The Habitat Management Survey: Transitioning from Sponsor Control
Sept. 15, 2014 — One of the most difficult situations a board of directors faces is the transition of a community from sponsor control to homeowner control. One of my boards, The Seasons at East Meadow, has just completed the first year of resident control. My board had its first election of all homeowner seats in June 2013. With the help of management, the board members faced the job of organizing a 400-unit community, including its clubhouse and pools, security patrols, landscaping and snow contractors and site employees. It also had to deal with the numerous open items left by the ex-sponsor.
This was not easy. The newly elected board also faced the death of its president, the serious illness of another elected member, and the (seemingly) never-ending hours of meetings, interviews, and difficult decisions that go with the job.
The elected board is now approaching its first anniversary with many accomplishments attained. The months to come will still be met with many decisions needing to be made regarding rules and regulations, special assessments, capital improvements, winter damages, and open sponsor issues. — Pamela DeLorme, Principal, Delkap Management