POA annual meeting highlights: Bellinger Island, new pool, trail improvements
Last month the Daniel Island Property Owners Association held annual meetings for the various Daniel Island property associations, including those for the south end (DICA), the Park Side (DIPA) and the downtown area (DITA).
Jane Baker, Vice-President of Community Services, and Daniel Island Company President Matt Sloan provided updates on POA projects as well as provided updates on residential and commercial development of the island.
In highlighting the new projects planned for the south side of the island at the DICA meeting, Baker stressed several times that the association is in strong financial position and that the reserve accounts for both DICA and DIP are fully funded. Major DICA Initiatives for 2016 Baker announced that there will be improvements to the island-wide trail system, including the introduction of the Daniel Island Trails App, coming in 2016. Trail improvements will include a signage system to highlight trail distances for runners and walkers. The new app will include information on trail conditions, historical features, a tunes playlist, and the ability to share info on Facebook and Twitter.
Improvements to the Beresford Creek Boat Landing and Bellinger Island are also planned and funded for 2016, with construction to begin as early as this month. Prodded in part by a “Save Bellinger Island” petition created, circulated, and submitted by island children, the POA will launch a two to three month $382,840 project to correct erosion problems at Bellinger Island and to upgrade the boat landing. This major renovation project will include re-grading the area and placing concrete block mattresses to help stop the erosion, as well as replacing the vertical walls and existing pier head at the boat landing. The project will be funded with $100,000 from reserves; a one-time special assessment of $62 per DICA household; and the balance from the 2015 and 2016 general funds.
A new pool is planned to open in Edgefield Park at Oak Leaf and Willtown Streets sometime next summer, Baker said. Located in the area at end of Daniel Island Drive and to the right, this zero entry pool will also include a building designed for parties and outdoor events. As a result of the opening of the third DICA pool, there will be no guest fees or sign in requirements.
Additional goals and projects for 2016 include improvements to Scott Park and Pierce Park pools (upgrade heaters to extend the season at Pierce), landscaping improvements at various parks, and strengthened ARB code enforcement to help avoid disturbances to quality of life.
Baker announced at the DICA meeting an increase in annual dues to $912 ($45 increase over last year) as well as the $62 assessment for the Bellinger Island project for 2016. Baker did note that the annual dues are well below those of similar communities in the southeast. Residents received invoices earlier this month.
DICA Board Elections
There are two openings for new board members on the DICA Board of Directors, Baker said. The new board members will be elected by the 1820 member residents of DICA to serve a 2 year term beginning in January, 2016. Members who would like to be included on the list of candidates should submit his/her name for inclusion on the ballot by December 16 at 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.dicommunity.org. Voting will be electronic and will be held on Jan. 15 and 16. Baker said the winners will be announced in 2 business days.
Community Fund Report
Baker noted that “giving back is something Daniel Island always does” and that in 2015 the Daniel Island Community fund spent $780,000 in charitable giving. Baker presented a long list of 2015 beneficiaries and singled out the strong support the fund gives to the Cainhoy School and to the East Cooper Community Outreach’s new Baldwin-Carson Community Outreach Center in Cainhoy.
In order to clarify some confusion as to how the Community Fund is funded, Baker explained that it is not funded by resident dues but by a half percent community enhancement fee on all Daniel Island resale real estate transactions. Baker also encouraged residents to contact her office to suggest future beneficiaries.
Matt Sloan Developer Update
In the residential arena, Sloan reported that on the south side of the island there are about 150 home sites left to develop. He said he hopes to have all infrastructure in place and the sites sold within two years. On the Park Side, he said there are 250 homesites in three neighborhoods to complete and that sellout will be slower than on the south side.
In his commercial update, Sloan highlighted the three Park Side projects at the entrance to the neighborhood: a 260 unit high luxury Wharf 7 apartment building, a 55+ independent living apartment facility, and an assisted living facility (expected to close in January). He also noted his goal to create a vibrant retail area on Island Park Drive, noting the recently completed high rise office building, the mixed use Faison Central Island Plaza project that includes high end apartments and retail set to be underway in February or sooner, and the Refuel gas station.
Additional projects include the nearly completed Simmons Park Apartments, expansion at the existing Kangaroo in the area next to Ristorante LIDI, and a new facility at BenefitFocus.