Our community has had the privilege of working with Black Belt Landscaping for several months now, and the benefits have been nothing short of remarkable! Personally, I've seen firsthand the dedication and quality they bring to our shared spaces, keeping them pristine and beautiful for everyone to enjoy. In a world where costs are rising, it’s crucial to recognize services that not only meet but exceed our expectations without breaking the bank.

The board was presented with a significant increase in costs when considering other landscaping bids. In fact, the next closest bid was staggeringly more than what we currently pay. This is a considerable amount for our community budget and could lead to increased dues or reductions in other critical services we rely on daily. It is for this reason that I feel strongly that retaining Black Belt Landscaping is not just the most economical choice, but it's the most responsible one.

It has been said there is a conflict of interest, but this is true for 62% of Gulf Shores if we are stating facts. The bid was sealed and awarded to the most economical and qualified company. 

Our community is in need of many repairs such as the Apollo pond erosion, the pool, and the fire pits, just to name a few. These action items are more than likely going to require an ASSESSMENT to fix. The money saved using Black Belt will help lighten that financial burden on us all. We should come together to support our neighbor who is helping us, instead of sending unproductive and false letters to the management company that then require us to hire an attorney to clarify that these accusations are indeed false. This is money WE are spending daily! 

It has been said that there are licenses, etc that Black Belt does not have. Vitruous Management Company has investigated these said claims and cannot find any fault on Black Belt. I cannot help but wonder why this is such a concern when we have Pond Elegance doing maintenance on our pond without a contract, proof of insurance, or proof of correct license. Furthermore, they quoted less than $700/month for this maintenance, yet WE are paying around $3000/month because we do not have a written contract. This was done prior to the current boards elections to my knowledge. 

Black Belt Landscaping has consistently demonstrated their reliability and high standards. Before they took over all 8 retention ponds, common areas, wooded areas, behind fences areas, and the concrete was over grown. The palms around the pool were so overgrown the insurance company was threatening to drop coverage, yet no one badgered the prior lawn company about any of this. Black Belt is not just service providers; he is our NEIGHBOR invested in the aesthetics and security of our community. Black Belt does more than just the normal scope of work at his own expense. He does extra items to ensure our neighborhood is the best in Gulf Shores. 

Moreover, the relationship we've cultivated with them is built on trust and mutual respect. Changing to a more expensive company may not only strain our finances but can also disrupt the harmony and consistency we've come to rely on.

We urge decision-makers to value the hard work and cost-effectiveness of Black Belt Landscaping. Let's make the smart choice by showing our support for them to finish his contract with us, thus ensuring continued excellence without unnecessary additional expenses. 

Most of all, can we all please come together and work as a neighbors not enemies? Afterall, you did not move into this subdivision to be divided but to meet people and grow a community. 

Please sign this petition to keep Black Belt Landscaping as our community's official landscaping provider and let your voice be heard in support of quality service that respects our community’s fiscal responsibility. Together, we can advocate for a reasonable and beneficial decision that serves us all.