CONCERNED MEMBERS CRITICIZE MANAGEMENT

HERITAGE ISLES - The developer-controlled Heritage Isles Community Development District has agreed to schedule an evening workshop to respond to residents' concerns.

The decision came after residents jammed Monday's CDD meeting, triggered by fliers criticizing management of the Lennar/U.S. Home Corp. community of 400-plus residences off Cross Creek Boulevard.

The midafternoon Monday meeting at the Heritage Isles Golf & Country Club library drew about 60 residents, requiring that it be reconvened in a banquet room.

Residents said the community is not truly gated, as advertised, and expressed concerns that their CDD taxes and recreation fees might be increased to cover shortfalls for the golf course, country club and debt service.

``People are upset because we moved to a gated community, paid money up front,'' said Bruce McNally, one of a handful of residents who routinely attends CDD meetings, and who prepared and delivered the fliers. McNally also expressed concerns that taxes and fees might increase.

Bill Kouwenhoven, communities manager for Lennar's North Florida Land Development Division, conceded ``the level of play'' at the community's public golf course is below expectations.

A similar situation exists at a nearby Lennar golf course development, Heritage Harbor, where residents who face a doubling of the $50 monthly recreation fee have retained an attorney.

``It is not our intent to leave either community insolvent,'' Kouwenhoven said.

Regarding Heritage Isles' entry gates on Cross Creek Boulevard, Kouwenhoven said they were deemed illegal. In an October 2002 report to Tampa City Council, city staff said impeding traffic on a public street violates state law.

``It's not a money issue; it's a legal issue,'' Kouwenhoven said. ``We're taking it one step at a time.''

A part-time employee in the country club entry guardhouse waves through all traffic, and the electronic gate at Sandy Pointe Drive opens when a motorist pushes a button.

The community can be truly gated if Heritage Isles roads are privatized, which requires residents' unanimous approval. ``To get 100 percent approval is going to take quite an effort,'' Kouwenhoven said.

``If you'll work with us fairly, we might not sue,'' said resident Patricia Parker, who moved to Heritage Isles in November from the Detroit area. A small number of residents met privately after the CDD meeting to discuss hiring an attorney.

CDD Manager John Daugirda said an evening meeting to be scheduled in early June will include Lennar personnel capable of responding to residents' concerns.