Really hoping someone can offer some advice as I am at a roadblock. Was recommended to post here after attending yesterday's EV101 event from TOCNYS. Apologies if this isn't the right forum.
Short Version: I live in a condo community and the board is refusing to consider any form of charging installation (public or individual). My community is all shared parking in common area, no assigned parking spaces.
I proposed two solutions:
1. A single charging station for me in a parking space that would be assigned to me. I would pay for all the installation costs. <not my preferred option as I would not be able to recoup those costs when I move in the future.
2. A bank of shared/public stations central in the community which could be accessed by anyone and everyone who lives in the community. Installation costs are lower overall due to only needing one construction job. The community would also qualify for many thousands of dollars in rebates from the state. <this is my preferred option
Long Version/Timeline:
August 2017 - Moved into my condo
June 2019 - Purchased my Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle.
July 2019 - Started delivering flyers around the neighborhood directing them to a survey to gauge interest in charging stations.
July 20th, 2019 - Received first positive feedback from a neighbor interested in the charging station.
Dec. 6th, 2019 - NYS Passes Right-to-Charge law. Electric vehicle charging station installation
January 2020 - Delivered packet of documentation, including a 10page proposal I wrote to Condo office manager in person. This included extensive resources about the community benefits, rebates, projected growth of EVs, even a guide on best practices on installation.
July 20th, 2020 - first in-person meeting with the board. Informed about NYS right-to-charge law and provided copies of my proposal. Discussed discounts and rebates.
July 24th, 2020 - Received a 50page Feasibility Study from The Mobility House. Sent to board of managers for review.
July 27th, 2020 - Office Manager Confirmed receipt, stated that it would be looked into.
Sept. 2nd, 2020 - Spoke to Board President directly. Invited to a Chargepoint webinar on charging best practices in condo developments.
Sept 11th 2020 - Received 10th response to survey.
Sept. 16th, 2020 - Board President was unable to attend Webinar. I provided feedback I have received from neighborhood survey showing majority positive interest in the project. After discussing with President, She asked to review the documentation herself. I resent my proposal documentation in an email. Office Manager stated Treasurer needed to review.
Sept. 17th, 2020 - I sent President the seminar recording.
Sept. 21st, 2020 - I asked President if she had the opportunity to review the Webinar. Also asked for an opportunity to meet with the board in person to move the project along.
Sept. 22nd, 2020 - President stated she viewed the recording. Office Manager printed documentation and Treasurer took home to review. Would “need to be discussed with BOM and possible attorney”.
October 6th, 2020 - I responded again thanking for consideration of the project and offered my guidance with an in-person or video call to discuss further or answer any questions. Margarita stated she was reading the study. Would discuss with Treasurer and BOM.
October 28th, 2020 - I met with a company called ChargedFuture to discuss roadblocks and plans for community. Consultant is preparing a proposal for the community and will send in a few days. Would like to meet with community board in a roundtable discussion to answer questions.
October 29th, 2020 - Office Manager sent an email stating “With reference to the charging station, the Board wants you to know that they are in the process of looking into it.” I replied thanking and informing them about “Charged Future”.
October 30th, 2020 - Received Cease and Desist Letter from Condo Board Lawyer. Stating that I am not authorized to represent the community and they would not be going forward with the charging stations.
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I'm now at the point where I feel like I am going to need a lawyer. I have a copy of the Feasibility Study I can send privately if anyone is interested in reading, though I'd prefer not attach to this post as it contains personal information.
I believe the key here is to find an EV-friendly lawyer that can help me interpret the new charging law. Does it only apply to assigned parking or would it also apply to shared parking lots?
Short Version: I live in a condo community and the board is refusing to consider any form of charging installation (public or individual). My community is all shared parking in common area, no assigned parking spaces.
I proposed two solutions:
1. A single charging station for me in a parking space that would be assigned to me. I would pay for all the installation costs. <not my preferred option as I would not be able to recoup those costs when I move in the future.
2. A bank of shared/public stations central in the community which could be accessed by anyone and everyone who lives in the community. Installation costs are lower overall due to only needing one construction job. The community would also qualify for many thousands of dollars in rebates from the state. <this is my preferred option
Long Version/Timeline:
August 2017 - Moved into my condo
June 2019 - Purchased my Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle.
July 2019 - Started delivering flyers around the neighborhood directing them to a survey to gauge interest in charging stations.
July 20th, 2019 - Received first positive feedback from a neighbor interested in the charging station.
Dec. 6th, 2019 - NYS Passes Right-to-Charge law. Electric vehicle charging station installation
January 2020 - Delivered packet of documentation, including a 10page proposal I wrote to Condo office manager in person. This included extensive resources about the community benefits, rebates, projected growth of EVs, even a guide on best practices on installation.
July 20th, 2020 - first in-person meeting with the board. Informed about NYS right-to-charge law and provided copies of my proposal. Discussed discounts and rebates.
July 24th, 2020 - Received a 50page Feasibility Study from The Mobility House. Sent to board of managers for review.
July 27th, 2020 - Office Manager Confirmed receipt, stated that it would be looked into.
Sept. 2nd, 2020 - Spoke to Board President directly. Invited to a Chargepoint webinar on charging best practices in condo developments.
Sept 11th 2020 - Received 10th response to survey.
Sept. 16th, 2020 - Board President was unable to attend Webinar. I provided feedback I have received from neighborhood survey showing majority positive interest in the project. After discussing with President, She asked to review the documentation herself. I resent my proposal documentation in an email. Office Manager stated Treasurer needed to review.
Sept. 17th, 2020 - I sent President the seminar recording.
Sept. 21st, 2020 - I asked President if she had the opportunity to review the Webinar. Also asked for an opportunity to meet with the board in person to move the project along.
Sept. 22nd, 2020 - President stated she viewed the recording. Office Manager printed documentation and Treasurer took home to review. Would “need to be discussed with BOM and possible attorney”.
October 6th, 2020 - I responded again thanking for consideration of the project and offered my guidance with an in-person or video call to discuss further or answer any questions. Margarita stated she was reading the study. Would discuss with Treasurer and BOM.
October 28th, 2020 - I met with a company called ChargedFuture to discuss roadblocks and plans for community. Consultant is preparing a proposal for the community and will send in a few days. Would like to meet with community board in a roundtable discussion to answer questions.
October 29th, 2020 - Office Manager sent an email stating “With reference to the charging station, the Board wants you to know that they are in the process of looking into it.” I replied thanking and informing them about “Charged Future”.
October 30th, 2020 - Received Cease and Desist Letter from Condo Board Lawyer. Stating that I am not authorized to represent the community and they would not be going forward with the charging stations.
----------------
I'm now at the point where I feel like I am going to need a lawyer. I have a copy of the Feasibility Study I can send privately if anyone is interested in reading, though I'd prefer not attach to this post as it contains personal information.
I believe the key here is to find an EV-friendly lawyer that can help me interpret the new charging law. Does it only apply to assigned parking or would it also apply to shared parking lots?