Get to know Mike
The first time I stepped foot in Cherokee Village was the summer of 1973. I was nine. My parents, along with my two brothers and living in Illinois at the time, took Mr. Cooper up on his postcard offer to come visit Cherokee Village and see all that it had to offer. My parents did not purchase at the time, but we did come back, and jump to present day, my wife Cindy and I, along with our two kids, have owned property in Cherokee Village since 2004 and have never looked back. In that time, I have seen Cherokee Village through the eyes of a tourist, a property owner, a home owner, and an owner of homes rented out to vacationers as well as full time residents. This has given me an intimate knowledge of this community and all of northern Sharp County through many different perspectives. 52 years later and I'm now thinking hard about what we can do to keep Cherokee Village strong and vibrant, while preserving its charm for the next 52 years for your family and mine.
Mission
To never let our community and its assets, its lakes, golf courses, and the other amenities to be under the control of any entity other than us, the property owners.
The transfer of control of Cherokee Village's lakes and golf courses to the state or city, or even a private entity could have several negative consequences for property owners:
Loss of Local Control: Currently, these amenities are managed by the Cherokee Village Suburban Improvement District (CVSID), which is overseen by a board of commissioners elected by property owners. Transferring control to another entity would mean that decisions about these important local assets would be made by others who may not be as directly responsive to the needs and preferences of Cherokee Village residents.
Potential for Increased Costs: The other entity may have different priorities and funding mechanisms than the CVSID. There's a risk that property owners could see increased fees or taxes to maintain these amenities under their control, especially if their budget priorities shift or if that entity imposes standardized fees that don't reflect the current cost structure in Cherokee Village.
Reduced Responsiveness to Community Needs: Local control allows for flexibility and adaptation to the specific needs and desires of the community. State or another entity control could lead to a more bureaucratic and less adaptable management style. For example, decisions about lake usage, golf course maintenance, or improvements to recreational facilities might become more difficult and time-consuming if they have to go through state-level approvals.
Impact on Property Values: The lakes and golf courses are significant attractions that contribute to the desirability and property values in Cherokee Village. Any negative changes in their management, accessibility, or quality under state control could potentially impact these values. Uncertainty about future management and investment could also deter potential buyers.
Loss of Community Identity: These amenities are integral to the character and identity of Cherokee Village. Local management ensures that they remain a reflection of the community's values and priorities. State or another entity's control could lead to a more standardized approach that diminishes the unique appeal of Cherokee Village.
Potential for Neglect: While not guaranteed, there's a risk that the state, with its broader responsibilities, might not prioritize the upkeep and improvement of these local amenities to the same extent as the current local district. This could lead to a decline in their quality over time.
In summary, transferring control of the lakes and golf courses to another entity could reduce local autonomy, potentially increase costs, make the management less responsive to community needs, negatively impact property values, and erode the unique character of Cherokee Village. Property owners currently have a direct say in how these amenities are managed through the CVSID, and this local control offers significant benefits.
Vision
The argument for keeping the lakes, golf courses, and the other amenities under the current Suburban Improvement District (SID) or a potential future Property Owners Association (POA) offers significant advantages for Cherokee Village property owners and its future:
Direct Accountability and Responsiveness:
Local Control: SIDs and POAs are governed by boards elected by property owners. This ensures that those making decisions about the lakes and golf courses are directly accountable to the community they serve. They are more likely to be responsive to the specific needs and preferences of Cherokee Village residents.
Tailored Management: A local board can tailor the management and development of these amenities to the unique characteristics and desires of the community, rather than adhering to potentially broader, less specific state guidelines.
Financial Control and Investment:
Local Revenue Stays Local: Funds generated through assessments and user fees within the SID/POA are reinvested directly into maintaining and improving Cherokee Village's amenities. This direct link between local contributions and local benefits is often lost under state or another entity's control, where funds might be allocated across a wider range of their responsibilities.
Prioritization of Community Needs: The SID/POA can prioritize projects and improvements based on the direct input from property owners, ensuring that investments align with community values and enhance the quality of life in Cherokee Village.
Potential for Cost Savings: Local management can be more cost-effective as it can be tailored to the specific needs of the community without the overhead of a larger bureaucracy.
Preservation of Community Character and Identity:
Maintaining Uniqueness: The lakes and golf courses are integral to the identity of Cherokee Village. Local control helps preserve the unique character and atmosphere that makes the community appealing to residents and visitors.
Fostering Community Engagement: A locally governed SID/POA can foster greater community engagement through volunteer opportunities, participation in decision-making, and a stronger sense of ownership over these shared assets.
Long-Term Stability and Investment:
Dedicated Focus: The primary focus of the SID/POA is the well-being and enhancement of Cherokee Village. This dedicated focus can lead to more consistent long-term planning and investment in the lakes and golf courses compared to the state or other entity, whose priorities may shift over time. Our priority will always be Cherokee Village.
Building Community Equity: Over time, consistent local management and investment build community equity in these amenities, directly benefiting property owners through enhanced property values and quality of life. Studies have shown that well-maintained local amenities like parks and green spaces positively impact property values.
Flexibility and Adaptability:
Quicker Response to Issues: Local management can often respond more quickly and effectively to maintenance issues, environmental concerns, or changing recreational needs compared to a larger outside entity.
Ability to Innovate: A local board has the flexibility to explore innovative approaches to managing and enhancing the amenities that might not be readily adopted by others.
In conclusion, maintaining local control through the current SID or a future POA allows Cherokee Village property owners to have a direct say in the management and future of our key amenities. This local accountability, financial control, and dedicated focus can lead to better responsiveness to community needs, preservation of the village's unique character, and ultimately, enhanced long-term value and quality of life for all property owners.
My Team
Strength lies in our families. Here's mine... CV style, a few years back.
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