Tallahassee Reports has learned that the Killearn Homes Association (KHA) is taking steps towards selling vacant land located at the Thomasville Road – Killarney Way entrance to Killearn Estates.
According to KHA meeting minutes, a vote was taken on March 12, 2020 by the KHA Board to sell the 3575 Tallahassee Road lot and an optional portion of the 3565 Thomasville Road lot. Both lots are located on the northside of the entrance to Killearn Estates via Killarney Way.
The vote was 7-1 to move forward with the sale.
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At the April 7th meeting, the KHA minutes indicate that a property appraisal of the land considered for sale is underway.
In a recent Facebook post, the KHA stated that “when the appraisal is presented to the Board, it will discuss how to proceed. The Board will examine the buffer, define restrictions placed on the property and finally, whether to sell the lot or not.”
The KHA also stated that the “front entrance is not being sold. The lot, 3575 Thomasville Road is adjacent to the north section of the front entrance, at the corner of Tallahassee Drive.”
The KHA minutes indicate that part of the proceeds from a sale would go to fund approximately $100,000 in repairs that are required at the Killearn Swim Club located on Killarney Way.
The KHA stated that the Board voted to lend the pool funds from the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) reserve and that the Swim Club will pay back the loan out of its revenues.
According to property records, the Killearn Estates entrance currently consists of approximately 5.4 acres, with 2.4 acres on the southside of Killarney Way and 2.9 acres on northside.
The land under consideration for sale is 1.43 acres of the 2.9 acres located on the northside as outlined in the Leon County Property Appraiser map below, plus the yet to be determined acreage amount of the “optional portion” of the the 3575 Thomasville Road lot.
According to the KHA minutes, KHA officials will “provide details of the sale of the entrance lots and report back to the Board as soon as possible.”
The next KHA meeting is scheduled, via Zoom, on May 5th.
UPDATED: Killearn Homes Association Votes to Sell Land Located at Killearn Estates Entrance added by Staff on
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Mr. Bailey– Is the “thorough investigation” yet completed? No conclusions were stated at the Board meeting earlier this week. If not, please fully explain the status of the investigation and the reason(s) for the delay.
Mr. Moody Please let us thoroughly investigating this issue such a process takes time. We thank you for your patience. John Paul Bailey
We are witnessing deception and an attempt at revisionist history.
Despite the Association’s statement that the “front entrance is not being sold. The lot, 3575 Thomasville Road is adjacent to the north section of the front entrance, at the corner of Tallahassee Drive,” any objective observer can see that this lot is part of the character of the front entrance to the neighborhood on Killarney Way. The 3575 lot is less than 150 feet from the edge of pavement on Killarney Way. By contrast, the distance from the edge of pavement on the south side of Killarney Way to the parking lot of the mattress store is more than 330 feet.
Also, as the article states, “According to KHA meeting minutes, a vote was taken on March 12, 2020 by the KHA Board to sell the 3575 Tallahassee Road lot and an optional portion of the 3565 Thomasville Road lot.” The lot at 3565 Thomasville Road includes the brick structure that marks the entrance to the neighborhood. While the Board surely does not intend to sell the portion of that lot that contains the brick structure, it does intend to sell the portion north of it, which is marked by the wood line that is clearly visible from Killarney Way. Furthermore, any subsequent development of these lots will also be clearly visible from Killarney Way and will change the character of the front entrance.
Also, the proceeds from the sale of these lots will fund $25,000 in repairs to the Swim Club, not $100,000 in repairs to the Swim Club. The Board voted on a motion to “lend” the board $100,000 to make the $25,000 in repairs. We are told that the Swim Club is “self-sufficient,” but the proceeds from the sale of land that was purchased with Association members’ dues will be used to pay back the “loan” for repairs to the Swim Club. There is no other way to view that than the Association membership subsidizing the continued ownership and operation of the Swim Club, which is something the Board has stated it would not do.
Lastly, I have asked these questions in multiple public forums, as well as directly to the Board’s members, and I have yet to receive an answer. I would like to know what authority the Board has to even obtain an appraisal and be actively pursuing this course of action. My specific questions are as follows:
1. By what authority did the board on 3/12/2020 allow a non-agended item to be introduced without public notice. The published agenda lists:
– KHA Swim Club
– Appraisal Discussion (appraisal of Swim Club property)
2. By what authority does the Board Of Directors sell any association property whether “common property” or otherwise?
3. By what authority does the Board make a policy (i.e. regarding the disposition of property), present it at a Board Meeting, vote on it, approve it and then act upon that policy without that policy being made part of the governing documents?
