They came seeking answers but left perhaps with even more questions.
About 100 residents attended the Walden Lake Community Association’s meeting July 15, at the HCC Plant City’s John R. Trinkle Center. The association invited residents to share their concerns regarding the future of the community’s two golf courses and country club, both currently owned by Visions Golf LLC.
In the past three weeks, the potential redevelopment of Walden Lake’s signature amenity has united the community’s residents, who say current conditions of the golf courses and country club already are affecting their property values. They fear any redevelopment would impact those values — and their quality of life — even more.
However, although the residents who spoke at Monday’s meeting hoped for answers and a detailed attack plan against Visions Golf General Manager Steve Mercer, WLCA leaders and attorney Web Melton, of Bush Ross, P.A., said any actions would be premature at this time.
“It’s very important to understand what’s going on right now, and that is — really — nothing, other than the fact that Visions Golf has discussed a potential plan that may or may not be implicated,” Melton said. “We have yet to reach any formal plan or formal application to the city … to really get this plan started.
“Right now, we’re still dealing with hypotheticals,” he said. “So, for the board of directors to come out and take a position, or the association to come out and take a position, or our office to come out and take a position that explains a specific legal strategy or legal plan — it would be premature,” he said. “To come out with that plan at this point in time would actually be prejudicial toward the residents and the community as a whole.”
Melton said his office currently is looking at the original Community Unit zoning approved for Walden Lake Golf & Country Club to determine what already may be permitted under that designation. WLCA President Jan Griffin said she expects that information within a few weeks.
Melton’s wait-and-react advice did not satisfy residents, who took turns at the microphone to plea for more action.
“It is almost clear what (Mercer’s) intentions are,” said resident George Clifford. “We should be ready for it. We don’t know how to tackle it. And it is the WLCA’s concern. You represent the Walden Lake community, and we are looking for some guidance.
“These proposals have horrendous implications,” he said. “We look to you to lead us forward.”
Resident Shelly Orrico, who has spearheaded the residents’ campaign against the redevelopment, echoed Clifford’s concerns and chided WLCA board members for not stepping in to correct what she said was years of golf course neglect.
“It was and still is your duty as a board to look out for the people,” she said. “For four years, this board has stood idle … and watched our golf course fall into ruins,” she said. “All of the board members were and are aware of the condition (of the Hills course), but you all either played dumb or you were uncaring.
“Though the board of Walden Lake may have mentioned the existing conditions of the course to the city, not one member lifted a pen to file a complaint,” she said. “It has taken the work of a few concerned citizens to light the fire for which we are all here tonight. What we have done in the last three weeks, you all could have done in the last four years.”
Melton defended the board and said complaints and concerns should be directed to the Plant City commissioners, who ultimately would have to approve any rezone request. He also underscored the importance of the residents — together with the WLCA leaders — presenting a united front.
“I know emotions are very high right now, and that is understandable,” Melton said. “Many of you moved into this community with the expectation of living on a golf course or because the golf courses are here.
“It’s important to remember the board of directors are in this just like you,” he said. “They just have the unfortunate situation of happening to be on the board of directors at the time this issue came before them. … This is a community issue; this is a owner issue. This is something that you all need to work on together.”
Don Marshall, a 20-year resident of Forest Club, said he suspects Mercer’s recent neglect of the Hills course is a calculated effort to further his plans for redevelopment.
“I think it’s in his (Mercer’s) interest right now to drive the course into the ground — to see it not supported, so then he could then petition the politicians to do what he wants to do,” he said. “I welcome the support of the board. This is impacting our property values right now.”
Although she wouldn’t divulge details, Griffin said she and the rest of the WLCA board of directors will be prepared to represent Walden Lake residents and their interests as homeowners.
“We will be ready for whatever they propose, and we will use every legal resource to preserve and protect the community’s interests,” Griffin said.
Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.
REACTIONS TO THE MEETING
The Plant City Observer asked residents who attended the meeting for their feedback.
“I think it’s the beginning of it. I’m pleased. We made our thoughts and concerns known. The key for us right now is knowing how involved the board will be and knowing the zoning codes. We need to know if it needs to be changed or not to develop.”
— Sharon Philbin
“I was a little disappointed with the amount of information we got. There was a lot of dancing around. There may be a good reason for that. Legal reasons could come back to haunt us. I do appreciate the board’s service, though.”
— Judy Wise
“They tended to listen to our concerns. However, (they did) not (address that) the wait-and-see approach isn’t right. We need to know what our rights are.”
— Terry Murphy
“I expected our lawyer to know a little bit more. I was disappointed … gives me the impression as a resident that they are in the dark.”
— Patti Giangreco
“It didn’t serve the purpose. It was like talking to a brick wall. No one wanted to answer questions.”
— George Clifford
