See update below for info on the potential purchase, mowing and code enforcement, investigation of prior owner, and last appeal for contributions to the legal fund.
Eaglemont was a unique treasure. Romano Capital from Vancouver, WA now owns Eaglemont and so far has allowed the grass and weeds to grow over 6 feet high. The City will enforce the code which requires mowing. Hopefully soon!
Romano Capital, the lender and now owner's COO, Eric Christensen addressed the crowd eager to hear good news about a potential sale to the investor group. Stephen "Bulldog" Frostick representing the buyers also spoke. Will a deal be made soon? The community has real concern and frustration over Romano's insistence on "making investor's wh
Romano Capital, the lender and now owner's COO, Eric Christensen addressed the crowd eager to hear good news about a potential sale to the investor group. Stephen "Bulldog" Frostick representing the buyers also spoke. Will a deal be made soon? The community has real concern and frustration over Romano's insistence on "making investor's whole" despite the many mistakes they made that severely harmed the property.
To date, about 150 of your neighbors have contributed to the legal fund to restore Eaglemont. The more there are the more the commitment is demonstrated and the better able we are to make certain of success in court and all that is needed to stop this destruction. We need your help to cover the legal costs and send a clear and unmistakab
To date, about 150 of your neighbors have contributed to the legal fund to restore Eaglemont. The more there are the more the commitment is demonstrated and the better able we are to make certain of success in court and all that is needed to stop this destruction. We need your help to cover the legal costs and send a clear and unmistakable message: we will get this course back in operation! Go to our FAQ for more detailed info about what is happening and why.
Eaglemont Update June 27
Dear Eaglemont Supporters:
In this update we’ll cover
Potential Purchase
We were very much hoping to be able to communicate that a deal to purchase the property is pending. Stephen “Bulldog” Frostick, the representative of the group of investors led by Larry Leasure of White-Leasure, tells us that the group is continuing to work toward making a formal offer. Given travel and coordination issues, this is moving more slowly than anyone would like. We do know that Romano has been asking for a Letter of Intent and showing signs of wanting to move forward with this potential purchase. We hope that if and when the offer comes it will be one that Romano can accept.
Romano response to questions
Our last update included the questions and comments we submitted to Eric Christensen, Romano’s Chief Operating Officer, following the June 6 rally. Most of these focused on how Romano can hold to a $3.6 million price for the property given its significant deterioration which could have been prevented by Romano. We told Eric that we would provide his response in full to Eaglemont supporters. He sent this to us on June 20:
Hi Gerald,
Apologies for the delay in responding to your email.
As I’ve shared with you and the homeowners, our desire is to be a good neighbor and work with the HOA to come up with a win-win solution for everyone. I’ve shown the homeowners this commitment with my presence at Eaglemont two weeks ago, and in written responses to those who have reached out to me or to our company.
While I appreciate the frustration of the homeowners, we unequivocally disagree with the assumptions of most of the questions below. The accusatory and inflammatory assumptions behind the questions are clearly an attempt to discredit Romano Capital and our efforts to be a good neighbor…and they certainly are not in the “win-win” spirit I’ve sought to bring to this situation. Moreover, I answered all these questions at the rally. I would encourage the homeowners to reference my remarks at the rally as our clear position on the matter.
We are seeking to be patient, as we understand that there are 4+ years of frustration on the part of the Eaglemont homeowners. But focusing that frustration on Romano Capital, especially knowing that we have only been the owner of the golf course for 3 months and are actively working to create a win-win for everyone, is misguided and extremely disappointing. We will continue to work hard to be a good neighbor…and will continue to work to create a win-win solution. I look forward to your partnership in that process.
Sincerely,
Eric
Mowing and code enforcement
Darlene Andris, HOA president, has been working with the City Code Enforcement Officer on the tall grass and weeds growing on the property and the fire danger this presents. City code requires grass be no longer than 12” and in some areas it exceeds 60”. Darlene reports that on Monday, June 24 Romano received a phone call from the Officer and also was sent a letter informing them of the requirement to mow. Some homeowners have mowed small portions near their homes for appearance and safety reasons, and recently someone has mowed the upper tee area and upper fairway of hole number one below the clubhouse. We do not know if this was done by Romano or not. A Romano employee at the rally said that Romano was getting bids from contractors to do the mowing.