KHA Call for Candidates
Do you want to make a difference in Killearn Estates? Is there an area of interest or committee that you want to chair? Read on for more information about serving as a KHA Board Director.
Service on the board is a volunteer position and requires a time commitment to the Kilearn Estates community. The Board of Directors meetings are held at 6:30 PM on the first Tuesday of each month. Attendance is of the utmost importance.
There will be six (6) director seats on the nine (9) member board to be elected for a three-year term, beginning January 2021. Article VIII, Section IV of our bylaws require that “… number of nominees shall be no fewer than 150% and no more than 200% of the directorships to be filled…”. Accordingly, the slate of recommended nominees shall be between 9 and 12 association members in good standing. Each elected director shall serve a term of three (3) years.
This is a superb opportunity to serve your community. If you are interested, please submit your personal bio/resume with why you want to serve, to Diane Allewelt, Association Manager, at the KHA office located at 2705 Killarney Way, Tallahassee, FL 32309; via email to diane@killearn.org; or via fax to (850) 668-0530.
Eligible Candidates must:
. Own property in Killearn Estates
And Be a member in good standing with the KHA
We have heard from many on other platforms as well. We will hear from the rest of the community as candidates submit their applications and we move closer to the election. Where each candidate is able to present their position.
Mr. Moody and Observer, Please let us thoroughly investigating this issue such a process takes time. We thank you for your patience. John Paul Bailey
Observer, I think you would use you real name on public post like I do!, why will you not give your name ?
We have heard from many on other platforms such as FB Killearn Estates Homeowners. Please join. We will hear from the rest of the community as candidates submit their applications and we move closer to the election.
I would certainly be interested in what they have to say! Silence speaks volumes. You know where I stand as the single dissenting vote before resigning.
Messrs. Ferguson, Inglese, Faircloth, Fleming, Givins and Ms. Arias, Irwin, and Gaskins-Mautz:
As members of the Board, you have been cacophonous by your silence in this discussion.
Since Mr. Bailey has been the sole Board participant, should homeowners gather that he has stated the unanimous view of the Board and that none of you have anything to add? If you have read his responses to questions and comments, you would have seen what many homeowners believe are deflections of and refusals to give complete and factual answers to clear questions and comments posted.
If you have other or additional information or believe that Mr. Bailey has not fully or accurately represented the facts or provided explanations that the homeowners deserve to have, please say so and fill in the blanks for us. If you do believe that he has stated all that the homeowners need or deserve to know, please, each of you, likewise say so.
cc: John Bailey
Allow me to correct myself. My reference should have been to “Mr. Ferguson”, not “Faircloth.” I regret the error, however, my comments are otherwise unchanged.
Observer, please do not lose heart. Mr. Bailey expects us to disappear into the shadows, but I assure you I will not!
Nor will I, Mr. Moody. Nor will I.
Is that the reason that you are not factually responding to my questions and Mr. Moody’s comments? Since it is a public forum, and you are apparently the spokesperson for the Board, it behooves you to identify yourself to make the responses “official.” That would be the case were Mr. Faircloth, Ms. Arias, or any other Board member to respond.
Mr. Bailey, no one, including I, is trying to be mean or accusatory on a personal level. However, this issue has an impact on the community in which we all live and in which we have a financial investment. There are aspects of it that raise red flags to all of us and we are asking questions. The greater the avoidance of straight answers, the deeper red the flags become. The fact that the responses that are given obfuscate rather than clarify, or deflect the question, give rise to greater suspicion.
There are residents, including me, who would like to serve. However, if this issue is indicative of the way in which the Board operates, we fear that we would step into a hornet’s nest not just of a group of people who seem to do questionable things in their official capacities, but of liability to the homeowners. Furthermore, given the mechanism by which candidates are selected to be placed on the ballot, those who disagree with current policy and procedure are effectively closed out from consideration.
Observer, I think you would use you real name on public post like I do!
