Shining Rock Golf course - what SRD says vs what they do

Much of the ol' blog has been devoted to the misadventures of Pulte Homes of New England, LLC. Today's lesson involves the ever-beloved (not!) Shining Rock Development, LLC, the folks who are responsible for putting in the streets, sidewalks, infrastructure, golf course, clubhouse and other amenities. To illustrate the methods of operating employed by Shining Rock Development, LLC, we present for your examination some interesting information -

From Shining Rock Development, LLC's web site:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Golf

"Mark your calendars! The first nine holes of Shining Rock's 18 hole, par 72, 6,900-yard championship golf course set to be open for play this spring, 2005."

- facts: it's past Spring, 2005 & one of the developer reps says maybe Fall....
Folks have said they've seen references to 2003 & 2004 on the web site just last year.....
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Hiking

Shining Rock offers walking trails throughout the community and miles of beautiful hiking trails in the adjacent Upton State Forest. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll or for the more adventurous, plan day-long hike. Go for a bike ride along the trails when the sun shines or cross country skiing when the snow falls."

- facts: if there are defined trails that can be hiked or biked, the residents can't find them. Further, they are not on any version of the developer's maps that we can find.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The Country Club

Architecturally striking, the Shining Rock Community Center/Clubhouse will be the central gathering place for Shining Rock residents and their guests. The Community Center/Clubhouse will provide concierge service as well as all the amenities consistent with luxury golf course living."

- facts: The plans presented on the web site have yet to be approved by the town of Northbridge, yet are presented on the site. Further, Fred Ruland, Stan Pearson and others have repeatedly mentioned having a restautant or facility that serves "pub style" food. Interestingly, the plans approved and on file in the Worcester Registry of Deeds include language which specifically forbids any type of food preparation in the clubhouse.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Swimming

Outdoor swim club."

- facts: This recently added feature's location requires that we park on the opposite side of the clubhouse and walk our kids and pool stuff across a busy parking lot, past golfers and employees while in our swimsuits. Notice that there's no reference to a date it will be available, details on memberships, etc. Makes some wonder about the details.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Tennis

Tennis courts available."

- facts: Like the pool, the tennis courts are a very recent addition to the site plans that are available for inspection. Like with the pool, access may be difficult, as players may have to walk through the pool area to get to the courts. Also, the courts and pool are what some consider to be dangerously close to the golf course, raising the question of how members will be protected from flying golf balls.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"What's New"

- facts: all that's here in the What's New section is the heading. There seems to be a pattern - clubhouse info, golf course info, upcoming events...... these don't seem to be updated
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Of course, it could be that failing to hit published dates or provide details is due to the administrative abilities of the developer. It could be that telling folks about a restaurant when food preparation is specifically prohibited is simply a mistake. It could be that the bike trails are there but we just can't find them. It could be that the details on the pool and tennis courts aren't available because they haven't been thought through.

If we ignore intent and look at impact, one conclusion that is clear is there's a lack of detail here and inaccurate information included in the marketing presented on Shining Rock Development, LLC's site. What this means is caveat emptor (buyer beware)!! Ask questions - again and again. Document the time, date, answer and who answered. Be very careful to ensure you are sure of what you are getting into.