These are my personal images and photos that show the beauty of the view from Deer Ridge Mountain Resort and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cobbly Nob and the Gatlinburg, Tennessee area.
Just click the Play button to watch - or click Big Picture to see a much larger slide show on a dedicated page here at DeerRidgeOwners.com.
Deer Ridge Litigation Fund
Do you, as an owner at Deer Ridge Mountain Resort, believe we are ALL entitled to have access and be able to copy the books and records of our Homeowner's Association?
So, do I.
But, apparently, Employee Joe Thomas and President Luther Parker and the Board disagree - and are doing all they can to block access, publication and candid discussion of the Asinine Assessment, special deals and favored treatment - at the expense of all Owners.
What ARE they so afraid of us finding out?
Maybe it has to do with the HUGE $10,000 overcharge for my HOA Fees, special assessments, water and cable TV bill - which, in my personal opinion, is due to fraudulent intent or at least gross negligence by the Deer Ridge Board of Directors and / or General Manager Joe Thomas. Please see the posts for details.
We have no choice but to file a lawsuit against GGRC and RML in order to finally, once and for all, make it clear that OWNERS do have a right to all the information about our property and our investment at Deer Ridge.
If you have thoughts and ideas and suggestions, please post them here on this blog.
If you have any clout with the Board, convince them to stop the charade - and let the owners have the information that all owners own!
If you want to help cover the legal costs to get us the right to see the bids for $50,000 for nuts and bolts - and the other background documents for the $353,500 Asinine Assessment, please click on the Donate Button below.
With enough in donations, we can hire BOTH an attorney AND a forensic accountant for the whole process through the Court in Sevier County to make absolutely certain we win EVERY point - and never have to fight Employee Joe and the Board on this stuff again.
Even a $100 contribution will help show that you are in favor of an open and FULLY transparent homeowners' association at Deer Ridge Mountain Resort!
Thanks so much to those of you who have already contributed!
GENERAL DISCLAIMER FOR ALL PAGES AND POSTS AND EVERYTHING ELSE I DO OR SAY REGARDING DEER RIDGE AND ANY AND ALL RELATED PARTIES:
Note: The following, and the information on any and all other posts and pages by me about General Manager Joe Thomas, GGRC, RML and /or the Board of Directors and its members, or any related topics, are my personal opinions based on my ongoing investigation into the actions and inactions of the GGRC and RML Board of Directors and / or Joe Thomas, General Manager.
While I believe these allegations to be true based on my objective analysis, these opinions remain as only allegations until I, or others, prove things in court.
My goal is to offer all owners all the information and evidence that I have available so that everyone can reach their own conclusions.
Please note the obvious:
Everything I ever say or write in person, via emails, or on my blog, about Deer Ridge or any and all related entities and organizations or any and all affiliated personnel or owners, is strictly my own personal opinion of course - based, in part, from my owning a unit at Deer Ridge for over five years - and on my own personal history.
That history includes earning a Presidential MBA degree, being awarded a Bachelor of Science, With Honors, in Engineering Physics from UT, working for NASA as a rocket scientist at Marshall Space Flight Center, 30 years of CEO experience directly employing and managing many hundreds of people at multiple companies I personally started and operated (including one that I took public), 15 years experience buying and selling over $100 million of property and managing more than 45,000 rental units - AND being able to read and do four-function arithmetic.
Legalese - And Powered Wig - Off
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Welcome to All Deer Ridge Owners
Welcome to all owners of Deer Ridge Mountain Resort condos in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
My goal is to help all Deer Ridge owners to have a voice in the management and operation of your property.
Click on the TITLES of any of the following subjects to read the whole posting - and see the comments made by your co-owners. You can also type any term into the below search box, or any word or term in the search cloud.
Click the big image at the top of the page to return to the front page at any time.
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Investment Analysis For A Rental Condo At Deer Ridge
Will you really lose $40,000 cash if you buy a rental condo at Deer Ridge and use Ridge Management Ltd?
As an owner-occupied home, Deer Ridge is an incredible value with THE best view in the Smokies and great amenities.
However, several owners and would-be owners of Deer Ridge condos have asked me if these units are a good rental property investment or not. To help answer that question
objectively, I had to analyze the real moving parts of buying and owning here.
Get my complete, detailed investment analysis based on buying a rental condo unit at Deer Ridge Mountain Resort in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
It shows what you MUST do to make money when you buy a rental unit at Deer Ridge.
Every Dollar You Pay For Deer Ridge Is The WRONG Amount!
Please read the various posts here on this Deer Ridge Owners Blog - and see my evidence and analysis which I believe shows conclusively that EVERY dollar of HOA Fees, EVERY dollar EVERY special assessment, EVERY water bill and cable TV sent out for YEARS to ALL Deer Ridge Owners has been wrong!
In many cases at least ONE THIRD of ALL owners have been GROSSLY overcharged. My calculations show that I have been overcharged more than TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS in the past 50 months I've owned at Deer Ridge.
The Board has been WRONGLY and arbitrarily ignoring the requirements of the Master Deed and the Bylaws for YEARS.
If my analysis is correct, the Board has zero choice. They MUST abide by the Master Deed Percentages.
But they haven’t.
However, if the Board knowingly ignored the clear directives of the Master Deed and the Bylaws when allocating costs to various unit types, and overcharging certain unit types on a regular basis, my opinion is that the Board and Joe Thomas may have acted fraudulently.