Mr. Bailey,
Thank you for your response of 11:21 last night. I am a homeowner in Killearn Estates for 20+ years.
Once again, neither you, Mr. Faircloth, nor Ms. Arias has substantively responded to the questions asked, including mine of 12:34 PM and 9:42 OM yesterday, nor any of Mr. Moody’s comments. Either the Board collectively, or its members individually have something to hide or it/they do not understand their fiduciary responsibility to the homeowners. Why are you avoiding direct responses? Past, current, or future service on the Board or committees is not, respectfully, a condition of benefiting from the fiduciary duty that the Board and each member of it owes to homeowners. If you question that claim, please confirm it with the lawyer/law firm that the Board uses.
If you do not feel that you are avoiding them or that Mr. Moody and I fail to understand something, perhaps it would be better to post a bullet-point list containing direct answers to every question and issue raised. In that way, we and all others who have an interest in the way in which the Killearn Board is operating will fully understand.
Observer, If you live in Killearn Estates Volenteer for a committee and or run to be a board member in the upcoming election! Thanks in advance.
Mr. Bailey,
Thank you for re-posting the “call for candidates” message at 5:12. You have posted it numerous times over the past several days. Inasmuch as it seemed to be directed to me, I presume that it was intended to answer my questions of 12:34 today.
However, my questions then were quite direct and did not involve Board or committee service. Much like the problems that you have encountered in answering my earlier questions and in responding directly to Mr. Moody’s comments you continue to be unresponsive. I suggested that if you did not have the answers, despite apparently being the spokesperson for the Board, that you consult with others who may be more knowledgeable or forthcoming. You have chosen not to do so.
Why won’t you respond to the questions and comments but instead, skirt them? Why are you and the other Board members ignoring legitimate concerns? The canned and cut-and-paste responses are insufficient. We have a stake in the outcome of these issues. You and the other Board members have fiduciary obligations to be forthcoming in all respects. If you and the other Board members cannot or choose not to understand the facts and the gravity of all of this, or are purposely disregarding your and their duties, you owe it to them, and to us, to either educate them and ensure that they comply, or remove them. Likewise, if you do not understand your fiduciary role or choose not to exercise it properly, respectfully, you should step down.
Please provide substantive answers to all questions, including mine of 12:34 today, and respond to Mr. Moody’s assertions. Alternatively, Mr. Ferguson or Ms. Arias may respond with the specific information.
I don’t live in Killearn anymore but my mother still lives there and if I remember correctly you had to pay and extra fee to belong to that swimming pool and not all residents of Killearn Estates could use that pool , so my question is why should the whole community have to pay, which the sale of that property includes all residents , to fix that pool that only a few residents can enjoy ? by the way my parents never joined that pool but instead join the country club
Observer
KHA Call for Candidates
Do you want to make a difference in Killearn Estates? Is there an area of interest or committee that you want to chair? Read on for more information about serving as a KHA Board Director.
Service on the board is a volunteer position and requires a time commitment to the Kilearn Estates community. The Board of Directors meetings are held at 6:30 PM on the first Tuesday of each month. Attendance is of the utmost importance.
There will be six (6) director seats on the nine (9) member board to be elected for a three-year term, beginning January 2021. Article VIII, Section IV of our bylaws require that “… number of nominees shall be no fewer than 150% and no more than 200% of the directorships to be filled…”. Accordingly, the slate of recommended nominees shall be between 9 and 12 association members in good standing. Each elected director shall serve a term of three (3) years.
This is a superb opportunity to serve your community. If you are interested, please submit your personal bio/resume with why you want to serve, to Diane Allewelt, Association Manager, at the KHA office located at 2705 Killarney Way, Tallahassee, FL 32309; via email to diane@killearn.org; or via fax to (850) 668-0530.
Eligible Candidates must:
. Own property in Killearn Estates
. Be a member in good standing with the KHA
This entire issue sounds like a big cash grab for Mr. Bailey and his real estate firm.
Mr. Bailey,
Thank you for your most recent post. Please explain the purpose for which the property is being assessed and appraised. Is a future sale contemplated, and if so, for what purpose? The fact remains that the property belongs to the Association. If a future sale is contemplated, what will be the process used? A Board decision? A homeowner’s vote?
Further, what do you mean by, “…the (pool) loan has effectively been paid back.” Either it has been repaid or it has been forgiven in whole or in part. Please clarify your statement.
