Still Having to Get Used to this "Neighborhood" Thing

To give a quick backstory, our builder pulled out of our neighborhood at the end of 2008. This has left numerous lots empty and many unfinished plans have gone up in smoke. Sort of. Most of the story I'm fixing to tell revolves around one aspect of our neighborhood. The amenity center.

I will not doubt that when Jeff and I bought our home in late 2007, we were excited about the proposed amenity center that our builder said should be up around summer 2009. The plans are cool. Water park, observation deck, sports fields and of course a playground. But, we all know the economy is pathetic right now and when building slowed, it was obvious things were going to pan out.

Needless to say, the amenity center has not been built (and we are quickly encroaching on that summer 2009 mark). As a matter of fact, that property that's supposed to be the site of our amenity center is currently grazing land for some ranchers herd of catlle right now. But, you know, that's the risk we took. We built in a neighborhood that didn't have an established park already in place. So, shame on us and shame on the other 149 home owners if they are peeved as well.

So, to get to the point, we attended a special Home Owner's Association meeting last night in which the San Antonio honcho for our builder showed up, the area honcho for the development company showed up and the reps for our HOA Management company attended. I'd yet to attend an HOA meeting, but this could hardly be called the norm I imagine.

Things started out civily, the builder read our questions that we submitted and answered them in the most truthful manner. I'll give him props for that. Then this 'homeowner' stood up and practically SHOUTED to the builder "YOU LIED TO US! YOU LIED TO US ALL!" - Honestly, you would of thought he was trying to win an Oscar with as much drama and acting he put into his speech. He was HEATED. I tried not to giggle or laugh, but it was difficult.

It's understandable to be passionate about something. But screaming in front of a crowd of about 80 people, in my opinion, is not the best way to be heard, nor does it make you look good.

The problem with last nights assembly is that most of the homeowners wanted to hear the answer they were looking for, but they didn't get it. The builder gave answers, it's just not what they wanted to hear. Again, don't get me wrong, I want that amenity center too. But folks, it wasn't built when we got here, it was merely a promise. The builder did in fact say that the plans are still to build it. But of course, the market is going to have to pick back up. We all know that.

There was more screaming/shouting/yelling/heated discussions from other homeowners. I think my biggest issues was with our HOA Management company. They stink, and that's an understatement. I would of like to hear more questions grilling them and their role in our neighborhood than to of spent time with all the direct yelling towards our builder.

What an experience. It was interesting to say the least. I'm not sure if public confrontation meetings are my cup of tea, but hey, I understand the necessity to get the ball rolling.