TEXAS CITY — For many homeowners in the Lago Mar community, the neighborhood lagoon wasn’t just an amenity—it was the centerpiece of a lifestyle they say they were promised.

Now, after sitting empty for more than six months, residents are raising concerns about transparency, accountability, and where their HOA fees are going.

“It was the biggest selling point,” said resident Ruben Landon Dante. “The lagoon was definitely a central part of what we were paying for here.”

The lagoon, once marketed as a resort-style attraction and a focal point of the community, has been closed since October 5th for repairs. While residents say they understood the need for maintenance, many are frustrated with what they describe as long delays and limited communication.

“They closed October 5th… and then did nothing for five months before they started repairs,” said resident Leah Froelich.

Families say the closure has had a direct impact on daily life—especially for those who moved in expecting easy access to the amenity.

“Kids are restless… we pay for this, so having to pay for something extra—it’s inconvenient,” said resident Kayla Hill.

Despite the lagoon being unusable, residents say their HOA fees have remained the same. Some also claim other promised features—like manned security and additional amenities—have yet to materialize.

“We paid for the lagoon… and it’s been down since October 5th,” Hill added.

Beyond the closure itself, many homeowners say their biggest concern is the lack of clear communication.

“Very generic, very vague,” Hill said. “I felt like it was like a ChatGPT response.”

Residents describe being passed between different contacts when trying to get answers, often without resolution.

“You get a runaround,” Froelich said. “I want to see communication, clarity, and fiscal transparency. Where is our money going?”

In a statement to KGTX Action 7, the lagoon’s developer says the site is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation aimed at long-term improvements.

“We are undertaking these improvements to ensure we continue to… operate a state-of-the-art amenity,” the statement reads. “We understand that the duration of the repairs has been lengthy and for that we are sorry.”

The developer also says the lagoon is scheduled to begin refilling, adding that safety and quality remain top priorities.

Still, for many residents, the issue goes beyond construction timelines.

They say it’s about trust—and whether the community they bought into will ultimately deliver on its promises.