Board Member (Secretary) John Paul Bailey,
Your post is just a copy and paste (since that is apparently all you are capable of doing) of the eblast just sent to KHA members and is a feeble attempt at a spin on the facts in order to sway public opinion in your favor. In response to your points:
1. According to the Leon County Property Appraiser’s website, the Association acquired the property on 11/5/2010 (not 2012 as stated in this eblast that I just received from the KHA or as you stated in your comments on tallahasseereports.com). Also, it was stated at the 3/5/19 Board Meeting that the lot with the 3575 Tallahassee Drive address was purchased to protect the character of the front entrance to the neighborhood as well as the adjacent single family homeowners on Monaghan Drive and not to “secure control over any future development.” Brad Trotman, former Association Manager, replied to a post on the Killearn Homeowners Facebook page stating “I purchased that lot for the preservation of the entrance.” This post has since been removed from the Killearn Estates Homeowners thread on the topic but is still on Brad’s personal page. Interesting…
2. How is KHA even in the preliminary stages of selling?!? How is KHA authorized to obtain an appraisal, a motion that was made and denied at the 3/5/19 regularly scheduled Board Meeting?!?
3. If “the Swim Club is self-sufficient,” why did the Board approve a motion to “loan” them $100,000, especially when the repair cost is estimated to $25,000?!? And why will my property’s value have to suffer to pay back said loan? Is my name getting added to a plaque at the entrance to the Swim Club since my property value will be sacrificed to preserve it?!?
4. Again, the “loan” to the Swim Club that was approved at the 3/12/2020 Special Board Meeting was for $100,000 from the CIP Reserves, to pay for repairs estimated to be $25,000. Why do you need a $75,000 contingency? Also, if KHA is so hard up for cash, how is it that the KHA has $100,000 to lend to preserve an amenity only used by a fraction of the Association’s members? By the way, I have been a member of the Swim Club for the past 3 years and a dues paying member of the Association for 15 years.
And you still have not answered any of my questions…
Killearn Estates Front Entrance
is Not for Sale
KHA must clarify some of the points stated in a recent Tallahassee Reports article.
1. The front entrance is not being sold. The lot, 3575 Thomasville Road is adjacent to the north section of the front entrance, at the corner of Tallahassee Drive.
It was sold to an oil company by the developer of Killearn Estates many years ago. It was sold again to a private concern and in or about 2012, KHA purchased it to secure control over any future development.
2. KHA is not in the final stages of selling. It’s only in the preliminary stages of assessing the lot by obtaining an appraisal.
When the appraisal is presented to the Board, it will discuss how to proceed. The Board will examine the buffer, define restrictions placed on the property and finally, whether to sell the lot or not.
3. The Swim Club is self-sufficient. When it was donated to KHA by the non-profit Swim Club, it was understood the Board’s Policy was that the pool would not be subsidized by the membership and would be considered for sale if that happened.
4. To further clarify, KHA is loaning money to the Swim Club to be paid back.
The Board voted to lend the pool funds from the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) reserve to pay back the loan out of its revenues. When the Board acquired the pool in 2014 it lent the pool nearly $50,000. The loan, as of 2019, has effectively been repaid. Fortunately, the current costs of improvements are estimated to be approximately $25,000.
Are you all SURE you don’t want a Starbucks on one side and a Chic Filet on the other side? I remember on the Southside when the Winn-Dixie was built, every one was screaming how they didn’t want all the Cars and Noise and as soon as it closed, those same people were screaming at the City for not saving them. Cruise out to Bannerman……….. EVERY ONE out there didn’t want all those Stores, not even the Target, they fought like crazy to keep them out only to lose and now, they are the ones SHOPPING there daily. Personally, I think that side of town is over built and Construction should work on going West.
Mr. Bailey,
Thank you for your response to me of 9:37 last night. It appears to be a cut-and-paste of your reply to Ms. McGee of 7:32.
Would you please provide substantive and specific answers to the questions I asked and a meaningful response to the points raised by Mr. Moody. While all matters pertain primarily to Killearn homeowners, they are also of public concern if only because of the size of Killearn and the fact that the way in which the issues are being handled may, unfortunately, become a model for other communities and associations. As you pointed out last night, the Board is akin to a “mini-government.” We do not wish to propagate closed and non-representative “mini-governments.”