If they have not been fraudulent, then they have been, at the very least, grossly negligent.
Read the various blog postings - and judge for yourself.
Comments Welcome From All Visitors
You are welcome to leave your comments on the various posts on the blog. You no longer have to be registered to comment. (Even regular contributors had trouble remembering their log on passwords!)
Note that SPAM blockers are in place - and all comments require approval to be visible.
So, let's hear from you on these topics!
To view the comments, you need to click on the post topic to see the entire post and the comments.
"We do not believe any group of men adequate enough or wise enough to operate without scrutiny or without criticism. We know that the only way to avoid error is to detect it, that the only way to detect it is to be free to inquire. We know that in secrecy error undetected will flourish and subvert." — J. Robert Oppenheimer. This includes the Board of Directors of Deer Ridge Mountain Resort.
Postmaster Says We Have A Right To Demand Individual Mailboxes
UPDATE! – FORMAL COMPLAINT FILED WITH POSTAL INSPECTORS – SEE BELOW
The Board and RML need to understand that this property is trending toward more and more full time residences – and the property’s operation needs to reflect this. We are not sure if our mail is being tampered with – but we seem to be having a problem getting all of our mail here. We are already in discussions with the Gatlinburg Postmaster – and from what he has told us, each owner here has a right to their own locked post box where our incoming and outgoing mail is not monitored and viewed by RML prior to it being distributed. We know, we are personally losing mail that is being forwarded to us from our condo in Florida – and we and all other owners have a right to mail control and privacy. The Postmaster recommends a community-wide mail box similar to what we have at our condo in Florida. Or, we can have individual mailboxes by each of our trash bins. The photo below shows the one that the Gatlinburg postmaster specifically recommended. He even told us that he gets these back from properties so he can give them or sell them to other properties like Deer Ridge – which means we might not have to pay much if anything for this.
Destruction, Obstruction and Delay of Mail (18 USC 1700, 1701, 1702 & 1703) The Postal Inspection Service upholds federal statutes aimed at securing customers’ mail, including those related to the desertion, obstruction, delay or destruction of mail. Postal Inspectors demonstrate their resolve by implementing mail security processes to ensure that customers receive their mail intact and free from outside interference.
As more units get sold to those who use it as a full time home, this will become an increasing problem.
We are considering filing a complaint with the United States Postal Inspection Service as a result of what appears to be mail tampering. The way mail is handled by so many different people at Deer Ridge has created a major cause for concern – over and beyond the issues of mail privacy. Just this week, we have had to complain to the Joe Thomas that we are not getting our mail – including $150 worth of tickets to a UT Football game. Now, unless you want to cause a problem – don’t stand in between a UT fan and his football tickets! (Because of this problem, we had to arrange to pick up replacement tickets at the Gate on game day. A hassle – but at least solvable. A bigger problem is not knowing what mail was sent that was never received.)
What do other owners think is the best solution for mail control and privacy that is our right?
Luther and Joe, we need these kinds of private mailboxes NOW for all units – to eliminate tampering and to mitigate future claims of unhandled mail by GGRC and RML personnel.
What say you?
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UPDATE! – FORMAL COMPLAINT FILED WITH POSTAL INSPECTORS
We live at an 84 unit condo complex called Deer Ridge Mountain Resort, Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We have owned this property for over four years – but just recently became a full time resident.
Currently, mail is handled, and mishandled, by the office staff here…there is one large, unsecured mailbox for all incoming and outgoing mail. The office staff retrieves all the mail for everyone from the box once it arrives – and the manager of the property appears to insist on reviewing all of the mail before it is made available for handout to the owners.
On many occasions, we, and others here, are also receiving mail that has already been opened by someone from the office. Clearly, our mail is being tampered with…and we believe intentionally misplaced, lost or delayed in its delivery to us.
We believe that the manager, Joe Thomas, is personally reviewing every item of mail and possibly intercepting some of it. We find him to be highly vindictive against us and other residents here who do not rent out their unit using his property management company.
We understand from the local Postmaster that we have a right to private, securable mailboxes but the manager and the Board of Directors refuse to install proper equipment or allow us to install anything for ourselves.
This is an ongoing problem, affecting many owners, and your help in investigating these issues would be greatly appreciated. Once you contact us, we can give you the names of other owners here who have had the same ongoing, insidious problems.
The manager, Joe Thomas, can be reached at the same address. 3710 Weber Rd. Gatlinburg, TN 37738-6374 / (865) 436-2325
10 comments to Postmaster Says We Have A Right To Demand Individual Mailboxes
I suppose it is best for me to file a complaint as well.
My mail CONTINUES to be a mess here at Deer Ridge Office. The problem IS at this office/site.
I go to pick up my mail on Monday and was handed ALL of another owner/residents mail, maybe 7 letters. Usually, i get a barrage of mis-sorts but this time i got ALL of another owner/residents mail and ZERO of mine. This problem has been going on for WAY TOO LONG. I ALWAYS know to look at the name on the letters PRIOR to going out the door, as it is screwed up 50% of the time. I always catch it prior to walking out the door, because it occurs so frequently. Thing is, the clerk here at Deer Ridge found ‘humor’ in this, (i later asked another at the desk who confirmed that mistake/behavior to be suspiciously ‘odd’) so i speculate that it might be more than an erroneous error.
I always gave the office/Joe the benefit of the doubt and had believed it was simply sheer stupidity, not intentional….but maybe not! I am tired of opened letters or letter half opened, mail missing or being handed others mail on a regular basis. Who knows where mine goes or if someone else does, or does not bring it back?