The retention pond just off the 14th green near houses has not been maintained and this also represents a code violation. Homeowners near there have registered this concern with the City.
We encourage you to report any safety concerns and potential code violations to the City’s enforcement office. We recommend using the online form: https://ci-mountvernon-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/CodeEnforcement/ComplaintEntry
State investigation of former owner
The investigator with the State Department of Financial Institutions has been investigating Tim Langenberg, Executive Director of Beacon Hill International Ministries, for possible securities law violations. This is based largely on him soliciting and securing a large investment or contribution from a local woman. It also involves a more recent attempt to purchase the development property around Eaglemont. Violations of these laws could result in serious consequences and it is our hope that enforcement will prevent further damaging action against other homeowners and communities as well as prevent more vulnerable victims from contributing to his schemes. If enforcement happens, it will be one more reason why it was important we united as a community to work to restore Eaglemont.
Final appeal for contributions to the legal fund
This is the last time we will request support for the legal fund through these updates. You are probably glad to hear that and we are glad not to have to continue to ask. The total legal fees amounted to about $170,000 after discounts. The Haberlys and Barons assumed the liability for paying these fees and have paid $12,000 of the total to date. About $110,000 has been contributed by you, your friends and neighbors and by a number of supporters who live outside of Eaglemont but share our commitment to see it restored. We thank you all!
That means we have about $48,000 left to pay. The Haberlys and Barons will pay the balance after all contributions have been received.
The big question is: was it worth it? If we get the course back, yes, absolutely. I think all those who have contributed will agree. “Bulldog” Frostick has commented that we did what we had to do and that we are where we are today because of these efforts. We did not get the receiver appointed as we expected, largely due to Romano’s opposition. We asked Eric Christensen in our meeting before the rally what he would do if he was in our shoes. He said he’d do exactly what we’re doing.
But, what if no deal is made in the near future? The Court’s decision, while disappointing in not getting immediate action, lays a solid foundation for further legal action. We have the right, according to the judge, to require this to be a golf course when an owner seeks or makes a land use change. Even more important than the Court decision is the backing of the community. We believe the City very much wants Eaglemont golf operations to resume and we know that a great many in our community will continue to work toward that goal. Tim Langenberg, Beacon Hill and now Romano have succeeded in bringing this community together as never before. The restoration efforts have made that unity and commitment evident to everyone. We will be forever grateful for the contributions, the continual encouragement and the strong support shown by so many of you.
For the last time, here is how you can contribute:
An account for contributions to the legal fund has been set up with SEAS, Inc., a subsidiary of Guardian Northwest Title Co., in Mount Vernon. Contributions should be made payable to SEAS, Inc., and mailed to P.O. Box 2116, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. The checks should reference: Eaglemont – HB#230316
If you have questions or comments about the legal action, please email Kent Haberly at khaberly@pugetsoundinvestors.com or Gerald Baron at gerald.baron@agincourt.us. In addition to the email addresses above, their phone numbers are: Kent – 360-202-0277. Gerald – 360-303-9123.
Gerald & Lynne Baron
Kent & Gretchen Haberly
Jerry & Peggy Anderson
Karl & Louise Kirchgasler
PREVIOUS UPDATE
RALLY HANDOUT AVAILABLE AS PDF BELOW
June 7
Dear Eaglemont Supporters:
Wow! What an amazing turnout at our Rally last night. Estimates range from 350 to about 400. The purpose was to send a message. We are very grateful that Eric Christensen, Romano Capital’s Chief Operation Officer, and Stephen “Bulldog” Frostick representing the buyer group were there in person. Shawn Stehman from Romano was also in attendance. The message was received loud and clear: this community, not just Eaglemont homeowners, care deeply about Eaglemont and will not quit until the course is restored and operating.
Pre-Rally Meetings
We did not know that Eric would attend until a day or so before the meeting. Thanks go to Darlene Andris, HOA president, for inviting and encouraging him. Eric and Bulldog met at 4 pm and then were joined by Gerald, Kent and Darlene at 4:45. They both explained their positions and status of the potential deal. Eric says that Romano seeks a win-win for everyone, but for Romano that means making their investors whole by selling it for $3.6 million. Bulldog says that they have $2.5 million ready for the purchase right now. They agreed they are about $1.4 million apart but indicated there may be ways to make up that difference. They also both agreed that while the clubhouse has been severely damaged it is very sound and the repairs amount to essentially tenant improvements. We also discussed a number of questions that were mostly addressed by Eric’s comments during the rally.
