Monday, November 26, 2007

Angry Cory Lake Isles Villagers


The description in the St. Petersburg Times of a November 13, 2007 meeting between 150 Cory Lake Isles residents and their association and developer, was a bit reminiscent of a scene from an old 1930’s film where angry torch-carrying villagers storm the castle.

While there were no reports of torches, the St. Pete Times reported that the meeting was filled with boos, hisses, and shouting by angry residents, and before the two hour tense meeting ended, the developer and association attorney walked out. Apparently a lawsuit was filed last month by some homeowners of Cory Lake Isles, seeking documents from the association regarding expenses for maintenance and operation. (Annual CDD fees can run as much as $8,000 in this affluent, gated and guarded New Tampa community.)

The Times reported that days before the meeting, Cory Lake Isles residents received a flier suggesting they may incur a special assessment for legal expenses to defend the suit. (The Tampa Tribune reported on November 21st that Florida law prohibits builder-controlled associations from assessing residents to pay for lawsuits.)

An answer to the complaint is expected today. Regardless of that answer, I don’t think we have heard the last of this and a sequel is probably in the works--perhaps torches and all!

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