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Solicitation (Pamphlets, Pamphlets, Pamphlets!)

Discussion in 'Broadlands Community Issues' started by greggbroadlands, May 21, 2003.

  1. greggbroadlands

    greggbroadlands New Member

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    Is there an "anti-solicitation" law in Broadlands? Is there a way to stop people from walking door to door and leaving sales pamphlets on our door? Some days there are 4 and 5 stuck in and around our front door. Also, twice in the last week I've had someone ring my doorbell at 8:45pm to sell me magazines. HELP!
     
  2. j12toad

    j12toad New Member

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    Ditto that... its getting annoying.
     
  3. section84

    section84 New Member

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    I describe this type of solicitation to be a form of littering -- unsolicited advertisements place on my property are nothing but trash. I have tried calling a few of the businesses to complain, but they denied sending anyone out.

    So, I keep all the solicitations I receive this way in order to be sure that I never do business with any of these companies. The reason they solicit this way is it is cheap, and it is effective. If we as a community want to stop this behavior, then we ALL must stop rewarding their behavior by giving them business.

    Having said that, I would appreciate any help the HOA could provide here. Where I lived prevoiusly, the HOA posted "No Soliciting" signs. The number of these handouts was reduced dramatically.
     
  4. teak

    teak New Member

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    I'm in the same boat, all those ads end up in my recycling box. Keep in mind that if Broadlands decide to adopt a "no solicitation" policy that it also have to include all forms of it. So this means no girl scouts selling cookies door to door, school kids selling stuff for their school or fund raiser, religious groups, etc. Can't discriminate by allowing one group to solicite and not another. Also Broadlands has to spend thousands setting up large signs stating that Broadlands has a "no solicitation" policy. But hey at least it's a start.

    But let's say Broadlands does adopt, what action can the HOA take if a company or group doesn't abide?

    -Teak
     
  5. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    Hi folks-
    I asked Wes, our General Manager, to look into what the rules are about solicitation. I seem to recall reading something several years ago that solicitation was not allowed in Broadlands, but I don't remember where I read it or the specifics. I promise an answer will be forthcoming.
    Cliff
     
  6. greggbroadlands

    greggbroadlands New Member

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    I've read the First Amendment and I'm not sure how someone sticking little advertisements all over my front door is protected. I just think it's annoying and I'm tired of throwing them away.
     
  7. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    Hi folks-
    The answer regarding soliciting:
    On VDOT streets, there is nothing that the HOA can do to stop it. This covers most of our community. On private streets, such as Overland Park and townhouse sections, there is action that can be taken.

    First, there would have to be a majority approval by the residents to stop solicitation. They could then make a request that the HOA consider this action.
    Some of the inherent problems in this is that there could not be selective enforcement. As it was posted earlier, your kids couldn't sell Girl Scout cookies, popcorn, or other fund raising activities.
    It would also be an expense upon the HOA. Signs would need posting, personnel to follow up complaints, and legal fees to have our attorney persue action against solicitors.

    Cliff
     
  8. jdhauer

    jdhauer Active Member

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    I realize the HOA can't do anything about the solicitors but I wanted to add my two cents anyway...

    1. I don't mind the solicitors who place their materials under the mailbox in that little area where the bluebirds sometimes like to nest.

    2. I do mind the solicitors who stick their ads in the handle to my front door, sometimes shoving it under the weatherstripping! I hate having to make sure I have a friend or neighbor come by to check my front door whenever I'm on vacation - you can have the mail and newspaper stopped but those stupid ads stuck in the door for a week are a red flag to any thief casing the neighborhood.

    3. I really mind the solicitors who stick their ads in the handle of the door AND ring the doorbell. I have a dog who goes ballistic with doorbells and I have a hard enough time trying to get my toddler to take naps as it is.

    4. I really am po'd at the solicitor who stuck the ad in the handle of the door and rung the doorbell and then cursed me out and crumpled up the ad, tossing it on my front lawn after I politely asked him not to leave any more ads on our property. When I called the company to complain, I was called a number of nasty names including b****, and m*****f*****. I'm not naming names but it's the maid company with the white fliers....

    5. What's the point of reporting it to the police? I have a neighbor who I know was reported for not having a county sticker on his car over two years ago and he still doesn't have one.

    6. I do not do business with any door to door salesperson or from any door to door solicitation.
     
  9. teak

    teak New Member

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    jdhauer, I would have used the Brooklyn Principle on the person who cursed you out in your home. Bascially it states if you come to my neighborhood and disrespect me or my neighbors, you get the crap beating out of you.

    A few years back, Loudoun Co police gave out tickets for OUT OF COUNTY property stickers. Neighbors who drove company cars got a ticket. I guess crime must be that low around our county.

    -Teak
     

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