If you do not know the answers to the questions and cannot substantively respond to Mr. Moody as the apparent spokesperson for the Board, please consult with all other Board and committee members to get them and provide the answers and response in this forum. It would also be useful for all Board and committee members to weigh into this conversation so that the homeowners know their positions, reasoning, and extent and source of knowledge. That is especially true given the upcoming Board elections–homeowners want a board comprised of people whom they can trust and who operate in their interests, not in shadows. So far, those characteristics don’t seem to exist on this issue.
It seems that the secret back door deals continue. I am thankful every single day that we moved away from all of this nonsense. We lived in Tallahassee for 21 years, 11 in Killearn
It’s heaven to live in a small mountain town in Georgia where we have ONE county commissioner who listens to the people, who elected him and he serves with honor and not in secret. I feel for the homeowners, always the last to know.
There is no need to respond to me Mr. Bailey, your response to all these people speaks volumes.
As a non-resident of Killearn, I would hate to see the entrance sold to commercial interests. It is a beautiful environmentally friendly area for a part of Tallahassee that is rapidly seeing such buffer areas developed, thus, losing a lot of certain needed character and attraction along Thomasville Rd.
Why would these property be considered for sale to raise cash.
The KHA owns three golf course frontage lots that could be sold without adversity.
These lots would clearly more than cover the expenses the association wished to cover with the proceeds of Tallahassee Drive.
Why would these considerations by the association to liquidate some of its assets not also include the appraisal of the non adversarial assets?
The selling off Killearn property a month before Killearn property owners are told? Sounds illegal or very underhanded to say the least! Sounds like it was planned ahead of time.
Would they cut off a finger to pay for a needed operation. Looks like it
Observer , We are glad to see that members like yourself are thinking about our killearn neighborhood, our KHA has a number of committees and sub-committees that we would love to have you serve on . If you could contact our office we look forward to hearing from you , thanking you in advance . John Paul
Why are you ignoring Mr. Moody? Is Observer a plant? Inquiring minds want to know.
No, DavidB, I am not a plant. I am a homeowner in Killearn Estates for 20+ years. Mr. concern arises from the overreaching of the Board and from the secretive manner in which it is operating. The latter is evidenced by Mr. Bailey’s (or any other officer’s) total refusal to answer straightforward questions and a similar refusal to respond to Mr. Moody’s comments.
Mr. Bailey,
Respectfully, you seem to take umbrage at the fact that residents question the proposal to sell the property, much less the darkness in which the process is proceeding. The placement of exclamation points after your sentences do not substitute for facts and explanations. The questions that I posed in several posts remain unanswered; Mr.Moody’s recitation of facts has likewise not been addressed. We can only gather that the Board does not wish to answer the questions and that facts don’t exist to counter Mr. Moody’s assertions.
You assert that the Board is a “mini-government” and liken it to a city commission. If it is, the “mini-government” is bound to operate in the open and not make decisions that affect a community as large as this in closed meetings or even at open meetings scheduled for times when it is unlikely for residents to attend. Furthermore, if you are likening the Board to a “mini-government,” it serves in a representative capacity–acting on the will of the people it represents–in this case, the homeowners. It may not take unilateral actions that it deems appropriate or, in the case of the sale of real property as Mr. Moody pointed out, take action that gives the appearance of impropriety.
The point is, neither you nor the Board has been vested with, nor do governing documents empower either, to wrest from the homeowners the right and power to make decisions such as this. Homeowners require transparent disclosure of all facts before and steps can be taken to advance the idea, and every step of the way. Even if a sale never materializes, it is the homeowners’ decision–the Board is merely a conduit for their will.
KHA Call for Candidates
Do you want to make a difference in Killearn Estates? Is there an area of interest or committee that you want to chair? Read on for more information about serving as a KHA Board Director.
Service on the board is a volunteer position and requires a time commitment to the Kilearn Estates community. The Board of Directors meetings are held at 6:30 PM on the first Tuesday of each month. Attendance is of the utmost importance.
