HOA Problems

I live in a neighborhood (townhouse) with HOA fees. It states in our HOA documents that the fee will increase by 5% every year. I contacted the developer to see if there is a cap and he stated there was not. Is this normal?

Also, we pay more than twice in HOA fees than any other subdivision on our town. I live in a small rural town in Kansas. Even the subdivision on the golf course pays half of what we pay. I asked to be given a break-down of where our money goes towards, but was told I could not have this. Do I have a right to see this?

Another issue is that our HOA documents talk about a walking trail and park, but I have lived here for over 3 years and have yet to see either. Shouldn't they be in some kind of violation in advertising this if they do not provide it?

Please advise.....

Thanks!

[able1]

The home owners can usually come together and change that if they wish--unless the developer is running the HOA.

But even then if the group demands a change, a change normally can be made.