period (source: CNBC). Yet, no mandatory rules exist around how these fees should be structured, often resulting in unjust disparities among residents who use these facilities versus those who do not.

This proposal, for a fairer allocation of expenses, recognizes residents' unique circumstances and individual choices, while still ensuring the upkeep of our beautiful neighborhood. It's now time for our HOA in Norris Lake neighborhood to consider the diverse needs of its community members and institute a fee structure that reflects that diversity. Please sign this petition to support this much-needed change.