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September 3 Times Ready to Download |
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Written by Greg Hankins, Editor
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Thursday, 10 December 2009 |
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The September 3 edition of The Seven Lakes Times is now available for download in pdf format.
 Highlights of this 36-page issue include: - Moore County's Board of Commissioners -- along with a number of the county's top managers -- journeyed to Seven Lakes for their first formal meeting with the Greater Seven Lakes Community Council. Key takeaways: Water? We've got plenty and we're getting more. Sewer? Not in your lifetime. Security? Be glad you've got gates. Incorporation? We are not going to touch that one with a ten foot pole. - The West Side's Mail House Committee recommends the Association build a new mailhouse or two -- and spend some time taking input from the membership before moving ahead with that plan. - The swim season has been extended by a couple of weeks at the Northside pool. The SLLA Board is starting to move on implementing a three-year-old agreement with Seven Lakes Country Club. - Foxfire's Council spent a day at Belle Meade looking at big picture issues; Laura has the story. - When the county commissioners came to Seven Lakes, the debate over how to fund the new jail came with them. - Laura's thinking about Seven Lakes' brief friendship with an ill-fated emu, Mason's pondering the imponderable, Jim Johnson wants a second opinion on the Lake Auman dam road, and correspondents weigh in on everything from incorporation to the wisdom of the emu. Download the pdf edition and read it all this morning, pick up a copy at locations all over Seven Lakes this afternoon, or check your mailbox tomorrow. |
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Written by Greg Hankins
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Monday, 30 August 2010 |
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Tuesday, August 31
 • Healing Service – 11 am, every Tuesday, St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church. Intercessory prayers for the sick & troubled, those in harms way, traveling, bereaved or deceased. The Rev. Carol Burgess, Deacon. 1145 Seven Lakes Drive, Seven Lakes. All are Welcome.
• West End Cub Scout Pack 98 Open House – 6:30 pm - 8 pm, West End UMC. Interested boys in First to Fifth grades and their families are invited to drop by and learn more about joining scouting. Boys develop character and confidence while having fun at weekly meetings, camping, Pinewood Derby racing, and other unique learning opportunities. For more information, Cubmaster Jim Douglass at 673-1817 or
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Wednesday, September 1
• Fall Fusion Art on Display – 12:00 noon to 3 pm. The Artists League of the Sandhills will feature three of the area’s noted artists, Sarah Clatworthy, Barbara Sickenberger and Nancy Yanchus together for an exhibit – “Fall Fusion” A reception for the exhibit will be held on Friday, September 10, 5 pm to 7 pm, and is open to the public. The exhibit will run through September 29. Exchange Street Gallery is located at 129 Exchange Street in the old Aberdeen Rockfish Railroad storage terminal. www.artistleague.org. Gallery hours are Mon-Sat, 12:00 noon to 3 pm. Contact the League at 910-944-3979 (10 am - 4 pm, M-F).
Thursday, September 2
• Wine Tasting – at Sandhills Winery 5:30 to 8:30 pm. $10 for six wines and food from Goldie's. Located at 1057 Seven Lakes Drive. (910) 673-2949.
• West End Cub Scout Pack 98 Open House – 6:30 pm - 8 pm, West End UMC. Interested boys in First to Fifth grades and their families are invited to drop by and learn more about joining scouting. Boys develop character and confidence while having fun at weekly meetings, camping, Pinewood Derby racing, and other unique learning opportunities. For more information, Cubmaster Jim Douglass at 673-1817 or
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Sunday, September 5
• St Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church – Holy Eucharist, 9:30 am. The Rev. Fred Thompson, Priest Associate. Pentecost 15 Proper 18 Gospel Luke 14: 25-33. 1145 Seven Lakes Drive, Seven Lakes. All are Welcome.
• Wildlife Pantry – 3 pm, Local examples of seeds, fruits, nuts, and other plant parts which are utilized by native wildlife will be examined during a short slide presentation and a walk along some of the trails at Weymouth Woods. Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Fort Bragg Rd., Southern Pines, (910) 692-2167,
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• The Rooster’s Wife – Sundays at Six music series. This week’s featured artist is Shannon Whitworth with Angela Easterling opening. Admission Charge. Poplar Knight Spot, 114 Knight Street, Aberdeen, doors at 6 pm.
910-944-7502.