WE NEED BOXES PER POST OFFICE so that ONLY the mail carrier handles our mail. I think anyone would feel the same way with their own mail. Do any of you think that is too much to ask? If it were YOUR mail what would you want? Besides, the office should not be ‘bothered’ or spending time with our mail.
I realize that just ‘maybe’ (my opinion) Joe REALLY DOES NOT want Deer Ridge to appear anyone REALLY lives here and mailboxes would PROVE that is a wonderful and viable OPTION! MAILBOXES ~For all his guests to see and his realty business to have to defend. IF that is true that is an amazing desperate and low measure. After all, if it weren’t so, this problem/situation should not still be going on, right?
I personally think both Jamie and Wayne are GREAT folks – and fantastic assets for this property…and certainly don’t think they are ever the problem.
Irrespective of the WHO behind the problem, the problem needs to be solved once and for all with secure mailboxes – where the mail, both in and out, is ONLY handled by the postal person and the owner. Period. This approach also reduces the legal risks to GGRC of issues of mail tampering that it currently faces with the ongoing investigation by the Postal Inspectors of the US Postal Service.
There is plenty of room for the right kind of mailbox, for 84 units and a commercial unit, where the current mailbox sits…or down by the island by us might be even better.
This is my opinion, but i really beleive the mail wrong doings in ‘my particular case’ are misfiles. Literally, placing mail in the wrong bin or file. Period.
I have received other residents mail in error as well. So I look at names immediately before i leave the office and hand it back if it is not mine. Problem is some residents do not pick their mail up every day, maybe even once a week. So, if my mail is mis-sorted it becomes more delayed or more of an issue. If it goes in Joe’s stack (ex: electric bill) it really gets dealyed and would push me close to the billing date.
Now, i have rectified this as best as i could by paying most of my bills online, or the ones that i can do so and going paperless. The problem really escalates if i am assisting others using my address with their and my name on the mail. Example: My mothers mail (as i have taken care of her finances from Indiana paying all of her bills) and my x-boss mail (which i take care of his finances when he goes on vacation), which is coming up very soon. It seems to add more confusion to the office filing system, even though my name and address with unit number are on the envelope/s.
I personally beleive this is in MY CASE a clerical office screw up, by whomever grabs the mail from the postal carrier. Simple as that.
As far as the boxes outside that you referred to i wasn’t aware that they have been used even for YEARS. Who told you they were used? For rml arrivals that come in late DeerRidge simply puts the key in an envelope and tapes that envelope with their name and unit number to the outside of the front door. Unless that has changed VERY recently? I truly do not beleive those boxes are ever used. We may not have enough boxes though????
I want to make this very understood ~ This has absolutely nothing to do with Jamie or Wayne, as they do not even work the mail sort shift. I pick up my mail in the evenings when they are there, so they get to dig for me from time to time and i am asking them a lot about certain mail to look for.
I just know that i have a lot of mail mis-sorted into others boxes and i will admit some i never get. When i do find an open or taped back up letter, i figure it may be from whomever filebox it ends up in where maybe the unsuspected resident opens it in error. I feel sure that happened once with my Sevier Co. Electric bill by Joe. Joe was nice enough then to write on the outside of the open envelope that he opened it in error. I was okay with that, as i can see how that could occur. I don’t pay my bills at the last day, so if it gets more than 4 days late, i simply call and get the amount and pay it. I never or rarely ever mail anything here. Not worth the chance of another error on going outbound. Not sure it would happen, but i wouldn’t know if it did until too late.
On a bright note for the office crew, my hats are off as they are good with my meds that i have sent here once per month. I appreciate that.
Honestly, I think it would be easier for everyone concerned on the mail, if we had boxes. That way no one has to deal with it other than the mailcarrier.
Copy of email sent to Luther Parker and the Board of Directors and Joe Thomas, on October 6, 2009:
Luther,
Below is a copy of our formal complaint filed this morning with the US Postal Inspectors regarding the deplorable way mail is handled at Deer Ridge Mountain Resort.
We, and several other resident owners, will no longer tolerate the ongoing tampering with our mail – and demand that the Board of Directors of GGRC immediately solve this problem with proper mail facilities – including totally secured incoming and outgoing mail.
The Gatlinburg Postmaster tells us that we have a right to this mail security with private boxes for ALL owners at Deer Ridge – so you might have Joe Thomas discuss with him what is required for mail security and compliance with the law.
Please be prepared for the upcoming investigation by immediately solving the problem.
Robert
A-202
UPDATE! – FORMAL COMPLAINT FILED WITH POSTAL INSPECTORS
We live at an 84 unit condo complex called Deer Ridge Mountain Resort, Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We have owned this property for over four years – but just recently became a full time resident.
Currently, mail is handled, and mishandled, by the office staff here…there is one large, unsecured mailbox for all incoming and outgoing mail. The office staff retrieves all the mail for everyone from the box once it arrives – and the manager of the property appears to insist on reviewing all of the mail before it is made available for handout to the owners.
On many occasions, we, and others here, are also receiving mail that has already been opened by someone from the office. Clearly, our mail is being tampered with…and we believe intentionally misplaced, lost or delayed in its delivery to us.
We believe that the manager, Joe Thomas, is personally reviewing every item of mail and possibly intercepting some of it. We find him to be highly vindictive against us and other residents here who do not rent out their unit using his property management company.
