Michael Hites serves as the President of the Wynnfield Homeowners Association (HOA) in Mobile, Alabama. Professionally, he is a Physician Assistant at the Neuromuscular Spine & Joint Center in Mobile.
Residents have raised concerns about Hites’ leadership style, describing it as overly aggressive in enforcing HOA rules, which has led to tensions within the community. Notably, Hites has been criticized for his close association with former HOA President Chris Orrell, who faced allegations of unethical and harassing behavior during his tenure. Hites’ defense of Orrell has further strained relations with community members.
One incident that drew significant criticism involved Hites’ handling of a vehicle parked legally on a public city street. Reports indicate that Hites made numerous calls and sent repeated emails to city departments, including the Mobile Police Department and Code Enforcement, over several months, attempting to have the vehicle towed. He also escalated the matter to the mayor’s office and the neighborhood’s City Council representative. Residents viewed these actions as an abuse of HOA authority and indicative of a personal vendetta.
Additionally, Hites manages the neighborhood’s official HOA Facebook page. Residents have expressed concerns that the page has been used to target and defame community members, contributing to an atmosphere of distrust.
These actions have led to calls for reform within the Wynnfield HOA, with homeowners seeking greater transparency and accountability from their leadership.
The behavior described raises several concerns regarding leadership, community relations, and the appropriate exercise of authority within a homeowners association (HOA). Let’s analyze the key problems:
Overly Aggressive Leadership Style
Hites’ leadership approach, described as “overly aggressive” in enforcing HOA rules, has created tensions within the community. While the role of an HOA leader includes ensuring compliance with established regulations, an overly assertive or confrontational style can alienate residents and foster resentment. This can lead to a breakdown in trust between the board and the homeowners, undermining the sense of community the HOA is meant to promote. An effective leader should balance rule enforcement with diplomacy and fairness to maintain harmony.
Association with Controversial Leadership
Hites’ close ties with former HOA President Chris Orrell, who faced allegations of unethical and harassing behavior, exacerbate community tensions. By defending Orrell, Hites may be perceived as condoning or aligning with these controversial practices, further damaging his credibility. Leadership involves setting an example of integrity and fairness, and any association with unethical behavior risks eroding confidence in the HOA’s governance.
Mishandling of a Public Street Parking Incident
The incident involving Hites’ repeated efforts to have a legally parked vehicle towed highlights several issues:
1. Overreach of Authority:
HOA boards are tasked with governing private community spaces, not public streets. By attempting to enforce rules outside the HOA’s jurisdiction, Hites overstepped his authority. This overreach can lead to accusations of misuse of power and reflects poorly on the board as a whole.
2. Resource Wastage:
Hites’ numerous calls and emails to city departments, as well as his escalation of the matter to the mayor’s office and City Council, diverted public resources and attention to a personal grievance. Such actions could be seen as frivolous and wasteful, detracting from more pressing municipal issues.
3. Perception of a Personal Vendetta:
Residents interpreted Hites’ persistent efforts as driven by personal motives rather than legitimate community concerns. This perception fosters distrust and a sense of inequity within the neighborhood, as homeowners may fear selective enforcement of rules or personal targeting.
Implications for the Community
These behaviors collectively suggest a lack of transparency, accountability, and appropriate boundaries in Hites’ leadership. When HOA leaders prioritize personal grievances or defend controversial practices, they risk alienating homeowners, diminishing community morale, and inviting legal challenges. Additionally, such actions can tarnish the HOA’s reputation, making it harder to foster a cooperative and thriving community.
Recommendations for Improvement
To address these issues and rebuild trust within the community, the following steps could be taken:
1. Adopt a Collaborative Leadership Approach: Engage homeowners in discussions about rule enforcement and decision-making, promoting transparency and inclusivity.
2. Clarify Jurisdictional Boundaries: Ensure that the HOA board limits its actions to areas within its authority and does not interfere with public property matters.
3. Foster Ethical Governance: Establish and enforce ethical standards for HOA board members to prevent associations with questionable practices or individuals.
4. Improve Communication: Address homeowner concerns with professionalism and provide clear, consistent, and fair responses to complaints or disputes.
Effective leadership is critical in any HOA, and addressing these issues could pave the way for a more harmonious and well-managed community.