Monday, September 6
• Seven Lakes Baptist Church – 6:30 – 8:30 pm, the church is beginning their series of Beth Moore Bible Study “The Patriarchs.” Meetings will be held on Monday evenings. For more information call Seven Lakes Baptist Church at 673-4656.
Tuesday, September 7
• Healing Service – 11 am, every Tuesday. Intercessory prayers for the sick & troubled, those in harms way, traveling, bereaved or deceased. The Rev. Carol Burgess, Deacon. St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church 1145 Seven Lakes Drive, Seven Lakes. All are Welcome. • Moore County Board of Commissioners, 5pm, Historic Courthouse in Carthage.
• NAMI-MC Offers 11-Week Course to Help Family Members – this course is free to family members of close relatives with mental illness. It begins Tuesday, September 7 and ends on Tuesday, November 16, 7 pm to 9:30 pm each evening. Attendees will learn of all current information about the severe and persistent mental illnesses, up-to-date information about medications, and current research. Held at the FirstHealth Moore Regional Specialty Clinic (formerly Pinehurst Surgical Clinic building) with limited seating. Call 910-692-6942 to register or for more information http://www.nami-moorecounty.org. |
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County, Seven Lakes Council Have First Meeting |
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Written by Greg Hankins, Times Editor
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Saturday, 28 August 2010 |
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There was a good turnout for the first meeting between the Greater Seven Lakes Community Council [GSLCC] and the Moore County Board of Commissioners, and plenty of questions.
 The Seven Lakes debate about incorporation simmered constantly just below the surface, but never really broke through. What did break through, somewhat surprisingly, in a forum devoted to Seven Lakes issues, was the Commissioners' internal debate about how to fund a new jail and public safety complex in downtown Carthage.
The GSLCC hosted the Commissioners in the West Side Park Community Center before a crowd of about 100 -- a sizable turnout for a summer afternoon meeting that the Council never really advertised as being open to the public. Along with all five Commissioners, county staff on hand included the county manager, assistant manager, attorney, public utilities director, assistant planning director, and clerk, along with Sheriff Lane Carter.
The meeting's agenda was set by a list of questions the council posed to the county, grouped into five areas: water, planning and zoning, security, incorporation, and the bond issue to fund the new public safety complex and detention center planned for downtown Carthage. We've broken the conversation about the last of those items out into a separate story, which you can read here .
County staff used PowerPoint slides to support their presentations; you can download a copy of those slides here .
Incorporation
Though it has been the hottest topic in Seven Lakes this Summer, incorporation was the issue the Board of Commissioners dealt with most quickly.
County Attorney Misty Leland had prepared an incorporation primer with detailed information on the process and the relevant state statutes that was available for meeting attendees to take away from the meeting [Download a copy here ].
"Incorporation is a question that Seven Lakes needs to answer for itself," Chairman Tim Lea said. Lea was the only member of the Board to address the issue.
"We will be glad to work with you on any direction you want to go in."
A member of the audience asked whether, if Seven Lakes incorporated and had its own police force, it would also need its own judge and jail.
"They all come to Carthage," Sheriff Carer replied, explaining that, in North Carolina, the state provides the judges and the county provides the jails. |
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Jail Funding Debate Comes to Seven Lakes |
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Written by Greg Hankins, Times Editor
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Saturday, 28 August 2010 |
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No one seems to know why the Moore County Board of Commissioners wound up debating the wisdom of a jail bond referendum in front of a Seven Lakes crowd on hand to witness the first meeting between the Commissioners and the Greater Seven Lakes Community Council [GSLCC].
But the debate provided the major fireworks in the Thursday, August 26 meeting, as Chairman Tim Lea questioned not only the method of funding the project but also suggested the county may be about to pay a substantially higher cost per jail bed than was recently paid for similar projects in other counties.
Morgan: 'Big debts crammed down our throats'
Lea, along with Commissioner Cindy Morgan, has voted twice in recent weeks to put the $50 million debt before the voters in a referendum. In each case, a majority that included Larry Caddell, Jimmy Melton, and Nick Picerno have turned away that idea in favor of funding the project through the issuance of limited obligation bonds. These bonds are secured -- like a mortgage -- by the property itself, and do not require voter approval.
