A RESIDENT'S SEVEN MONTH JOURNEY TO RIGHT A WRONG, WITH A BOARD THAT FAILS NOT ONLY TO FOLLOW OUR GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, BUT THEIR OWN PUBLISHED REPORT, OR BACK THEIR INDIVIDUAL WORDS TO THE RESIDENT

9. Please note:  There may be typos, etc., but the story needs to be told.
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11. This article is difficult to write - organize.  I've met with the resident involved, and gathered a volume of information, and fact.  The resident appears frustrated with this board, their drama, failure to follow our governing documents, stand by their individual words, and their general allowance of public harassment against anyone who questions them.  We'll start at the very beginning.

On December 3, 2015, the resident walks into the WPA office to register a complaint regarding a shed, and unsightly storage of items.  He is advised by the office secretary to write his complaint, and she will see that the board receives it. 

The resident does not receive any formal recognition of his complaint from the board.  He does on two separate occasions, have opportunity to speak directly to board members DeMarchi, and McMillin.  According to the resident, DeMarchi takes a look at the shed, and states that it is totally NOT architecturally acceptable.  When speaking to McMillin, the resident is informed that the shed in question was never permitted.  Still, nothing happens, and there is no response from the board.  The resident gathers the ARC report from the January 2016 WRAGG, and the following information from our governing documents.  Both items are presented here.

January 2016 WRAGG ARC REPORT:

Wedgefield Plantation has been a desirable home location for many years. Our Covenants, By-laws, and Policy manual requirements provide an assurance to our residents that certain standards will be maintained.
Covenant, Item 6 “It shall be the responsibility of each lot owner to prevent the development of any unclean, unsightly or unkempt condition of buildings or grounds on such lot which shall tend to substantially decrease the beauty of the neighborhood as a while or the specific area.”
Covenant, Item 7 “No noxious or offensive activity shall be carried on upon any lot, nor shall anything be done thereon tending to cause embarrassment, discomfort, annoyance or nuisance to the neighborhood.
Covenant, Item 16 “No fuel tanks or similar receptacle may be exposed to view....”
Covenant, Item 17 “Each lot owner must construct....and hide from view....Garbage receptacle and yard maintenance equipment...”
By-Law, Article IX COMMITTEES, Section 3 “Wedgefield Plantation Architectural Review Committee...shall have the exclusive authority, subject to the appeals procedure, to review and approve or disapprove of any and all new construction and of any and all renovations, alterations and modification to existing structures...”
Policy Manual, Section III, ARC provides all the criteria and guidelines needed to obtain a WPA permit for construction, alterations and modifications to existing structures.
All storage sheds must be approved by the WP ARC before it can be constructed or placed on a lot.

Section 4.02.18 ARC - SHEDS:

Storage Sheds: All sheds will be held to the following restrictions:

1. Maximum area 180 square feet provided
   
2. Total square footage may not exceed .6 % of total lot size. Example: 20,000 sq.
   ft. lot may be permitted a 120 sq. ft. shed.
   
3. No length or width may exceed 16 feet as measured to the exterior of shed.
   
4. Maximum height of 9 feet measured to the midpoint of the roof slope.
   
5. Color of siding and roof to blend with the house colors.
   
6. Should be placed as close to the house as possible to avoid blocking neighbors
   view and/or creating an eyesore for the neighbors.
   
7. May be fenced in but fencing should blend in with the house colors.
   
8. The ARC policies with regard to shed architecture and construction are flexible
   but will be used to keep the community as attractive as possible.

  Finally, on March 14, 2016, the resident sends the following letter to the board, with pictures.

On March 15, 2016, the resident attends the March WPA Board Meeting, and speaks during the resident comment period.  I've listened to the tape of the meeting.  My observations, and comments follow in red print.

The resident starts out reminding the board that he has lived in Wedgefield for 36 years, has written to the board twice regarding what he views as a shed violation on lot 225, provided pictures to the board, finds the conditions on the lot - and around the shed to be unsightly, and notes that he hasn't received a response in 3 1/2 months.  He goes on to remind the board that there are three trailers parked in the yard, 3 gas tanks stored outside,  lot 225 has trespassed on his neighbor's drive way and lawn to get some of these trailers onto his property, the shed  architecturally violates ARC rules, affects over 20 different home owners, and appears to be placed over the homeowners property and on to golf course property.  It appears the property owner has studied our governing documents because he cites several sections including those provided in the Wragg.  In the end he asks the board "TO DO THE RIGHT THING."

