September 1, 2007

Homeowners' federation representing thousands

By Lucy Weber
lweber@mcherald.com

The Federation of Madison County Homeowners Associations is now officially organized and ready to speak for thousands of property owners.

"We represent 3,842 lot owners, and if - and this is a big if - there are two residents at each property, that's over 7,600 people," Lynette Hegwood, secretary of the federation, said Tuesday at the organizational meeting of the group.

"We're growing, and we just started taking applications in June."

Membership is up to 22 neighborhood associations.

"I think we can be effective, the more numbers you have speaking with a common voice," said Al Sage, the new president of the federation board of directors.

District 1 Supervisor Doug Jones, who worked on developing the federation for two years, said he expects the group to continue to grow.

"I do see this as a lobbying group," he said. "That is our strength with membership. This could have the potential to represent 30,000 property owners."

The group, unofficially, has already been active. Federation representatives from neighborhoods in the Yandell Road area recently negotiated with a local developer to increase minimum house sizes in a planned 807-lot subdivision.

"Yes, the federation worked even though it was not officially formed," said Ray Butler, who helped with the negotiations and was selected vice president of the federation board.

At the first meeting, several of the local association delegates suggested projects or potential zoning changes that need to be watched because of concerns of nearby neighborhoods.

"This is all new. We're learning," said Melissa Dempsey, who served as the interim president during the federation's formation.

The group needs a committee to stay in contact with county, and probably municipal, zoning departments to keep current on proposed changes, she said. "With zoning, we need to stay pro-active.

"We encourage you to join our e-mail group and stay up to date on projects," Dempsey told the delegates.

"Don't let something fall through the cracks," Jones said.

In looking at zoning issues, Jones said the group needs to decide what's best for the neighborhood and the county.

"We don't need to be the anti-group. We don't need to be anti-development," he said.

Guy Bowering, one of the nine federation board members, said the first meeting touched on key issues that will continue to come before the group.

"We represent a broad spectrum of Madison County. We need not only to be reacting but proactive to maintain the quality of life we moved here to enjoy," he said.

Zoning is likely to be a continuing issue that members will see as being of particular interest, Bowering said.

"Personally, I believe we can be an organization to hold government accountable," he said. "When we see deficiencies throughout the county, we can bring them to the supervisors' attention."

The federal will have to weigh its opinions on taking action on zoning questions, Sage said.

"It's a balancing act - someone's right to use property and the highest and best use," he said.

Members of the board of directors of the federation are Jane McGill of Countryside Plantation, Woodrow Middleton of Cherry Hill Plantation, John Moore of Annandale, Michael J. Smith of Dinsmor, Lamar Warnock of Brisage, Sage of Ingleside, Bowering of Whisper Lake, Hegwood of Lake Caroline and Butler of Twin Cedars.

The next meeting of the federation is Nov. 27. Information about joining the federation is available at www. fmcha.org.