There will be six (6) director seats on the nine (9) member board to be elected for a three-year term, beginning January 2021. Article VIII, Section IV of our bylaws require that “… number of nominees shall be no fewer than 150% and no more than 200% of the directorships to be filled…”. Accordingly, the slate of recommended nominees shall be between 9 and 12 association members in good standing. Each elected director shall serve a term of three (3) years.
This is a superb opportunity to serve your community. If you are interested, please submit your personal bio/resume with why you want to serve, to Diane Allewelt, Association Manager, at the KHA office located at 2705 Killarney Way, Tallahassee, FL 32309; via email to diane@killearn.org; or via fax to (850) 668-0530.
Eligible Candidates must:
. Own property in Killearn Estates
. Be a member in good standing with the KKA
Board Member (Secretary) Bailey,
Does exploring all other options include looking at the potential sale of the lot on the south side of the main entrance to the neighborhood on Killarney Way? That lot is already zoned for commercial use and lies within the boundaries of the the Activity Center Zoning designation for current and future land uses. It is surrounded by other commercial properties, and the sale and subsequent development of that lot would not have a direct negative impact on the property values and privacy of single family detached residences whose owners are dues paying members of the Killearn Homes Association.
Does exploring all other options include exploring the sale of 3 residential lots that the association owns with golf course frontage? The development of those lots with residential homes would be consistent with neighboring land uses and would not have a negative impact on the property values of adjacent homeowners.
Does exploring all other options include looking at the idea of a one-time special assessment to pay for the improvements to the “Landmark Swim Club” that the sale of this property will pay for? Surely the members would cast a 2/3 vote for a one-time special assessment to pay for these repairs if it actually an expenditure that the members support. It would cost each of the Association’s 3800 members less than $10/each to raise the reported $25,000 necessary to make the repairs.
Does exploring all other options include raising the membership rates for the Swim Club or the rates charged to the provider of swim lessons for their use of the pool for swim lessons?
Karen McGee, We are glad to see that members like yourself are thinking about our killearn neighborhood, our KHA has a number of committees and sub-committees that we would love to have you serve on . If you could contact our office we look forward to hearing from you , thanking you in advance . John Paul
Mini governments, even unpaid ones, need to act responsibly. Unfortunately, many residents, myself included, have not paid much attention to who runs for the board. Most of the time we haven’t voted. So yes, we are at fault. Still, if a wrong decision has been made and there is time to correct it, let’s do so. Let’s get all the information to the residents and let them vote.
Observer, the KHA board is a mini government much like a city commission, a representative form of governance. Unpaid elected by the property owner members of Killearn Estates to handle the duties and responsibilities of Killearn Homes Association ! —-
Is not chief among those duties protecting the property values of dues paying members? If so, how is selling the two parcels that separate my single family residence from a 6-lane US Highway with one of the highest traffic volumes in the City and subsequently allowing commercial development of said parcels protecting my property value?
You have tried to appease me by stating that the Association will maintain architectural control and that you will require a vegetative buffer as a condition of the sale. What difference does it make that you maintain architectural control over the Circle K or Chick-fil-a that is going in my back yard? Also, what is to prevent the owners of said commercial development from completely removing that vegetative buffer as did the owners of the commercial property adjacent to my home at 2120 Killarney Way? Five years removed from that incident, my home is still visible from Killarney Way where it was previously hidden from view. My bedroom is still illuminated by the flood lights on that commercial property, and the sounds of traffic in the parking lot and WastePro emptying the dumpster, which sits on our shared property line, at 2 am is no longer muffled.
Can we assume that the “long and thoughtful process” will be conducted in open meetings at times when sufficient numbers of homeowners can attend (not during the day when many are working)? That they will be publicized? That appraisals will be published?
Are you asserting that there has been no decision to sell? If so, what will be the decision-making process? Homeowner vote?
Please respond to my comments in #3 of my prior post. They are of great concern to all residents.
We think it rather audacious for the board to make the decision to sell a piece of property belonging to the association without a community vote. We are not opposed to maintaining the pool/tennis courts, though we do not use them ourselves. We are not opposed to an increase in fees for the good of the community. But we do not need another used car lot or mattress firm type retailer close to the Killarney Way entrance. But be that as it may, it seems to us the board has overstepped its authority in this case, morally, if not legally, and we should have paid more attention to what’s being decided for the community. So we are at fault here also. Isn’t there still time to put this to a vote? If the community decides to sell this piece of land, then we must accept the decision.
