Homeowners associations (HOAs) were created with a simple mission: maintain shared spaces, uphold property values, and foster a sense of community. In their best form, they’re a partnership between residents and their elected board — a system where both sides work toward a common goal.
But when HOAs operate in a way that pits themselves against the very people they serve, the results can be destructive.
The recent controversy in the Wynnfield neighborhood of Mobile County offers a stark example of what happens when that balance is lost.
The Wynnfield Wake-Up Call
According to court testimony and resident accounts, Wynnfield HOA president Chris Orrell allegedly took extraordinary steps to ensure a homeowner was arrested and prosecuted — despite the alleged crimes having no connection to the association’s responsibilities.
The evidence shown in court included emails and photographs sent directly from the HOA to the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office. Residents say this was not about enforcing HOA rules; it was about targeting a neighbor in a deeply personal dispute.
Instead of building trust, such actions breed fear and resentment. Homeowners began asking a critical question: If my HOA can work with law enforcement to try to put me in jail over a personal matter, what’s stopping them from doing the same to anyone they dislike?
Why Adversarial HOAs Fail
When an HOA acts as an adversary rather than a partner, several problems emerge:
Erosion of Trust – Residents lose confidence in leadership, which can destabilize the entire community. Misuse of Resources – Time, money, and energy are diverted from community improvements into personal disputes. Legal and Ethical Risks – Overstepping authority can lead to lawsuits, bad press, and damaged reputations.
In Wynnfield’s case, residents felt their dues — meant to improve the neighborhood — were effectively being used against them.
The Better Path: Cooperation
An effective HOA prioritizes:
Open Communication – Sharing decisions and listening to concerns before acting. Transparency – Making budgets, enforcement actions, and board decisions visible and accountable. Problem-Solving Over Punishment – Addressing disputes with mediation and dialogue before escalating to legal action.
HOAs function best when board members see themselves as facilitators, not enforcers. In other words, the board’s role is to unite neighbors, not divide them.
A Lesson for All Communities
The Wynnfield situation is a cautionary tale for any neighborhood association. Power without cooperation leads to conflict, and conflict erodes the very fabric of community life.
Residents join HOAs with the hope of living in well-maintained, peaceful neighborhoods — not to be caught in political or personal crossfire.
If HOAs remember that their first duty is to serve, not to intimidate, they can become what they were always meant to be: stewards of a community worth calling home.