Post by Admin on Jan 29, 2016 8:11:00 GMT -7
Community Property Meeting - Jan. 28th, 2016
The first Community Property Committee meeting of the year was held at Liberty Hall. The meeting was well attended with almost every seat taken. Discussion was cordial and orderly. All landowners were allowed to comment freely; a robust and thought provoking meeting ensued.
GLA Board President Charlotte Mizzi chaired. Committe member Kevin Newby was present; Ed Dobrowski was absent.
GLA Board President Charlotte Mizzi chaired. Committe member Kevin Newby was present; Ed Dobrowski was absent.
- Download the agenda here.
- Charlotte reviewed the agenda and likened the process to that of the Master Plan enactment which took several years to successfully complete. She also talked about the origins of the 20 acre parcel and how Church Universal and Triumphant donated it to the GLA for "recreational use" and for "Emigrant area users". The deed, which Leo quietly read and will study more, stipulates that the Church can take the land back if the property is not used for recreation. It was also noted that the Church owns an adjoining 20 acre parcel.
- It was agreed that a 51% yes vote would be needed from the landowners for any major development plan to proceed. The 51% vote would meet the same strict requirements as a change to our Covenants although no Covenant changes were thought to be needed. Building demolition and site cleanup would not require that vote.
- Discussion ranged from abandoning the land to constructing a new building for meetings and creating a park. Several landowners voiced concern about finances. It was made clear that we do not have "extra" money, a special assessment would never be approved and that our outstanding past due assessments were at an astounding $280,000.00. It was generally agreed that our community was aging and that a soccer field was no longer an appropriate use of the land.
- Suggestions were then offered as to how the land could be kept as recreational with little expense. A Monarch Butterfly garden was proposed. It was agreed that the building should be inspected to see if anything was salvageable. County park land requirements for subdivisions was talked about and a landowner offered to get more information.
- Consensus started to build. Landowners did not want to give up the land but they thought that a vote should be presented to the community. The ballot question would be along the lines of: Do you want to let the land return to nature or should the Community Property Committee explore options for developing the land in keeping with the terms of the deed?
- It was agreed that more information was required. Several landowners volunteered to assist. Land usage questions were previously submitted to the Board attorney and should be available by March. The Church also needs to be contacted to see where they stand in regards to taking the land back if it goes fallow.
