An Owner's Thoughts on FSA

At home in Birmingham, I was rather upset by the disquietening email correspondence from certain parties at FSA that I received recently. It is easier not to get involved but I do feel that some comment should be said to my fellow Owners.

I was the second Owner to buy off plan way back in 2002. From completion in 2007, I have seen Presidents and Committees representing the interests of the community come and go. However, one thing has always remained constant, the negativity and at times downright offensive comments by certain parties within the Developement. Of course within the Community there is going to be dialogue on the running of FSA and a mixture of views on various issues. However, on a day to day basis the running of the Development falls to a group of people who are prepared to stand and be voted into the roles and give up their time to deal with the multiplicity of issues that inevitably occur. Like myself, I am sure many Owners have sat on committees and attended meetings during their professional career and do not wish to partake of this role. Miles away I am grateful to those that are prepared to take on this mantle. Unfortunately, it is a hard task and inevitably various decisions will not please everybody. The constant moaning and lambasting by certain people must be very disheartening and wearing for those in these voluntary roles.

The legal case against one of the Developers has been for me a salutary experience, having been named in Court. I had no say in the process that was begun and encouraged by the first President, who incidentally was one of the quartet of original Developers and no longer resides at FSA! I think it is naive to assume that the legal representation and process for the Community and individually named Owners comes without a cost. To date we have won the Case and await Appeal from the Developer which is something of a relief, when my Lawyer informed me that a similar case some years ago did not go the way of the Community.

I am sure that those that are so vocal have some valid points but the tone and manner inwhich they like to put over their views to the general Community is devisive and unnecessary. Actions speak stronger than words, so that they should stand for a role and if voted in represent their position and our interests.

I can assure you that I am not happy having an empty apartment standing idle next to mine. A more apposite issue facing the Community is the group of irresponsible Owners plus the Developer, who have never paid their community fees. Financially I am paying for their share along with others, to keep the community ticking over.
I am saddened that certain people seem to relish in a continous angst against the running of FSA. This ongoing verbal war has made me consider selling up but I have always had a change of heart when I visit my lovely holiday home in its unique setting.

If those who are disgruntled with FSA wish to move on, I hope the property market will turn around in the near future,

Regards.