My time in Connestee Falls Subdivision

The purpose of this website is not to condemn CFPOA but to explain what I have experienced living in this gated community.

My parents purchased the home where I reside in Connestee approximately twenty years ago.   It is one of the oldest homes in the development built in 1973. I was given the home in 1999 because they were no longer able to travel from Florida.

Connestee offers numerous amenities and activities for people desiring companionship and to enjoy an active lifestyle.   I personally choose not to participate in the activities nor do I dine in the clubhouse or golf.   My assessment payments provide access through the gate and use of security.

As a full time resident, I have witnessed many changes.  Water prices are now six times the cost; cable has tripled under Comporium, power costs are regularly increased since becoming Duke Energy, and Connestee assessments and entry fees have more than doubled.   As a property owner, you were part of a community that shared the burden of approving necessary improvements by voting and paying your fair share.  What was not expected were changes to the philosophy of Connestee.

Several factors are involved in these changes.  The subdivision is now forty years old.  What was probably designed to be an upper middle-income retirement community has changed significantly.  Connestee wants a new image and the ability to compete with other golf courses.  This will require substantial funds in the form of special assessments from property owners to replace and or remodel the clubhouse and improve common areas.  Will the list ever be finite?  That is the concern.

Another problem is the disturbing fairness factor.  We live in a community where the voters determine the financial lives of all property owners.   If you live on Social Security or a fixed income this is particularly stressful especially if you are unable to meet your obligation.  A lien is placed on your property and paid off at time of sale if you are fortunate enough in this economy to secure a buyer. 

The inflated entry fee of eight thousand dollars is in place to discourage fixed/middle income residents to purchase within the subdivision.  It is also another obstacle for homeowners who wish to leave Connestee.  Many sellers have had to absorb this fee at closing.  

As an animal lover, it was very appealing that Connestee protected wildlife.  That is unless it is determined that a particular animal is a “nuisance”.  It was very upsetting to hear gunshots from hunters killing Canadian geese in the subdivision.  No explanation or conjured up justification from management will erase my disgust and anger.  Neighboring Sherwood Forest posts the protection of the birds in their subdivision by membership in the Audubon Society.  

In Summary: 

Connestee Falls was a lovely place to live for over a decade.  Assessments escalated but manageable.  Most people in the subdivision are warm and friendly.  Maintenance and security are the best.   But, the policy based on Connestee bylaws basically requiring that all must now equally pay for the wants and desires of management and the affluent are no longer sustainable. It has forced a proud community into screaming matches at subdivision meetings each expressing their views.  There is little trust that the presentation facts are accurate and that the establishment will work in everyone’s best interest.

The most embarrassing and shocking realization is the lack of empathy or concern by management for the residents whereby these new building projects may create financial hardships.  It may be a recent political trend to force your greed, wants and desires, and disregard the consequences it may have on others.  There is also no alternative but to sell your home if you comprehend the manipulation and propaganda. 

If you converse with management, they will state that you as a property owner have a vote.  What they rarely contribute is the fact that any improvement under $350,000 doesn’t require your vote.  These funds should suffice in obtaining bids and permits in anticipation of projects that are less likely to be approved by owners.  Once the money has been approved for a particular phase of construction, there is little chance of stopping construction of other phases and improvements.  I have yet to receive an answer as to how many times the association can enact the use of each  $350,000 without a community vote. 

As a recommendation to new prospective Connestee Falls property owners, only sign the application after reading the entire Property Owner’s Manual.  The manual describing the bylaws and rules and regulations is the size of a rural towns phone book but worth the read.  The bottom of the application is where you agree to the terms and conditions and sign that you are familiar with the provisions.  I am unaware of an actual legal document binding you to obey CFPOA rules and bylaws other than the application. 

If you enjoy a social atmosphere with numerous activities, and you are fortunate enough to have substantial funds available to live in Connestee without concern for the economic future, consider the advantages of Connestee.  If you question the fact that voters control your fate, have empathy for owners forced to move, or you resent anyone dictating what color you can paint your house, move on.  I plan to do the latter.

Respectfully,

CFPOA, Property Owner