Here's the latest news on our petition.
On 8/21/26, those co-owners who signed the petition received an email from the Board and MGMC. It is included below. It asked us to provide written responses to a series of questions within 14 days, but did not accept our offer to meet with them.
We replied on 8/26/26 and that is also included below.
We would like to invite those of you who are residents of Villas of Northwyck to share your thoughts on the petition and the emails, either with us or with the Board and MGMC. You can reach us at libraryvon@gmail.com. If you are a co-owner, you can use the Vantaca portal at mgmc.net to reach the Board and MGMC.
We don't have your email addresses. Our only way to share news with you is using change.org's update mechanism. And we don't have email addresses for those who signed the paper petition. If you know any of them, please pass on this and other updates to them.
Many Thanks for your support!
Kathy & Helen
- - - - - Begin the Board and MGMC response to our petition.
The Board appreciates the residents who brought forward the petition requesting that the Little Free Library be restored. The community previously had a Little Free Library for several years, which was removed after the structure deteriorated and was no longer in suitable condition. The Board recognizes the interest expressed by Co-Owners who supported the petition to bring this amenity back and appreciates the time and effort residents have invested in bringing the petition forward.
As part of its review, the Board would like to provide the petitioners with an opportunity to share additional information and perspectives regarding several considerations relevant to the petition. These questions are intended to help ensure that the Board has a complete record and that the petitioners have an opportunity to address some of the broader considerations the Board will evaluate before reaching a decision.
To assist the Board in preparing its meeting materials, please provide your written responses and any supporting documentation within fourteen (14) calendar days of the date of this correspondence. Responses received by that date will be included in the materials provided to the Board for its consideration. If no response is received by the stated deadline, the Board will proceed with its review based on the information available.
1. Proposed Location
The petition requests that the replacement Little Free Library be placed in the same location as the former library. Please share the reasons the petitioners believe the former location remains the most appropriate location and any considerations the petitioners believe are relevant to selecting that location.
2. Alternative Locations
The petition states that the former location was the “perfect place” and that “there is absolutely no better location within VON.” As part of the Board's review, please share whether any alternative locations within the community were considered when developing the petition. If alternative locations were considered, please identify them and share the characteristics or considerations the petitioners believe should be taken into account when evaluating potential locations.
3. Ongoing Operation and Maintenance
Please describe how the petitioners envision the replacement Little Free Library being maintained and managed over time, including who would be responsible for inspection, cleaning, repairs, replenishment of books, and eventual replacement when the structure reaches the end of its useful life.
4. Intended Users, Access, and Community Considerations
Please describe who the petitioners envision as the intended users of the Little Free Library, including whether it is intended primarily for Villas of Northwyck Co-Owners, residents, tenants, and their invited guests, or whether it is also intended to be accessible to members of the broader public.
Please also share any considerations or recommendations regarding pedestrian traffic, safety and security, maintenance, neighboring residences, or other potential impacts associated with the location and operation of the Little Free Library, including any measures the petitioners believe could address those considerations.
5. Additional Information
Please share any additional information, documentation, alternatives, suggestions, or recommendations that you believe would assist the Board in evaluating the petition.
The Board appreciates the community interest expressed regarding the Little Free Library and the time residents have taken to participate in this process. The Board will consider the petition and the information provided in response to these questions, together with the Association's governing documents and relevant operational, maintenance, financial, safety, security, access, and community considerations, before reaching its determination.
Thank you for your participation and for providing the Board with additional information as part of its review.
Villas of Northwyck Board of Directors
Sincerely,
Metro Group Management Corporation on behalf of The Villas of Northwyck Condominium Association
(248) 745-7100 | www.metrogroupmanagement.com
- - - - - End the Board and MGMC response to our petition.
- - - - - Begin our reply.
To the Board at Northwyck Condominium Association and Metro Management Company
The answers to your 5 questions are contained in our petition. We wish you had asked us our opinion about what you question now, before you unilaterally, without any input from us, the residents, took the library and bench away.
1. Why the same location? It provides easy access for our residents, and for the neighbors directly across from it, who have been watching and filling it for at least the last 9 years.
2. Why is any alternative bad? See the above reasons. Also, putting it up front would give greater access to non residents and vandals.
3. Future maintenance? The library requires very little maintenance. We are positive the residents can handle it.
4. Your concern about non resident use, and "security fears"? See #1 above. Also, almost every day, we observed the library. We have watched people look at the library, including adults from Emerald Lakes. We observe the path every day; including our residents going up and down. We have never seen any reason for your concerns or fears.
5. Additional information? See the petition with documentation. Here is the additional information that you apparently need: You removed a charming and educational Little Library, with a clever bench that people can use, that enhances the value of our community. Please listen to the vast majority of your residents that call the Villas home.
Kathy Bieber
Wally Bieber
Helen Buus
- - - - - End our reply.