Stoneybrook residents attend transition meeting

More than a month after Lennar Homes announced it will turn over the Stoneybrook homeowners association to residents, a lawyer and a prominent property manger assured that such a transition should be easy and controversy-free. 

Hundreds of homeowners came to the Stoneybrook clubhouse Oct. 28 to listen to Stephen Thompson, a Bradenton attorney, and Chris Brown of C&S Management, explain how the turnover, which will happen Jan. 2, will work. 

Lennar, the developer of Heritage Harbour and the communities within it, including Stoneybrook, has been in control of Stoneybrook's homeowners association for more than a decade.

Thompson said the circumstances leading up to the turnover matter little as residents ready to assume control of their community. 

But residents remain unsure of what assets Lennar legally owns to turnover. 

Lennar wants to turnover the community’s assets, including its recreation center and pool, through a quitclaim deed — weaker than a warranty deed, which guarantees rights under a transfer. 

Though state law does not require it, Lennar has agreed to hire an audit firm to clarify those concerns.

At the time of the Jan. 2 turnover date, Lennar will officially resign from the board and an election will appoint a new resident-controlled board. 

Lennar must turnover all assets and pay its outstanding bills by that date. 

Read more about this story in the Oct. 31 East County Observer. 

Contact Josh Siegel at [email protected].