It's my favorite time of year - Fall! A perfect time to reflect and embrace the change in season (and temps)! 

It is also a great time to update you on what we are working on:

• We've finished the "stainless steal" upgrades to the pier!  Expensive but when dealing with salt water, its the only way to go!
• We've finished the drainage projects around the Clubhouse, and boy that too is nice!
• The "compound" fencing improvements are in process, and a new larger area cleared for even more boat and RV storage.
• The waterfront pool renovations are contracted, and they are going to be TOP SHELF! 
  • All new pool gutters and tile - out with the old and in with the new!
  • All new pool fencing - out with the chain link and in with a nice modern look!
• Look around. NEW HOMES are going in everywhere, and Terra Mar's property values are LOVING it! According to the Volusia County Tax Assessor - the average price of real estate appreciated 8% last year.

It is also that time of year to welcome home our snowbird Residents - welcome back to your winter home! We hope you've had a great summer and bring down your friends and family from "up North" along with some cooler temps that make wintering in Terra Mar such a great place to be! 

​With the snowbirds return comes another FUN SEASON of Resident Association (RA) SOCIAL ACTIVITIES! 

Because of the RA - It can not be said enough how lucky we all are to have so many amazing and fun activities for everyone to enjoy! There will be Holiday meals, social get-togethers, BINGO, kids events, outside the community events, and much more for everyone to enjoy. The Bocce group and shuffleboard groups will also kick it into high gear. Come on down and meet your neighbors and get acquainted with some new friends.

Unfortunately, the return of RA meetings brings the inevitable questions and confusions that tend to emanate from two RA members in particular. Therefore, the following FAQ is intended to help people separate the wheat from the chaff:

                                                               F A Q:

Q - What is the RA?
A - It is a Social Group organized as a "not for profit corporation."

Q - Does the RA have anything to do with running the Park?
A - No, the RA is a Social Club, nothing more. 

Q - Does the RA handle any financial matters of the owner of the Park or the Residents?
A - No, the RA is a Social Club, nothing more.

Q - Can the RA influence, change, or modify Park rules or common areas?
A - No. The only thing the RA controls is the AWESOME social activities for the enjoyment of ALL Terra Mar Village Residents to enjoy.

Q - Some people tell me the RA is a "conduit" between homeowners and the Park?
A - NO. The RA is not a "conduit" and does not represent anyone. It is a Social Club. Nothing more. 

Q - Does the RA represent the "legal voice" of the homeowners of Terra Mar or Management?
A - NO. The RA is a Social Club. Nothing more, nothing less.

Q - Do Terra Mar Village homeowners have to join the RA?
A - NO. The RA is purely a voluntary social club that is much appreciated for that fact! 

Q - Do the RA and Management cooperate on Social activities and other non-business related projects.
A - YES. Many of the year's social events are the product of cooperation. 

Q - I have a question(s) about my business relationship with Terra Mar (especially things like my bill, the amenities, ongoing repairs and maintenance, renovation plans, rules, selling my house, buying a home, my dog, ...). Can I get answers from the RA?
A - NO. The RA has nothing to do with this. The RA is a Social Club.  Terra Mar Village Management WILL NOT discuss your business with the RA.

Q - Can the RA someday become a (real) HOA and therefore become "the voice" of all homeowners?
A - Absolutely! However, before that can happen, there is a particular legal protocol that must be accomplished and documented in writing.

Q - Let's make-believe that the RA someday becomes a legal HOA: Would that allow the RA to take over and run the Park?
A - NO.  A Mobile Home Park HOA is not like a residential subdivision HOA.  The Park is made up of Leasehold and Feehold Residents and the common areas are owned by the Park's owner.  A HOA would have to purchase the park from the owner to have any control over it.

Q- The RA holds "elections" and appoints "officers." Elections, Officers, Board Members seem very confusing. Some of the elected people seem to think they have certian special powers.  Is it possible for the RA to run (or even influence) the Park?
A - NO. It is not possible. 

Q - What would it take for the Residents to someday run the Park?
A - The Residents would have to buy the Park.

Q - Is Terra Mar for sale?
A - No, it is not on the market and for sale.

Q - Can the RA or anyone else make an offer to purchase the Park?
A - Yes, anyone can make an offer.

