561

The number 561 represents the number of lots in Connestee Falls subdivision that have been acquired by the association primarily by the owner surrendering the property due to excessive assessments.

Little if any attempt has been made to liquidate these lots to bring additional income into the subdivision. Recently the association has decided to organize a committee to market the properties. But, according to the new general manager, Jim Lorah, no local Realtor will be able to list any of the properties. Jim Lorah stated in our telephone conversation in January 2012, “We can’t even give the lots away”. One would think that this would be a priority instead of requiring special assessments from property owners to make major improvements to the clubhouse and other proposed projects on the strategic planning list. If the lots are worthless in this economy, how do you expect property owners to finance new building projects?

It is this kind of logic that will bankrupt this development. The association will continue to make more demands on the property owners without having to make any concessions. If the ultimate bottom line is to build an exclusive golf resort and eliminate the middle class from buying property in Connestee by excessive entry (amenity) fees and annual assessments, will the one percent be able to or even desire to maintain this development without the other ninety-nine percent?

I also asked Jim Lorah what the procedure would be to rally property owners to participate in a petition drive to reduce or eliminate the entry (amenity) fee. He stated that the proceeds of the entry (amenity) fees were primarily used to maintain the fifty plus miles of roads in the subdivision. He also stated that unlike Sherwood Forest with county roads, Connestee has private roads. According to Transylvania County and a Sherwood Forest property owner, the roads in that subdivision are also private roads and repairs are paid from owner’s annual assessments.

I discovered from my conversation with Mr. Lorah that my vote doesn’t count. It would be futile to rally for a petition. My request would have to be submitted before the finance committee and the board for it to even be considered as part of the budget and voted by the community. In reality, the property owner has no control. Similar to government politics, you have only the illusion that the people you put in office and positions of power are making thoughtful decisions on your behalf.

Most of the decisions to renovate the clubhouse and multiple other improvements are not based on necessity but greed as defined ” the wanting or taking all that one can get with no thought of other’s needs”.