The Community Association (MAG 218 & Others)

In the past half-year there have been a number of stories in the news about discussions and disputes between residents in new property developments and their developers. Nearly all of these have been in reference to Emaar and Nakheel projects. The projects of these two developers are perhaps the only substantial developments that have been completed, thusfar, with residents having moved in. This would account for the added attention they receive.

A December 16 report continues to follow the Emaar saga. It attempts to cast a favorable light on a degree of cooperation taking place between residents and developer and the cooperation of neighboring associations with one another.

These are the two points in the article that intrigue me. It is with some skepticism that I view the first. When I read Emaar's comments I am struck by what sounds like corporation speak, e.g. euphemisms and nice words that ring hollow (emphasis, below, mine):

By joining together to take an active part in their communities, residents of the Meadows and Springs have taken a welcome step forward in developing a healthy and vibrant community and a close working relationship with our company," said Ahmad Al Matrooshi, managing director of Emaar Dubai... "Any mechanism which facilitates this is a welcome step towards long term customer satisfaction."

Sure, of course... welcome step, healthy, vibrant and facilitating! Emaar is just thrilled that community associations are uniting to haggle with them over issues of better treatment by the big developer--perhaps landlord would be a better term. I confess no first-hand knowledge of any of the discussions and disputes that have transpired. But it seems that residents, lured by the promise of freehold--aka freedom with regard to the property they possess--find themselves wrangling with issues similar to those faced by tenants vis-à-vis their landlords. Tsk, tsk...it just seems it wasn't supposed to be this way.

The second point interests me in a positive way. The idea of residents forming communities and working together with residents of other communities is something that will not only empower them but also contribute to a sense of belonging in their chosen places of residence. It is likely that such associations become more active in response to problems--high property management fees, poor response to resident and owner complaints and enquiries, etc. These issues will surely surface in any community.

My vision for the MAG 218 Community, however, is different.

First of all it will have originated as a virtual online community of interested buyers as opposed to one based on the contractural requirements of freehold or commonhold property ownership.

Secondly, it will focus on communal activity of a social nature in addition to functioning as a rich source of information.

Thirdly, instead of defining itself on the bases of responding to developer activities, it will play a role in the decision making process of the developer.

That is the vision. The reality, however, is that of a nascant entity, initially offering information and serving as a resource and forum for buyers and other interested individuals. It will take its first step as a social entity if and when an interested group assembles for what is being billed as the first community event in January. At this stage the community association as it were is no more than this, but it exists as a framework that can be easily built upon in later stages.

Go to MAG 218 Community homepage, Dubai Marina Communities or DM Blog.