Oakmont Village, like many established communities, is facing a crossroad. With the Central Area Complex projects sparking debates and the long-range planning efforts underway, the concept of a Master Plan has become a focal point. As our General Manager, Christel Antone, said recently, “Developing a Master Plan is hard.” But what does that really mean for a community like ours, one that’s already essentially built out and no longer under the guidance of its original developer?

Master Plans are typically drawn up for communities in the early stages of development—frameworks that outline everything from future growth to community maintenance. But Oakmont isn’t in its early stages. It’s a mature community, with essentially no new homes being built, and the question arises: How do you create a Master Plan for a place that’s already been around for decades? And, more importantly, how do you ensure that the plan doesn’t become outdated before it’s even implemented?

Let’s unpack some of the key challenges Oakmont faces BEFORE we venture into this unfamiliar territory.

Limited Financial Resources: Who’s Paying for This?

First, let’s talk about money. In a built-out community like Oakmont, we no longer have the financial cushion provided by developer fees. Those days are gone. Now, the responsibility for funding any new projects falls squarely on the shoulders of homeowners, many of whom are on fixed incomes. This isn’t a small ask—proposals for the Central Complex may require increased dues or special assessments. Understandably, not everyone is eager to absorb those costs.

And yet, despite the financial burden, Oakmont hasn’t conducted a quantitative and qualitative comprehensive needs and preferences survey. No demographic study has been conducted since 2010. How can we prioritize projects if we don’t even know who the community is or their wants or needs? The lack of data makes it difficult to justify any Master Plan, especially one that could place significant financial strain on residents.

Maintenance and Safety vs. Expansion: What’s Really Needed?

Oakmont’s infrastructure is aging, and maintaining what we have is already a challenge. Furthermore, in the face of threats posed by fires and the potential for a large earthquake, safety of the community has become a major priority. Many of us feel the tension in the community between the desire for new amenities and the needs for safety and to repair or replace existing facilities. The proposed Master Plan models for the Central Area Complex may offer exciting new possibilities, but they also raise the question: Do we really need more, or do we need to focus on upkeep and safety?

It’s a balancing act—keeping Oakmont vibrant without ignoring safety or letting the infrastructure fall into disrepair. But again, without a proper community survey, it’s hard to know where the real priorities lie.

Community Buy-In: Where’s the Consensus?

Then there’s the issue of community buy-in. Oakmont is a diverse age group and economic group place with a wide range of perspectives. In addition, long-time residents might feel perfectly content with things as they are, while newer residents possibly could be itching for upgrades to amenities.

But here’s the problem: We don’t really know what people want because, despite all the talk of Master Planning and the many community meetings soliciting our opinions, there’s been no mailed and online comprehensive community-wide survey. Without solid data, we’re left guessing about what residents actually prioritize, especially those who don’t attend meetings and speak their opinions there. This guessing game, and the apparently willful ignoring of less vocal members, has led to tension and divisions within the community.

Building consensus in a place like Oakmont isn’t easy, but it’s critical. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely we’ll get the opportunity for a true consensus-building process. The OVA has no plans for a comprehensive mailed survey that could give us clear, actionable insights. Instead, we’re continuing with the tired old “community conversations” model, which hasn’t exactly been a shining beacon of inclusivity or effectiveness.

Regulatory and Zoning Challenges: Is This Even Feasible?

Even if we figure out what we want, there’s still the hurdle of zoning laws and city regulations. Oakmont’s land may be mostly developed, but that doesn’t mean we can do whatever we like with it. The rules have changed since Oakmont was first built, and any new projects will have to fit within the current regulatory framework.

And if the Master Plan is adopted but has to wait for funding, will today’s regulations still apply when we’re finally ready to break ground? It’s a question that hasn’t been fully addressed and could throw a wrench into the works down the road.

Delays in Funding: Will the Plan Outlast Its Usefulness?

One of the most significant challenges Oakmont faces with its Master Plan is simply time. Funding is limited, and we may have to wait years to gather the resources needed for the larger projects in the Central Complex. By the time we’re ready to start, will the plan still be relevant? In the meantime, the OVA keeps shelling out money on expensive architectural consultants.

Community preferences shift, new technologies emerge, and zoning laws evolve. There’s a real possibility that parts of the Master Plan could be outdated before the ink is even dry, forcing us to go back to the drawing board before construction has even begun in the future.

Managing Expectations and Transparency: Keeping Everyone in the Loop

At the heart of all this is the need for transparency. Residents need to know what’s going on, how much it’s going to cost, and what the timeline looks like. Unfortunately, all Oakmont residents have been left in the dark when it comes to the costs of the Central Area Concepts. We’ve been told to “stay tuned,” but vague reassurances don’t build trust or foster collaboration.

The OVA, the Board, the General Manager and the Long-Range Planning Committee need to ensure that residents are informed about what’s happening and how decisions are being made. Regular updates, open communication, and clear timelines will be essential as we move forward.

So, What’s Next?

Oakmont’s future is at a critical juncture, and the decisions we make now will shape the community for years to come. But before we rush ahead with a Master Plan, we need to take a step back and ensure that we’re creating something that’s flexible, forward-thinking, and grounded in community input.

Without a comprehensive survey, without clear financial transparency, and without a realistic understanding of how long it will take to secure funding, we run the risk of creating a plan that’s outdated before it even begins. The solution? Slow down, gather the data, and build consensus—only then can we ensure that Oakmont’s Master Plan truly serves the community.