Initiatives — Balboa Towers COA
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Community Projects & Improvements

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The Long Road Here

The condition of our buildings and common areas didn't happen overnight. With our reserves amounting to just 17% of the recommended level, this board made the decision to stop the decline and build a more sound and stable foundation for our community.

Why a Special Assessment Was Necessary

Balboa Towers was built in the early 1970s. After more than 50 years, much of our infrastructure had deteriorated beyond what routine maintenance could address. Unplanned expenses and surging cost increases left our reserves critically underfunded. The choice was clear: act now, or face monthly dues projected to reach $1,192 within five years.

Three Town Halls and a Community Vote

The board held three town hall meetings in spring and summer 2025, presenting all financial data and contractor bids transparently. The full presentations are available on our website.

77% Approved the $25,000 assessment
81% Approved the HOA bank loan
70% Homeowner participation

How We Protected Your Money

Our Treasurer negotiated with five banks to secure a lower rate of 5.85% and structured the loan as a construction draw account with homeowner lump sum payments being used before any loan draws. As a result, no significant interest was incurred through April 2026, and the monthly payment was reduced from $300 to $275 effective May 1, 2026. This will save homeowners on the payment plan nearly $3,000 over the life of the 10-year loan.

Further, no homeowner had to shop for an individual loan, qualify with a bank, or carry new debt on their credit history — the HOA bore the liability and negotiated a rate most individuals couldn't have matched. Because of the number of assessments paid in full, a ripple effect was created that reduced costs for everyone on the payment plan. This is what HOA community means — individual decisions producing collective outcomes.

Your Money Is Safe

Every dollar collected is tracked, every invoice reviewed, and every contract scrutinized before any payment is made. The bank itself monitors expenditures to ensure that funds are only released for the projects listed in our loan application. Any questions about how funds are managed can be submitted to info@balboatowers.org — we welcome scrutiny and will respond thoroughly.

What We've Accomplished

The board assembled a volunteer Construction Committee including a master plumber and a professional construction manager from our community. President Z Mikulski reviews every contract, Treasurer Gwen Hubbard reviews every invoice, and asbestos discovered during roofing was promptly cleared — all while remaining within budget.

Where Things Stand Today

Essentially Complete
Balconies — Structural rebuild is complete. Units are awaiting final painting by the contractor — the city will not conduct its inspection until painting is finished. We are monitoring this closely.
Underway
Roofing — Actively underway and progressing well across multiple buildings. Progress updates provided as milestones are reached.
Nearly Complete
Stucco Repairs — Nearly complete.
In Progress
Pool Fencing & Gates — The pool remains temporarily closed pending replacement of the fencing and gates. The board is working to identify a qualified contractor who will manage the full scope of work. We understand the frustration and share it — this is a priority.
Planned
Exterior Painting — Colors have been selected. Painting will begin with the balcony units first. We are coordinating the sequence with roofing and stucco repair completion to ensure work is done in the right order.
Planned
Xeriscaping — A landscaping contractor has been selected. A master plan will be developed first.
Planned
Stairs — The process of seeking contractor quotes has begun.
Final Phase
Pavement — Planned as the final project. Contractor bids will be sought soon.

Additional Community Improvements

Effective May 1, 2026
General Maintenance — BRM — Balboa Towers has contracted with BRM for general maintenance support. You may have already noticed the results — the long-standing pothole at the entrance to Caminito Katerina has finally been patched!
Effective May 1, 2026
Landscaping Maintenance — Strata — Strata is our new landscaping maintenance provider.
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CC&Rs Update

Coming Soon

CC&Rs Review & Update Initiative

The board has identified updating the community's Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions as a priority initiative. This work is pending final coordination with our HOA attorneys. Updates will be posted here as the process begins.

Initiative forthcoming — check back for updates

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Bylaws Update

Coming Soon

Bylaws Review & Update Initiative

Alongside the CC&Rs review, the board plans a comprehensive review and update of the association's bylaws. This initiative is pending attorney engagement and will be launched in coordination with the CC&Rs process.

Initiative forthcoming — check back for updates

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