As I listened to the board's response I felt that they were abusive to the resident at times, cocky, and I was disgusted at their apparent evasive behavior regarding enforcement of our governing documents.  What do I mean?  First, Garrison agrees that 2 trailers on a residential lot are all that are allowed.  Yet, 3 1/2 months later there are still three trailers.  Later, it is stated that if the gas tank isn't enclosed that they will send a letter.  Again, when?  Board Members, McMillin and DeMarchi previously, verbally told the resident that the shed was out of compliance, and had never even been permitted!  Yet, as the conversation from the board table continues the shed is OK.  As our resident continues to call the situation on lot 225 an eyesore Garrison says, "there are a lot of places here like that"!  Really????  Residents, this is the whole problem in Wedgefield!  Your board turns a blind eye to our governing documents, fails to up hold the standards provided in those documents, and has left Wedgefield in shambles!  What is worse, is that on occasion, they decide to enforce around all this mess, on a rare few, with absolutely no consistency.  This board made this discussion the good (only on the part of the resident), the bad, and the ugly!  What do I mean by the ugly?  Garrison turns the tables on the resident as he speaks again about lot 225 being an eyesore, and says that he supposes that people would find the boat and trailer parked in his yard (the resident speaker)an eyesore!!!!!  Really?????  The resident has one boat and trailer.  He meets the requirements.  Your board  ADMITTEDLY has done nothing - NOT ONLY ABOUT LOT 225, BUT REMEMBER "there are a lot of places here like that".  

It should be noted that I did a little research.  First, the resident made his first complaint, as instructed in writing, at the office in December 2015.  I checked the approved minutes from December 2015 through February 2016, and every other complaint except this one was noted.  Additionally, after the ugly, sometimes smart mouth handling of the resident during the March meeting, this is all that was reported in the March 2016 sanitized, approved minutes.

(Resident name removed) advised the board about a complaint he had sent to the office concerning a shed and the three trailers on a resident’s property.  Keith Johnson stated the resident has sent in his application and has been fined for not having been approved before the shed was put on the property.  The resident has been informed the shed has to be painted.  Bob Garrison stated that he didn’t know about the trailers but he will contact the resident and address the issue. 

The resident points out more problems with his March interaction with the board.  First, why did DeMarchi, and McMillin fail to tell the board, from the board table, what they had told the resident?  My opinion, they don't think, or fill their board responsible duties, as individual thinking people, elected to serve all members fairly.  We'll get back to our resident's concerns.  President Walton had stated that the lot corners were located, and the shed was on the lot with 25 ft to spare.  The resident has visited county offices, and secured copies of the following documents.  Using the information, the resident paced the distance.  It appears that a large percent of the building resides over the property line, and sits on the golf course property.  Our resident has years of experience in this type of measurement.  He has left word with the golf course management.  Here are the two documents he used as his guide.

After the March meeting, Garrison spoke to the resident, who reports that Garrison said that it looks fine to him, but if it blocks the view of anyone it would have to be moved. This said, despite how the shed is located on the property - partially on the golf course, and doesn't architecturally match the house.  The roof is gambrel style, and the house hip style.  The trailers, and the gas cylinders - it all flies in the face of the governing documents.  How does a ARC committee misjudge distance, and ignore the regs?

 The resident has discussed the situation with property owners adjoining the shed property.  He was allowed to take pictures from the patio of one of the neighbors, and the shed blocks their view of the golf course.

There are reports of gas tanks, and other items piled against the shed.  There is a gas tank used for the home which is unsightly.  These all violate our governing documents.  The fact that the offender violates property lines, and uses their  neighbor's drive way, and crosses the line to drive to the shed area takes the cake.  A few more photographs indicating the problems.

The resident reminds us that the listed deviations violate Covenant items 6, 7, 16, and 17,  By-law Article IX, and section III of the Policy Manual.

I hope that this resident continues to follow this.  Why?  In my view, Wedgefield is falling apart one violation at a time.  We bought into an HOA for consistency of property maintenance, and enforcement of a set of governing documents that would "keep Wedgefield beautiful", and maintain our property values.  I'm told that "Wedgefield was the place to be."  I'm also told "that isn't the case anymore".  I care.  Do you?  This resident cares!  It is an insult to anyone's intelligence to insult a person with the ridiculousness we face from this board. 

WHAT COULD THE BOARD HAVE DONE TO HELP MEMBER RESIDENTS REGARDING THEIR CONCERNS ABOUT THE GOLF COURSE?

The neglected golf course should concern every resident, and our board.  Every person driving in on Wedgefield Rd can see the neglect to the golf course on both sides of the road.  After you pass the gate house you can see the neglect on the right side of the circle.  The grass there is getting quite tall, and the tennis courts, and benches are decaying, and weed ridden.

Go back to the real estate ads quoted in an earlier article.  It is very obvious that the golf course, and canals add value to our homes, and community reputation.  The neglect does the opposite, as potential buyers come to view properties.