We understand from the local Postmaster that we have a right to private, securable mailboxes but the manager and the Board of Directors refuse to install proper equipment or allow us to install anything for ourselves.
This is an ongoing problem, affecting many owners, and your help in investigating these issues would be greatly appreciated. Once you contact us, we can give you the names of other owners here who have had the same ongoing, insidious problems.
The manager, Joe Thomas, can be reached at the same address. 3710 Weber Rd. Gatlinburg, TN 37738-6374 / (865) 436-2325
Thanks for the post…it is our opinion that mail is being tampered with at the office – and not by Jamie, Wayne or Sandee. We are losing mail, getting mail delayed, etc…including the loss of some very expensive UT football tickets.
We know of other residents here at Deer Ridge who have been so aggravated by tampering and lost mail that they have been motivated to have to spend money renting a box at the Gatlinburg post office.
The boxes at the front door of the office you mention are used for keys for late arriving guests. So they really aren’t available for our mail…plus it doesn’t solve the problem of tampering.
We will let them investigate what REALLY goes on here – and see if they can motivate Joey and the Board to properly solve the problem by installing a property-wide mail system that secures both incoming and outgoing mail for all owners at Deer Ridge.
From what the Postmaster for Deer Ridge has told us, we have a RIGHT to this kind of mail protection. I will do all I can to help all owners have this protection.
I recommend all concerned owners go the above link for the Postal Inspectors and file a complaint – so that we all get a real solution to this real problem – sooner than later.
We live at an 84 unit condo complex called Deer Ridge Mountain Resort, Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We have owned this property for over four years – but just recently became a full time resident.
Currently, mail is handled, and mishandled, by the office staff here…there is one large, unsecured mailbox for all incoming and outgoing mail. The office staff retrieves all the mail for everyone from the box once it arrives – and the manager of the property appears to insist on reviewing all of the mail before it is made available for handout to the owners.
On many occasions, we, and others here, are also receiving mail that has already been opened by someone from the office. Clearly, our mail is being tampered with…and we believe intentionally misplaced, lost or delayed in its delivery to us.
We believe that the manager, Joe Thomas, is personally reviewing every item of mail and possibly intercepting some of it. We find him to be highly vindictive against us and other residents here who do not rent out their unit using his property management company.
We understand from the local Postmaster that we have a right to private, securable mailboxes but the manager and the Board of Directors refuse to install proper equipment or allow us to install anything for ourselves.
This is an ongoing problem, affecting many owners, and your help in investigating these issues would be greatly appreciated. Once you contact us, we can give you the names of other owners here who have had the same ongoing, insidious problems.
UPDATE – WE JUST FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH US POSTAL INSPECTORS – SEE BLOG POSTING
For the past year or more i am having a REAL problem with my mail being mis-sorted at the office here at DeerRidge. Frequently, very frequently, my mail goes into someone elses slot. Get’s opened, or ends up (electic bill) in Joe’s stack in error. Seems at least once a week i am having Wayne or Jamie sort through others slots (they use a basic plastic file folder) to get my mail.
Is there a way we (residents) could use the boxes on the outside of the building, where the mailcarrier could sort the mail into our personal box? That way the office doesn’t have to be bothered. There is sufficient boxes out there now or until the residents become more predominant to aquire new or other boxes. The boxes are located by the realesate guide stand, and they are affixed to the outside of the building. All we need is our keys.
Let’s get the website out to ALL other owners and they can read for themselves, if they wish. At the very least it will create an atmosphere where owners are better informed with choices, not in the dark. Soon realize Deer Ridge Mountain Resort is located in America! Not a country where there is dictatorship rule.
For years many RML owners are afraid of being politically incorrect, thus losing RML revenue, if they ask too many quesions or expect answers. They are expected to trust, openly. I guarantee you that because i have been told that numerous times by numerous RML owners.
The greatest ‘seed’ is the ability to have the honest truth and a thought process planted, as it becomes ‘food for thought’. The greatest thing about America is that we are open minded enough to agree to disagree on any topic and that diversity unites us! It also keeps us thinking of others, not just ourselves.
THANK YOU for your expertise Robert and this site, as it is the first step of progress for the betterment of ALL owners, for ALL applications at OUR wonderful resort and homes amd rentals!
tm
You are absolutely correct in that this is a wonderful place to reside, have a rental for family and friends or renting it from a rental company. We are all truly Blessed to live so wonderfully close to such a beautiful vicinity!
You have brought up many Great Points, I stay on the road 4 nights a week, every week, Now for about 18 Yrs… I stay a lot at La Quinta Motels, They do allow pets, And as you said do charge a per night fee for this, and is a great revenue stream and profit center for them, like you say, a manager once told me that people with pets are cleaner, Better guests in general… As a guest I have had only 2-3 times in 18 yrs. that it was a bother to me in another room.
In most condo complexes in Fla. it is understood by renters that, condo owners are the only ones permitted to have pets in the units, and the desk clerks simply tell them that, there are also dog walk areas and strict fines for those not using pooper scoopers or bags…
Time will take care of the change in the Master Deed, as , Like you say, Baby boomers that move to Deer Ridge get to vote on it…
Again I would like to thank Robert and Janet for providing this new blog style website for us to communicate with each other, I hope all owners are made aware of it and a high percentage will register and use it, If owners only read it, that would be O.K.
As people are more fully informed, better things will begin to happen… We all have a Treasure in Owning here at Deer Ridge.
