Complaint Review: Plantation Partners

Plantation Partners, Inc. is the developer and majority owner of a real-estate subdivision in Mt. Pleasant, SC known as Belle Hall Plantation. L. Sloan Wright, III is the President of the Board of Directors at Belle Hall Plantation and is also the managing director of Plantation Partners, Inc. at Belle Hall Plantation. L. Sloan Wright, III, as the developer, and President of the Homeowners Association did in fact attempt to raise property regime fees an additional 31 percent in 2002.

This attempt failed as the residents of Belle Hall Plantation finally united. Any increase greater than 5 percent requires approval from 2/3 of the homeowners. The homeowners united and the 2002/2003 regime fees were reinstated at the normal 5 percent increase.

In the meantime, the homeowners demanded the replacement of the Property Management Firm; LowCountry Property Management. This firm was removed and the homeowners sought a replacement firm from local businesses. They hired Magnolia Management Group, Inc. who did an outstanding job in a tumultuous situation.

After nearly a year on the job, Magnolia received over 95% of the annual regime fees and was then released. Bad blood here. The homeowners selected this firm - they did their job and then were released?! They were released because they (Magnolia Management) refused to commingle the HOA monies with the bills of the developer. That's right - the developer had continually asked the property manager to pay his bills with HOA monies.

After constant refusal - they were let go. They were released after collecting over 200K. The new property management firm (in place this past March/April) was selected by the developer with no consideration from the homeowners - and it is our belief that the new firm; Odessa Group will in fact pay the developers bills from the HOA monies.

Meanwhile - the subdivision is starting to look very poor, the pools are in terrible condition, the grounds are subpar, and the communications between the President of the Board of Directors - L. Sloan Wright, III and the residents has gone in the tank. We fear our monies are going to pay his bills and that in itself is ripping us off - for all I know - I could be paying his bills with my regime fees as I write this letter.

This guy is a snake and will not show his face. In fact, we (the homeowners) were due our annual homeowners association meeting this past May - and no communications regarding the annual meeting, budget, etc. have been passed. Please help if you can. Best regards.

Paul
Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
U.S.A.