Approximately forty neighbors gathered August 5th at the Aiken Shrine Club to hear the annual update from Atlantic Coast officials concerning Summer Lakes. The hour-long session allowed ample time for residents to ask questions and offer suggestions for improvements.
If you were unable to attend, here are the highlights:
Money in the Bank: The Home Owners Association (HOA) financial statement was presented. Total income from dues and other fees totaled $72,866. Expenses totaled $41,865 (i.e., garbage pick-up, landscaping and maintenance, etc). $31,000 remains in the HOA escrow account. The good news – that’s more than double the balance amount from a year ago (up from $17,000). For more information, stop by the Summer Lakes office and pick up your copy of the HOA financial summary.
Slow Lot Sales: Jimmy Luquire, Atlantic Coast’s General Manager, acknowledged that lot sales have been slow, consistent with the slowing of the whole real estate market. Overall, 70 of the 150 lots have been sold, but not all of the sold lots have homes constructed on them. Jimmy said, “I’m glad we don’t have 10 spec houses for sale or many re-sale homes on the market. We’re glad we see several new homes under construction.” He added, “We’re providing incentives to builders to encourage more construction.” As for lot prices, Paul Dunnavant, the company’s CFO, stated, “We are committed to our pricing of lots and will not wholesale them.”
Residents Named to Architectural Review Board: After a year of requests from neighbors, Atlantic Coast has opened the review process for construction plans by naming two residents to the ARB as advisory members. Pat Dickerson and Bill Taylor will serve indefinite terms. They join two Atlantic Coast officials on the ARB. Taylor commented, “This will formalize the ARB review process and provide valuable input and perspective from residents. The goal is to insure the quality of Summer Lakes’ construction and the adherence to the covenants so residents can maximize their property values.”
The Rubble on Lot 131: The owner/contractor has been notified that he has until August 15th to submit new plans for construction of a home on this ‘flag lot’ adjacent to the walking trail. If an acceptable plan isn’t submitted, Atlantic Coast will remove the foundation from the modular home that was previously ousted. The owner/contractor has recently removed trash and building supplies from the site.
Irrigation Well to be Dug: Atlantic Coast suffers from the same high water rates as Summer Lake residents (the City of Aiken charges county residents DOUBLE the city rate!). The average water bill for irrigating the center islands and frontage landscaping totals $847 a month (about $10,000 a year). That’s currently paid by Atlantic Coast, but will eventually be an expense of the HOA. Atlantic Coast has authorized the digging of a well to supply water for some of the landscaping, which should significantly reduce water expenses. Atlantic Coast is paying for the new well.
Better Watering Method Sought: Some landscaping islands won’t benefit from the new well and the current method of timing the sprinklers isn’t working. Jimmy said he’s seeking new timers, but in the meantime, residents are welcome to take resposibility for turning-on-and-off the sprinklers near their home to insure islands get needed water.
Beautifying & Maintaining Landscaping Islands: The offer still stands for residents to ‘adopt’ landscaping islands in their area. Atlantic Coast will pay for plantings if residents agree to maintain the islands.
Pine Straw Expansion: Pine straw is the new ground cover on the center islands. It hasn’t made its way to some of the islands on some of the courtyards, but Jimmy promised that those islands will receive new pine straw. He called it, “It’s work in progress and we’re getting there a little bit at a time.”
New Front Entrance Light: The front entrance will soon be a bit brighter – Following a unanimous vote by residents, Atlantic Coast will order an additional street light installed on the northside of the main entrance.
Report a Dark Street Light: Jimmy requested that if you see a burned-out street light to please report it to Aiken Electric Coop or the Summer Lakes office so it can be quickly fixed.
Rubbish Be Gone: Prompted by residents’ suggestions, Atlantic Coast is installing several trash containers along the walking path. They will be emptied weekly by the lawn maintenance crew. Residents are urged to ‘pitch in.’
Eliminating Pond Scum & Weeds: Concerned was expressed by several residents that the large community pond is being overrun with weeds. It’s believed that the 150 carp that were added to the pond last year have been eliminated by hungry birds. Otters are also doing damage. Atlantic Coast pledged to investigate the best way to maintain the pond and eliminate the shore weeds. They will be in contact with the Clemson Extension Service to analyze the water. It was also suggested that biologists from SC’s DNR be contacted for advice. Action is needed!
Lock ‘Em Up: The gate that was erected last year at the end of the pond along Bradley Mill Road has discouraged most visitors. However, a lock will be added to the pond gate to secure it. Keys will be made available to residents who want one.
On December 7, 2008 young and old were surprised and delighted when Santa Claus made a surprise visit to the annual Summer Lakes Neighborhood Holiday Party. While neighbors enjoyed delicious food, holiday cheer and good conversation, Santa reported that everyone in attendance was on his 'Nice List' and no one was on his 'Naughty List' -- yet. Thanks to everyone for bringing wonderful food.
