Are senior citizens immune from the shenanigans and horrors of controlled living?
Producer: Shu Bartholomew Uploaded by:
On The Commons is a weekly radio show dedicated to discussing the many issues surrounding mandatory homeowner associations, the fastest growing form of residential housing in the nation.
Thanks to the phenomenal advances in technology and the miracles made in modern medicine, Americans are not only living longer than ever, but they are healthier and more mobile than ever as well. These additional years are often referred to, quite appropriately, as "The Golden Years". What better time to enjoy the fruits of one's labors, to pursue unfulfilled dreams and to experience all that life has to offer? What could possibly cast a shadow over what should be the most carefree years of one's life? And are these seniors immune from the shenanigans and horrors of controlled living?
On The Commons with me this week is Shirley Cottom. Shirley and her fellow homeowners in California's <a href="http://www.thedesertsun.com/news/stories2003/business/20030730224919.shtml">Desert Crest mobile home association</a>, far from basking in the glow of their golden years, are having to decide whether to spend their social security checks on food and medicines or pay dues to a privately owned country club they have no reason to join. Many of them are battling stress induced medical problems and face losing everything they have spent a lifetime working for, including their homes.
At the bottom of the hour we will be joined by Trevor Sheehy. Trevor, a retired attorney with a lust for life and travel, felt comfortable enough to buy a place "to come home to" as a change of pace from RVing. Instead of a peaceful stop to relax, regroup and reenergize, he now finds himself practicing law again.
Please join us On The Commons this Saturday, August 9, 2003. We'll hear, first hand, some of the problems the owners in Desert Crest have been dealing with, the law suits they have won and lost and where they go from here.