Homeowners at The Retreat at Water’s Edge are asking a judge to stop the development’s operator from exercising control over their community, alleging that unpaid taxes, unfinished amenities and financial judgments have put shared property at risk.

In a motion for injunctive relief filed in Grundy County Chancery Court, the homeowners ask that Retreat at Water’s Edge LLC and Claude William Hayes be barred from acting as the development’s operator while litigation proceeds. They also seek a courtsupervised election to turn control of the homeowners association over to property owners.

The filing is a request for temporary court action, not a ruling on the underlying allegations. The Retreat at Water’s Edge is described in the filing as a 202-lot tinyhome and vacation community near Fiery Gizzard Lake. Homeowners say they were promised a private lake, trails, docks, kayak access, playgrounds, pavilions, pools and other amenities, but several improvements remain unfinished.

The motion alleges that developer control should have ended under the community’s governing declaration and that a later land dedication did not legally extend that control. It also challenges a 2022 amendment restricting tiny-home purchases and rentals through businesses affiliated with Hayes.

According to the filing, Retreat at Water’s Edge LLC was administratively dissolved by the Tennessee secretary of state in August 2024. The homeowners contend that the dissolved company and Hayes-affiliated entities have nevertheless continued to exercise authority over association matters, assessments and common property.

Property taxes are a central concern. The motion states that common areas faced a tax sale scheduled for March 17, 2026, and that homeowners paid back taxes to prevent the sale. It alleges taxes remained outstanding for 2022 through 2024 when the underlying lawsuit was filed.

The homeowners also cite tax liens, other litigation and financial judgments involving Hayes or affiliated companies. An exhibit includes a July 2026 Williamson County court order awarding Ferguson Enterprises LLC a judgment of $56,460.46 against Oakstone Land and Capital LLC and Hayes, jointly and severally.

The filing says Oakstone still holds title to some common areas and argues that judgments or liens could threaten property intended for the community’s use. Those concerns are allegations advanced by the homeowners in support of emergency relief.

As their preferred remedy, the homeowners ask the court to order the turnover of association records, bank accounts, contracts and membership lists, followed by an election of a homeowner-controlled board. If that cannot be done promptly, they request appointment of a receiver to protect shared property, address taxes and maintenance, account for assessments and supervise an election.

The motion names several homeowners as plaintiffs and lists Retreat at Water’s Edge LLC, Retreat Vacations LLC, Hayes and Oakstone Land and Capital LLC among the defendants. It was submitted by attorney Thomas K. Austin.