AMG Continues Tradition of Showing Gratitude for Employees with 5th Annual Thanksgiving On Wheels Meal

PHOTO CUTLINE: This week, AMG’s Thanksgiving On Wheels event brings fully-cooked turkey and sides to team members across the Carolinas.

“People say it’s not happiness that makes us grateful; it’s gratefulness that makes us happy. We believe that,” said AMG President, Dacy Cavicchia. “At this time of counting blessings, we feel it’s especially important to honor the efforts of the most important asset our company has–our staff. They are the key to our success and we appreciate their excellence, commitment, and professionalism.”

AMG is showing appreciation for the team with its fifth annual Thanksgiving On Wheels event. The company is making the holiday a little easier for its busy, dedicated employees by gifting them with the cornerstone elements of their Thanksgiving dinners. Each team member across its five offices in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Charlotte, and Raleigh/Durham, NC, and Greenville and Aiken, SC, received a delicious fully cooked turkey and gravy, plus two scrumptious side dishes of beans and mac n’ cheese.

Since 1985, Founder and CEO Paul Mengert and Vice-President May Gayle Mengert have worked to instill a culture of service in the organization. But that ethos of giving isn’t just for association clients and nonprofits in the community–it also includes the company’s internal team. “AMG has a long history of excellent customer service, as well as tireless and dedicated community service to a number of organizations that focus on helping others,” Mengert said. “At this time of year, we just want our team across the Carolinas who give so much of their time and talent to our clients and communities that they are important to us, we need them, and we thank them for who they are and how masterfully they ‘show up’ for AMG day after day. We couldn’t do this–we wouldn’t be us–without them.”

Are HOAs allowed to ban street parking in NC neighborhoods? Here’s what legal experts say

Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) in North Carolina are stirring debate over their power to enforce street parking bans, a common rule designed to address safety and aesthetic concerns. Recent discussions on social media platforms like Nextdoor highlight divided opinions, with some residents frustrated by restrictions that limit parking options for families or guests, while others advocate stricter enforcement to avoid street clutter and safety hazards.

Under the North Carolina Planned Community Act, HOAs established after 1999 have the authority to regulate parking, even on public streets, if outlined in their community’s restrictive covenants (CCRs). Legal experts note that these rules aim to maintain order, but they are often contentious among residents.

A proposed bill could change this dynamic by prohibiting HOAs from enforcing parking rules on public roads maintained by the state or local governments, regardless of what is stated in the CCRs. If passed, this legislation would limit HOA authority and potentially resolve ongoing conflicts.

Source: The Charlotte Observer

Myrtle Beach says they lose millions converting short-term rentals. Here’s how much

A recent report by Arnett Muldrow & Associates presented to Myrtle Beach officials warns of significant revenue losses if short-term rentals are converted to long-term use. The analysis, revealed on October 1, 2024, estimates that such conversions could cost Myrtle Beach $1.51–$2.52 million annually in lost taxes and fees, with combined losses for the city, Horry County, and South Carolina ranging from $4.58–$7.78 million. If 1,000 rental units were converted, the total impact could reach $7.61 million.

The report also highlighted increased costs for fire and police services in long-term rental areas and projected 48 job losses. Myrtle Beach had imposed a moratorium on conversions in April 2024 to assess financial impacts, covering properties near the beach. The freeze expires in January 2025, with no decision yet on an extension.

Key recommendations include creating an overlay district to manage conversions, updating zoning codes, and allowing long-term rentals in multi-family residential zones while excluding hotels and motels. However, the study’s scope was limited and excluded many property types, leaving unanswered questions about the broader economic effects and hotel room supply.

Critics argue the region’s evolving year-round economy might offset losses, but the city’s tax structure, reliant on tourism, suggests otherwise. The findings align with earlier projections of a $5.7 million economic impact loss.

Source: The Sun News

The Cockaboose Corp. is the coolest HOA ever — and it’ll throw a yellow flag if needed

The Cockabooses are a unique set of 22 retrofitted railcars turned into luxury tailgating suites near the University of South Carolina’s Williams-Brice Stadium. Created in 1990 by Ed and Cathy Robinson, these iconic cabooses sell for upwards of $220,000 today and are governed by a homeowners association (HOA) called The Cockaboose Corp.

The HOA oversees external maintenance, enforces rules (like prohibiting signage and rentals), and plans for costly future repairs, such as repainting. Annual dues recently spiked to $5,000 to cover these expenses. Quarterly board meetings also address issues like trademark rights and game-day logistics. Owners, often wealthy USC alumni or enthusiasts, view Cockabooses as more than investments—they symbolize prestige and the ultimate tailgating experience. Despite the challenges of managing HOA duties, owners cherish the joy and exclusivity of hosting in these legendary spaces.

Source: TheState.com

War over windows: Charlotte homeowner wins 5-year fight with HOA, gets $75K settlement

Sherry Loeffler won a rare legal settlement against her HOA in Lake Wylie, ending a five-year dispute over vinyl windows installed in her townhome. Despite receiving $75,000 and keeping her windows, the ordeal cost her financially and emotionally. The HOA fined her nearly $12,000, placed a lien on her house, and threatened foreclosure, prompting Loeffler to sue.

The case highlights growing tensions between homeowners and HOAs in North Carolina, where foreclosure actions by HOAs have increased. Loeffler’s victory included canceled fines and legal fee reimbursements, but she endured significant stress and financial hardship. She advises homeowners to document everything when dealing with HOAs.

The HOA board, citing complaints about property values and mismatched windows, expressed frustration over the drawn-out dispute but aims to move on. Loeffler, disillusioned by the experience, plans to relocate to a community without an HOA.

Source: The Charlotte Observer