June 2013 POA Newsletter 6-10-2013 · 2016-05-16 · violation can be irrefutable. Importantly,...
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COOSAW CREEK OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION JUNE 2013 NEWSLETTER
Transcript of June 2013 POA Newsletter 6-10-2013 · 2016-05-16 · violation can be irrefutable. Importantly,...
COOSAW CREEK
OWNERS’
ASSOCIATION
JUNE 2013
NEWSLETTER
BOARD OF BOARD OF BOARD OF BOARD OF DIRECTORSDIRECTORSDIRECTORSDIRECTORS
Dan Svrcek-President
Mark Bauknight-Vice President
Rich Symuleski-Secretary
Bob Ballister-Treasurer
Torsten Kunze-Director
Terry Cosker-Director
Clint Noren-Director
Sherry Abell-Property Manager
Laura Bush-Office Manager
Property Owners’ Office Phone
843-767-9000 ex.t 223 or 224
New North Charleston
Police Dept.
Non-Emergency Number
(843) 743-7200
Report Suspicious Activity
The Architectural Review
Board
Meetings are scheduled on
1st and 3rdWednesday of
each month.
COOSAW IS CHANGING
That’s right folks. Coosaw is changing and it’s for the better. We have undertaken
a project which will go a long way towards improving the aesthetic appeal of our
community and save us money in the long run too! Within the coming months we
will be installing new street sign and traffic sign poles that will eliminate the costly
maintenance of our aging wood post. Our current posts are, in many cases, more
than twenty years old and in need of repair, replacement or periodic painting. The
new poles we will be installing are a decorative black aluminum and are virtually
maintenance free. We will also be combining a fair number of street sings with
traffic signs which will eliminate over twenty traffic sign poles which will give our
intersections a cleaner and more uncluttered look. One important reason for the
update is public safety. Emergency Services (EMS, police, fire) need well-
maintained street signage to find us in times of need. In this regard, the City of
North Charleston has been very helpful in planning and design and in covering
“public safety” costs aspects of these new signs. Coosaw Creek will be responsible
for some of the costs of the signs, the removal and disposal of the old signs and
installation of the new signs. We owe Mayor Keith Summey and Councilman Ron
Brinson special “thank you’s”.
Once we are well on our way to switching out the street sign and traffic sign poles we’ll be
looking at up grading our street lights to a higher quality fixture like those found around E.
Fairway Woods and Herons Walk. Again, this would be a significant aesthetic improvement to
our community and would also go a long way to a more uniform appearance. Additionally, there
is an important safety enhancement since the new light bulbs will produce more light over a
greater area. There is little cost for this beneficial development other than a slight increase in the
monthly S.C.E.&G. rate. The new fixtures and the cost of installation is free. We’ll also have
those poles that are not “quite straight” repositioned so they reflect the pride and attention to
detail that is intrinsic in Coosaw. Our mailboxes fall into the same category as our street sign post
- aging, in need of constant repair or replacement, painting, etc. The labor cost alone is reason
enough to move forward with this replacement project using a more durable, maintenance free
mailbox. Although this improvement is still in the planning stages, there’s little doubt we’ll be
seeing new mailboxes in the near future.
As with the beautification project where our old POA office building site, all of these
undertakings and improvements are dedicated to; first, saving us money in the long run and;
second, improving the appearance and safety of our community which relates directly to our real
estate values. And, as many of you know, real estate values have been a very hot topic lately.
We’ll keep doing our best to protect and improve the investment we all have here in Coosaw.
Our mailboxes fall into the same category as our street sign post - aging, in need of constant
repair or replacement, painting, etc. The labor cost alone is reason enough to move forward with
this replacement project using a more durable, maintenance free mailbox. Although this
improvement is still in the planning stages, there’s little doubt we’ll be seeing new mailboxes in
the near future.
C.C.O.A.
Board of Directors
NEED TO FILE A
COMPLAINT?
Please know that we accept, investigate and act on
all legitimate complaints. Complaints can be made
at the Association office or in person (4110 Club
Course Dr.) , by phone (767-9000 ext. 223 or 224) or
e-mail ([email protected] or
[email protected]). You can also call or e-
mail any board member to register a
complaint. Anonymous complaints may be
investigated as time permits but may not be acted
upon without verification.
