Attention Walden Lake residents: The warning procedures for deed restriction violations is changing.
The Walden Lake Community Association voted to change the notice system from three letters to two at its July 16 meeting.
Under the new system, homeowners will receive two notices, each with a 30-day response period. The old system — which had been in place for six years — sent three letters. The first carried a 30-day response period, the second 15 and the third seven.
The new system, which will be implemented Aug. 1, gives homeowners more time to respond but with fewer warnings.
The change occurred to streamline the process, said Marlene Merrin, who is in charge of enforcements.
“When you get into the 15 days and seven days, it starts to get messy paperwork-wise,” Merrin said. “It gets complicated.”
The change also will save on postage.
Merrin designed the new policy after investigating other homeowners associations that used the two-letter system. Currently, the WLCA is responsible for sending notification letters in 16 of the community’s 30 local subdivision associations.
If a homeowner doesn’t comply after 60 days, the violation will be taken to an attorney, who then would inform the homeowner that if he doesn’t comply, the WLCA can file suit. This can lead to mediation and can land the two parties in court. The WLCA will not put a lien on a house for maintenance issues, unless the property is vacant and the WLCA had to spend money to maintain it.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
In other news:
• Walden Lake Community Association Director Jon Courson officially submitted his resignation letter, effective July 16. Courson, who was serving his second term, will be moving in August to Florida Presbyterian Homes with his wife, Peggy.
• Landscaping measures for two irrigated mediums on Alexander Street have been proposed. Walden Lake already takes care of mowing them but would like the city to further maintenance them.
• Children will have one last time to enjoy the summer with a splash. The first Back-to-School Party will be at the clubhouse. Date is still to be determined.