My wife and I just built a house in a community that has an HOA. We moved in about 18 months ago and the HOA is still governed by the home builder. The builder likely won't be done for another 2 to 3 years based on their progess (we were #40 of 150 homes). So far things have been reasonably...
Amazing progress! (I can't believe that I read through 36 pages and 8+ year of posts?)
I'm a fellow Bay State resident, (Bridgewater) and I also have a double car garage. Your progress has inspired me to get my act together, and get busy with the spring cleaning.
Cheers!