Q - What if the park owner receives a bonified unsolicited offer to sell - must the park owner offer the RA a chance to match the bid?
A - No, the RA is not a legal HOA. The RA does not own the First Right of Refusal.

Q - Many of the RA "general meetings" seem to talk about, target and focus on business topics. Why do they do this?
A - No one knows for sure. The best answer is the RA from time to time seems to lose it's identity. The other answer is that there is a small portion of society that simply likes to make trouble.  That is one reason this FAQ exists.

We hope this FAQ helps. As always, we welcome your input. Please feel free to call or write us an email at terramarvillagemanager@gmail.com.

Good living to all - we have a lot to be THANKFULL for and I for one love the RA and their mission to have FUN!

​See you around the village,
-KJW-

Residents:  Please note we have received the following new information from Volusia County Waste Management:

General Contact:
386-423-3862
Tami Lake

For Waste Management bulk pickup:
386-943-7889
All items must be called in by Tuesday for Thursday collection.
4 items per week

Please don't forget to thank yOUR very own Resident Association and Social Committee for making Terra Mar Village such a fun place to live and play!

Schedule of Events for January:

January 8th, General Membership Meeting, the guest speaker will be from the Red Cross to talk about storm preparations At this meeting, we will also be electing officers for the coming year. 

January 9th, Ladies Luncheon, 12 noon, at Aunt Catfish in Port Orange. Contact Margaret Hill @ 210-4070 or Betsy Chzasz @ 210-4116 to sign up.

January 12th, Pancake Breakfast:
8-11am, pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, toast, coffee/tea, & orange juice, all for $5.00. Sign up sheet on the table by the door in the clubhouse or call Don Tebo @ 315-323-2610.

January 16th, Men's Breakfast, 9 am, Steve's Diner.

January 19th, Trip to the Titusville Playhouse, Le Cage aux Folles. Those who have signed up and paid should meet at the parking lot by the clubhouse at 12:30 pm. All money must be received by January 3rd. Call Kathy Annunziata for more info - 631-987-6819.

January 26th, Pot Luck Dinner, 5 pm at the clubhouse. Bring a dish to pass. Call Pauline @ 210-4151 or Marion @ 210-4090 to let the Social Committee know that you plan on attending.

Several new lot purchasers have asked: If they purchase two lots but only put up one home - could they receive a break on their amenity fee?

What a great question!  

First - I checked with the county and found that with minimal fees and paperwork - two adjoining lots can be consolidated onto one tax bill!  By doing so - the Resident gives up the right to build another home (for now).  However, they may qualify to make other improvements to the lot with proper approvals and permitting. 

And to reiterate.  The "owner of record" STILL PAYS PROPERTY TAX FOR TWO LOTS - it's just on one tax bill.  There is no magic way to get out of taxes (or amenity fees).

The second detail is whether or not Terra Mar could extend a discount?  After all, the community was platted for over 300 lots in three sections, and the deeded right to use the waterfront and amenities is conditioned by payment of the monthly fee.  So, like the tax bill, even if two lots are combined - the fact remains that the Resident still owns two lots!

The result!  Terra Mar Village is pleased to offer a 50% discount subject to some pretty straightforward conditions:

1. This offer has a limited timeframe.  Current owners have until January 1, 2019, to apply with Terra Mar Village for the 50% discount.

2. The lots must be adjoining and taxed on one bill. 

3. Both lots must have been purchased from Terra Mar Village. 

4. The primary lot must pay FMV ($125 per month) before the second lot can be discounted to $63 per month for one year.

5. The amenity payments must remain current.  Any default reverts the amounts owed on both lots to FMV as contracted and deed restricted. 

6.  Like any promotion, we reserve the right to cancel this offer at any time, and other unforeseen conditions may apply.  

Please don't delay!   All you need to do is email Diane and she will handle the details for you.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!
KJW

With projects in the works and new renovations to come, please stop by and see the Village.  We have new homes, benches, further dock improvements, a clubhouse bathroom remodel, and solar heating plans for the waterfront pool all in process!  Life is Good, expecially at Terra Mar Village!

We've had some requests for some RESERVED parking spots at the clubhouse to help those who need help with mobility enjoy the Clubhouse.  If access to these spots would help you - please contact the office and Diane will happily work with you to get you set up!  If you are not registered with the office to use these spots, PLEASE do not park in these spots or risk being towed for repeat offenders.  Hope everyone is staying cool and dry!
KJW