By Wayne Krachun
I spent this afternoon walking my neighborhood, meeting my neighbors, asking how informed they were about the golf course situation, and whether they had formed an opinion. Undecided and Against HOA purchase neighbors were very engaging. They are interested, say they are informed, and express concern over the uncertainty of costs. One gent invited us into his house and we talked for 40 minutes. A kind woman offered us homemade cookies.
Three neighbors support the HOA purchase. No conversation with two of them; their minds were made up, they had no questions, we thanked them and moved on. I was really taken aback at the third one, though. She was willing to talk a bit, and her matter of fact point was that if mandatory ownership occurs, no big deal, the market will adjust. Those who don’t like it, might not want to remain in ArrowCreek.
And you see, that’s the problem I have with entitled, selfish people. They expect the vast majority of non-golfers to subsidize the purchase and operation of a minority’s expensive hobby.
MANDATORY ownership or membership with UNLIMITED financial liability is a very bad idea.
ArrowCreek411 
Has there been any consideration to changing the golf course from 36 holes to 18 and then convert the other 18 into common use area? I actually think the golf course should change to just a 9 hole 3000 yard par 33 course. You can play and be finished in 2, 2 and half hours. And the cost to play is more affordable
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The approach to your neighbors confuses me. Were you trying to have a dialog about the facts (which tend to always be missing in this debate), pros and cons? Doesn’t seem to be, it looks like you were simply trying to badger your neighbors based on your already defined position. I’ll save you some time, you don’t need to stop by and see me. I prefer people who are open-minded and deal in facts, not scare tactics and name calling.
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Rick,
Welcome to the discussion. You’ve clearly come to the right place to get some ‘FACTS.’ Read on down at some of the history of this debacle and absorb the facts about home values following the market. Learn about the folly of purchasing a golf course in a saturated market and the ‘FACT’ that home prices follow the market.
I’m unaware that any of the Concerned Neighbors of ArrowCreek attempting to badger anyone or for that matter resort to name calling. There definitely are tough questions that need to be answered and if you believe you’ve got the answers, PLEASE share them as we’d all like to know what the liabilities are of owning 525 acres, dedicated to a golf enterprise.
Ron Duncan
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The problem with this board Ron is that people lose sight of the fact that even when people use facts to form a position on an issue, they will not always come to the same conclusion as you. I have listened and discussed the issue with many people, I support bringing the golf club and HOA together in some way, but when I hear a differing opinion I respect that and don’t resort to name calling.
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What name calling? The insinuation is going in the direction of the ones who want the golf course? I have heard loudmouth, nut job, and troublemaker but all of those references were toward the one(s) who don’t want to own a golf course. So what pot is calling the kettle black??? Please enlighten us.
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I am quite certain the immature name calling goes both directions. I was reacting specifically to the reference to “entitled, selfish people” above in this case. It is unproductive. Unfortunately I can only control my own responses to the discussion but feel it is important to at least try to help keep the debate civil.
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Rick,
I appreciate where you’re coming from and certainly have been the recipient of several insults (unflattering names) for the position I advocate. However, when I’m told ‘facts’ I have a bad habit of trying to verify their veracity. The effects on property values is one of those ‘facts/myths.’ Since we all interpret data based upon our life experiences and beliefs, it is very difficult to have an intelligent conversation when data doesn’t support the beliefs.
As for bringing the two sides of this conundrum together, when one set of individuals sees the Golf Course and Club as ‘ESSENTIAL’ and the other set sees it as ‘NICE-TO-HAVE,’ that’s a gap too wide to breach (I’ve tried many times during my career). Having said that, the only real alternative that would work is to let the non-residential entity (that’s what it’s referred to in our Governing Documents) remain in our midst as a private enterprise and let our American brand of capitalism continue to do its magic.
Ron Duncan
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Mr. Krieder isn’t confused, he just wants all of us AC Residents to pay for his golfing. I am also a golfer, but I would never ask my neighbor or friends to pay for my expensive hobby. The golf club is a loser! I have lived in AC since 2000 and the golf club has never made a profit. It was a joke when the FOA tried to say that for only $99.00 more a month we could subsidize the club and keep it profitable. Get over it Mr. Krieder, if you want a golf club, you and your golf buddies can pay for it.
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I agree; let’s remember what we have in common as neighbors.
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My main issue is that the FOA seems to think that only they know what will enhance property values and seek to take choice away from everyone else. Certainly there are alternatives if the goal is to improve the community, and these alternative seem to get short shrift from the HOA board.
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I am one of the three interviewed neighbors in favor of the HOA purchasing the ArrowCreek Country Club. I respond not to debate the merits of the question, rather the manner the interview was held and the summary as written here.
Mr. Krachun represented himself as a neighbor and member of the ACHOA. Isn’t the HOA neutral on this question at this point? Considering Mr. Krachun’s critical remarks implying those in favor of the deal were “entitled and selfish” while those were who were undecided or negative on the deal “engaging, informed, interested, etc. Even offered cookies”. When I asked Mr. Krachun who could answer my questions, he responded he could. Really….What are your qualification?
I truly wish the those opposed to the deal could act like neighbors and resist the poisonous words.
Sincerely,
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Perhaps Mr. Kreider is confused? The HOA is comprised of the owners of the nearly 1100 lots in ArrowCreek. I would submit that the HOA is most certainly not neutral on the point of acquiring the assets currently owned by the Friends of ArrowCreek.
If he meant, “Isn’t the Board neutral on this question” that’s a great question. Ask the Board at the August 18th Board meeting.
As to my qualifications? I’m simply a concerned owner of ArrowCreek. What’s telling is that the people who expressed being in favor of purchasing the property were not interested in discussion. Minds are made up. They have enough information? That’s odd, because the Board has provided absolutely little of that other than the vision of controlling our own destiny.
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