CHIP wants input from homeowners
09/20/02 - By Fanny Vail 
Courtesy of South Marion Citizen

 
The Board of Directors of Concerned Homeowners in Partnership (CHIP) has quashed its previous plan to invite candidates to its general meeting on Sept. 26 at the Queen of Peace Church Meeting Hall on Southwest S.R. 200, and has decided instead to hold a round table discussion of its members on the upcoming focus and plans for CHIP. 

The focus of CHIP is to safeguard the rights of homeowners in deed-restricted communities. In this immediate area, we have thousands and thousands of such homeowners, but the present demonstrated interest in CHIP this year raises doubts about whether CHIP’s existence is needed. 

CHIP’s concerns for the past few years has been the reform of FS 689.265, which mandates a financial report from developers as to any amenities/maintenance fees collected from residents in their deed restricted communities. CHIP has also advocated for better disclosure of pertinent information on developments to prospective purchasers. 

CHIP has pointed out that not enough information is given to potential home purchasers. 

Several CHIP members have put forth much energy and time over the past few years to these issues. Granted, we have not been successful in getting the law amended, nor have we been successful in getting the state to accept our information disclosure package. 

Apparently since CHIP has not been totally successful to date, many former members of CHIP became disgruntled and didn’t renew their membership. The group’s efforts will not be successful unless CHIP represents a large voice in Tallahassee – which means an increase in CHIP membership, and more input and work from our members. 

A few people carrying CHIP’s message is not enough. CHIP’s message will not resonate with legislators — will not make a difference — without more voices. 

And so, the September CHIP meeting will concentrate on just that: How can CHIP improve its membership, should CHIP redesign its message, is CHIP’s purpose necessary? 

We look forward to your input. We need your input. CHIP would like to invite every resident of a deed-restricted community to become a member. 

For more information on CHIP, come to the meeting this Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. at the Queen of Peace Meeting Hall, on Southwest S.R. 200, about two miles southwest from the traffic light at S.W. 60th Avenue. 

Come – and be prepared to discuss your future!