Quiet community erupts over homeowner's association debt
 

Courtesy ABC Action News 

Published June 23, 2005

PALM HARBOR - A major fight over money is dividing once peaceful community. Residents are taking sides and sometimes even resorting to shouting matches in the street -- all over a controversial loan.

"If I had the choice, I would move out tomorrow," longtime Brookhaven resident Ursula Cornea complained. "It's so divided, the community, it isn't even a community anymore."

Brookhaven is a deed-restricted community of 107 units. The current homeowner's association board is looking to pass a special assessment to cover the cost of an almost $400,000 loan.

The loan was taken out almost three years ago to pay for new roofs and new exterior paint for each of the villas. At the time, homeowners thought the loan would be covered by their monthly maintenance fee, and they want it to stay that way.

"There's no reason for the maintenance fee to be increased unless we get the annual five-percent increase," Chuck Cornea stated.

  

Board president Eric Kand was not there when the loan 

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was taken out, but he says it's now his job to help come up with a solution. He believes Brookhaven is running out of cash.

The loan was taken out almost three years ago to pay for new roofs and new exterior paint for each of the villas. At the time, homeowners thought the loan would be covered by their monthly maintenance fee, and they want it to stay that way.

"There's no reason for the maintenance fee to be increased unless we get the annual five-percent increase," Chuck Cornea stated.

Board president Eric Kand was not there when the loan was taken out, but he says it's now his job to help come up with a solution. He believes Brookhaven is running out of cash.

"Basically, the loan payment is over $5,000. It drains about 37 percent of all the money we take in on a monthly basis," he explained. "So we definitely don't have money to be able to service this loan, cover our basic operating expenses, and also put money aside for reserves."

Some of those most upset by the situation are Brookhaven's newest residents. Keith Fracalossi just moved to the community in March, and already wants to sell his home, but can't. He believes potential buyers are running scared, canceling contracts because of the controversy.

Keith Fracalossi is making his opinion on the controversy clear through signs.

"I just didn't know the severity of the situation that is going on here. If I had known, I would never have bought here," he said. "I'm very unhappy, but I'm here now, and I own a home. Where can I go?"

There will be a meeting to vote on the special assessment Monday.

 
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