The board is correct in the fact that we don't own the golf course. When the resident asked if resident meetings would be called, beyond laughter at the table, during her various questions, she was offered nothing.  When a resident stated that the golf course was part of the PUD, and therefore whatever happened the land would have to be used for recreational purposes, a board members LAUGHED, and said you never knew what money could change.  When someone asked if we could buy the golf course, the answer was that that had been tried before, and then the scare tactic - a board member said the assessments would have to go up over $1,200/yr.  The resident responded saying it wouldn't require GPA maintenance standards,  just decent maintenance.

Once again, your board didn't appear to take the genuine resident concerns into consideration, in answering the questions.  Why didn't the board offer to hold open meetings to allow residents to put their interest, and suggestions forward?  A rough guess would be that over 60% of members reside on the golf course.  Why ignore, and abuse them as they begin to express their concerns?  Why not schedule discussion meetings for all residents?  I don't live on the golf course, and yet, I believe the value of my home, and all homes in the community are in decline.  I would be willing to consider an assessment to buy the golf course.  It is depressing to see the amenities here decline.  

I am tried of this board's hiding fact, failing to look out for our community, and their twisted, exaggerated estimations of cost.  There is time to call meetings, determine whether there is an interest, develop subcommittees to examine costs etc., and potentially wrap the PUD up, under one umbrella, and control, and upgrade Wedgefield's future.  A previous administration called meetings, sent petitions, and went to county meetings to stop the last person who tried to break the pud.  This community needs to come together, and discuss these issues.  If your board won't do the right thing, will you call a meeting?

THE BOARD HAS A VACANCY. WHY DOESN'T THE NOTICE OUTSIDE THE OFFICE, AND THE NOTICE ON THE BOARD WEBSITE HAVE AN APPLY BY DEADLINE DATE? DO THEY REALLY WANT TO FILL THE POSITION WITH INTERESTED RESIDENTS, OR ONE OF THEIR PLANTED APPLICANTS, WHO IN THE END WILL BE THE ONLY ONE WHO MET THE STANDARD OF APPLICATION?

Board member, DeMarchi, resigned his seat as of August 1st.  The board can post the vacancy, and by board vote, fill the seat until the annual meeting.  Usually, the board posts the vacancy, and a apply by date.  Not, this time.  I've checked the notice located at the office, and on the board website.  There is no apply by date.

Yes, I am suspicious of this board's motive.  I've watched them turn down good applicants, and go with their own home grown terrorist.  Yes, terrorist, as it relates to ignoring those who will question when they are manipulating, or ignoring the governing documents.  Ignoring those who will bring their actions to the board table.  Yes, terrorist, one of their kind who have their agenda as their first interest, rather than ours.

Yup, another part of their conspiracy to keep you in the dark.  Find terrorist too hard to handle?  Well, when they cause harm to your home - Wedgefield - and fail to act in behalf of us, then that is what they are.  Otherwise, why ignore the procedure, if it isn't same old regime, same old regime.

THREE MORE ARTICLES WERE ADDED TODAY.

THREE NEW ARTICLES WERE ADDED TODAY

YOUR BOARD IS SO UNCONCERNED ABOUT WHAT THEY REPRESENT, THAT THEY HAVE DONE THIS!

As a member resident, I'd like you to go to wedgefieldhoa.com, the WPA NEW (for months in development) website, and take a look at their cover page.  What is on the cover picture?  A big picture of a golf course asset - the Plantation House!  Why?  Because they do what they want to do, in representation supposedly, of you.  Guess not.  Time for the sheep picture again.

ARE YOU ONE OF THE SHEEP, IN THIS BOARD'S HERD? PROBABLY

I did mean to offend you with the title.  We have 576 member lots here in Wedgefield.  Our association's mud slinging, lawsuit, treacherous history have left me feeling most have become sheep in the board herd.  I use the following cartoon in regard to the WPA's board operations regularly.

It applies to most of you, when you don't attend meetings.  You don't write the board, and question, and don't think for yourself, and your property.  It appears that if the board said these sheep were poodles you would believe them.  Basically, when you don't hold the board's feet to the fire of our governing documents, and sound business practice, the board could call sheep poodles, and you would allow it.  I've also used this picture.

For the most part, most have been using excuses that have allowed the board to lead us to the current situation where we believe we are powerless to protect our home values, and at this point have helped kill off the features most valuable to our home values - the golf course, and canals.  Today, we are left without either of them.

How did it happen.  You tell me that you care, but you are tired of the fighting.  Seven to 12 people attend board meetings that have no real content, because your board discusses things between themselves, and the board herd follows through during meetings. Where are you?  Not there to ask questions.  It is upsetting to you to attend meetings and have to swallow what they are doing.  You have stopped caring, and yet you ask whether I care, and what I am going to do, now that we are in this mess.  I'm going to continue to do what I can, but you don't attend meetings, you don't write letters, you don't stand up, and ask questions, you hide behind "I just want to enjoy life."  

