Eight acres of undeveloped land in my HOA community

Started by CharlesW1 • 4 replies • 1650 views

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CharlesW1 (Georgia)
Posts: 826

Posted:

Many of you have given me very helpful advice in the past. I read all I can when I can.
I am hoping to receive some more advice. My community currently has eight acres of undeveloped land, located in one of our many cul-de-sacs!
I have been to as many public meeting as the current BOD has held. I have heard many of the HOs ask “what is being done with the eight acres on that one lot with the cul-de-sac?” I was thinking this would be a nice place for family and friends to gather for picnics and family fun.
I’m looking to present this to our current BOD. Is this a good idea? Should I even bother? I know there will be a lot to maintain. I’m willing to devote as much time as I physically can to help.
I would appreciate any advice or suggestions you all may have that will help me!

Thank you, as always
Chuck W.

Charles E. Wafer Jr.

GeraldT1 (<Not Specified>)
Posts: 519

Posted:

CharlesW1,

Perhaps you should wait until your HOA changes to a POA.

All kidding aside, check with your borough's municipal tax assessor or code department prior to any designs on undeveloped land, even if the land is open space.

The developer may have been required to set aside the land as a transition area for stormwater runoff or because it is wetlands, or some other reason. If the land is for stormwater runoff, or wetlands, the state requires there be absolutely no level of activity upon land designated as such.

Best of luck!!
GeraldT1
NNJ

CharlesW1 (Georgia)
Posts: 826

Posted:

GeraldT1,

Thank you for the quick response. I never thought of that. It makes sense though. I’m sure if the builder could have built on the lot he/she would have. I’ll check there first.

POA is Property Owners Association right!? Would it be best to wait until we are a POA? I really don’t know. If we have any hope in doing something at all with the land before we become a POA. I would rather do it now, than after the fact.
I can hear it now. “You should have done that when you were an HOA because….” Or should we really wait.

Chuck W.

Charles E. Wafer Jr.

GeraldT1 (<Not Specified>)
Posts: 519

Posted:

Chuck,

The ability to develop land would prevail whether or not your community was an HOA, POA or 3-ring circus.

Have you found out what the difference is between the two, and if it prevents board members from being elected?

I digress. You are correct, if the builder could have built on the lot, he/she would have and the municipality would welcome the tax ratable with open arms.

Open space to be used for recreational activities is a wonderful concept.

Best of luck!!
GeraldT1
NNJ

RogerB (Colorado)
Posts: 5,067

Posted:

Chuck, have you checked the subdivision plat and confirmed the 8 acres is really in the HOA? If so, check the county records and determine who owns the tract or tracts in the 8 acres. If it is one tract find out how it is zoned so you can determine how it can be utilized. An 8 acre tract could be quite useful for your HOA

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