With the construction nearly complete and most of the homes sold in Plant City’s Whispering Woods, builder DR Horton transitioned leadership last month to the community’s first homeowners association board.
Moving forward, the new, four-member HOA, with the help of management company Meritus Associations, will be charged with managing the community’s HOA dues and the upkeep of its common areas. Although the new board won’t meet until April, its members already have ideas for new projects and improvements to the 143-home neighborhood.
“We want to start off on the right foot and get as many people involved in the community as much as we can,” said Clay Keel, one of the inaugural HOA board members. “We want to be smart about what to do with the dues.”
Keel said improvements to the playground and nature trail — two of its main amenities — are high priorities. Poor grading caused the playground to flood, and water will sit inside the equipment, which also collects trash, natural debris and wildlife. Bolts from the equipment also stick out of the ground. The trail also needs maintenance and clearing.
The HOA also hopes to make changes to the community’s cluster mailbox, including adding covering and lighting to make the boxes safer and more convenient.
Congestion from parallel parking is another concern. Currently, many residents park on the side of the road, rather than in their driveways. There are also no posted speed limit signs. The average speed limit is 30 mph within residential areas, including Whispering Woods. The HOA hopes the city can help determine whether that is a safe speed limit on its streets.
Keel is joined on the HOA by three others — Larry Kimbley, Delores Farrell and Michael Eng. The HOA is looking for one more member at the board meeting in April.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
STAY IN TOUCH
The Whispering Woods Homeowners Association has launched a Facebook page to keep in touch with the community’s residents.
The HOA also can be reached via email at whisperingwoodspc@gmail.com.