Dear Fellow Neighbors,

I started this petition to bring your attention to an important issue that has been affecting the beauty and functionality of our community since August 2022. As many of you may already know, the well pump which helps to govern the water level of the community entrance lake (located between Kings River Point & Atascocita Point Dr) has been out of order for quite some time. This has resulted in a reduced water level which in turn caused the fountain to be turned off in August 2022 to prevent damage to the motor. Since that time, there has been a significant negative impact on the aesthetic appearance of the lake.

 

 

 

You may ask, why is having an active fountain so important? Here are some of the proven benefits:

-Increases water circulation to maintain proper oxygen levels
-Enhances water clarity for aesthetic appeal
-Reduces sediment and limits green algae growth
-Limits mosquito activity (mosquito eggs develop in still water only)
-Helps to remove bad odors commonly found in stagnant water
-Improves habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms, resulting in an overall healthier ecosystem

It has recently been brought to my attention by the Goodwin HOA community manager, Vickie Cain, that a recent quote was obtained in the amount of $8,500, which would effectively restore the well pump to good working condition. The vote on the approval for this repair has been brought before the HOA board, consisting of 5 community members (3 reps from the Estates section, 1 from the Patios section, 1 from Kings Crown Estates). Currently, the sole board member from the Patios section has voted ‘yes’ to approve, but the members from the other Estates sections have all voted to not approve. 

What can you do to help?

1) Sign our Petition here:  https://www.change.org/RestoreOurFountain (each property owner of record can vote separately)

2) Text/email the petition link to your neighbors & friends in the community and urge them to sign.

3) Reach out to the HOA board member(s) for your section and tell them you want them to approve the fountain repair (feel free to email the community manager Vickie Cain for additional info).

4) Vote in the next annual HOA meeting in November to hold non-performing Board member(s) accountable.

Per the bylaws of Kings River Estates Property Owners Association, each homeowner is obligated to pay annual dues to the association to be used for the “improvement and maintenance of the common areas”, which includes the water fountain. Here is an excerpt from the Bylaws document: 

ARTICLE VIII - ASSESSMENTS SECTION 1 - Creation of Lien and Personal Obligation of Assessments. By Declaration, each Member is deemed to covenant and agree to pay to the Association: (1) annual assessments or charges and (2) special assessments for capital improvements. The annual and special assessments, together with interest and cost of collection, as provided below, shall be a charge on the land and shall be a continuing lien upon the property against which the assessment is made.

SECTION 2 - Purpose of Assessments. The assessments levied by the Association shall be used exclusively for the purpose of promoting the recreation, health, safety and welfare of the Owners and tenants of the Property and in particular for the improvement and maintenance of the Common Area, and for services and facilities devoted to this purpose and related to the use and enjoyment of the Common Area, including but not limited to, street lighting, street sweeping and street maintenance, maintenance of entry markers, green belts, esplanades, storm retention and drainage areas and landscape reserves and the enforcement of restrictions upon the use of land within the Property.

As a real estate broker with 12+ years of experience, I can confidently say first impressions can be everything when it comes to buyers deciding where to purchase. Having a pristine lake at the entrance of a community with a working fountain is an excellent way to create desirability for an area. On the contrary, having brown, stagnant water in your community lake is an immediate turn off. Less desirability for a specific area arising from factors such as poorly maintained community features will generally result in homes selling for less than they would have otherwise. 

As residents of this community, we all must take pride in the appearance and cleanliness of our surroundings. The water clarity of our lakes and proper maintenance of our community features are no exceptions. It is therefore disheartening to see it in such a state of disrepair. Who knows what the water may look like 6 months or even a year from now if left stagnant as it has been.

Let's all join together and urge the Property Owners Association to take action on this matter as soon as possible, to restore the beauty and appeal of our community. Not only will it enhance the aesthetic value of our surroundings, but it will also be a reflection of the care and pride we take in our neighborhood.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Together we can make a difference!

Best wishes,

Shane O'Neill