On May 24th, another coral tree fell within the
community. This is the second coral tree to fall within the last 12 months
at Villa Balboa (in addition to the coral tree that fell from Versailles
property onto Nice Lane). Fortunately, no one was injured, but there was
property damage both times. The original plan, as you know, was to remove
1/8th of the coral trees per year and replace them as
needed. That unfortunately can no longer be the path forward.
After review with the Landscape Company, Legal and the
Insurance Carrier, with a heavy heart, the remaining 39 coral trees on the
property must be removed as soon as is feasible as they have become an
immediate safety hazard and a liability within the community. The
Association is already at risk of not being renewed with the insurance carrier
due to the first tree falling and other insurance claims filed in recent
years. The coral trees will be removed starting on June 15th
and will take one to two weeks to remove. Once they are removed, the
Association will evaluate the areas for replacement. The exact trees that
will replace the coral trees have not been selected but will be soon as the
goal is to select a tree or trees that won’t decline after 30-35 years as
experienced with the coral trees.
We know this is upsetting for a lot of homeowners within the
community, as it is for the Board of Directors and Landscape Committee, but the
safety of the community residents, their property and guests must be the first
priority.