CAI-NJ Sept 2020

Open the Pool? Roll the Dice?

By Paul Raetsch, Past President Horizons at Woods Landing HOA and Member of New Jersey LAC and Steve Kroll, Member of CAI-NJ LAC and CAI National Homeowner Leader Committee

O n June 8th, Governor Murphy tweeted “NEW: Municipal and private-club swimming pools can REOPEN on Monday, June 22nd.” After months of social distancing and isolation, residents of common interest communities (CICs) with school age children were thrilled. Grandparents in age-restricted communities happily called grandchildren to tell them they could come to swim. Most residents saw the Governor’s tweet; few saw New Jersey COVID-19 Outdoor Pool Standards released June 12th. The seven-page Department of Health document listed many new, complicated and vague requirements with which community associations had to comply before opening. Some CIC residents think board decisions are simply which lawn or snow service to select. Responsible boards take these decisions seriously, but COVID-19 made deci- sions about opening amenities complicated and expensive, with potentially disastrous consequences. Residents need to appreciate the difficult decision-making process boards

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Courtesy CAI-NJ.

carried out regarding opening pools, clubhouses, tennis and bocce courts and exercise equipment. Property managers throughout the state have mentioned that the Governor did their industry a disservice by releas- ing a pool opening date without noting the onerous condi- tions and regulatory requirements that associations faced. Immediately after the standards were released, man- agement companies, attorneys, insurance and pool pro- fessionals warned associations that compliance by June 22nd would be impossible. Even so, most board members CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 24

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