Editor’s Note: LeClairRyan’s Community Association Team handles sophisticated legal matters for a wide array of large-scale master-planned communities throughout Virginia and the nation. The following press release highlights the Team’s recent work in assisting a large master-planned homeowner’s association in Newport News and York County, Virginia purchase the golf course and country club that is located within the community.

KILN CREEK HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION TO PURCHASE GOLF COURSE, COUNTRY CLUB & 290 ACRES OF PROTECTED GREEN SPACE

According to Villages of Kiln Creek Owners Association board president, Dave Radcliffe, "Preserving 290 acres of land as natural area and protecting against residential or commercial development is an extremely significant achievement for our community. We now have the opportunity to control our own destiny and protect home values for our residents."

The KCOA board of directors held several informational meetings for homeowners in early December in addition to recording a webinar on a website for residents, which was published online with other facts and FAQs. The board sent every homeowner a fact sheet about the deal, and homeowners had the ability to submit comments and questions via the association’s website.

"Kiln Creek was built around a lifestyle – a lifestyle that has become fractured and faded since the club’s initial opening in the early 1990’s," said Radcliffe. "By acquiring the club and its property, the association will control its future use and prevent future development of the golf courses. Residents will have access to a new central amenity for all homeowners, not just golfers. In this process, it was startling to see the vast number of residents who had no idea the club offered a hotel and event venue that is open to the public. There is a real opportunity for growth on many levels that fits well with our objectives as a community."

Longtime association attorney, Elizabeth L. White, a shareholder and community associations industry team leader at national law firm LeClairRyan, advised KCOA on the deal. "The closure of this deal represents the start of a new era for Kiln Creek," said White. "Through the preservation of the land and the addition of numerous amenities, the board is making great strides in its efforts to protect and enhance home values and revitalize the associated lifestyle."

The KCOA board of directors has also announced that it will engage Affinity Management, a leading professional club management firm based in Charlottesville, Virginia to operate the club and report to KCOA. All existing members will be welcomed back without initiation fee, and golfers will be welcome for daily fee play or as members going forward.

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