Homeowners in Charlotte’s Beverly Crest Neighborhood Challenge $1.2 Million Pool Assessment Amidst Concerns Over Transparency

Homeowners in Charlotte’s Beverly Crest Neighborhood Raise Concerns Over $1.2 Million Pool Assessment

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Residents of the Beverly Crest neighborhood are voicing their concerns about a recent announcement from their homeowner association (HOA). The HOA stated that the community pool might close unless a whopping $1.2 million is raised for repairs and upgrades. This hefty price tag could mean that each homeowner would need to shell out approximately $1,700 in special assessments over three installments before year’s end.

Initially, news of the special assessment came as a shock to many residents, prompting them to reach out for clarity. Homeowner Jacob Horner, a father of two, expressed frustration, stating, “I deserve transparency. The same transparency I would require if I was getting a job done on my home or business.” His feelings resonate with others in the community as more homeowners began to question the lack of communication from the HOA and its management company, Cusick Community Management.

Understanding the Assessment

The funds from the special assessment are intended to tackle multiple issues with the pool, including installing a new sun shelf and kiddie pool. However, residents feel uncomfortable with how the news was conveyed. “I’m all for a pool improvement project. We are just not for the way this project has been handled,” Jacob added.

Beverly Crest consists of seven separate HOAs under a master HOA that oversees common amenities, including the pool. The recent assessment was approved by a vote of the majority of those smaller HOA boards. Interestingly, the covenants governing the HOAs do not necessitate a community-wide vote for such significant assessments, leading to feelings of disenfranchisement among some homeowners.

Urgent Pool Repairs? Not So Fast

After receiving a flurry of complaints, board members sent out letters explaining the dire need for the funding. The letters suggested that governmental authorities might close the pool due to its deteriorating condition. However, a review of the inspection reports indicated that there were no outstanding issues, casting doubt on the necessity of the emergency repairs.

In fact, a spokesperson from Mecklenburg County confirmed that the pool had been permitted for use in 2024 and posed no immediate threat of closure. This inconsistency has only fueled speculation among residents about the decision-making process behind the assessment.

The Board’s Reactions and Further Investigations

In response to inquiries about their claims, a member of the master association clarified that they never stated the pool would definitely close; they merely perceived a likelihood that it would not pass inspection if conditions did not improve.

However, this lack of clear communication has been unsettling. “There’s a feeling that there’s either been secrecy or us being misled in this process,” Jacob stated. The upcoming pool project was estimated at $950,000, though the total assessment was $1.2 million—raising questions among homeowners about financial transparency and the need for such significant funds.

Community Voices and Pushback

Amid the uncertainty, community members have formed a petition against the hefty assessment. Particularly noteworthy is The Preserve HOA, which recently disassociated from Cusick Community Management due to numerous inconsistencies and communication failures. Board member Tricia Coorey explained that inaccurate information had been presented regarding contractor payments, contributing to their decision to part ways.

Coorey, who led the charge against the special assessment, relayed the confusion and concern echoed by her neighbors: “Can I opt out of a membership? Please fight this for us.” This strong grassroots sentiment demonstrates just how charged the conversation around the pool funding has become.

Looking Ahead: Community Reforms?

As frustrations grew, homeowners started to feel cornered by a lack of access to important financial records related to the pool project. Homeowners articulated their discontent, stating they were routinely denied responses to requests for information regarding HOA decisions and processes. “It was just we don’t have to give it to you, and you’re not going to get it,” Jacob noted, highlighting a broader issue of accountability.

Amid this situation, state legislators have been prompted to consider new laws to improve transparency within HOAs, which could serve to ease community concerns and enhance the flow of information going forward.

As of now, the future of the Beverly Crest community pool remains uncertain. After WBTV began probing into the situation, an announcement was made to pause the special assessment, and many homeowners anxiously await more definitive answers about their beloved community pool and the governance of their association.