What has that gotten you?  An overgrown golf course, poorly maintained WPA property, and silting canals.

Don't you think it is time you took some action, before this board ruins life in Wedgefield?

A BRAVE NEW RESIDENT ASKS THE BOARD ABOUT THE CLOSING OF THE GOLF COURSE AT THE END OF THE JUNE BOARD MEETING. SHE DARES TO USE WORDS LIKE "HOUSE VALUES". YOUR BOARD LAUGHS, AND SUGGESTS GETTING GOATS TO KEEP THE GOLF COURSE GROWTH DOWN IN GOLF COURSE HOME OWNERS BACK YARDS. THERE IS NO SURPRISE HERE, BECAUSE YOUR BOARD FAILS IN GENERAL TO LIVE UP TO ANY STANDARDS REQUIRED IN OUR GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, AND HAS NEVER HAD THE FORESIGHT TO UNDERSTAND HOW LACK OF MAINTENANCE IN ONE AREA OF THE ASSOCIATION DRIVES THE PRICES DOWN FOR ALL OF US! IS THERE ANY HOPE FOR WEDGEFIELD?

I'm not at a loss for words.  The anger at the board, and at our individual resident apathy has brought us to a despicable place in the history of the place we live - Wedgefield.  Today, we stand with a TOTAL Wedgefield DISASTER to the property values of every plot of land in the association.  Thank yourself, and your board, for the mess we are in.  In the past, to blindly reach our individual goals, we have allowed this association to pit homeowner against home owner on issues of golf course lot owners, and canal lot owners, and failed to look to a key term in any home investment - maintaining property values.  We have allowed ourselves to elect individuals who have lead us with the rings in our noses to this impossible place.  We now have a golf course growing wild, a maintenance dredging permit about to expire, and we are all in the muck, thanks to this board.  Our home values are declining as I write this.  

Before we go on, in order to make the point of house values, I typed in "homes for sale in Wedgefield Plantation."  I looked for the property description for the properties.  Without fail, they read like this:

*"owners have access to a private boat ramp, and membership is available for golf course, tennis courts, and pool."
*"boosts gorgeous views of golf course."
*home on a HUGE (typed as printed in the ad) deep water canal lot."

Look at the descriptions for yourself.  Potential canal lot owners are continuing to be fooled.  Remember, our legal chair promised that we would see a by-law amendment on the ballot this November, that says there would be no WPA funds spent on the canals.  The recent, and potential golf course lot owners have been fooled also.

At the end of the June WPA meeting, during resident comments, a new female golf course lot owner, asked the board what they were doing about the golf course situation, and asked whether any resident meetings could be called to put together a plan.  Listen to the tape at the Wedgefield Times (It is the only place you can hear it, because your board hasn't posted tapes of the meetings in months.  Are the tapes unavailable because they want to keep you in the dark, as to the way they operate, because in general, it isn't according to any standard, recognized business standards?)  The board didn't offer to facilitate a meeting for discussion.  Instead, they laughed about concerns of golf course lot owners looking out at over growth, and suggested goats.  

I have great respect for the woman who spoke.  Her concerns were genuine.  Yet, she received her first lesson of what it is like to buy into, and live in Wedgefield.  She used the term property values more than once.  She appears to understand that home ownership is one of the biggest financial investments we make.  Just as important, this is the place where we live - we call it home.  It is a home placed in a divided community, driven by people who will cut off their nose to spite their face.  Why, if she was a seasoned resident, would she expect her board to understand property values, and decent maintenance?  I'll remind you all that you have allowed this board to cheapen our values on an ongoing basis, with general maintenance of areas the board should be calling on our governing documents, and keeping our standards up.  They don't, and they have allowed our grounds maintenance chair to reduce us to substandard.  Today, to make a point, I photographed lots that the board holds maintenance contracts on (lot owners entered a contract, and paid the board to maintain their lots to standard).  I also photographed areas that the board should be fining lot owners for failure to maintain.  (ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER THE PICTURES.)

The lot adjacent to my house looks like this one too!

Obviously, your board doesn't care enough to take care of these problems.  They don't care about your property values in this case, or in the larger scheme of canals, and golf courses.

No one on this board appears to use their own functioning brains, as individuals, and speak in your behalf.  They are lead by a few, who lead them around like sheep.  I've often used the following cartoon.

The cartoon is appropriate once again.  When the board was asked about buying the golf course, they threw out ridiculous information, and then the big fear factor to start the scare car engines - "We'd have to raise the assessment to over $1,200 a year."  Having lived here, and witnessed some of their individual rash figure throwing, it is the "Welcome home to what I tell you, RESIDENT/MEMBER sheep."  After all, it is almost election time again.

More to follow in the next day, or two, but before we go, you may need a reminder, as to how bad the golf course can get.  It didn't take long, before the old sixteenth hole came to this: