Devenger Place Special Assessment June 2009
Dear Devenger Place families,
Devenger Place is a thriving community of more than 500 single family homes. Our neighborhood has a bounty of mature trees, an active community center and is ideally situated. But, most importantly, it is the people we call friends and neighbors that make this community special. It is easy to see why we think "DEVENGER is a great PLACE to be".
However, our community is facing a crossroads. The amenities that help define our neighborhood are showing their age and are in desperate need of significant enhancement and improvement. The parking lot and sidewalks are a safety hazard due to extensive root damage, and the tennis and basketball courts are cracked and worn.
Of our utmost concern is the heart of the Community Center. When originally established over 30 years ago, the Community Center clubhouse was a place for people to meet, host events and celebrate together in the true spirit of community. However, over time, the building has encountered structural issues, and over the past four years, significant water damage and mold has left it unusable. In fact, the only parts of the clubhouse that are still functional are the lower level bathrooms which service the swimming pool. And these 30-year old facilities are crumbling, leaking, not handicap accessible and in dire need of replacement.
In July 2007, the Devenger Place Family Center put together a comprehensive proposal for the needed improvements to the community, and the proposal was approved by vote of its residents. This proposal included the following actions:
- Resurfacing of the Parking lot and Sidewalks
- Replacement of the Community Clubhouse and Pool Bathhouse
- Resurfacing of the Basketball court
- Resurfacing of the Tennis courts
However, due to a lack of funding, the improvements were put on hold. Nearly two years have passed and our facilities are in even more dire need of attention- please go to www.devengerplace.org to see a slide show. Our neighborhood can no longer wait to take action. To that end, the Devenger Place Family Center is starting an improvements fund for our community. As a part of this fund, we are establishing a Special Assessment of $300 to all residents in the Devenger Place tax district.
FAQ's:
Why is the special assessment needed?
The revenue from pool memberships and tax district are not sufficient for anything beyond normal maintenance. Those funds are used to maintain the property and security, and operate the pool. There are not enough funds to finance these large projects.
What will happen if I don't pay?
The Community Center, including the pool, will face the possibility of closing. The clubhouse has already been closed due to safety concerns, and other facilities are facing their own safety concerns. The pool, although itself in great shape, cannot operate without a functioning bathhouse. We have no other way to fund these improvements, except through this special assessment to the neighborhood. Only with everyone's participation can we make this happen.
How do I pay?
Attached is the Special Assessment form. It can be mailed or dropped in the mailbox at the Family Center, or it can be brought to one of several Drop Ins the Family Center Board will be hosting this summer. See Attached form for details.
What kind of clubhouse are we building?
A one story basic bathhouse with toilets and showers to service the pool, and storage closets for equipment and supplies with a multipurpose room for meetings and socials. The cabana design is the same that was previously approved and is posted at the pool.
If I rent, do I still need to pay the assessment?
Yes, renters and owners benefit from the community center and we need all households to participate. Renters can work out an agreement with their landlords for payment.
What if I have more questions?
The Family Center Board will be hosting several Drop-Ins this summer at the Community Center. You can come with your questions, and drop off your payment. We will have a special thank you gift at the drop-in for paid assessments.
I own a small business, how can I help?
We will make sure your business is well publicized for its sponsorship. Please contact president@devengerplace.org to learn more details of what we can offer your business.
Please remember, this community is run by volunteers. Please be considerate of your neighbors, by responding favorably to this request. By supporting this assessment, you are investing in the future of Devenger Place, and investing in your own property's sale value. The small investment is minimal in comparison to the potential negative impact to property values should the neighborhood lose our community areas due to lack of funding.
Please do your part to make sure we meet success by returning your assessment today! We will be posting updates on the Devenger Place website, and at the pool. Please check those places for up to date reporting towards our goal.
Let's keep Devenger a great Place to be!
The Devenger Place Family Board |