For us to act on a complaint we need four things:
• We need your name and contact information
• We need the nature of the complaint
• We need the day (date) and time the complaint
was observed
• We need the exact location of the complaint and
names if available
Sometimes we will need you to keep a record of a
recurring violation such as barking dogs, illegal use
of private golf carts, speeding, etc. Building an
accurate and well documented history of a recurring
violation can be irrefutable.
Importantly, please know that we never reveal the
name of any person filing a complaint. That
information is kept private and is only known to the
person receiving the complaint or, if the violation
goes to Executive Session, the board.
DRAINAGE & WETLANDS
This year, between Eadie’s, KAN Construction
and Harry Johnson, we have conducted repairs to
our storm water system and wetlands in over a
dozen locations on Arthur Hills Circle, Club
Course Drive, Persimmon Woods Drive, West
Fairway Woods and Wild Thicket. There are
several reasons for the issues that have arisen.
The drainage system is for the most part, over 20
years old. Recent years of drought have resulted
in settling and soil compaction. Heavy rains this
spring, over 9 inches above normal through April,
have put abnormal stress on the drain lines to
storm drain boxes, causing caving around some of
the boxes. All of the boxes have been inspected
since last fall and with the exception of boxes
along West Fairway Woods, have been found to
be free of accumulated debris. The boxes and
drainage lines along West Fairway were cleaned
by Eadie’s in April. We still have some work to
be completed in the wetlands adjacent to West
Fairway Woods, and along Persimmon Woods
drive where there is some soil erosion under the
curb, and an extension of a French Drain needs to
be installed.
There has been recent activity by Lennar Homes
on the Heape-McKewn tract which is adjacent to
our north boundary along the 5th Fairway. Lennar
Homes is under contract to purchase this tract, but
they have not yet closed on the property. They
have stated that they want to be good neighbors
and are looking forward to meeting with us in
June. At that time they expect to speak more
openly about their upcoming project. We are
reviewing the revised Planned Development
District to determine what impacts, if any, this
residential development will have on previously
agreed to buffers, our adjacent wetlands, and
storm water drainage system. We will be sure to
keep the community informed in a timely manner
as Lennar’s plans and information develop.
WE’VE NOTICED
Yes, we've noticed that
many of our residents
are complying with our
request which we made
in our last newsletter
asking that anytime a
resident is hosting an
event, all guests park
on the same side of the
street as the hosting
home.
Most importantly, it's a
safety issue but it's also
for the protection and
convenience of all
residents. We need to
keep emergency access
lanes open on our
narrow streets. We
thank you for your
understanding an
cooperation.
And on the subject of
parking, please
remember that there is
no routine over night
on street parking.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
SUSTAINING COOSAW'S HOME VALUES
Your home's market value is influenced by the condition and appearance of your property, by your
neighbors' property, and by the community. Your Architectural Review Board (ARB) functions to sustain
the high standards of our community through a process of approving new construction and modifications
to existing homes and yards in accordance with our Covenants and Guidelines. Also, we work closely
with the City to assure compliance with codes, laws, and zoning restrictions. The City, likewise,
coordinates work permits and building applications through the ARB to assure Coosaw Covenants and
ARB Guidelines are observed. This process is in place to help each property owner and the entire
community maintain its attractive appearance, excellent condition, and solid home values.
Below are listed some items which have recently become ARB issues of concern;
a. Railings, posts, and banisters on decks and porches must be painted. No exposed raw or weathered
lumber is permitted on vertical surfaces. Paint colors must agree with approved house colors. The only
unpainted outdoor exposed surface that can remain unpainted is decking.
b. Replacing roofs, even with the same color and quality, requires ARB approval and City work permits.
Architectural Shingles are required.
c. Any modifications to yards and landscaping requires a drainage plan be submitted for approval. As we
cover our yards with pools, patios, walkways, and such, storm water runoff may be diverted to neighbor's
or common properties with unwanted problems.
The ARB is available to help homeowners understand the restrictions of our Covenants and Guidelines.
So when planning a project call the ARB for assistance or with questions you may have. We are located at
the Club, call 843-767-9000 Extension 223 or 224. We appreciate your cooperation in applying early for
proposed modifications to your home and yard. The ARB meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each
month.
