The Walden Lake Community Association Board of Directors voted Monday, to select its new officers for the next year. Bob Hunter and Rich Glorioso were nominated for president, and Hunter won with a vote of five to four.
“Our basic responsibility is to improve the property values in Walden Lake,” Hunter said. “Not just to have a pretty landscape — and that needs a lot of work, also — but I think we need to offer the residents more than just a subdivision.”
Hunter has served on the board of directors for four years.
He has experience in city planning, including as executive director for the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission. He served on the planning commission from 1987 to 2012. From 2007 to 2009, he was president of the American Planning Association.
Hunter’s two priorities for Walden Lake are to find a solution for the golf course rezoning issue and to maintain competitive in the midst of upcoming developments that are currently planned for Plant City, such as Varrea (formerly named Cone Ranch).
Hunter expects the board to soon discuss some options for how to proceed aggressively on the golf course issue. There is a special meeting tentatively scheduled for the first week of May.
“I think we’ve got a board that has experience to deal with this issue,” Hunter said.
As for making Walden Lake more competitive, Hunter hopes to restore the image of Walden Lake that he remembers from when he moved to the neighborhood 26 years ago.
“People that drive into Walden Lake should feel like they’re home, instead of seeing mildew-covered curbs and trees that have been dying and moss falling down, to where it’s a very pleasant vista,” he said.
Hunter also has not forgotten about the potential for the polo field to be developed into amenities such as athletic fields, playgrounds and barbecue pavilion. The board had discussed this idea last fall, but eventually reached a tied vote during the period when there were just eight board members.
“There are some people who don’t want it developed, but I think the majority of people are looking for a place for their kids to go and feel safe,” Hunter said.
The board is incorporating these concerns into a three-year plan to improve Walden Lake and its property values, and provide safe, fun amenities for families.
“We’ve been fairly passive, the board has, and I think it’s time to be more aggressive,” Hunter said.
Officers
President: Bob Hunter
Vice President: Dave Sollenberger
Treasurer: Heather Updike
Secretary: Terry Murphy
Committee Chairs
Budget, Finance and Job Descriptions: Heather Updike
Landscaping: Ray Page
Bylaws, Policy and Procedures: Dan Orrico
Nominating and Election Rules: Terry Murphy
Planning, Reserve Plan, Physical Plant and Contracts: Dave Sollenberger
Communications: Sharon Philbin
Community Involvement and Safety: Bob Hunter
Special Events: Heather Updike
Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.