By Michael Delemma – Section 3 President
“Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” – Don’t be ungrateful when you receive a gift.
The Woodlands HOA knows how to look a gift horse in the mouth. For years they have complained about our ugly signage in front. When the city offered to buy us new signage at our focus group meeting in March which was attended by members of each Section, WNID and Country Club, everyone was favorable to this.
At June’s HOA meeting, which unfortunately, our President is now calling them “Board of Directors” meetings hoping to skirt Florida Statutes which don’t allow homeowners to speak, not realizing that the statutes covers Board meetings as well, it was decided that they do not want new, updated signage in front.
Section One President Alan Sloane’s contention was that the signs that were put up by the city in Woodmont with the logo are ugly and that we would not want to have the same ugly signage. I am not a big fan of our current signage, and surprised that Alan Sloane is against the new signage, because he always calls our signs “the tombstones.”
HOA President Patti Fox agreed, and it was stated that the new landscaping recently went in and that they would ruin the hard work that was finally done on Sago Palm and the main entrance. Without even asking the city for a variation on sign type or color it was determined that these signs weren’t right for us?
Also, we’re going to forego updating the look of the Woodlands because we don’t want to upset a few plants? Did I hear this correctly?
Also the sign on White Oak Lane is not on city property, therefore, they probably would not change that one, therefore, not having all our signs match, which by the way they did question the city about as far as I know. They were egged on by Larry Torn who said that the board better move quickly if they don’t want the signage because after the Mainlands (which is next for new signage), we follow, so that is what evidently prompted the letter to Jennifer Bramley with the City of Tamarac. They agreed that they wanted solar lighting installed and that was it.
If the signs are on city property, the city does not need our permission and can do what they want. The city is trying to present a uniformed appearance for the communities and city, and if everyone opposes their changes, and tells them not to do it, then the whole plan is ruined.
Everyone can never totally agree on anything, the city knows that, that is why they are making the decision. I attended the focus group meeting, and a lot of their ideas were presented to the board, the sign changes being one of many. I feel we should support the city in its efforts to make the uniformed changes, and appreciate the money and effort that they are making for our city. If we oppose everything they try to do, they will see us as being difficult and not wanting change unless it only suits us, not team players, selfish and self centered. I see how beautiful planned communities and uniformity in a city can truly spruce up the community, adding class and worth to it. I feel we should give the city a chance to make its improvements and changes and show them that we support them in their efforts , especially when we have complained and fought for the city to help us improve, only to oppose them when they try to do it. If corporations, neighborhoods, developments, communities and cities tried to get a consensus on every project, nothing would ever get done or completed, too many opinions.
