Dear Editor:
With respect to Don Marshall’s letter, “WLCA running low on mulligans,” in the March 27 edition: It’s always interesting with today’s “shoot-from-the-hip” mentality that critics come crawling out of the woodwork to slam the Walden Lake Community Association board. Even more interesting is that these folks generally have misinformation, feel they have better information and, until a few weeks ago, had never been seen in the community or at a board meeting.
But seldom do they offer a solution.
As a longtime member of the WLCA board — and one who has endured the whining of a very few who feel the WLCA board should be running the show regarding the continuing issues with Visions Golf LLC and its planned rezoning intentions — clarifications are needed. A little history and information will probably be helpful at this time.
The WLCA board was established as a Florida non-profit corporation as the guardian of the common property of Walden Lake. It should be noted that our state corporation filing, our bylaws and our covenants only address our duties and role as the keepers of the common property, required community security, landscaping, required irrigation and electrical that supports our common property. The WLCA board was not established as the enforcer, maintainer or babysitter for the golf course. WLCA has never owned, operated or had any control of the golf course; this has always been a private venture. Today, Visions Golf is a private corporation, and the WLCA has no say in its operation, planned rezoning or any aspect of the golf course’s future.
With that said, each board member lives in Walden Lake and has a personal opinion regarding the future of the golf course agreeing with the rest of the community. We want Walden Lake to recover through possible new investors reestablishing the community golf courses and clubhouse facilities.
Now, in rebuttal to Marshall’s comments, (and I have have no clue as to where he lives, what he does or his skills) I offer the following:
• WLCA Director Bob Hunter is the expert in the area of planning and zoning as the former executive director for the Hillsborough City-County Planning Commission. When he speaks and offers a direction, I listen. Because not all residents of Walden Lake are aware of a rezoning or even that The Hills golf course has been closed, Hunter’s suggestion to host, again, an information session with Visions Golf Managing Partner Steve Mercer and his attorney is valid — and needed.
• Yes, the board has had numerous meetings with Mercer regarding the golf course and related facilities, because they have been on a downward slide for several years. Although Mercer has suggested his plans, nothing has come to fruition until the recent rezoning filing. These sessions were at the request of Mercer, because he wishes for the board to have insight as to what he is planning.
• The WLCA board is not offering marketing of the planned redevelopment that Mercer is seeking, as suggested by Mr. Marshall.
• The committee being developed by WLCA Director Rich Glorioso is looking into the option of what the community’s direction would be if Mercer closed the entire facility next month. The option of WLCA purchasing the golf course and facilities is just that — an option. We owe the community a voice in this direction. Glorioso and committee have an excellent presentation for the community presidents to fulfill this option with presentation to community residents.
• The WLCA respects and appreciates that our legal firm restricts contact only with the board president.
In summary, WLCA provides no charade as Marshall, again, offers. Each member of the board is elected and works long hours as volunteers. We try to do our due diligence and ensure our goals and direction meets the community’s needs. Have we offered good information over the past few months? Probably not. We also are learning where we need to be in this very tangled mess and what best meets the community’s needs.
Please be patient.
Jim Chancey, vice president
WLCA Board of Directors