Safety and Security Committee Community Monthly
Newsletter Announcement Coosaw Creek C.C. POA maintains a contract with the City of North Charleston Police Department to provide
part-time police patrol services (12 hours per week) to our community.
This service is in addition to the regular patrol and calls for service that are routinely provided to us by NCPD.
Officers may conduct patrols in both marked and unmarked vehicles and/or on foot when appropriate.
This extra patrol service is designed to be proactive in nature and provide the following primary benefits to our
community:
• Proactive Crime Prevention and Deterrence
• Traffic Enforcement and Safety
• Calls for Service
• Special Attention to Community and Private Property
• Home Checks While Residents Are Away/ Vacation
• Traffic Enforcement
Coosaw Creek is a private gated community, however, the laws/ordinances of the City of North Charleston and the
State of South Carolina are applicable and in full force here within our community. This includes the SC Vehicle &
Traffic Law. For the safety of all residents of our community, especially our children, these laws will be strictly
enforced. The Traffic Control Devices contained here within, (Speed Limit Signs - Stop Signs) are State
Approved and must be obeyed as on any other SC Roadway.
The Posted Community Speed Limit is 25 MPH. Stop Signs require that the motorist come to a Full and
Complete Stop. A regular on-going problem area continues to be the full length of Club Course Drive and the
four-way stop intersections along this road. For this reason, this area has been designated to receive special
attention by NCPD. Violators may receive a summons or a warning if stopped.
Complaints against Police Personnel Process
Sworn Law Enforcement Officers are duty-bound to treat all citizens with the utmost courtesy and respect and in a
fair and ethical manner.
All matters dealing with questions of ethical, legal or officer conduct issues (Complaints against Officers) should
be channeled directly to the City of North Charleston Police Department, Internal Affairs Unit. Community
residents are reminded that the Coosaw POA Board has no authority to receive and mediate disputes and/or
complaints between citizens and city police personnel.
Any Citizen, Resident, or Non-Resident, Guest of Coosaw C.C. who feels that they have been treated unfairly, unethically or in an unprofessional manner by any Police Officer of the City of North Charleston. should submit
their complaint directly to NCPD Internal Affairs. The contact telephone number for filing an official complaint
with NCPD Internal Affairs Unit is (843) 554-5700.
Safety & Security Committe
New North Charleston Police Dept.
Non-Emergency Number
(843) 743-7200
Report Suspicious Activity!!!
It is that time of year again when school is out and there are lots of kids on our community streets and
sidewalks. It is also time to remind Community Residents about the legal, safe and responsible
operation of Golf Carts on our Community Roadways.
We again this year are seeing underage, unlicensed, children unsafely and illegally operating Golf Carts
on our community streets. This is an accident waiting to happen!!
Golf Cart Owners and Parents are reminded of the following:Golf Carts require both a POA and State of SC Registration and Permit. (see attached)
Golf Carts cannot be operated during nighttime (dusk till dawn) hours even if your Golf Cart is
equipped with headlights and running tail lamps. Daytime Only Operation!
Golf Carts may only be operated on secondary roadways.
An Operator of a Golf Cart must hold a valid Driver’s License and be at least 16 years old.
Front Gate – Staff Guard Force
Community Residents are reminded that the Guard Force stationed at our Front Gate are not Sworn
Law Enforcement Officers. They have no investigative or arrest powers, do not perform community
patrol functions/duties and will not respond to calls for service from residents etc.
Their primary staff duty function is to manage the control and flow of authorized/permitted traffic in
and out of our community complex through the front gate.
If you have security concerns unrelated to the front gate please contact any of the following POA Safety
and Security Committee Members:
Torsten Kunze - 760-3062
David Stinson - 552-0280
Stan Hall - 552-7203
If you have an emergency situation please call 911.
GOLF CARTS
GOLF CARTS
CURRENT (2013) SOUTH CAROLINA GOLF CART LAWS
STATE RULES FOR OPERATING GOLF CARTS ON PUBLIC STREETS
SECTION 56-2-105
Golf cart permit and the operation of a golf cart
(A) For the purposes of this section, “gated community” means any homeowners’ community with at least one
access-controlled ingress and egress which includes the presence of a guard house, a mechanical barrier, or another
method of controlled conveyance.
