POA name change raises red flags
In The Weekly Vista dated March 18 there was an article titled "POA Board talks possible name change."
I found several disturbing things in this article -- cost of the marketing, hiding information and incorrect information.
We keep hearing the POA needs money, so why are we paying someone to incorrectly market us and spending $162,000 to help her do it?
For better appearances, Ms. Napier would prefer "The Village" be used in place of POA. She also suggests a web page with a separate section for members. Discussion of controversial issues like assessment increases can take place on members-only pages so potential residents see the more positive messages, the article said.
This is a little like hiding our dirty little secrets. Isn't it better for people moving into the area to know all they can before making that choice? Those of us who live here like living here despite the things we dislike about the POA governing body. We should not try to hide things from prospective new residents.
The article states, "She plans to market to three groups -- active young people, young families and baby boomers." Does she not know a large amount of current and prospective residents are from the generation before the "baby boomers?"
The majority of residents in my neighborhood are. Is this age group not worth reaching out to? This generation is retired and has money to invest in property here, and unlike the younger generation has the time to enjoy the amenities here.
Further along it states, "Young adults who are used to paying for a gym membership will find the $16 a month assessment fee for an unimproved lot attractive," she said. She fails to mention the $16 monthly assessment fee is in addition to a yearly gym membership fee of $207 or a $26 monthly fee. A price only available with a $35 photo ID. Without the ID you must pay a daily use fee between $3.69 and $4.15.
Membership does not include the cost of fitness classes. Most private gym memberships are less than $200 a year which includes fitness classes and child care for those young families she wants to appeal to. There are no private gyms that charge an additional $16 a month just for the privilege of buying a club membership.
The walking trails here are about the only thing that does not cost extra to use. Does she not know this or does she think it best not to fully inform possible buyers?
This letter is not to gripe about the cost of amenities and dues. It is to say if marketing "The Village" is really necessary, then let's do it in an upfront and honest way, not hiding things from prospective residents.
Most importantly let's have a marketing manager who is properly informed and knows the value of being totally honest when appealing to new buyers. Changing the face of our community does not mean changing the integrity of it.
Michele Gilbert
Bella Vista
Editorial on 04/08/2015