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New Books Address Parking and 'Boomer Shock'

4/22/2004  -  Alexandria, VA

Community Associations Press has published two books—one that helps community associations address the eternal issue of parking, another that can help them prepare for emerging issues tied to the aging of the Baby Boomer generation.

The books—Boomer Shock: Preparing Communities for the Retirement Generation and The Pursuit of Parking: A Guide for Community Associations—are among more than 100 titles available from Community Associations Press, the publishing division of Community Associations Institute (CAI).

Providing answers to how community associations can cope with parking issues, The Pursuit of Parking is a practical how-to manual that covers such sticky issues as restrictions on locations and vehicle types, enforcement, towing, the Fair Housing Act and—of particular benefit—how to increase available space.

Written by Thomas Hindman and Loura Sanchez, Denver-based attorneys with many years of experience dealing with community association parking problems, the book offers useful advice and supports that advice with sample documents. Community association board member Jerry D. Boswell of Highlands Ranch, CO, notes, "The many excellent sample policies, forms and case summaries are real time savers."

Uninformed associations can find themselves on the wrong side of the law, especially with regard to federal regulations like the Fair Housing Act, if they mishandle handicapped parking issues. It's "a well-written book that provides protections to boards and managers," says Jeffery Van Grack, an attorney in Bethesda, MD.

Boomer Shock makes a compelling case that community associations should begin preparing now for the onslaught of retirees in the Baby Boomer generation. Written by Florida attorney Ellen Hirsch de Haan, the book provides advice on what community associations need to do now to begin to prepare for the inevitable.

"Change will happen, with or without the consent of those at the helm," says Beverly Scenna, a member of the CAI Board of Trustees who lives in Florida. "The road taken can be a smoother ride with the assistance of this book. Success will depend in large part on whether associations pay attention to the message in this book and whether they begin now to prepare for the future."

Robert A. Felix, CMCA, LSM, PCAM, a community association leader in Denver, states, "This book provides a concise and functional overview of a societal concern and an industry necessity. Readers should not be surprised about what's around the corner."

"Retired boomers will live longer and have more health issues than their parents," adds CAI Chief Executive Officer Thomas M. Skiba. "They'll also have less family support and fewer financial resources. Community associations will have to cope – and will be expected to do what's right."

Boomer Shock contains a case study by Arthur Brown that documents the journey of one California association that has dealt with these issues. Brown is a longtime community association volunteer leader.

CAI President Paul Grucza, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, calls the case study "an outstanding companion resource – a true user's guide. Readers will have their eyes opened by the staggering impact aging-in-place communities have on their residents."

The Pursuit of Parking retails for $35, but CAI members can purchase the book for $21. Boomer Shock is $30 at retail, but only $18 for CAI members. Both can be ordered at http://www.caisecure.net/ or by calling CAI Direct at (703) 548-8600.

CAI is the only national membership organization dedicated to fostering vibrant, responsive, competent community associations. The 16,000-member organization, which includes 55 regional, state and local chapters, represents professional managers, community association volunteer leaders, management companies, and businesses and professionals who provide products and services to association-governed communities.


MEDIA CONTACT: Blaine Tobin
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