Residents' Letter to Atlantic Coast Properties

January 22, 2008

James B. Luquire
c/o Atlantic Coast Properties
2042 Columbia Highway North
Aiken, South Carolina 29805

Jimmy,

This letter will serve as formal notification of my concerns relative to the function and practices of the Summer Lakes Homeowner's Association, presently controlled by and under the direction of Atlantic Coast Properties, Inc. Please do not hesitate to contact me if there are questions concerning the below listed items.

Among my concerns are:

1) The covenants and restrictions that apply to Summer Lakes are very specific and detailed but have been regularly ignored and/or changed for individuals with little or no input from the property owners in Summer Lakes. We purchased our property in Summer Lakes based upon several aspects of the area, one of the most significant was the set of covenants that we, and everyone else buying property here, were required to sign. I understand such minor things as a foot or two variance in the setback, color schemes, or size and design of outbuildings and structures. But when the restrictions on fences, the architecture and size of the dwelling, and basic design requirements are routinely violated with the approval of the Architectural Review Board, I become concerned. The homeowners should have voting representation on the ARB. Atlantic Coast Properties should realize that the company no longer has total interest in the development. That changed when they sold the first lot to a homeowner, but ACP is operating as if they have full control and interest. The homeowners must have a voice in the operation of the Homeowner's Association.

2) I have paid over $1,800 in association fees since I have lived here and have seen no accounting of the expenditure of this money. There should be an accounting to the property owners as to the total amount collected, how this money is spent, and the balance carried on a monthly basis. I know that ACP must supplement the fees collected in order to keep the sub-division maintained, but they still own the majority of the lots, so that is as it should be.

By copy I am notifying the Aiken County Board of Realtors and the Aiken County Chamber of Commerce of my concerns. Please include them in your reply.

Patrick E. Dickerson