April 2016

HML-4488 construction ad mech02.qxp_1/2 pg vertical 9/17/15 4:14 PM Page 1

MODERN... from page 28.

latest decor, purchases modern gym technology, changes the landscaping, and updates the pool furniture every two years? Generally, these are often pushed off until they have exhausted their useful life (and sometimes two useful lives). In the hotel industry, amenities and services are used to drive higher occupancy and revenue. Unfortunately, in association living, the discussion is generally about keeping dues low and cutting back on services and amenities. A slight raise in main- tenance fees can become a hornet’s nest, irrespective of the justification. Community association amenities that were modern ten years ago may now be considered obsolete and dated. Multiple aged and deteriorated tennis courts once considered an asset to the community, may now be viewed as a liability serving the interests of only a handful of owners. Certain gym equipment may lie broken in the corner for a period of time until enough owners complain causing a decision to be made to replace it. And in some rare instances, certain boards discussed and decided that closing the pool for the season was the best way to keep the maintenance fees down. Understanding that dues must be manageable for the membership, the focus of our conversations needs to be adjusted. Discussions should be focused on increasing property val- ues by modernizing existing ameni- ties and services instead of ignoring them. The return on the investment by increasing real estate values over a

Who canYOUR Association count on today for guidance in Transition and Construction Defect Litigation?

A Professional Corporation

Hueston McNulty, P.C. Defense and General Counsel Serving New Jersey, New York & Pennsylvania N Value–Experience–Quality We provide our Association clients with qual- ity and value.We strive to solve the problem– resolve the issue–and make life easier for our Associations and their property managers. Samuel J. McNulty, Esq. smcnulty@huestonmcnulty.com /www.huestonmcnulty.com Tel: 973-377-0200 / Fax: 973-377-6328 Florham Park - Sparta - Toms River - Philadelphia - Manhattan

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