The issue of pets is a very interesting topic. I can see many sides to this. For my own personal side and also for others as well. As it stands now and in the deed, no pets permitted.
If i were a rml participant (manager/staff) i can understand it’s challenges. Who would enforce it if the party did’t use a bark collar or forgot to put in on? It possibly could disrupt others. (although living here probably no more than any other rml guest!) Keep in mind we are talking only ‘dogs’ right at the moment. Also, from working in housekeepng this might relect a higher cleaning fee/charge to guests. I must admit from working here in the past, i truly believe in many cases the dog would be much less destructive and cleaner, than some of the Deer Ridge guests! It would be extra revenue.
On the other hand what if this were a rml, or a non/rml wishing to rent his/her condo for persons with pets? Hmnnn! Interesting as this would create again more revenue for the rml/houskeeping. Most people traveling with pets are happy to pay more to have their ‘kid with fur’ be with them. I would. This number will also increase because of baby boomers with pets that travel. So, on that perspective it truly may just be a beneficial money move toward pet friendly facility and staff. It also shows we have a heart.
Let’s not forget what about guests with seeing eye dogs/handicaped. This is important topic.
Then again, what if you are on the rml, an owner, coming in to use his/her own unit and wish to have or bring your personal pet with you? It is your unit, you own it. You are willing to pay for the extra cleaning charge if there is a problem. Besides that, if Fido chews off the sofa leg….well, it’s yours! You will have to buy your sofa anyway.
What if you are a resident? The rml doesn’t have access to your unit unless you desire and you have to clean it anyway. It may create an issue/problem however if a rml guest sees you with your dog and they wanted to bring their own and were not permitted, creating havoc at the front desk. Driving everyone on staff crazy, then giving them ONE ‘ligitimate reason’ for disliking a resident!
Now….What if it were a cat? No barking, no taking it outdoors.
As more and more residents come on board, this is going to take on a new dimension. There would have to be leash laws, rules/regs, ect…. and remember never make a rule that cannot be enforced. Also, i am sure there would be a list of pets that some would fear!
I would love to hear other comments on this topic. One of the largest reasons i am selling is ‘i simply want a cat!’ So, for me…this topic is utmost important and if it assists others, even if i am gone i think it should be considered and addressed fully. It is or may be part of the future and deserves consideration. We need to look out for everyone.
In Fla. We have indiv. mailbox units beside each building, or at the elevator… We plan to stay at Deer Ridge about 3-5 months a year, “Someday” and would be glad to explore how to have the mailbox units near each building walkway, might mean a few $$$, but it’s going to be NEEDED Soon… The current method is risky, and a long walk for some, I personally NEED the Walk, but some cannot make that walk because of age or infirmity.
By the way, master deed says no pets… not even a dog lover, but my brother-in-law won’t travel without theirs, and the little pup won’t ever see inside a Kennel or “Dog Motel” would like to see if there is any interest in changing that, They have Bark Collars, Pooper Scoopers, Dog Walk / Dog Business areas….
Check out our new Deer Ridge Owners webcam for the current view from our balcony!
Just click the photo for the most recent update. Updated every 5 minutes.
Top 10 Cam Award!
Our new Cobbly Nob TN site was just chosen as an Earthcam Top 10 Webcam!
All of this in just our first two weeks of operation - and before we install our new wide angle, high definition lens! Stay tuned for even better images!
EarthCam, Inc. is the global leader in providing webcam content, technology and services and ranks among the top 1% of all websites. EarthCam.com is the world’s favorite webcam network and the EarthCam Network cameras have been seen on top news shows, including CNN’s Headline News.
New YouTube Channel For Deer Ridge Owners!
Check out ALL of our videos on our new YouTube Channel for Deer Ridge Owners:
We already have videos that will walk you around the whole property and give you reviews from past guests and tourists. Find out what they REALLY have to say about Deer Ridge!
We are adding even more videos in the next few weeks - so check out our Deer Ridge Owners Channel often!
Update: Just added two new videos for a total of 20 videos so far! Check them out!
Owner Files $3 Million Lawsuit Against HOA, General Manager And Board Members
A homeowner in Gatlinburg, Tennessee has filed a $3 Million Lawsuit against his HOA, General Manager And All Individual Board Members at Deer Ridge Mountain Resort.
In response to their meritless, retaliatory $1 Million defamation lawsuit against me, I have now filed a $3 Million lawsuit against Deer Ridge Mountain Resort, AKA Gatlinburg Golf and Racquet Club HOA and Joe Thomas, Luther Parker, Larry Ohm, Margie Duncan, David Barone and Tom Reise, all as individuals.
If you believe in free speech as much as we do, we need your help - no matter where in America you may live.
The Deer Ridge HOA board and individual board members have filed a $1 Million Lawsuit against me in their ongoing attempts to stop this blog and have its contents removed. Click Press Release for details.
This power clique wants to continue to block free speech on this property and to keep their illegitimate secrets hidden from other owners.
They are willing to spend tens of thousands of dollars of other owners' money on legal fees to keep themselves in power while they continue to break both Tennessee state law and Deer Ridge property law.
We need your help with the legal fees that will be required to force them to abide by the law - and insure that Deer Ridge Mountain Resort is entitled to free speech like the rest of America.
If you would like to join with others who believe in free speech and believe that all of the 305,000 Home Owner Associations across the nation should be protected from tyrannical boards that ignore the laws, please click the
Donate Button below.
