Perhaps the largest gathering of Lake Wawasee property owners, at the annual public meeting of its owner's association, gathered in the Syracuse Community Center's gymnasium to hear about Oakwood Park. The meeting took place Saturday.
An estimated 120 individuals heard from Ian Rolland, court appointed receiver of the property, and Ann Strong, chairwoman of the Chautauqua-Wawasee organization. Positive comments and support were offered by those present.
"We've been waiting for this for three years, maybe more,; stated Jim Tranter, WPOA board vice president.
Kay Young, who opened the meeting before leaving for her grandson's graduation, noted it was great to see so many people and the great support for Oakwood - something we were hoping would happen.
Following the presentations, questions were taken from those present. At first it appeared as if no one had questions, but a few questions were asked and statements made.
Among the questions was what Buckingham Companies (proposed buyers) would own, if Oakwood would be profit or non-profit, if there would be an endowment fund and if smoking would be permitted at the hotel/restaurant.
One resident asked if residents could help with any of the permitting, zoning and annexation requests and another wanted to publicly thank Rolland for taking on the task, followed by a round of applause by those present.
Rolland noted Buckingham would own all property owned by the foundation - hotel, convention center, academy and chapel - and not under private ownership.
It was noted that while the annexation is a voluntary action, it could be initially a costly action for property owners in the park but there would be eventual benefits as the existing system is out of date and would cost funds to repair in the future.
It was also noted while the hotel and restaurant would be for-profit under the new leadership - a board already chosen and approved by a judge will be a 501(c)3 organization and there will be needs for fund raising. The new foundation will monitor and make sure things happen that are said to happen.
Rolland stated Howard Brembeck did leave a sum of money behind for Oakwood, which is being held by Kosciusko Community Foundation with Carol Chicola and her son Chris as executors. It was noted that an endowment is in the plans.
Regarding smoking, Rolland stated no thought was given and he didn't know it was an issue. While he is sure the hotel will be non'smoking due to fire laws, he did not know about the restaurant.
Recap Of Events
Rolland provided a history of what has transpired with the property - a request from the state's attorney general office of potential names of receivers, the request for him to accept the position, his finding the foundation had no cash and a lot of assets, no source of income, and existence of outdated covenants on deeds prohibiting liquor, laughing and smiling. "We were convinced without the ability to serve liquor, we would not be successful,; he stated.
He also noted there were some who vehemently disagreed with providing liquor at the restaurant. "Without a liquor license, the hotel would never open under my watch. I regret it's a social thing that way but it's an economic fact of life,; Rolland stated.
On notation of problems with the service company in place for water service, snow removal and pier rental, it was mentioned this service company operated with a three-person board. However no information would be shared with Rolland and he had been informed information would be burned if a court order was obtained and the person in charge willing to go to jail for contempt of court. The individual resigned from that board.
Rolland further explained speaking with property owners who wanted to see something good occur and were willing to make sacrifices to restore Oakwood to its previous status.
Annexation was noted, with Rolland explaining the purchase of the property by Buckingham Companies, Indianapolis, is contingent on this action by the town council as well as other matters. "Annexation by the town will be a real positive step forward. I've tried to work with people, not make them mad, but try to appeal to their higher instinct.;
He announced the results of a hearing the previous day in Kosciusko County Superior Court when Judge Duane Huffer declared the covenant of Oakwood null and void, all restrictive covenants on land deeds. "This also opens the path for people to drink without smuggling it into the grounds,; he joked.
It was noted Huffer wanted to see something happen with the property that would result in more than an economic impact, and to keep in mind Howard Brembeck's vision. He noted this set the tone for not selling the property to the highest bidder.
Wawasee Special
 Rolland noted the result has been a buyer who is qualified and financially able to make the purchase and remodeling, but more important has compassion about Wawasee and programming with Wawasee in mind.
He recounted how Ann Strong, a property owner, had contacted him regarding the Chautauqua Institute in New York, noting how Oakwood would be perfect. She was asked to head up the programming proposals.
"The whole process has taken about a year. We removed the foundation board who had not acted properly in carrying out their duties ... the receivership has been extended until the end of August. I'm going to get it done in a couple of months,; Rolland stated, noting attorneys believe the closing will not take place until October 1, "I will do what I can to see it happens sooner than that. I hope to move toward closing by about August 1.;
He noted the first step by Buckingham will be renovation of the hotel. A lot of the furniture has been moved to the convention center, but a lot of work still needs to be done.
"It's in far better condition than was reported,; Rolland stated.
Construction and remodeling will take approximately a year "œif there is any delay we may miss next season.;
Live On Lake
Rolland stated the two bidders, Ambassador, Fort Wayne, and Buckhingham, were close in their bids and it was a difficult decision.
A note from Brad Chambers, president and chief executive officer, who also owns property on Lake Wawasee, was read. Chambers, who had planned to attend the meeting but could not, expressed the plans for a summer 2012 opening with renovation of the facility, extensive enhancement in landscaping, addition of a boardwalk, boat docks, beach and wedding lawn. Chambers noted the restaurant would serve the hotel and public including alcoholic beverages.
However, the purchase is contingent on several factors including permit for operation, zoning approval and mutually agreeable annexation terms. Chambers also noted his company's desire to be a part of Lake Wawasee, being a neighbor and supporting the Chautauqua initiative.
Chautauqua Plans
 Strong noted for the last three years she has been talking about Chautauqua possibilities and Howard Brembeck sent a letter of support on his own accord noting the Oakwood properties quality and Chautauqua go together.
She stated the four pillars of Chautauqua are arts, education, recreation and religion, and the fact she had received permission from Chautauqua Institute, New York, to use part of its name.
It was noted one program in each of the four areas will be offered this year- The Wawasee Flotilla Road Race through Oakwood Park, the return of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic at the gazebo, an educational gathering "Past as Prologue; to hear stories about the lake from those who know them based on Eli Lilly's book "Early Wawasee Days.; Another program, the first of a series, will be with Rev. Kent Millard, a panel discussion looking at religion and spirituality globally and Boat-In Church Service every Sunday.
Strong stated the goal is to "enrich experiences of those in the community, in vacation, lives,; with wide spread activities. She also asked for input from the public regarding programming and noted there is an advisory board in place. Chautauqua-Wawasee.org website recently was created and accessible.
WPOA Position
"Wawasee Property Owners Association is excited to learn of the proposal of Buckingham Companies to acquire, remodel and rebrand the historic Oakwood Inn and Conference Center. The tentative plans, for a summer opening in 2012, will include renovation for the facilities, exterior enhancements and intensive landscape and shoreline improvements including a boardwalk, additional boat docks beach and wedding lawn. The existing restaurant is intended to serve the hotel and outside patrons and will include a 3-way alcoholic beverage permit.
"WPOA has expressed to Buckingham Companies its complete support for the project and looks forward to the reestablishment of this facility as a premier location on Lake Wawasee.;
Other Matters
During other matters, it was noted membership in the WPOA was at 1,227, only 58 percent of the potential membership, and a plea has been sent out for funds for the capital improvement fund for future replacement of lake patrol boats. It was also noted that the orderly development committee recommended denial of a division of a lot to put two homes as it would create more density to the area.
Sally Gindling reminded everyone of the fireworks on July 2. |