(B) An individual or business owner of a vehicle commonly known as a golf cart may obtain a permit decal and
registration from the Department of Motor Vehicles upon presenting proof of ownership and liability insurance for
the golf cart and upon payment of a five dollar fee.
(1) During daylight hours only, a permitted golf cart may be operated within four miles of the address on the
registration certificate and only on a secondary highway or street for which the posted speed limit is thirty-five miles
an hour or less.
(2) During daylight hours only, a permitted golf cart may be operated within four miles of a point of ingress and
egress to a gated community and only on a secondary highway or street for which the posted speed limit is thirty-
five miles an hour or less.
(3) During daylight hours only, within four miles of the registration holder’s address, and while traveling along a
secondary highway or street for which the posted speed limit is thirty-five miles an hour or less, a permitted golf cart
may cross a highway or street at an intersection where the highway has a posted speed limit of more than thirty-five
miles an hour.
(4) During daylight hours only, a permitted golf cart may be operated along a secondary highway or street for which
the posted speed limit is thirty-five miles an hour or less on an island not accessible by a bridge designed for use by
automobiles.
(C) A person operating a permitted golf cart must be at least sixteen years of age and hold a valid driver’s license.
The operator of a permitted golf cart being operated on a highway or street must have in his possession:
(1) the registration certificate issued by the department;
(2) proof of liability insurance for the golf cart; and
(3) his driver’s license.
(D) (1) A golf cart permit must be replaced with a new permit every five years, or at the time the permit holder
changes his address.
(2) Golf cart owners holding golf cart permits on or before October 1, 2012, will have until September 30, 2015, to
obtain a replacement permit.
(E) A political subdivision may, on designated streets or roads within the political subdivision’s jurisdiction, reduce
the area in which a permitted golf cart may operate from four miles to no less than two miles. However, a political
subdivision may not reduce or otherwise amend the other restrictions placed on the operation of a permitted golf cart
contained in this section.
(F) The provisions of this section that restrict the use of a golf cart to certain streets, certain hours, and certain
distances shall not apply to a golf cart used by a public safety agency in connection with the performance of its
duties.
The last major re-surfacing of our community’s
roads occurred in June 2009, when we ground,
milled and put down 2 inches of asphalt from
the Gate House to the intersection of Club
Course Drive and Club Course Drive, just past
the Club House. A total of 1.1 miles of road
was re-surfaced at a cost of $227K. In the
interim, we have conducted annual inspections
of the road surfaces and focused on re-building
our Capital Reserves Fund. As of April 30, we
had $611K in our Capital Reserves Fund, and
we are in a better financial position to re-pave
our surfaces in need of repair.
To put the 2009 repaving job into perspective,
if that work were done today, construction cost
inflation over the intervening years would bring
the total cost to about $245K. The Board has
budgeted $310K for road re-surfacing in 2013.
Over the next few months, we plan to re-inspect
our roads, engaging the repaving contractor
who encouraged us to defer re-surfacing after
he inspected our roads in 2011. Any re-
surfacing deemed necessary will be
competitively bid. We are also looking at
Micro Surfacing, an alternative to the
conventional re-surfacing we did in 2009.
Micro Surfacing eliminates the milling step and
allows for faster cure times This summer the
City intends to re-surface Club Corse Drive
from Patriot Boulevard to Dorchester Road and
Dorchester Road from Ashley Phosphate Road
to Trolley Road. By scheduling our work after
the work for the City has been completed we
may be able to save substantially on equipment
positioning costs.
ROAD REPAVING
We will advise the
community in advance
of what road work will
be done and the
schedule for the
repairs.
Landscape Committee News
Landscaping at the site of the old POA Building:
Thank you for the many positive comments on the newly installed landscaping in the former POA Office
area. The Landscape Committee was directed by the Board to retain a designer, propose a final design
plan and seek competitive bids from at least three companies. After evaluating the three proposals, the
committee recommended and the Board approved, Horizon Landscape Management to complete the
work.