Even a donation of just a few dollars would be very greatly appreciated as a way of showing that we have financial support from thousands of Americans for these important issues!
Thanks so much to all of those of you who have already contributed!
Please help us broadcast this Press Release to others you know who can spread the word. You are welcome to link to this site from Twitter, Facebook or other sites.
With your help we can fight and win this $1 Million lawsuit - and keep this blog active - and an inspiration and model for other HOA Abuse Blogs across the nation.
We are not sure if our mail is being tampered with – but we seem to be having a problem getting all of our mail here. We are already in discussions with the Gatlinburg Postmaster – and from what he has told us, each owner here has a right to 
their own locked post box where our incoming and outgoing mail is not monitored and viewed by RML prior to it being distributed. We know, we are personally losing mail that is being forwarded to us from our condo in Florida – and we and all other owners have a right to mail control and privacy. The Postmaster recommends a community-wide mail box similar to what we have at our condo in Florida. Or, we can have individual mailboxes by each of our trash bins. The photo below shows the one that the Gatlinburg postmaster specifically recommended. He even told us that he gets these back from properties so he can give them or sell them to other properties like Deer Ridge – which means we might not have to pay much if anything for this.
I suppose it is best for me to file a complaint as well.
My mail CONTINUES to be a mess here at Deer Ridge Office. The problem IS at this office/site.
I go to pick up my mail on Monday and was handed ALL of another owner/residents mail, maybe 7 letters. Usually, i get a barrage of mis-sorts but this time i got ALL of another owner/residents mail and ZERO of mine. This problem has been going on for WAY TOO LONG. I ALWAYS know to look at the name on the letters PRIOR to going out the door, as it is screwed up 50% of the time. I always catch it prior to walking out the door, because it occurs so frequently. Thing is, the clerk here at Deer Ridge found ‘humor’ in this, (i later asked another at the desk who confirmed that mistake/behavior to be suspiciously ‘odd’) so i speculate that it might be more than an erroneous error.
I always gave the office/Joe the benefit of the doubt and had believed it was simply sheer stupidity, not intentional….but maybe not! I am tired of opened letters or letter half opened, mail missing or being handed others mail on a regular basis. Who knows where mine goes or if someone else does, or does not bring it back?
WE NEED BOXES PER POST OFFICE so that ONLY the mail carrier handles our mail. I think anyone would feel the same way with their own mail. Do any of you think that is too much to ask? If it were YOUR mail what would you want? Besides, the office should not be ‘bothered’ or spending time with our mail.
I realize that just ‘maybe’ (my opinion) Joe REALLY DOES NOT want Deer Ridge to appear anyone REALLY lives here and mailboxes would PROVE that is a wonderful and viable OPTION! MAILBOXES ~For all his guests to see and his realty business to have to defend. IF that is true that is an amazing desperate and low measure. After all, if it weren’t so, this problem/situation should not still be going on, right?
I personally think both Jamie and Wayne are GREAT folks – and fantastic assets for this property…and certainly don’t think they are ever the problem.
Irrespective of the WHO behind the problem, the problem needs to be solved once and for all with secure mailboxes – where the mail, both in and out, is ONLY handled by the postal person and the owner. Period. This approach also reduces the legal risks to GGRC of issues of mail tampering that it currently faces with the ongoing investigation by the Postal Inspectors of the US Postal Service.
There is plenty of room for the right kind of mailbox, for 84 units and a commercial unit, where the current mailbox sits…or down by the island by us might be even better.
Robert,
This is my opinion, but i really beleive the mail wrong doings in ‘my particular case’ are misfiles. Literally, placing mail in the wrong bin or file. Period.
I have received other residents mail in error as well. So I look at names immediately before i leave the office and hand it back if it is not mine. Problem is some residents do not pick their mail up every day, maybe even once a week. So, if my mail is mis-sorted it becomes more delayed or more of an issue. If it goes in Joe’s stack (ex: electric bill) it really gets dealyed and would push me close to the billing date.
Now, i have rectified this as best as i could by paying most of my bills online, or the ones that i can do so and going paperless. The problem really escalates if i am assisting others using my address with their and my name on the mail. Example: My mothers mail (as i have taken care of her finances from Indiana paying all of her bills) and my x-boss mail (which i take care of his finances when he goes on vacation), which is coming up very soon. It seems to add more confusion to the office filing system, even though my name and address with unit number are on the envelope/s.
I personally beleive this is in MY CASE a clerical office screw up, by whomever grabs the mail from the postal carrier. Simple as that.
As far as the boxes outside that you referred to i wasn’t aware that they have been used even for YEARS. Who told you they were used? For rml arrivals that come in late DeerRidge simply puts the key in an envelope and tapes that envelope with their name and unit number to the outside of the front door. Unless that has changed VERY recently? I truly do not beleive those boxes are ever used. We may not have enough boxes though????
I want to make this very understood ~ This has absolutely nothing to do with Jamie or Wayne, as they do not even work the mail sort shift. I pick up my mail in the evenings when they are there, so they get to dig for me from time to time and i am asking them a lot about certain mail to look for.
