Lynden Homestead Residents Grapple with Unresolved Golf Course Dispute

Ongoing legal battles over maintenance fees and ownership have left the community in limbo, impacting basic services and the future of the development.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Residents of the Homestead subdivision in Lynden, Washington, are facing a growing crisis as a six-year legal battle over the community's golf course and common spaces continues to unravel. The situation has escalated beyond disputes over maintenance fees, now impacting basic services like street lighting and threatening the future of the development itself.

Why it matters

The Homestead situation highlights the consequences of unresolved property disputes, as unclear ownership and financial instability have led to the deterioration of community infrastructure and services. The case also raises questions about the role of local government in addressing such complex issues and the challenges faced by homeowners associations in maintaining shared amenities.

The details

The core of the issue stems from a 2020 class action lawsuit filed by residents contesting a $57-per-month increase in maintenance fees. This dispute has spiraled into a complex web of litigation, involving multiple parties, amended complaints, and appeals. The case reached the Washington State Court of Appeals, with plaintiffs seeking control over restrictive covenants and maintenance fee spending. A previous ruling nullified the fee increase, but failed to provide a clear path forward for fee refunds or establishing a homeowners association. The financial woes extend beyond unpaid utility bills, as property taxes on the golf course and open space parcels haven't been paid since 2024, potentially leading to foreclosure by Whatcom County.

  • In early February 2026, streetlights in the Fieldstone area of Homestead began to fail, as Puget Sound Energy (PSE) disconnected service due to unpaid bills.
  • The 2020 class action lawsuit filed by residents contesting a $57-per-month increase in maintenance fees reached the Washington State Court of Appeals.
  • The former owner, 18 Paradise, was administratively dissolved by the Washington Secretary of State in December 2025.

The players

Homestead subdivision

A residential development in Lynden, Washington, where the ongoing legal dispute over the community's golf course and common spaces is taking place.

IMM Capital Advisors

The current deed holder for the Homestead property, but facing over $8 million in liens.

18 Paradise

The previous owner of the Homestead property, which was administratively dissolved by the Washington Secretary of State in December 2025.

Morris Chen

The former owner of 18 Paradise, who is reportedly living on another continent.

Possinger Law Group

The law firm representing MJ Management, which is attempting to collect unpaid maintenance fees from 2020-2023 to refund overpaying homeowners.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Washington Court of Appeals is expected to reach a decision on the Homestead case within the next few months, but the lack of legal representation for the former owner, 18 Paradise, is further delaying the process.

The takeaway

The Homestead situation highlights the complex challenges faced by homeowners associations and local communities when property ownership and financial responsibilities are unclear. The case underscores the need for effective dispute resolution mechanisms and stronger oversight to protect the interests of residents and preserve shared community assets.