The design aim was twofold, first, to continue the existing theme of greater openness at the neighborhood
entrance that began with the monument redesign a few years ago and, second, we simply needed to create
a pleasing screen for the homes on Arthur Hills Circle across from the pond. The committee chose to
employ Landscape Designer Paula Bishop to propose the initial plan which retained virtually all existing
landscape elements and incorporated additional elements to further complement the plan. The massive
asphalt parking lot was removed and replaced by a broad expanse of grass. Her plan also included adding
more trees and smaller shrubs and grasses to complement the remaining elements. The added trees will
mature and become a layered backdrop for the grassy areas in front as you approach the main gate. The
committee has recommended that the number and placement of signs along the entrance be examined to
better serve our guests. The committee also wants to install additional landscape lighting to further
highlight some of the new features.
The committee plans to remove the aging and diseased juniper along the curb of the center island and
outbound lane and replace it with sod to complement the inbound look. As funds become available a
complementing design for the Guard House Island will be developed.
Thus far the entire landscaping project has cost a little or $20,000 with the final figures yet to be
determined.
Dear Fellow Resident:
The 2013 Hurricane Season will be on us in a few days. I am taking this opportunity to communicate with you
directly to make you aware of a number of changes in the State of South Carolina’s, and the Low-Country’s
Counties’ Hurricane Plans that have an impact on all of us.
Three major things have changes over this past year. First, the Corps of Engineers has updated its regional SLOSH
maps associated with various Hurricane Categories. They highlight high tides, surge tides, projected rainfalls, and of
course winds. Secondly, the Tri-Counties are utilizing a more advanced forecasting model called HAZUS to define
their risk levels as Hurricane tracks are forecasted by NOAA and the National Hurricane Center. Lastly, the State
has done away with Voluntary Evacuations and when required, will simply issue a “Mandatory Evacuation Order.”
The Coosaw Creek Community is within Evacuation Zone B. Zone B encompasses Daniel Island, the City of
Charleston, City of North Charleston and all of Wescott Plantation. Because Daniel Island and the City of
Charleston are but a few feet above sea-level, even a Hurricane Category 1, that comes directly at those two
locations, can trigger a Mandatory Governor’s Evacuation order. Thus you and your family will be faced with the
issue of complying with the Governor’s Order, or to ignore it. If you comply with the “Governor’s Mandatory
Evacuation Order,” after it is issued you will be asked to leave via the designated Evacuation Route for Coosaw
Creek Residents – Dorchester Road to Old Orangeburg Pike to Orangeburg. If you leave prior to the issuance of a
Mandatory Evacuation Order you are free to use any of the road nets to exit the Low Country Area.
If there is a Mandatory Evacuation Order you should be aware of two aspects. First, the risks associated of staying
behind in Coosaw Creek, and secondly, if you evacuate – the Re-Entry Process back into the Zone B Evacuation
Zone and our community - Coosaw Creek.
We have been in extensive dialogue with the Dorchester County and Charleston County Emergency Management
Services. You should be aware that Non-compliance to a Governor’s Mandatory Evacuation Order within the City
of North Charleston Law and Order jurisdiction and Dorchester County Emergency Medical and Fire Services will
be handled on a basis of “you stay in your Coosaw Creek home at your own risk,” and if you ask for help – the
two options are, 1) those assets will not be placed at risk and, 2) there are no other higher priorities.”
The Re-Entry Process back into Evacuation Zone B will be authorized by the Governor in collaboration with the
Tri-County Emergency Management Services. It will be done so on a phased basis. This community will attempt to
have selected POA Staff and Disaster Preparedness CERT Staff return in the initial reentry phases and expect that
homeowners will only be authorized to return to the community in later phases. Perhaps 3-5 days after a Hurricane
has passes through the Low Country area.
We have attached the latest version of the Charleston County Homeowner’s Hurricane Guide. Please peruse it
carefully and take the suggested preparatory steps from both a planning standpoint and also look closely at the
recovery phase actions on the backside of a Hurricane that may have damaged your property.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
FINANCIAL UPDATE FOR JUNE 2013
The good news is that for the first 1/3 of 2013 the POA is showing a 5% surplus over budgeted expenses.
This should even out in the coming months due to the cost of landscaping the area which was occupied
by the old POA office. We have added an additional $50,000 to our Reserve Account while we seek out
the best possible way to address the re-paving of our roadways.
