CHESTERFIELD, Va. -- It may be too cold to use the pool right now, but in Woodlake, a Chesterfield community, the swimming pool is what everyone is talking about.
The neighborhood association may ask homeowners to pay hundreds of dollars to fix something less than half the neighborhood uses.
A Swim and Racquet club in Woodlake also offers an indoor aquatics fitness center, but club officials said the amenities are more than 30 years-old and in need of repairs and upgrades.
To pay for the upgrades, they're considering a $500 special assessment fee. Some homeowners aren't too happy about it.
"It's pretty aggravating what's going on,” neighbor Bridgette Berry said.
The Woodlake homeowner is talking about the flap over a one-time fee her family might have to pay if neighbors vote to kick in money the Board of Directors says it needs to invest in its Swim and Racquet Club.
“Because if people don't use it, why should they have to pay for it?” she asked.
The general manager of the club, Julie Joyner, said that if the fee is approved, it will be separate from the cost of a Swim and Racket Club membership.
She says currently only 40 percent of the neighborhood has a membership.
Joyner explains why the money is needed.
"Because of the age we are in need of continual reinvestment to keep the facility running smoothly,” Joyner said.
"I think it's a good idea...like to see it modernized...making it nice and livable for everyone in the area,” said Joe Mongiovi.
Joyner said this emotional issue will be left up to homeowners to decide.
“A simple majority rules on the special assessment issue and if they decide not to vote on it then it's time to look at other options and solutions,” she said.
Woodlake officials say the $500 assessment isn't a done deal. They are still talking about it with homeowners and a vote won't happen until sometime in February.