I just know that i have a lot of mail mis-sorted into others boxes and i will admit some i never get. When i do find an open or taped back up letter, i figure it may be from whomever filebox it ends up in where maybe the unsuspected resident opens it in error. I feel sure that happened once with my Sevier Co. Electric bill by Joe. Joe was nice enough then to write on the outside of the open envelope that he opened it in error. I was okay with that, as i can see how that could occur. I don’t pay my bills at the last day, so if it gets more than 4 days late, i simply call and get the amount and pay it. I never or rarely ever mail anything here. Not worth the chance of another error on going outbound. Not sure it would happen, but i wouldn’t know if it did until too late.
On a bright note for the office crew, my hats are off as they are good with my meds that i have sent here once per month. I appreciate that.
Honestly, I think it would be easier for everyone concerned on the mail, if we had boxes. That way no one has to deal with it other than the mailcarrier.
Copy of email sent to Luther Parker and the Board of Directors and Joe Thomas, on October 6, 2009:
Luther,
Below is a copy of our formal complaint filed this morning with the US Postal Inspectors regarding the deplorable way mail is handled at Deer Ridge Mountain Resort.
We, and several other resident owners, will no longer tolerate the ongoing tampering with our mail – and demand that the Board of Directors of GGRC immediately solve this problem with proper mail facilities – including totally secured incoming and outgoing mail.
The Gatlinburg Postmaster tells us that we have a right to this mail security with private boxes for ALL owners at Deer Ridge – so you might have Joe Thomas discuss with him what is required for mail security and compliance with the law.
Please be prepared for the upcoming investigation by immediately solving the problem.
Robert
A-202
UPDATE! – FORMAL COMPLAINT FILED WITH POSTAL INSPECTORS
We live at an 84 unit condo complex called Deer Ridge Mountain Resort, Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We have owned this property for over four years – but just recently became a full time resident.
Currently, mail is handled, and mishandled, by the office staff here…there is one large, unsecured mailbox for all incoming and outgoing mail. The office staff retrieves all the mail for everyone from the box once it arrives – and the manager of the property appears to insist on reviewing all of the mail before it is made available for handout to the owners.
On many occasions, we, and others here, are also receiving mail that has already been opened by someone from the office. Clearly, our mail is being tampered with…and we believe intentionally misplaced, lost or delayed in its delivery to us.
We believe that the manager, Joe Thomas, is personally reviewing every item of mail and possibly intercepting some of it. We find him to be highly vindictive against us and other residents here who do not rent out their unit using his property management company.
We understand from the local Postmaster that we have a right to private, securable mailboxes but the manager and the Board of Directors refuse to install proper equipment or allow us to install anything for ourselves.
This is an ongoing problem, affecting many owners, and your help in investigating these issues would be greatly appreciated. Once you contact us, we can give you the names of other owners here who have had the same ongoing, insidious problems.
The manager, Joe Thomas, can be reached at the same address. 3710 Weber Rd. Gatlinburg, TN 37738-6374 / (865) 436-2325
Hi Tina,
Thanks for the post…it is our opinion that mail is being tampered with at the office – and not by Jamie, Wayne or Sandee. We are losing mail, getting mail delayed, etc…including the loss of some very expensive UT football tickets.
We know of other residents here at Deer Ridge who have been so aggravated by tampering and lost mail that they have been motivated to have to spend money renting a box at the Gatlinburg post office.
The boxes at the front door of the office you mention are used for keys for late arriving guests. So they really aren’t available for our mail…plus it doesn’t solve the problem of tampering.
We will be filing a complaint with US Postal Inspectors https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/forms/MLNtRcvd.aspx this week about the way the mail is handled, and mishandled, at Deer Ridge Mountain Resort.
We will let them investigate what REALLY goes on here – and see if they can motivate Joey and the Board to properly solve the problem by installing a property-wide mail system that secures both incoming and outgoing mail for all owners at Deer Ridge.
From what the Postmaster for Deer Ridge has told us, we have a RIGHT to this kind of mail protection. I will do all I can to help all owners have this protection.
I recommend all concerned owners go the above link for the Postal Inspectors and file a complaint – so that we all get a real solution to this real problem – sooner than later.
We live at an 84 unit condo complex called Deer Ridge Mountain Resort, Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We have owned this property for over four years – but just recently became a full time resident.
Currently, mail is handled, and mishandled, by the office staff here…there is one large, unsecured mailbox for all incoming and outgoing mail. The office staff retrieves all the mail for everyone from the box once it arrives – and the manager of the property appears to insist on reviewing all of the mail before it is made available for handout to the owners.
On many occasions, we, and others here, are also receiving mail that has already been opened by someone from the office. Clearly, our mail is being tampered with…and we believe intentionally misplaced, lost or delayed in its delivery to us.
We believe that the manager, Joe Thomas, is personally reviewing every item of mail and possibly intercepting some of it. We find him to be highly vindictive against us and other residents here who do not rent out their unit using his property management company.
We understand from the local Postmaster that we have a right to private, securable mailboxes but the manager and the Board of Directors refuse to install proper equipment or allow us to install anything for ourselves.
This is an ongoing problem, affecting many owners, and your help in investigating these issues would be greatly appreciated. Once you contact us, we can give you the names of other owners here who have had the same ongoing, insidious problems.
UPDATE – WE JUST FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH US POSTAL INSPECTORS – SEE BLOG POSTING
For the past year or more i am having a REAL problem with my mail being mis-sorted at the office here at DeerRidge. Frequently, very frequently, my mail goes into someone elses slot. Get’s opened, or ends up (electic bill) in Joe’s stack in error. Seems at least once a week i am having Wayne or Jamie sort through others slots (they use a basic plastic file folder) to get my mail.