Due to the diligent work of our staff the POA has been able to collect $ 91,439.33 of delinquent
assessment debt from previous years. The current status for the 2013 assessment shows that we are at a
96% paid level. This is the first time the assessment compliance rate has been this high, this early in the
year, in several years. Hopefully this year we can achieved that 100% mark.
We look forward to seeing you at the Coosaw Creek Country Club 20th anniversary celebration on
Friday, July 5th and enjoy a grand fireworks display co-hosted by the POA and the CCCC.
PROPERTY LOAN AGREEMENTIt gives us great pleasure to report that on Thursday, June 6, 2013, the Board signed a five year fixed rate
mortgage agreement with Capital Bank for the properties we own on three corners at the intersections of
Club Course Drive and Patriot Boulevard. Currently, we hold an adjustable rate mortgage which expires
in December. The new mortgage rate is 4.95% and the total administrative cost (loan commitment fee)
was only $1,500. – no lawyers’ fees, no bank fees, no appraisal fees, no closing costs. The Board
unanimously voted in favor of the new fixed rate loan.
The current appraisal on the properties made for the bank is $720,000., or just about what we paid for
them in December, 2008. This confirms that the properties are a good investment, and as we notice the
“For Sale” signs along Patriot Boulevard near Appian Way, we can feel confident that our intersection
property is protected from further development and under the control of Coosaw Creek residents. The
mortgage rate is below national average rates for un-developed land and reflects our excellent credit
rating. It cannot go without saying that the Board owes a great deal of thanks to Ron Brinson for
assisting the Board in coordinating this transaction which saved the board members a tremendous
amount of time and effort. Thanks, Ron!
New North Charleston Police Dept.
Non-Emergency Number
(8430 743-7200
Report Suspicious Activity
CORNER AT WESCOTT UPDATE
Here's the very latest information about the stores going into
The Corner at Wescott. The following stores have signed a
lease:
Harris Teeter
Marshalls
Pet Supplies Plus
Starbucks
Rack Room Shoes
Great Clips
Nail Salon
Jersey Mikes
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Chinese Take-Out
TCBY
Sandy’s Dry Cleaners
There are another 12,000 sq ft of leases, either out for
signature, or in negotiations. More updates will follow.
North Charleston District 4 Updates – Councilman Ron Brinson
What’s Taking So Long … with the 2,800-foot “shared-use” bike and walk path on Patriot Boulevard, between Club Course
and the “hair-pin?” This project, already popular with walkers and bikers, is technically not yet complete, and those eye-tiring
silt fences and highway alert signs will remain in place until it is. S.C. Department of Transportation reports it’s getting close.
The lingering concerns are the limited success of the hydra-seeding of the drainage bank and some general drainage issues.
Please be patient a little longer. The City plans some “street-scape” landscaping once the project is deemed “completed.”
And What’s Taking So Long … with the Wescott traffic circle? This project has been beset with bad weather and bad timing.
In a word, it needed more work than initially thought. But the city’s public works team leaders report they expect to begin anew
very soon, first correcting the perpetual drainage issues and then repairing curbing, installing new landscaping, lighting and
signage. (I have no explanation for the art work placed there as part of the city’s “arts” festival.)
Dorchester Road Re-Surfacing has begun and will continue steadily toward Ladson Road.
The Fiscal 2014 City Budget is now under consideration by Council. As North Charleston’s population has leaped over the
100,000 threshold, the city budget is knocking on the $100 million door. My view is that Mayor Summey and his staff do a
good job of financial management. The addition of 23 policemen and 12 firemen are the big incremental operating costs factors.
Increased operating costs also are associated with the new $14.1 million Wescott ball fields, park and community center
complex, and with the scheduled opening of the city’s new $43.5 million public works campus now under construction off
Aviation Avenue. Business-related revenues in our growing city are projected to offset most of the increases in operating costs.
