Ogle subdivision on hook for new bridge

LOST NATION – The 802 landowners of this gated community between Dixon and Oregon will shoulder the $220,000 cost to repair a bridge that nearly washed out during heavy rains in late spring.

The eight-member property owners association of the United Lost Lake voted at a special meeting Thursday to charge $275 to every property owner in the subdivision, nearly doubling yearly dues for 2010.

Bills are set to come sometime in March, and owners have until April 30 to pay, or face up to an additional $225 in late fees and near-certain credit collections in court, said Sue Hill, the association’s vice president and covenants commissioner.

Seven inches of rainfall hit southern Ogle County hard on May 31, forcing water in the lakeside subdivision under a narrow bridge with retaining walls that were installed too low. The rush of water washed out backfill, and the road leading up on either side caved in, said Charlie Moore, the association’s parks and roads commissioner.

About 30 residents were marooned for a day, and the county has declined to chip in for rebuilding because the gated subdivision’s charter under Illinois law makes the homeowner’s association responsible for infrastructure maintenance, said Michael Robinson, association secretary.

“Nobody wants to do this, but it’s got to be done,” Robinson said. “One of the drawbacks of a gated community is that you have to pick up the tab for anything that goes wrong.”