The Board of Directors of the Avenel Community Association (ACA) is seeking community input on a matter involving the Avenel Swim and Tennis Club (ASTC) that impacts all residents.

While centrally located within Avenel on Oaklyn Drive, the ASTC operates independently of the ACA.  The ASTC was established in 1999 and is open to membership of both Avenel and non-Avenel residents.  It is situated on five acres and includes a 6-lane, 25-meter competition pool and six fenced tennis courts. Connected to the main pool is a heated leisure pool with sunning benches and water features and a toddler pool.  A tennis pro has contracted with the ASTC to provide camps, group lessons and private lessons.  The club also houses a community room that is utilized for parties, events, group exercise classes, etc.  It is privately owned and operated by The Swim Club of Avenel, Inc. and is governed by its own Board of Directors.

The inclusion and construction of the Avenel Swim and Tennis Club was an important aspect of developer Tony Natelli's vision for Avenel.  Mr. Natelli worked tirelessly to see the project come to fruition and donated the land where the ASTC is situated.  While the ASTC was originally structured to be owned and governed by its own members, Mr. Natelli had the foresight to recognize that at some future point, membership revenue may not sustain the club's operations. In order to preserve the asset and the interests of Avenel residents, Mr. Natelli included provisions in the ASTC's governing documents that provides the Avenel Community Association with the option to assume operation and ownership of the club should it fail to operate independently.

During the past several years, a decline in ASTC membership has resulted in a reduction in revenue that has caused financial hardship.  The ASTC has inquired about the ACA's interest in taking over responsibility of the ASTC.  There would be no acquisition cost but ACA would assume responsibility for ASTC's remaining balance of the original construction mortgage in an amount of approximately $730,000 and would become responsible for operating the ASTC.  It is a transaction that would have to be approved by a majority of ACA residents.

The significant advantages of the ACA assuming responsibility for the ASTC are several:

• All Avenel owners would enjoy automatic membership in the ASTC.
• The addition of this amenity potentially could add value to homes in Avenel.
• The facility could promote a greater sense of community within Avenel.
• The annual cost of membership for a family would be significantly less than the current dues as it would be shared equally among all residents.

The disadvantage is that the cost of operating the facility would be added to the monthly association dues.  It is estimated that this would amount to approximately $30- $35 per month per ACA residence.  A more detailed operating budget would be prepared and shared with residents in the future.

One of the unknowns is whether Montgomery County would amend the current zoning which limits ASTC membership to 400 families to a much larger number that would essentially make the ASTC a common amenity to the entire Avenel Community Association. Preliminarily, we would attempt to determine whether we can get a "sense of the County" on this matter prior to undertaking a more formal process. 

In the event ACA members do not approve this action, the ASTC will likely need to seek other solutions and it is reasonable to expect that the lender may ultimately take control of the ASTC.  The current zoning of the ASTC property limits its use to a swim club, a community garden or Bed and Breakfast, or potentially additional residential home lots.  Other conditional uses would require the review and approval of the County Planning Board and other related agencies.   Aside from the opportunity to be heard during periods of public comment, the ACA would have limited or no control over what is done on this site.

Disadvantages of the ACA not assuming responsibility for the ASTC include:

• Loss of control over the future use of the land.  Alternate conditional uses, with appropriate county approvals, include but are not limited to: Senior Housing, Day Care Centers, Residential Care Facilities, Nurseries, Landscape Companies and Private Schools.
• Closure of the facility and deterioration of the building and grounds for an extended period of time while the lender works towards disposing of the property. 
• Possibility of increased traffic within the community caused by whatever use the county eventually approves for this property.

The ACA Board of Directors requests that you take a few minutes to complete the attached survey in order for it to get the pulse of the community.  The results are non-binding and will be evaluated and shared.  The survey should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.  If you are unable to complete the survey electronically, please contact the ACA at (301) 299-5916 and a hard copy of the survey will be provided.