Province Meeting Erupts: Developer Walks Out Amid Deniability Battle

Tensions flared on Wednesday evening at a community meeting held in the Province neighborhood of Maricopa. Residents expressed outrage regarding Meritage Homes’s impending exit from the homeowners association once it completes construction of the last homes.

The developer plans to leave by the end of the year, departing the 55+ community without addressing several overdue repairs. Residents argue that despite paying substantial HOA dues, long-requested maintenance issues have been ignored.

The packed clubhouse became a platform for residents to voice concerns about deteriorating roads, broken sidewalks, and inadequate irrigation. An overall sentiment of accountability was missing regarding both Meritage and the current HOA management.

“By the time Meritage gets out of here and that work hasn’t been done, good luck getting them to come back. It’ll never happen,” lamented one frustrated homeowner. “We’re fighting deniability and for accountability.”

Another resident highlighted the unresolved irrigation issues, noting that numerous work orders had led to little to no action. “If I had a dollar for every time my husband has put in a work order over the last three years…,” she remarked, emphasizing the lack of results.

As Province anticipates a transition to a resident-led HOA board early next year, fears are rising. Many believe Meritage is exiting justo as significant and costly repairs are about to arise.

“We are going to discuss how many roofs need to be repaired and how much they cost,” a community member pointed out, where financial constraints were evident. “And you don’t have a lot of bucks.”

To prepare for the transition, the community consulted D.J. Vlaming from Association Reserves, who presented a recent reserve study. Findings indicated that the HOA’s master reserves are only half-funded, and a section known as the Villas is merely 35% funded.

During the meeting, Vlaming faced tough inquiries regarding the reserve study, particularly its evaluation of future maintenance and repair expenses. His acknowledgment that no specialized testing had been conducted on vital infrastructure like roads fueled resident concerns.

“We don’t actually do testing on roads,” he clarified. “We’re not asphalt experts. We’re not core sampling.”

Residents decried the years of deferred maintenance while Meritage collected dues. They expressed concerns for the future, citing vulnerabilities of the aging infrastructure.

“Someday, hopefully not real soon, but someday we’re going to have the big rain,” warned one resident, highlighting the potential for storm damage.

Calls arose for independent experts to assess critical assets, many originating from the community’s early days. “Back then, we were prepared. Now, we’re not,” one resident remarked.

Towards the meeting’s conclusion, a small group began organizing to compile a list of ongoing repairs they believe Meritage must finalize prior to its departure.

In a bid for transparency, retirees are launching a survey and coordinating a “golf cart parade” to document existing infrastructure issues. The grassroots effort relies on email and social media as organizational tools.

Despite the initiative, skepticism lingered among attendees regarding any real change. “Anybody want to put down money?” one woman questioned, disheartened by the sidewalk situation. “Of course not.”

Yet, some residents argue that voicing concerns is essential. “If we have to be a thorn in someone’s side,” one said, “we’ll be a thorn in someone’s side.”

Meritage Homes was notably absent from the meeting and has not responded to multiple requests for comment from InMaricopa.