Moving to Lakewood Ranch - CDD/HOA Restrictions? (Tampa: cul-de-sac, for sale) - Sarasota - Bradenton - Venice area - Florida (FL) -Manatee and Sarasota Counties - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

bbronston · 03-04-2011, 08:31 PM

I am sorry that you feel the way you do. LWR has much to appreciate and many people do love the place. Have you considered moving?

Floridaa · 03-05-2011, 05:11 AM

Personally,living close to LWR,I love the area.

saralvr · 03-05-2011, 06:13 AM

Are all communities in LWR under the same "one size fits all" rules and regulations? Or are some a little bit more relaxed and another more strict? Can you give specifics to what exactly you don't like?

bbronston · 03-05-2011, 07:54 AM

Each of the villages (and each of the condos) started out with pretty much the same basic rules (with some variations between them) and, of course, once the developer handed over control to the owners, those owners make changes as they see fit. I can certainly understand why some people appreciate deed restrictions and why others think of them as a huge assault on their freedom. It is in each buyer's best interest to read the info before purchasing but almost no one does. In most cases, that is because people look at the area and think, "yeah, I want to live like this" and they do what they need to do to get along and don't have a problem. Others just can't stand the idea that their neighbors (particularly the ones who get involved in wanting to actually live by those rules) are having a say in their lives. I get that but, like it or not, those people (the ones who get letters) are almost always the ones who are in the wrong, not the people who ask them to live by the rules of the community. The beauty of our area is that there are places, all within a relatively close area, where buyers can find the lifestyle they want at a pretty reasonable price.

sarasotalaw52 · 03-05-2011, 11:34 AM

Would anyone like to read the restrictions? I Can certainly post them online. It's 1 DVD in size and we get one every single year because changes are in them every single year. This way people can read it before they buy. It's a daunting effort. Did I mention that it comes on a DVD? I will post this on line and give out a link.

As far as freedom goes, did I mention that you cannot alter your bushes, plant a tree or even change the lighting aspects of your home? We're not talking about unsightly things that lower the already lower and hurt property values of LWR, we're talking about really classy and nice additions to your property. Nope, not allowed.

Simply put, if you wish to move into a place that you cannot change, it's for you. Seriously, you cannot even change the grass type without approval.

It reminds me of the neighborhood in "A Wrinkle in Time" called Camazotz. In every way, LWR is Identical to Camazotz.

joeyddog · 03-05-2011, 05:03 PM

Sarasotalaw
Have you thought about becoming more involved in the decision making of your community? Perhaps running for office or joining a committee involved in the aspects that bother you the most. I read the rules for my particular HOA(not in Lakewood Ranch) prior to buying cover to cover. There were limitations such as only using window coverings that showed white from the outside- such as lined curtains or shades. I thought it was a little weird but understand it maintains a certain consistency in my condo development.They limit subletting and rentals but do allow them. They also dictate the weight of dogs allowed(my dog just squeaks by). Different condo subdivisons dictate the paint color of the villas. There is a committee that meets monthly to review requests for exterior work. Single family homes can do what they want within reason (after passing the committee review)- as a matter of fact they have contests each month and award a token award for the most attractive landscaping. The condos are more limited since the development plants, mows and maintains the outside of the properties.I don't mind these rules because the development is well maintained. Each person has to decide what he/she can live with.

bbronston · 03-05-2011, 10:00 PM

You can post the docs as much as you like but you are missing the point. You appear to be trying to get people to agree with you that the rules are too numerous and too controlling. OK, so let's say that happens...then what? How does that help you? There are thousands of home owners who live in LWR who don't feel the same way. Neither fact proves anything except that different people like different things and you don't like LWR. So, instead of flaming the people who do like it, I'll ask you again...are you planning to move? Stay and accept the rules you've already agreed to live by when you did move? Get on a board and do what you can to make it better?

chrissycat1970 · 03-06-2011, 08:38 AM

Hello I lurk quite often but I felt the need to chime in on this one. I live in Long Island and as much as I always will have a love for it, I can't wait to get the heck out of here for various reasons. One is watching your neighborhood crumble around you...falling down fences, people who don't clean up their leaves before winter, and hideous cheesy new decor that's just nasty.
I've worked in construction in NY so while I do understand Sarasotalaw's disdain over some of the HOA rules, anytime you purchase in a community you need to have a full understanding of the the laws before you sign that contract down to the gnome on your front step.
It is very common in my understanding that unhappy homeowners form their own groups to combat the HOA that way if most folks feel the same way as you then maybe a change is in order. With that being said keep it reasonable and the association will hopefully comply. I look forward to one day living in Lakewood Ranch and enjoying the beauty, your music on main, your farmers markets, parks...all the positives, cause believe me it could be worse!

Big House · 03-06-2011, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrissycat1970

Hello I lurk quite often but I felt the need to chime in on this one. I live in Long Island and as much as I always will have a love for it, I can't wait to get the heck out of here for various reasons. One is watching your neighborhood crumble around you...falling down fences, people who don't clean up their leaves before winter, and hideous cheesy new decor that's just nasty.
I've worked in construction in NY so while I do understand Sarasotalaw's disdain over some of the HOA rules, anytime you purchase in a community you need to have a full understanding of the the laws before you sign that contract down to the gnome on your front step.
It is very common in my understanding that unhappy homeowners form their own groups to combat the HOA that way if most folks feel the same way as you then maybe a change is in order. With that being said keep it reasonable and the association will hopefully comply. I look forward to one day living in Lakewood Ranch and enjoying the beauty, your music on main, your farmers markets, parks...all the positives, cause believe me it could be worse!

Come lurk some more! Nice Post!

sarasotalaw52 · 03-09-2011, 12:44 PM

See for yourself. Make notes of the number of children "Playing" in the neighborhoods. Make notes of the number of "Tree forts" and "club houses" that you used to grow up with. You're only allowed to have outdoor fun at the Parks, Adventure and Summerfield.

Look, I wish it wasn't like this as I have 3 children. This place is more like a "retirement" community where people would rather stay in-doors. It's obvious why this is and it's because of the strict HOA.

Before you buy, come and look around. It's pretty, but it's pretty dead. I used the words PLASTIC and STERILE before, but it's true.