Is there a way we (residents) could use the boxes on the outside of the building, where the mailcarrier could sort the mail into our personal box? That way the office doesn’t have to be bothered. There is sufficient boxes out there now or until the residents become more predominant to aquire new or other boxes. The boxes are located by the realesate guide stand, and they are affixed to the outside of the building. All we need is our keys.
Yes, Neil you are absolutely correct.
Let’s get the website out to ALL other owners and they can read for themselves, if they wish. At the very least it will create an atmosphere where owners are better informed with choices, not in the dark. Soon realize Deer Ridge Mountain Resort is located in America! Not a country where there is dictatorship rule.
For years many RML owners are afraid of being politically incorrect, thus losing RML revenue, if they ask too many quesions or expect answers. They are expected to trust, openly. I guarantee you that because i have been told that numerous times by numerous RML owners.
The greatest ‘seed’ is the ability to have the honest truth and a thought process planted, as it becomes ‘food for thought’. The greatest thing about America is that we are open minded enough to agree to disagree on any topic and that diversity unites us! It also keeps us thinking of others, not just ourselves.
THANK YOU for your expertise Robert and this site, as it is the first step of progress for the betterment of ALL owners, for ALL applications at OUR wonderful resort and homes amd rentals!
tm
You are absolutely correct in that this is a wonderful place to reside, have a rental for family and friends or renting it from a rental company. We are all truly Blessed to live so wonderfully close to such a beautiful vicinity!
You have brought up many Great Points, I stay on the road 4 nights a week, every week, Now for about 18 Yrs… I stay a lot at La Quinta Motels, They do allow pets, And as you said do charge a per night fee for this, and is a great revenue stream and profit center for them, like you say, a manager once told me that people with pets are cleaner, Better guests in general… As a guest I have had only 2-3 times in 18 yrs. that it was a bother to me in another room.
In most condo complexes in Fla. it is understood by renters that, condo owners are the only ones permitted to have pets in the units, and the desk clerks simply tell them that, there are also dog walk areas and strict fines for those not using pooper scoopers or bags…
Time will take care of the change in the Master Deed, as , Like you say, Baby boomers that move to Deer Ridge get to vote on it…
Again I would like to thank Robert and Janet for providing this new blog style website for us to communicate with each other, I hope all owners are made aware of it and a high percentage will register and use it, If owners only read it, that would be O.K.
As people are more fully informed, better things will begin to happen… We all have a Treasure in Owning here at Deer Ridge.
The issue of pets is a very interesting topic. I can see many sides to this. For my own personal side and also for others as well. As it stands now and in the deed, no pets permitted.
If i were a rml participant (manager/staff) i can understand it’s challenges. Who would enforce it if the party did’t use a bark collar or forgot to put in on? It possibly could disrupt others. (although living here probably no more than any other rml guest!) Keep in mind we are talking only ‘dogs’ right at the moment. Also, from working in housekeepng this might relect a higher cleaning fee/charge to guests. I must admit from working here in the past, i truly believe in many cases the dog would be much less destructive and cleaner, than some of the Deer Ridge guests! It would be extra revenue.
On the other hand what if this were a rml, or a non/rml wishing to rent his/her condo for persons with pets? Hmnnn! Interesting as this would create again more revenue for the rml/houskeeping. Most people traveling with pets are happy to pay more to have their ‘kid with fur’ be with them. I would. This number will also increase because of baby boomers with pets that travel. So, on that perspective it truly may just be a beneficial money move toward pet friendly facility and staff. It also shows we have a heart.
Let’s not forget what about guests with seeing eye dogs/handicaped. This is important topic.
Then again, what if you are on the rml, an owner, coming in to use his/her own unit and wish to have or bring your personal pet with you? It is your unit, you own it. You are willing to pay for the extra cleaning charge if there is a problem. Besides that, if Fido chews off the sofa leg….well, it’s yours! You will have to buy your sofa anyway.
What if you are a resident? The rml doesn’t have access to your unit unless you desire and you have to clean it anyway. It may create an issue/problem however if a rml guest sees you with your dog and they wanted to bring their own and were not permitted, creating havoc at the front desk. Driving everyone on staff crazy, then giving them ONE ‘ligitimate reason’ for disliking a resident!
Now….What if it were a cat? No barking, no taking it outdoors.
As more and more residents come on board, this is going to take on a new dimension. There would have to be leash laws, rules/regs, ect…. and remember never make a rule that cannot be enforced. Also, i am sure there would be a list of pets that some would fear!
I would love to hear other comments on this topic. One of the largest reasons i am selling is ‘i simply want a cat!’ So, for me…this topic is utmost important and if it assists others, even if i am gone i think it should be considered and addressed fully. It is or may be part of the future and deserves consideration. We need to look out for everyone.
tm
In Fla. We have indiv. mailbox units beside each building, or at the elevator… We plan to stay at Deer Ridge about 3-5 months a year, “Someday” and would be glad to explore how to have the mailbox units near each building walkway, might mean a few $$$, but it’s going to be NEEDED Soon… The current method is risky, and a long walk for some, I personally NEED the Walk, but some cannot make that walk because of age or infirmity.
By the way, master deed says no pets… not even a dog lover, but my brother-in-law won’t travel without theirs, and the little pup won’t ever see inside a Kennel or “Dog Motel” would like to see if there is any interest in changing that, They have Bark Collars, Pooper Scoopers, Dog Walk / Dog Business areas….