Community Update – October 2025
Dear Berkshire Lakes Residents,
I’m pleased to report that the lawsuit brought against our community has been resolved in our favor through a Summary Judgment Motion. Although the case dragged on for two years and cost our community significant time and money, we were ultimately victorious.
That said, I sincerely hope this serves as a reminder that filing a lawsuit should never be the first step when concerns arise. The best path forward is always collaboration. If you see an issue, we encourage you to get involved and help resolve it constructively—rather than creating unnecessary conflict that hurts the entire community.
Community Rules & Compliance
When you purchased your home in Berkshire Lakes, you agreed to abide by our community rules. Please ensure your property is in compliance. Our new CAM, Matt Meyer from Newell Property Management, has already sent out communications with the Architectural Review Board (ARB) guidelines and rules regarding property upkeep.
We ask that all homeowners:
- Keep landscaping neat and trimmed at the proper heights
- Ensure the house paint is not more than 10 years old
- Maintain mailboxes in good condition
- Keep roofs and driveways clean
These minor maintenance items will increase the value of your home greatly. If you are selling your house, it must be in compliance prior to your close date, or I cannot sign the CO.
Matt is now in the process of sending out violation letters. If you receive one, please be respectful. Do not take frustrations out on him—he is doing his job to ensure our community remains beautiful and fair. Remember, enforcement is not selective. If a neighbor has an issue, they will also be notified.
Pickleball/Tennis Court Etiquette
Unfortunately, we continue to receive complaints about rule violations on the pickleball and tennis courts. Just a few reminders:
- Dogs are not permitted on the courts
- Pickle Ball Nets must be returned to the fence area and secured with the provided locks after play
- Do not try to adjust our new tennis nets to play pickle ball
Security cameras are in place, and violators may lose court privileges. These courts were a significant investment—let’s take care of them properly.
Lake & Fountain Updates
- The fountains in Berkshire Lakes will be replaced by the first week in November
- The muddy water issue at Henley Lake is being addressed this week based on a recent biologist’s report and treatment recommendation. The Lake Crew will be treating the water twice in the next couple of weeks, which should clear up the water
- Our lake maintenance schedule has increased to twice a month at no additional cost. This allows more consistent upkeep of weeds and shoreline vegetation.
Budget Planning & 2026 Projects
Budget season is here, and we’re beginning work on the 2026 financial plan. Key items for next year include:
- Removal of perimeter trees and planting of fishtail palms along the Santa Barbara wall
- Updating community documents to align with current Florida Statutes
To save costs, we need more homeowners to sign up for E-Voting. If the final 300 residents enroll, we avoid an estimated $20,000 in mailing expenses. If you’re unsure how to sign up, stop by the office or contact me directly—we’ll walk you through it.
2026 HOA Fee & Click-Pay
HOA fees will be paid via a Click-Pay portal. There will be a new link on our website. We will have the portal on our website by mid-November. Once the budget is finalized, fees will be paid through your Click-Pay portal. You will be able to register for Click-Pay as soon as it is on the website. If you already have a Click-Pay account with a condo association, you will add BLMA to that account
You’ll only need to register with Click-Pay once, and then future payments will be easy. All other payments—FOBs, clubhouse rentals, lease and purchase applications—will continue through our existing site.
Maintenance Garage & Town Hall Meetings
We are evaluating options for repairs to the maintenance garage area. To get your input on this and other issues, we will hold informal Town Hall meetings in early November.
Due to clubhouse capacity (98 people), meetings will be grouped by homeowner address. Invitations will be sent via email soon—please attend your assigned session and help foster open, friendly dialogue.
Get Involved!
We have so many talented residents, and we would love for more of you to get involved. Special thanks to resident Nanette Dorbeck of Nanette Photography for the beautiful new photos on our website!
As the holidays approach, we invite anyone interested in forming a Holiday Decorating Committee to step forward. We have decorations from last year and welcome any festive additions. Let’s make December joyful—for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Running this community takes an enormous amount of time and effort. I truly appreciate those of you who contribute positively and constructively. Let’s all stay focused on maintaining our properties, respecting the rules, and working together to make Berkshire Lakes the best it can be.
Warm regards,
Nancy J. Perry
President
Berkshire Lakes Master Association (BLMA)