Poll: Farmington Woods Spending Proposals, Yay or Nay?

Conversation is buzzing in the Farmington Woods Tax District about two proposals that would mean tax increases: one, that would make it more handicap-accessible and expand the pub.

If either is approved, a tax hike would help pay back up to $2 million in bonds or mortgage for each and interest.

About 100 of nearly 2,000 residents in the gated community golf at the Farmington Woods course. Some go elsewhere. Almost 100 of the golf club members live elsewhere.

Many, like Lee Lagasse, chairman of Farmington Woods Residents for Fiscal Responsibility, think that their taxes and condo fees are high enough. Lagasse has written about the issue at www.farmingtonwoodsinsider.blogspot.com, a blog featuring his and other residents' views. He is also writing a series on ctwatchdog.com. To read Part 1 and Part 2, click on the links provided.

Tom Morrow, who is also a member of the group, commented on Avon Patch about wanting the golf club  – owned by the condo association – to be self-sufficient.

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Avon Patch reader Joan Brault responded in the comments to a Letter to the Editor that Lagasse submitted. She said that she supports the golf course and plans to vote in favor of the new irrigation system, however, she wrote that she does not feel clubhouse improvements are necessary at this time.

On the other end of the spectrum, Greg Bradley, golf course superintendent, said that without a new irrigation system to replace the one that's 40 years old, he could lose greens. He also said that the golf courses do serve non-members by increasing nearby condos'property values.

The clubhouse is not handicap-accessible enough, according to Irene Loretto, a longtime resident and president of the Farmington Woods Master Association Executive Board. Clubhouse renovations proposed would include installation of an elevator and a drop-off area near the rear entrance of the facility.

She also said that many non-members use the clubhouse, whether playing cards or dining there. However, there is a minimum $30 spending requirement for all residents, a fee they all pay monthly, Bradley said. Once they exceed that, they pay for any more food.

What are your thoughts on the proposals? Do you support buying a new irrigation system? How about upgrading the clubhouse?

Take our poll and/or post a comment!

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