ANNUAL PROPERTY OWNERS MEETING RECAP

Homeowners representing 54 households (about one-fifth of the neighborhood) attended the 2004 Ivy Hall Property Owners Association meeting held July 20th at Eastbridge Presbyterian Church.

Although no major news was broken, the two-hour meeting was informative and constructive. Many attendees said afterward that the positive tone was a refreshing change from past annual meetings.

Elections were held to fill six seats on our nine-member board. Three incumbent members were reelected: Bob Lang, Gary Jaster and Gary Brown. They join newcomers Dick Clarke, Carol Kennedy and Chris Morrell. Remaining on the board are Robin Richardson, William Ray and Byron Burdette. Board terms are for three years.

During the general discussion portion of the meeting, topics centered on finding ways to control speeding in the neighborhood to mobilizing against a possible cut-through road to S.C. Highway 41 via the proposed neighborhood off of Seaborn Drive (more on that below).

In the Treasurer's Report, Gary Brown said the Association is in very good financial standing.

New Great Beach Management representative Dina Bevis addressed the Association and spoke of the importance of complying with our covenants prohibiting parking in the street. See related story here. 

Some highlights from Bob Lang's President's Report:

■ Home values are up 13 percent this year compared to last year, a credit to homeowners and the Association for maintaining the fine look of the neighborhood.

■ Homeowners are more informed about neighborhood issues than ever before, thanks to our regularly updated Web site, quarterly newsletters, other fliers, the message sign, picnics and other community functions.

■ Construction on a new shopping center at Oakland Plantation across U.S. Highway 17 should be starting soon. The developer says the first business should open in about two years. For more information on Oakland Plantation, click here.

■ Home construction at Laurel Grove, the new neighborhood near our entrance, is about to ramp up considerably. The developer says he has permits to start the remaining 42 houses in the first phase of 44 homes. His plan is to start 3-4 houses per week over the next few months. A total of 76 homes are planned.

■ A playground and other additions to our main common area likely will come late fall or early winter, according to the developer of Laurel Grove. The improvements originally were scheduled to be completed by now, but those plans have been delayed because of delays in getting home construction permits. The same developer is also obligated to improve portions of Lexington Drive by this winter.

■ Homeowners are asked to oppose a possible new road that would connect us to a new neighborhood off of Seaborn Drive, creating a cut-through to S.C. Highway 41. The issue will be coming up at town meetings in the coming months. Residents will be called to action when necessary. For more information, click here.

■ Our entrance soon will have businesses on both sides. A small medical office complex is planned for the corner property between Lexington Drive and Eastbridge Church. The corner property to the north of our entrance is being marketed for a bank. No more details are known at this time.

■ Our entrance sign is peeling on one side and is in need of repair. The board is considering replacing the sign with one of a new design and moving it to the middle island.

■ Our covenants currently prohibit homeowners from erecting sheds for storage, but a recent surge in requests reveals that there is interest here for sheds. The board may petition the neighborhood to allow sheds. At least two-thirds, or 166 homeowners, would have to approve such a measure to change the covenants.

■ Homeowners who want to spruce up or replace their aging mailboxes can do so by getting supplies at Lowe's. Click here for details.