John Marshall exposes rogue HOA practices in Independence Missouri

The City Council of Independence held a meeting on April 21, 2025, where community concerns regarding Homeowners Associations (HOAs) were prominently discussed. The session featured public comments, including a detailed account from resident John Marshall, who expressed significant frustrations with his local HOA.

Marshall, residing at 3307 South Thornburg Avenue, described his experience with what he termed a "rogue board" that has failed to communicate with him since February. He highlighted issues such as the board's lack of elections for its members, with two members' terms having expired without re-election. This situation has left him feeling ignored and unsupported.

A major concern raised by Marshall involved the unauthorized use of common areas by a neighbor, which he claimed violates the HOA's covenants. He stated that the board is responsible for maintaining these areas, yet they have allowed a neighbor to encroach upon them. Marshall also mentioned ongoing disputes with this neighbor, including allegations of vandalism and harassment, which he feels have not been adequately addressed by city representatives.

Marshall's comments underscored a broader issue regarding the governance of HOAs, suggesting that they operate with too much autonomy and without sufficient oversight. He called for reforms to ensure that HOAs adhere to their own rules and provide fair treatment to all residents.

The meeting concluded with Marshall being reminded of his time limit for speaking, but his concerns about the HOA system and its governance resonated with the council and attendees. The discussions highlighted the need for potential changes in how HOAs operate within the city, reflecting a growing sentiment among residents for greater accountability and transparency in community governance.