For Fiscal 2014, property tax revenues are $43.5 million, and police and fire protection operations are budgeted at $50.8
million. Interestingly, Mayor Summey has proposed a one mill property tax increase which will produce about $480,000. So,
the proposed budget confirms the obvious -- the city’s operating costs have increased as the city has grown and police and fire
services have expanded. Business operations throughout the city have expanded as well and business-induced revenues take
pressure off property tax bases. When the budget drafting process began, the projected shortfall was six to seven mills. The
mayor and his staff systematically whittled that down to the one mill tax increase now proposed. I’ve asked the mayor to
consider “managing” the $480,000 revenue shortfall without the minimal tax increase. He is very convincing in his view that
this would not be in the city’s best interest, but he did tell me that projections of costs and revenues for the next two years
suggest that no further property tax millage will be needed over that period. The proposed budget is a long and detailed
document. You can review this information at www.ronbrinson.com and I would welcome your comment and counsel.
The Fort Dorchester Residential Association’s recent meeting featured a progress report by Cameron Zurbruegg the
Developer of The Corner at Wescott shopping center. He told an audience of 62 residents that the project is quickly over-
coming weather and regulatory delays and the first stores should be open in early 2014. He confirmed that in addition to Harris
Teeter and Marshall’s, there will be a Starbuck’s, Moe’s, Jersey Mike’s sub-shop, and possibly another casual dining sports bar
restaurant. And there will be a pet store, nail salon, liquor store, mattress shop…..and many other possibilities. He also indicated
his positive outlook that the property west of Lowe’s will join the development cycle as the Corner at Wescott becomes
operational. The next meeting of the FDRA will be August 5 and the guest speaker will be Butch Barfield, our city’s homeland
security and emergency preparedness coordinator. Look for further details in this newsletter. And all residents of Council
Districts 4 and 9 are considered members of the FDRA. For further information, contact Dr. Warren McCarl at
The Wescott Ballfields, Community Center and Park Complex is progressing towards several points of completion. The
contractor has projected the ball fields will be ready for a scheduled tournament in July. Design planning will begin soon for the
doggy-park.
Share this newsletter/update with your neighbors, and I’ll be glad to add them to the distribution list. They need only contact me
at [email protected]. Please always let me know how I can help you and be assured I welcome your comments and counsel.
At our last annual meeting this past December there were two motions presented by attendees for
consideration by the entire membership. The first motion addressed the maximum amount of funds that
the Association could expend on any single new purchase. This would not include any type of
expenditure such as road maintenance, landscaping or safety and security contracts, regular maintenance,
salaries, recurring expenses, etc. The emphasis here is on new purchases. The second motion was related
to Cumulative Voting which is currently permitted and stated in our By-Laws, ARTICLE V, Section 2.,
Election. Cumulative voting allows a member to cast all their votes for one candidate instead of casting
one vote for each candidate. (Example: If there are three candidates up for election a member could cast
three votes of one candidate and not vote for the other two candidates.)
The membership will have an opportunity to vote on these two motions this December at our next annual
meeting. The motions will be presented on a ballot along with recommendations from the board.
LENNAR LAND DEVELOPMENT
Thursday afternoon, June 6, 2013, the board and several homeowners met with LENNAR representatives
(Land Property Manager, Director of Land and the Coastal Carolina Division President) to discuss their
development project of the Heape-McKewn tract which is adjacent to our northern boundary. They
reported that they had closed on the property on Monday, June 10th and want to be good neighbors with
Coosaw. They assured us that they will maintain the original fifty (50) foot undisturbed buffer along the
length of our shared property line to include a five (5) foot fence easement. The added good news is that
they are willing to discuss building a fence along the shared property line which would save the Owners
Association considerable money. This particular issue is still needs to be finalized and may not happen till
they develop the section where we share a common property line and that will be the final phase of their
project. They further stated that their project is without any apartment buildings or attached homes and
the density is less than the original plan. LENNAR intends to build somewhat upscale homes and expects
to sell them at a higher price point than some of the surrounding neighborhoods. There is no drainage
plan available at this time but we will have a copy of it as it is made available. The development will
have one access and exit road which will be located just to the far side (north) of the apartments being
built on Patriot Blvd. They hope to break ground for phase one sometime this summer. LENNAR has
agreed to meet with us and any affected homeowners at a later date yet to be determined. We will have
representatives present at the June 10th Planning commission meeting and will keep the Coosaw
community informed about this development as it progresses.
