A $29,000-per-acre homeowner assessment in Lake Dow Estates has been rescinded. The decision by the HOA’s newly elected president has deepened a long-standing divide in the community over costly dam repairs.

🎣 Why It Matters: The dispute over the dam has split Lake Dow Estates into two groups: lakefront homeowners pushing for the repairs and those who live away from the lake opposing the hefty assessment. The state has mandated that the dam must be repaired, leaving questions about how—or if—the neighborhood will fund the project.

🏘️ What’s Happening: The dam at Lake Dow is in need of repairs and the lake was drained, and the previous HOA board approved a $29,000-per-acre assessment to fund the work.

• Lake homeowners: Say the dam repair is critical for safety and to restore the value of their waterfront properties.

• Non-lake homeowners: Argue the assessment is unfair and places an undue financial burden on residents who do not benefit directly from the lake.

🤔 Between the Lines: The community voted out the previous HOA board earlier this month, replacing it with leadership opposing the assessment. Newly elected HOA president Pkale Robinson confirmed the decision to halt the fees.