For this Sub Division to improve community spirit the ARC need to stop with the attitude again shown with a new ARC member saying that “Some people just don’t have Taste”. Well that is easily said but who decided that gentleman was the bastion of good taste himself. When it was mentioned that the community should have some input on color selection for a color palette for exterior decorating it was made quite clear that some members of the ARC considered themselves qualified to pick the selection without involving the greater community. I feel that is quite dangerous as what is to say any of them Mark (My Husband) included has perfect taste does that even exist as taste in its nature is totally subjective. I believe the average age on the ARC is clocking up a bit which could lead to some generational differences too.

Also evocative and insulting statements like referring to a residents house as Taco Bell coming from an ARC member is certainly not the way forward or at all professional. Rather than stirring discontent can we not create the palette. Mark stepped away from this task as Mr. Mauzey seemed to want to pursue it and Mark didn’t want to interfere. However Mark could quickly arrange a meeting with Sherwin Williams & Porter in particular to meet with the ARC. They have volunteered this all for FREE and will be happy to go around the community seeking to get a close color match to the originals (an exact match might not be appropriate as the colors are already faded) and then suggest complimentary colors. All based on their many years of experience and the regularity in which they provide this very service to other prestigious communities all over the Orlando area Like Windermere, Heathrow & Lake Mary. I feel this is particularly important since in 2007 when a new Florida Statute was created after a HOA Resident sued and won a judgment against the HOA Board for not allowing his color when the HOA hadn’t actually provided a palette for the guidance of the residents.

I think with some pre agreed common sense rules & directives set by the ARC through a community Vote (not a survey like the hoops) residents could visit the clubhouse over a period of say two weeks. Residents could offer their opinion on a more varied color palette, suggested by professionals from the paint industry. The selections would be based on their more qualified professional opinions, experience and knowledge on matters such as the sun’s effect on paint colors, current trends and other comparable communities. The community would have been given the opportunity to be involved and the greater spectrum of taste, age, ethnic diversity and possibly gender as the ARC is all male unfortunately since Alta stepped down would have been represented.

It could be as simple as each resident who cared to contribute an opinion came into the clubhouse during the office hours and perhaps a few volunteers could offer to assist from their own homes after hours early evening or weekends. Take a look at the samples suggested by the paint pros sign a form with their residence info. It could be assumed that they agreed with all selections and they could note down any they thought in appropriate for the community. It shouldn’t take too long as if a color was a yes it would be do nothing. Then an overall tally for each color could be counted and any color that received more objections than approvals could be dropped in favor of the opinion of the majority.

The ARC’s current directive to the community has been Earth Tones and Mr. Howard has stated that the ARC (previous to any new members) voted to broaden that to add some brighter colors, but strictly no pastel or primary colors. I’m sure the paint professionals would be able to recommend a reasonable amount of options to allow for our beautifully diverse community. Then in turn the community could have its say and influence the way the community is to evolve. A builder’s palette is always going to be a play very safe approach, which may not suit the residents now or the way fashion tastes have progressed. The results would speak for themselves no real interpretation would be required just a bit of good old fashioned arithmetic.

I wish to add that my husband and I have no personal interest, apart from improving the look of the neighborhood and making life easier and more pleasant for the residents avoiding all this undue stress. Particularly as we have already repainted our own home the original color.

Please let my husband know if you want him to get involved with the paint palette again.

Natalie Cockerill (Resident)