Leisure World News

A8 March 2022 • Community • www.lwca.com By Kent Larsen This year on September 1, 2022 will mark 30 years that RV owners and Leisure World residents have enjoyed the amenity that is the RV Storage Lot. It remains the last significant tract of land added to the Leisure World Community Association in 1992. After three decades of use, there is a fair amount of mystery about how this 6.8 acre parcel became part of Leisure World! In the 1970s as Leisure World grew, many residents owned and operated RVs and were interested in a convenient and secure lot in which to store their units. In those days, there were large, vacant lots available around Leisure World that were leased for RV storage. But when the developer needed the property for a new tenant, the RVs had to find a new place. Locations at 90th and Main, the current Superstition Spring Mall were two such temporary solutions. With each move, the RV owners paid for all the expenses incurred for fencing, security, etc. It was at this time that the Leisure Rovers RV Club was formed to promote the RV lifestyle and provide leadership and solutions for these RV owners. Lot Identified Early in 1990, an ideal possibility for a permanent RV Lot within Leisure World was identified. The parcel that eventually became the current RV Lot was controlled by a developer and Leisure World believed the land had been committed to be part of the community without additional payment to the developer. The developer disagreed and a lengthy legal battle ensued. Ultimately, in 1992, the court sided with the developer and the case was lost. The developer had the land appraised at $340,000 and it was advertised for sale. Leisure World negotiated with the developer but was unable to come to an agreement on the minimum price of $272,000. On August 27, 1992 a Special Executive Meeting of the Leisure World Board of Directors was called. Directors present were: Johnson, District 1; Mauthe, District 4; Froehlich, District 5, Rosenquist, District 6; Harding, District 7 and Elder, District 8. District 3 Director Panzer was not able to attend. The purpose of the meeting was to consider a proposal for the purchase of the land for the RV Lot. The proposal had been developed through the efforts of Directors Froehlich and Mauthe, Comptroller Wiggs and the President of the Leisure Rovers RV Club, with legal advisors for both parties. The proposal stated that 200 members of Leisure Rovers would donate $1,500 each to raise the $300,000 for the purchase of and improvements to the lot. These donations would be given to LWCA as a “gift with reserved interest” such that Leisure World would develop the lot for the perpetual and expressed purpose of RV storage and that all costs of development and maintenance would be borne by the users of the lot and not by Leisure World. The Board agreed to submit the proposal to the District Councils for their consideration. The LWCA bylaws require a majority approval of the Councils on purchases in excess of $250,000. The district meetings were set for August 31 and a Special Open Board meeting on September 1. Votes Cast On August 31, the District Councils met to consider and vote upon the proposal to purchase the property for the RV Lot. On September 1, 1992 a Special Open Meeting of the Board of Directors of LWCA was called. Directors present were: Johnson, District 1; Panzer, District 3: Mauthe, District 4; Froehlich, District 6; Harding, District 7 and Elder, District 8. District 6 Director Rosenquist was not able to attend. The first item on the agenda was to ratify the actions of the District Councils based upon their August 31 meetings. Five Districts voted to approve the proposal, with one District (3) not voting for lack of a quorum and one District (7) approving with restrictions. The proposal was approved. The second item on the agenda was to approve the offer to purchase the Via Norte and Broadway property for the purpose of a permanent RV Storage Lot. A motion was made and seconded to approve the offer. After much discussion, the motion was approved, four in favor with two opposed. Breaking New Ground From these actions, the LWCA RV Facility Plan was authorized by Director Froehlich. In just three weeks, 200 members of the Leisure Rovers RV Club contributed $1,500 each to fund the plan. The contributions were made to Leisure World as a gift with reservations. On October 29, 1992, by Special Warranty Deed, the property was transferred to LWCA. On April 29, 1993, Leisure Rovers President Les Black, along with representatives of Leisure World, held a groundbreaking. And by June 1993 the RV Lot was open! In less than one year, leadership from LWCA and Leisure Rovers RV Club made it happen. In the words of Harry Truman, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit!” -Kent Larsen is president of the Leisure World Rovers and Chairman of the RV Lot Advisory Group of the LWCA Board. RV Storage Lot Celebrates 30th Anniversary! Leisure World Rovers President Les Black hits the first stake held by Community Manager Jon Devner in April 1993. April 1993 RV Storage lot groundbreaking. L-R: LWCA Board Members: Ben Elder, Rae Froehlich, Joyce Johnson, Chuck Harding, Dick Flamini and Community Manager Jon Devner FREE ESTIMATES VALLEY-WIDE! On New Units Attic Insulation Radiant Barrier (480) 593-2265 www.ellsworthhomeservices.com Up to 5 years 0% financing Call for details Heating Check Up includes condenser coil cleaning & attic insulation inspection New customers only. Expires 2/28/2022 $ 39 95 per unit reg. $69 Replace My A/C Unit SAVE UP TO $ 1800 In rebates & dealer discounts for new high efficiency units Call for details. 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