On the Commons

Mission

"On The Commons is a weekly radio show, dedicated to discussing the many issues surrounding mandatory membership common ownership developments. It is broadcast live from WEBR, Fairfax, Virginia and available (on the web).

Join us as we explore the world of common ownership developments, which is the fastest growing form of residential development in America today. This housing concept includes condominiums, cooperatives, and both attached and detached single-family homes that are part of a mandatory homeowners association. Unfortunately this type of housing is not as Utopian as its advocates would have us believe. Living in a mandatory homeowners’ association means giving up a part of the American dream. It means giving up Constitutional rights and control over one’s most valuable asset - one’s home.

Living in a mandatory homeowners’ association means leaving the American Zone."

This last sentence sets the tone for the broadcast.

Shu Bartholomew

The host of the radio show is Shu Bartholomew.  Based in Fairfax, Virginia, Shu's grandmotherly, slightly cracking voice wafts over the airwaves every Saturday, interviewing people about community associations.  The vast majority of the interviewees are advocates from the other sites mentioned here.  Now and then, she has someone who actually works with associations.  But the issues and questions never change.  She always leads the guest back to any new item she's heard that puts associations in a bad light.  It's like being gently interrogated by O'Reilly, the only points that are going to be made are the ones she wants made.  Too bad, it could be a good show, but.....