Karen,
The board has most certainly over-stepped its authority. The sale of “common property” requires a 2/3 vote of the members. The Board would have you believe that these parcels are “non-common” properties, and as such, they are not required to obtain a 2/3 vote of the members to dispose of it. The Board created a committee to develop a policy that distinguishes between “common” and “non-common” properties, however that committee has yet to produce a policy.
Furthermore, the Bylaws of the Association states, “any other properties owned and maintained by the Association for the common benefit and enjoyment of the residents within the Properties” shall be called “Common Properties.” If the parcel at 3575 Tallahassee Drive was purchased to protect the character of the main entrance on Killarney Way and the residents on Monaghan Drive from undesirable development, I would say that it meets the definition of “Common Properties.”
Wow! Maybe our residents really do care.
“Tallahassee Reports has learned that the Killearn Homes Association (KHA) is taking the final steps towards selling vacant land located at the Thomasville Road – Killarney Way entrance to Killearn Estates.“ … Not in final steps!- Have not received the appraisal yet! The property is not at the Killearnay way entrance!- The property IS at the corner of Tallahassee Drive at Thomasville rd.! It will take a year or more to sell the property if a decision where made to sell it, .. If a decision to sell then it would be put on the market so buyers could make offers ! The KHA would look at the offers and make a decision which buyer and what kind of business we will let build on the property with Covenants and restrictions or change our minds and not sell the property at all . It is going to be a long and thoughtful process!
After reviewing your comment we removed the word “final.”
Laurie Davis, the money came from the same KHA account the the proceeds of any sale would go back into if the property where sold!
Where did the money come from to purchase the property?
The 3575 is a capital asset purchased in 2012, that is north of our front entrance, at Tallahassee Drive
A little disappointed TallahasseeReports did not contacting KHA for the other side of the story, or include the eblast explaining what we are, in fact, doing.
Board Member (Secretary) Bailey,
The lot at 3575 Tallahassee Drive with Thomasville Road frontage was actually purchased by the Association on 11/5/2010 according to the Leon County Property Appraiser’s website, and by your own admission was purchased to protect the character of the main entrance to the neighborhood on Killarney Way and to protect the residents on Monaghan Drive from undesirable development. What has changed that your justification for purchasing the property with Association funds is no longer a valid reason for maintaining said ownership? Do you personally or your company, “JPB & Associates, a Real Estate Brokerage Firm and Political Consultant Service” (https://www.killearn.org/staff-and-board-members) stand to benefit from the sale of the parcels that are the subject of this article?
That is the only explanation I can come up with for your defensive remarks here and in the email you sent to me earlier today. That is the only explanation I can come up with for your continued pursuit of this issue even after a motion to obtain an appraisal and explore the option of selling these parcels was denied at the 3/5/19 regular Board Meeting.
We did talk to people at KHA and reviewed minutes to meetings. If you want to forward additional information, we will review before article is included in print edition scheduled to be sent out next week.
What’s disappointing, JPB, is YOU voted to destroy one of the nicest neighborhood entrances in the county. Foul. Disgusting. Underhanded.
I could go on and on. >:(
How about a homeless shelter on one side and a Chic Filet on the other side?
I think KHA has got their responsibility to their membership backwards. Regarding the community swimming pool… KHA is NOT a benevolent organization. If the pool can not be self supporting, it is not in their charge to do so unilaterally. The input of members should be the first step to determine its feasability….and before selling that commercial property…lets vote to see if members want a Burger King at the entrance to Killearn Estates!
The pool does not have be self supporting, it is part of the Subdivision and covered by the HOA Dues the people living their pay. The Pool, the Tennis Court and the Park just down the road are all paid for and maintained by the HOA Fee’s. The HOA can NOT just decide to get rid of them with out a Community Vote. I am surprised they are selling that Lot with out a Community Vote. Most HOA’s are elected Members of that Community and they change every so many Years, maybe it is time for new Members.
Why would the KHA retain counsel and spend thousands on a golf course that is not part of the Association yet do this to cover $100K in expenses? We don’t need another Circle K or Mattress store or car wash destroying the beautiful entrance to Killearn.