Rally Report
Kent introduced the Committee members, City Council member Richard Brocksmith, and HOA president Darlene Andris. Darlene read the letter from Mayor Peter Donovan which included his dismay with the deterioration and a possible path forward with a recreation district.
Eric Christensen then spoke about Romano as a family-owned company with investors who need to be made whole. He described his “win-win” which was selling the property to Bulldog’s group, which he says is one of five potential buyers looking to restore it to golf operation.
Bulldog also spoke. As an Army Ranger and Vietnam veteran, he noted this was “an auspicious day” with the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. His comments were much appreciated by the crowd. He explained that he represented several groups involved in a potential purchase including Larry Leasure of White-Leasure from Boise, Bulldog’s Vista Capital group, and Tiger Golf which owns a number of courses.
Gerald then thanked the 140 or more who have contributed to the legal fund and asked the crowd to thank them with applause. He briefly reviewed the actions of the committee to date, pointing out that the request for a receiver was expected to be done quickly with about $20,000 in legal fees. He noted that Romano’s surprising opposition to the request for a receiver and their efforts to delay the trial cost us an additional $100,000 in legal fees.
Kent reviewed the status of legal fees, noting the trial is done and no more fees will accumulate. With about $95,000 contributed by the community including $12,000 paid by Barons and Haberlys, we have $65,000 in outstanding fees to pay. Without additional support from the community, this amount will be paid by the Barons and the Haberlys.
Answers to Questions
There were a number of questions asked and other information provided, which will be summarized here:
What’s next?
We are very grateful for Eric and Shawn’s participation and it did help answer some questions while leaving some tough ones unanswered. We asked about communication going forward and Eric said he is having to respond to lots of emails from the community. We said we would help with that by asking all those who have questions or comments to send them to Gerald at gerald.baron@agincourt.us, Kent at kgbv.haberly@gmail.com or Darlene Andris at hotdarvonna@gmail.com. We will forward questions on, avoiding duplicates, and then respond to you with his answers. This will help him be more efficient while providing better information to everyone.
We asked Eric what he would do if he was in our shoes. He said: exactly what you are doing. And that includes continuing to make it clear to Romano that we want them to make a deal and the deal with Bulldog and his group looks ideal. That also means we need to continue to suggest to them that if a win for them means a lose for us, as it has been so far, we will continue to fight and fight hard.
We need to wrap up our efforts to raise funds to pay the final legal bills, so we are including in this update again the information on how you can contribute. We are very grateful to hear from many, including now many outside the Eaglemont HOA, that they support our efforts and are willing to help with contributions. We will be adding those who signed up for updates to our email list including information on how they can financially support this effort.
A HUGE thank you to all who attended. We will see this through to the end!
Contribution Information
We’ve received a number of requests to allow for credit cards or set up a gofundme campaign. We’d love to do that but to protect everyone our contributions go to an escrow account and fees are paid directly from that. The other methods require a personal bank account and it’s not something the escrow company nor the committee will do
An account for contributions to the legal fund has been set up with SEAS, Inc., a subsidiary of Guardian Northwest Title Co., in Mount Vernon. Contributions should be made payable to SEAS, Inc., and mailed to P.O. Box 2116, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. The checks should reference: Eaglemont – HB#230316
Gerald & Lynne Baron
Kent & Gretchen Haberly
Jerry & Peggy Anderson
Karl & Louise Kirchgasler
DOWNLOAD PDF OF RALLY HANDOUT BELOW--COMPLETE INFO ON ACTIONS AND LEGAL FEES
Checks can be made to SEAS, Inc., with Eaglemont HB#230316 written on the check. Mail to PO Box 1667, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. For questions or comments email Kent Haberly at khaberly@pugetsoundinvestors.com or Gerald Baron at gerald.baron@agincourt.us. In addition to the email addresses above, their phone numbers are: Kent – 360-202-0277. Gerald – 360-303-9123. We will update the website restoreeaglemont.com so please encourage those interested to visit the site which has information about how they can contribute. www.restoreaglemont.com.
Eaglemont Rally Handout (pdf)
DownloadRestore Eaglemont Golf Course
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