Hilliard Commons HOA: My Experience With Transparency, Accountability, and Fair Enforcement
For more than seventeen years, I have lived in Hilliard Commons, a condominium community in Ohio. During that time, I’ve witnessed the inner workings of the homeowners’ association (HOA) and experienced what I believe to be selective enforcement of rules, inconsistent communication, and a troubling lack of transparency.
This article shares my personal experiences and observations as an owner acting on behalf of Special K Trust, which holds title to my property. My goal is to encourage open discussion about HOA governance, fair treatment, and accountability.
Early Concerns and Questionable Decisions
From my first years at Hilliard Commons, it became clear that not all board members viewed the association as a business bound by fiduciary duty to its members. Over time, projects were handled in ways that raised concerns about oversight and spending.
One notable example involved a gutter-replacement and soffit-venting project spanning several years. After noticing improper installation, I documented the issues and consulted multiple licensed contractors who confirmed that the work did not meet standard building practices.
Eventually, the board hired another company to inspect the project—one of the original bidders—and that inspection confirmed the deficiencies. The initial contractor was asked to make corrections, though the quality of the repairs remained questionable.
During subsequent legal proceedings, documents revealed significant bid discrepancies—more than $100,000 between the lowest and highest bids. Those revelations, obtained through depositions, highlighted the importance of financial transparency and competitive bidding within condominium associations. The president’s friend, who lived in the community, submitted the highest bid — one that not only cost the community over $100,000 but also earned him a $30,000 commission for securing the job.
Current Leadership and Property Management
Today, Danae Wassinger serves as the board president of Hilliard Commons. She is also a licensed real-estate professional with Howard Hanna’s Deborah Smallwood Team in Galloway, Ohio. When I first contacted her earlier this year, I hoped that new leadership might bring fresh attention to long-standing concerns about management and enforcement.
The property is managed by Associa, with Paige Riley as the community manager. In my experience, interactions with management have often been difficult. Responses to contractor issues or rule enforcement appear inconsistent, and communication can be dismissive.
Several neighbors have expressed similar frustrations, citing delayed follow-ups and uneven application of community policies.
Selective Enforcement and Communication Breakdowns
After raising concerns about selective enforcement, I received correspondence from Kaman & Cusimano, the law firm representing Hilliard Commons. The letter instructed me not to contact the board president directly and the board imposed a fine for a minor rule infraction involving a trash can.
In my view, this action reflected an attempt to silence legitimate complaints rather than resolve them collaboratively.
When my wife—trustee of Special K Trust—pointed out that the governing rules allow a 24-hour grace period for trash removal, management disagreed without citing any contrary language. The situation illustrates how ambiguous or uneven enforcement can erode trust between residents and the association. Property manager Paige Riley went on to claim that the "24-hour grace period did not mean what it clearly stated"
Despite the letter’s claim that I could not file complaints because I am not the trustee, both the board and property manager had previously accepted my communications for years. Under Ohio law, a trustee may appoint an agent to act on the trust’s behalf, and I hold that authority.
Our attorney later confirmed this, and the disputed fine was removed.
Disparate Rule Application
Beyond the trash-can issue, I documented multiple examples of vehicles and exterior items that appeared to violate association rules—some for months or even years—without citation. These included parked cars with expired tags and personal items left outside in common areas.
When I provided photographs and detailed reports to Paige Riley at Associa, the violations remained unresolved. Such inconsistency raises questions about fairness and whether enforcement decisions are being applied evenly to all residents.
Transparency, Technology, and Records Access
Hilliard Commons has installed Flock Safety cameras at every entrance, promoted as a security measure. However, based on past communications, I believe the system may also be used for parking or vehicle-tracking enforcement.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 5312.07, any owner in a planned community has the right to examine and copy the association’s books, records, and minutes—subject to reasonable standards. My repeated requests for information about who can access these cameras and how the footage is used have not yet been fulfilled.
I remain hopeful that the board will provide these records voluntarily. If necessary, Ohio law allows an owner to compel production through mediation, arbitration, or a court order. My objective is not conflict but transparency: understanding how technology is deployed within our community and ensuring it aligns with Ohio’s privacy and association-governance standards.
Moving Toward Resolution
While managing ongoing health challenges, I have continued to advocate for fair treatment and proper record-keeping at Hilliard Commons. My intent is not to attack individuals but to hold the association accountable for consistency, honesty, and professionalism.
The letter from Kaman & Cusimano closed by expressing hope to “resolve this matter amicably.” I share that hope—provided that “amicably” also means honoring owners’ legal rights and addressing valid concerns rather than suppressing them. And stopping selective enforcement.
The question remains: how much of our community’s budget has been spent on legal responses that could have been avoided through open dialogue and adherence to the law?
A Call for Fairness and Accountability
Homeowner associations exist to protect property values and maintain shared assets—not to intimidate residents or obscure information.
My experience at Hilliard Commons underscores the need for transparency, ethical management, and consistent enforcement across all owners.
I encourage every Ohio resident living in a condominium or HOA to familiarize themselves with R.C. 5311.091 and R.C. 5312.07, which guarantee your right to review association records.
Accountability begins with awareness—and with residents who are willing to ask fair, lawful questions.
#HOA, #Condo Living, #Ohio Law, #Associa, #Kaman & Cusimano, #Community Management, #Transparency, #Homeowner Rights, #Paige Riley, #Danae Wassinger,
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