According to an article published by the HOA, the cost for pool repair was $25,000. Repair to the tennis courts would be $100,000. I. Response to the person who indicated that the pool is not used, My family as well as others are there every day, it is used for swim lessons, and on hot summer weekends it is packed.
That’s fine, Mary–in that case, you can join a facility to your liking. But please don’t expect the rest of us to pay for it.
I would like to know what the Sell Price is. I don’t live in Killearn and they can sell it for what ever amount they choose but the Sell Price will tell you if it truly is a Back Room Deal as that looks to be a $Million Dollar Piece of Property. Fronts on TWO Streets, one Front is THOMASVILLE Road and it is at the Fly Over AND I-10, has a huge Car Count and at 1.43 Acres, if it is zoned for Commercial it could be a Multi Million Dollar piece of property. Look at everything happening just in that area, Market Square alone is going thru a HUGE make over costing mega $Millions. I would also like to know WHO they plan to sell it to and WHO all is involved with the Sell, Yordon? Bartlet?
Jack & the Beanstalk. But mom, “They’re Magic Beans!”
Yard sign of thanks for health care and essential workers!
Some neighborhoods prohibited yard signs even though we want to exp II I ress our gratitude for our essential workers! There may be other ways to express our thanks!
Especially during this Covid-19 pandemic, We understands the gratitude we all feel for healthcare and essential workers.
Purchasing a gift card from a local business or restaurant, is a “twofer,” helping both the business and the worker. You may even want to include a handwritten thank you note with it. Remember your letter carrier, trash collector, healthcare provider/neighbor, grocery store worker, bus driver, etc. A gas card is another way to show appreciation for these workers who are helping us stay safe.
The easiest way to thank essential workers is to follow regulations put in place to keep them safe. Stay at home unless it’s necessary to leave.
Below are some helpful links for local businesses plus where to get cloth masks:
Leon County-Tallahassee Office of Economic Vitality is co-sponsoring this link of businesses with their contact info, if they are open online, etc:
https://www.ishoptally.com/?fbclid=IwAR0w4EILarRNz3aql-hUSn3f8sR4OL9N8ntWmq23XlwwPSO_KHxYN-wyutg
Leon County offers a link to find cloth masks: https://bit.ly/34ye9LQ
I think the KHA board will look at all of its options in order to keep from dues and keep up all of the amenities the Killearn community has become accustomed to without increasing dues ! And one way is to sale one of the properties that are available for sale !
I really don’t think they are thinking about the Home Owners and HOA FEE’s.
Mr. Bailey,
Your posts deflect the issues. The issue is not one of keeping dues down. The issues raised in the first comment are:
1. That the decision was not made openly and after membership input;
2. The process of determining that the expenditure of $100,000 on a little-used “amenity” makes any sense at all-for example, after a survey of actual and intended use at a given membership fee, and, if justifiable, the process used to solicit competitive bids;
3. The salary, qualifications, and guidelines imposed upon, and discretion granted to the person(s) charged with “coordinating compliance.” It is not a question of yard signs saying “thanks” (your comment of 10:51 P.M. on 4/15)–it is a question of a 1X1yard sign, for example, of a painter. or tree service. If the Board considers those to be violations, respectfully, it should be far more concerned with unkempt yards that are plainly visible from the street and troublesome to neighbors. If the Board believes that it has the power to sell the land without member input, it certainly has the power to clean yards (which is expressly stated in the Covenants).
If the Board has substantive, responsive answers to these and other questions, the Killearn Estates community would certainly like to hear and to consider them.
To say nothing of the fact that the transaction was kept under wraps from the homeowners and not subject to a membership vote, no one uses the small swimming pool. If the expenditure of $100,000 to improve it is intended to enhance its attractiveness and utilization, one would have thought that homeowner input would have been solicited–or at least a simple survey (Survey Monkey, for example) of usage at a given price-point. This is a perfect example of what happens when a cabal is formed and gets taken with their importance and power–much like what used to be called “condo commandos.” Some are volunteers with too much time on their hands and far too little knowledge. Others, who have been given grossly overpaid jobs with the Association and charged with riding streets, surreptitiously taking pictures of homes, issuing “friendly reminders” and imposing fines based upon their (his) subjective assessment of property condition. One can only imagine what else goes on behind closed doors. It is imperative that homeowners of Killearn Estates become involved in Association affairs to protect the community.