Associa Mid-Atlantic Resolves Community’s Sewer Issues

Associa Mid-Atlantic has managed this 560-unit condominium community since 1981. The community is located in Lansdale, PA, and features a clubhouse, pool, tennis court, basketball court, tot lot, and walking path.

Challenge

When the community transitioned from builder to association control in 1973, the township agreed to take ownership (dedicate) of the entire sewer system. However, the dedication document was never produced or signed. Thirty years later, in 2014, the township notified the association of deficiencies within the system and asked the association to make repairs.  

Resolution

Because the association paid sewer rental fees to the township for over forty years, and the intent to take dedication of the sewers was reflected in the historical documents, the association retained legal advice to negotiate with the township. With the guidance of the Associa Mid-Atlantic team, the association obtained proposals to video the sewer collection lines, oversee the repair work, and communicate with the township until a compromise was reached.

After the association completed its tasks, the township and association agreed to split the ownership of the sanitary sewer system. The township would take dedication to the main lines, and the association would take ownership of the sewer collection and lateral lines. A Sanitary SewerSystem Agreement was signed by all parties. Without the dedication of the mains to the township, the association would’ve had to take ownership of the entire sewer system. The reserves contributions would've increased, significantly increasing the condo fees.  

As a requirement of the Dedication Agreement, Associa Mid-Atlantic management sent quarterly reports to the township for five years.After that time, management would send annual reports of the continued maintenance.

Associa Mid-Atlantic management continues to monitor the maintenance of the collection and lateral lines. Annually, the management inspects all clean-out lids to ensure they are secure and not damaged.  Along with the in-house staff, management continues to identify trees/roots near the sewer lines that may need to be removed due to root infiltration. Management also addresses any sewer back-ups by contracting with a plumber and consistently recommends cost-effective maintenance ideas.