(Celebration, Florida) The Town Walt Built. Property Poetry.

In 11-square miles, with pastel-colored condos and warmly hued-homes,

Like the Magic Kingdom nearby, there opened a master-planned community.

Walt himself dreamed of a Disney-themed town that the company owned,

Named “Celebration” with housing, shopping, and public space in proximity.

Now 20 years later, the company sold the center of the city,

The condo owners have filed suit asking for repairs.

The legal claim about the condition is more than whether they’re pretty,

But the new owners, Lexin Capital, claim the fault is not theirs.

Even if this new urbanism seemed like the perfect plan,

Walt isn’t here to take care of the citizens.

This was the early vision of the man,

Yet property management and maintenance takes discipline.

Disney provided vision, money, and development of aesthetics,

At the beginning, it hired architects, builders, and planners.

“Now, we’re slapping on whitewash, or lipstick on a pig,” a board member said it’s pathetic.

Neighbors treat each other well; however, even Democrats show Republicans good manners.

Repair, replacement, and maintenance could cost over 15 million dollars,

A Utopian population of about 10 thousand, worry about resale value of property.

Disney sold its interest over 8-years ago, and now claims they only control exterior paint colors,

The name “Celebration” in its current condition, they say, turns Walt's vision into mockery.

(end)

Adapted from an article I read by @LauraKusisto

http://www.wsj.com/articles/leaks-and-mold-are-ruining-the-disney-magic-in-celebration-florida-1479249246

Poetry ©Mark H. Pillsbury (2016)