NC community sees recall election over $1M golf course project after Helene
People in a Western North Carolina community are trying to oust their property owners board, saying it prioritized a nearly $1 million dollar golf course project over repairs after Hurricane Helene.
Residents in Linville Land Harbor, a 1,500-home community in Avery County about an hour northeast of Asheville, say the storm damaged houses, blocked roads and exposed deeper concerns about spending and transparency. They argue the board moved ahead with the golf course project rather than delaying the work and directing more attention to recovery and aging infrastructure. The recall election is the first in the community’s 56-year history.
Yvonne Matlosz, a 56-year-old resident, said one moment in particular stood out a few days after Hurricane Helene.
“Five days later, there were still trees down, blocking streets. There were major things that needed to be done, and they’re out there blowing leaves off the golf course to make sure that there were no brown spots on the grass,” she said. “It just seemed so tone deaf.”
Homeowners said the decision captured what they see as a larger disconnect between the board’s spending and the community’s needs. It also deepened support for a recall effort that, for some residents, had been growing since before the storm.
An attorney representing the HOA declined to comment, citing the ongoing recall election.
Golf course over Helene recovery
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Helene hit parts of Linville Land Harbor hard. Residents say homes in The Meadows neighborhood were flooded or destroyed, roads were blocked, and entire areas were cut off. Volunteer groups like Samaritan’s Purse brought in supplies as residents tried to reach neighbors and assess damage.
Matlosz said residents stepped in when communication systems failed and storm debris blocked streets. Residents say they asked the property owners board to use some of the golf course for relief efforts, but when that was denied, volunteers set up a supply and coordination center at the nearby dock house.
The nearly $1 million irrigation system for the golf course received approval the year before. Resident Jayne McCall said many questioned why the board didn’t delay the installation until after repairs from Helene, especially as community-led cleanup continued.
“Why did we not delay putting that $950,000 golf course irrigation system in for another year while we fixed what needed to be done after Hurricane Helene?” McCall said. “But they went ahead and put in the irrigation system.”
But some residents say the board acted responsibly. Kevin Annison, a 56-year-old resident, said the members overwhelmingly approved the irrigation project and that delaying it would have been financially shortsighted.
“The irrigation system was decades overdue for replacement... and the project was fully funded.” Annison said. “Reserves were sufficient to cover necessary repairs and proceeding with the irrigation contract did not jeopardize recovery funds.”
Fees and financial strain
Alongside recovery concerns, many homeowners say the cost of living in the community climbed fast. McCall said her dues increased from just over $1,800 to nearly $4,000 per year in recent years, driven in part by reserve contributions and what they describe as nonessential recreational projects.
“If I did not have a roommate, I really don’t know how much longer I would be able to stay here,” McCall said. “I’m on a fixed income.”
Other residents pointed to concerns about how the HOA manages its reserve study, a long-term spending plan.
Residents said items such as a $60,000 bocce court upgrade and a proposed renovation of the golf house, estimated at several hundred thousand dollars, were added even as storm-related needs and aging infrastructure remained unresolved.
“It seems like they’re trying to spend all of our legacy reserves on recreational things that we don’t need,” Matlosz said.
Still, others argue the cost of living in the community remains reasonable. Deidre Garrard, a 67-year-old who’s lived in the community since 2020, said the monthly fee residents pay for utilities and amenities is a bargain given the number of services it includes.
“It has gone up considerably since we moved here, but so has the rest of the area and the country,” she said. “Some dissatisfied homeowners may be those that don’t live here year round and believe they are subsidizing those of us who do.”
Recall election
The recall effort began earlier this fall. Residents needed signatures from 10% of eligible property owners to initiate the process, which they obtained. McCall said the board then had 10 days to verify signatures before launching the election.
So, far election turnout has been high – over 800 ballots – reflecting the scale of frustration in the community, McCall said.
Homeowners say they want an HOA focused on infrastructure, long-term planning and open communication. As the vote continues until he end of the month, McCall said the goal is straightforward.
“Let’s spend the money the right way,” she said.
This story was originally published November 20, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
