Condo development wins gold for solving upkeep problems

Columbia Shores — The Village at Columbia Shores, a condominium development on the Vancouver waterfront, has won a gold medal from the Community Associations Institute of Oregon — which covers Southwest Washington, too — as one of the best homeowner associations of 2011. According to its entry essay, VCS was dogged by a history of poor upkeep, and was preparing a $300,000 inspection and repair program when it was discovered that far more was needed — closer to $4.4 million. Homeowners “were angry, fighting with each other, and meetings were tense,” the essay says — but they came through in the end, thanks to exhaustive communications and creative problem solving among the board of directors, Columbia Bank, I&E Construction, managers, attorneys and residents. The required work was completed within 18 months. Residents celebrated with a pool party, according to board president Al Perez.