Minge Cove Slips Lengthened

[limin]

I found out yesterday that the lengths of slips 56 and 57 in Minge Cove Marina were increased in size from 18 to 20 feet. After questioning the Chairman of IMA, I was told the reason was because the owner of slip 57 requested an increase in length. He has been trying to sell the slip for about three years. He had an offer on the slip which was advertised for 18 feet and turned it down. The owner told the prospective buyer he received permission from IMA to increase the slip to 20 feet and had received a higher offer for a now 20 foot slip.

Slip 57 is next to the boat ramp and was most likely designated shorter to avoid interference with launching activity. Didn't the owner understand he was purchasing an 18 foot slip and his purchase price reflect it? Now, he can advertise it as 20 feet and make more money? How does that bode with owners who purchased a 20 foot slip and paid accordingly?

When did the Board intend to notify Minge Cove owners and why couldn't this have waited until the annual meeting next month? The only notification was a change on the slip map posted in the kiosk. The Chairman told me it was none of my business because my slip isn't anywhere near slip 57. It is every owner's business. We all have a 1/121 interest.

So what does this mean for the rest of us who own in Minge? Our slip size is now abstract and if we want a longer slip so we can sell it and make more money, all we have to do is make a request to the Board. Do any of us know what size our slip is and what we can market it as? In light of the major increase in last year's property taxes and resulting increased yearly assessment fee, a direct result of inflating sales prices, the owners are left to cover the tax increases, while the sellers profit and move on.

I told the Chairman I want my dock increased from 24 to 26 feet. He is meeting with the Board this coming Saturday, so please feel free to give him a call and let him know you want a longer slip too. But please keep in mind, he won't put it in writing.

[Onshore]

Perhaps you should ask the owner to show you, or better yet provide you with, a copy of the Wetlands Permit that was obtained for the expansion of the docking facilities.

[jrc]

Did the actual dock structure change, or is he just allowing a longer boat in the same spot?

Sounds like you need to do a little research on the deed for your association, the rules, the deed for his slip and the deed for your slip.

I know the deed for slips in our association have at least one dimension listed. Some list length, and some list width. Did he somehow change the deed?

(yes, I know technically that these deeds are not for slips)

[upthesaukee]

Just my humble opinion, but in a situation like this, I would think I would prefer to air my opinion privately, other than in a public forum such as this.

If indeed the structure was being changed and that change was in violation of laws, rules, and regulations, the association would, I assume, be liable for fines and penalties. One of the problems of belonging to an association is that the members can be liable for additional monies being needed to cover such costs. Sooooooooooo......

.....I might consider airing my disagreements in a more private manner so as not to potentially cost me money for the privilege of venting .

Again, just my opinion.

[BroadHopper]

They both work hand in hand in regulating the environment. One police the other. My neighbor became a NH legislature in order to get a 'land grant' to extend his dock out another 50 ft. This 'land grant' was approved by Gov. Peterson and he quote 'This will come back to haunt me'.
Because the 'land grant' effect of the sand erosion in front of my property, the sand build up in a couple of years resulting in a 'dry dock' situation. The DES refused to hear my case and a request for an extension of my dock.

My lawyer suggest bringing it to Army COE. They look into the matter and ordered the 'land grant' removed. Since then my neighbor been making life miserable not just to me but to everyone in the neighborhood.

Just because the State approved does not mean the Feds do. You may want to approached the Feds on this matter.

[Onshore]

Agreed. It would certainly be better for everyone if any "laundry" that might have been recently "dirtied" could be addressed and cleaned up in house. Preferably soon before it starts to stink up the whole place.

[limin]

The actual structure of the dock was not changed, so no notification to DES, etc. was required. This was an arbitrary decision.

The deeds are worded an undivided .008 interest in common... with exclusive right to use the boat space. The Covenants and Restrictions are quite boiler plate too. This is a good exercise for owners of boat slips in marinas to follow up on their own deed to avoid grey areas. And yes, you are correct - unfortunately, this is a downfall of owning in common with others.

I'm just trying to get the word out to other owners and prospective buyers as this came as quite a surprise.

[Onshore]

Thank you for the clarification.

[LIforrelaxin]

Indeed this is the problem when owning in an associations... And thanks for clearing the air, that this was not a structure change... and only a boat length limit change....

The problem is once one owner is able to get 'permission' for a longer boat in a X demission slip, all other owners are going to want the same 'permission'. In short I think the board has opened up a can of worms.

The big question here, is weather or not the spare room is there for all the slips, to get this kind of adjustment... If the answer is yes, then the board, should simply allow everyone 2' more in boat length and call it good....

I have been on a few boards, in my life for various associations. It is far easier to put out a global change, then a case by case change... Everyone wants to be treated fairly... and they should...