Every day it seems there’s a fight between a resident and his homeowners association. Even though the HOA generally looks idiotic in enforcing some silly rule, the HOA is covered because the rules are written down. Homeowners are given a copy of the rules, and must agree to abide by them. When they don’t, the HOA moves, and media outlets get a story.
This one’s a bit different.
Over in Palm Harbor’s Alderman Ridge, a handful of residents put up some Christmas lights by the subdivision’s entrance, and the HOA wants them down.
It’s not that they are against the rules. In fact, the HOA intends to display lights in the same exact location.
There’s nothing wrong with the lights themselves, either, or the way they are strung. The HOA will use the same kind of lights in the same exact manner.
What’s the problem? The residents simply didn’t ask permission first.
Association President Don Lichniak: “They didn’t ask to put up the lights. If they would have asked me, there wouldn’t be a problem. I would have said, ‘Yeah we’ll join in with you.’”
So the lights will be removed. After that?
“There will be lights put back up,” said Lichniak.
Watch Fox 13’s video story:
Bob Ross
7 months ago
This is what happens when a pompous moron is given a tiny taste of power. I sure hope the residents dump this clown in the upcoming election. But I would not bet on it.
James
7 months ago
Wow. Does soon-to-be ex-Association President Don Lichniak even know what an absolute toolbag he is? Even the newscasters were doing their darndest not to outright laugh at him on the air.
Jim
7 months ago
This guy is a complete dictator. There is no “HOA” per se’ at Alderman Ridge. He and his wife run the whole show. The treasurer has drinking problems and the president and his wife run the books and the finances. There aren’t any meetings and when there are, no one is allowed to speak up. This guy is a dirtbag.
John
7 months ago
I was involved in this unfortunate fiasco. Actually Mr. Lichniak delivered the Christmas lights to a neighbor with the understanding they were going to be put up. If he had a problem I wish he would have expressed it at that time instead of going through the expense of having our attorney send us a threatening letter. It is my opinion that Mr Lichniak may be insecure and this is his way of reaching out. I truely hope he has enjoyed his Christmas and that he has a Happy and prosporous New Year. If all goes well, the Homeowners of Alderman Ridge can look forward to an open/transparent Board of Directors with the best interest of all of the Homeowners in mind. In other words a POSITIVE CHANGE!!!
Maria
7 months ago
The role of president has gotten to Mr. Lichniak’s head. Instead of doing whats best for the community, he wants whats best for him. Can’t wait to see what the election of new board members will bring, I’m sure its going to be better then the present administration.
HR
6 months ago
What ever happened to this moron? I hope the community realized this jackass was running amuck and showed himn the way out.
I would be interested in the election results.
Other so-caled leasders of HOA should wake up and smell the coffee.
Your placed into an honored, yet voluntary, position to assist the community in positive developement, upkeep and maintenance with financial fiduciary reponsibilites.
cheeky
6 months ago
So the update is this: This toolbag was not re-elected. All his smirks at the homeowners got turned around right on him and his wife.
There is a new regime at Alderman Ridge. The community sighs a great sigh of relief!
gator
6 months ago
Thank god he is finally gone no more bull from this dictator that thought he was Mr power thanks to the new board that are just regular people.
Maria
6 months ago
His train has finally left the station… TOOT TOOT
maria
6 months ago
LETS JUST SAY GOODBYE TO MR LICHNIAK BYE BYE AND YOU WILL NEVER COME BACK. FINALLY FREE AT LAST FREE AT LAST.NOW ITS TIME FOR HIM TO SELL HIS HOUSE AND MOVE AWAY FAR FAR AWAY.
Member
6 months ago
All good things come to those who wait. It is about time we have a new board of directors that cares for its neighbors. I can see a change in people’s attitude in less than a week since the new board was voted in. I as a member will never give him my proxy again because he ruled like a dictator. Thanks to the new people that ran on the board, because of them we can now become a neighborhood again. Its been a long time, new changes will come. The new board has my support.
Toot, Toot
Maria
2 months ago
This guy just doesn’t go away. If only everyone knew what a loser he is.
Member
4 weeks ago
UPDATE,The old president Mr. don lichniak is still causing problems in this 52 home community but rest ashore the new board deals with him with a iron hand and this drives him crazy,( that he has no power.) I wish all of the people that have gave there opinion could see this that don’t live in the community. thats why I’m giving this update. within the next couple of weeks lichniak is going to run a
muck the homeowners association are finally painting the front of the association and getting rid of the white and orange colors that lichniak painted the front of a homeowners association. but let me tell you this the colors are the same of his own house!
that”s what type of person he is mr. power trip.his way or no way
ounce the front is done that will be the blow to the heart for lichniak.
A H
3 weeks ago
You should see how him and his wife act in the neighborhood he came to my house and told me not to give any money for the painting of the front entrance the nerve of him. He just keeps on showing everyone in the neighborhood how its all about them well I guess no more, you should see how hard the new board are working for the neighborhood. They are doing a great job. I can’t wait to see the front entrance finally Thanks guys A H
Lane Cocca
3 weeks ago
I guess I’ve lived a sheltered life. I live in the neighborhood of the freak. I’ve never in my life seen an adult consistently acting like a middle school, spoiled brat. Mr Lichniak has been on such a sick power trip for so long, that he just can’t accept that noone liked, or respected him. He is so bitter and negative. It is really sad in a pathetic way. He should be putting positive efforts towards the new regeim and helping with the reconstruction of the neighborhood. There has been such a change in the neighborhood since the new officers have been elected. People stop and talk to each other and help one another. This has never happened before. It is a happy place to live except for the “grim reaper”. He still harrasses little old ladies and tries to stop any improvements around the hood. I would love to bitch slap him, but I’d be stooping to his level, and I’m a bigger person than that. (I think he’d like it though) I’ve always tried to live my life by the Golden Rule. Treat others as you want to be treated. All in all, the hood is better without him in control and will be MUCH better if he would leave. Trust me, everyone would love to help them pack!!