"I'm the person who put the motion on the table," Commissioner Morgan said. "I did it because I had people talking to me asking why we would do this without asking the people to vote on it, because, ultimately, you do pay for it. . . . It makes really me sad to think that we sit here in Moore County and have the same kinds of behaviors happening at the Moore County level that we see in Washington DC, where we see these big debts being crammed down our throats and we don't have an opportunity to have our say."
Lea said he had no question about the need for a new jail: "When you net all the conversation out, there is no question that we need a new detention center. The question is whether we are going to let the people vote on it."
He recounted a recent conversation with former Board of Commissioners Chairman Michael Holden, who told Lea that the largest amount the Board had ever borrowed without voter approval was $9.9 million, for a new middle school.
"At some point, you've got to give back control of this country to the people," Lea said.
Noting growing deficits at both the federal and state levels -- and projected state cutbacks in next year's funding for schools -- Lea said: "We can go ahead and fund this project without increasing your taxes, but if this Board decides or if you decide that we are going to build a new school -- a new high school, a new middle school, or anything else -- based on the numbers that are on the table, we potentially are going to have to raise your taxes."
"We've got more red ink coming at us next year than this county has ever, in its history, dealt with." "Does this mean the two of you [Lea and Morgan] would vote against this if we had a referendum in November?" Seven Lakes business owner Darrell Marks asked. "That you would not support a new jail?"
"No, I would vote for it," Lea replied.
"The issue is that the people who are going to pay for this should have a voice in this," he added. |
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Northside Pool Season Extended |
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Written by Laura Douglass, Times Reporter
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Friday, 27 August 2010 |
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The Northside Pool will be open later in the evening and for an extended period this season, Community Manager Alina Cochran announced at the Wednesday, August 25 Open Meeting of the Seven Lakes Landowners Association [SLLA] Board of Directors.
 With school back in session, scheduled hours were adjusted and the pool is now open from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and from Noon to 8:00 pm on weekends. The pool will remain open through Sunday, September 19, in part due to the delayed opening at the beginning of the season, while legally-required grates were installed over two drains.
The SLLA swim season will conclude with ‘A Dog Day of Summer’ on Saturday, September 25 from Noon to 5:00 pm at the Northside Pool. A new special event introduced this year by Cochran, the pool will be open for all family dogs -- dogs only, please. Owners will be responsible for picking up any doggy messes.
In related news, Cochran reported the pool was vandalized last week with deck furniture thrown in, causing some minor physical damage. The incident was reported to the Moore County Sheriff’s Office and patrols have been stepped up in the area.
“This is not the first time this has happened, and it costs people money,” said Director Bud Shaver. “Don’t tell me the kids don’t know who did it. Parents should be looking to their kids, because this is costing all of us!”
During her management report, Cochran announced that, in addition to Roving Security patrols, the Association is employing an off-duty Sheriff’s officer to enforce all applicable North Carolina laws, including speeding and driving under the influence.
Seven Lakes Country Club Agreement update
Two key documents relating to the July 2007 agreement between SLLA and the Seven Lakes Country Club, regarding future development of the old driving range, were delivered to the Club in August, announced President Randy Zielsdorf. Specifically, those documents included approved mark-ups by the Association’s attorney of covenants written by the Club and an easement that prohibits access to the property from Seven Lakes Drive. The 10’ easement maintains a consistent green space from the Southside gates to the townhouse area on Devonshire Avenue.
“The Association and Seven Lakes Country Club are now cooperatively working with their attorneys to finalize these documents as soon as possible,” Zielsdorf read from a prepared statement.
Responding to former SLLA Director Donna Stephan, who thanked the Board for pursuing the agreement, Zielsdorf said he hoped to have good news by the end of the month and also said he was pleased that the Club had entered negotiations to lease their Tennis Facility.
“I hope this venture is successful, because this would be a big asset to the area and also the Club,” Zielsdorf said. |
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Three day emu chase ends badly for big bird |
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Written by Laura Douglass, Times Reporter
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Thursday, 26 August 2010 |
An adult emu -- that’s right an emu, the large, flightless bird related to the ostrich -- surprised Northside residents along Timber Lane and Pine Cone Court this week, wandering through yards and gardens for more than two days.
 After receiving the first reports of emu sightings on Tuesday morning, August 24, Moore County Animal Control spent three hours trying to catch the elusive bird. Responding again on Thursday afternoon, officers and neighbors scoured the area and, after a lengthy search, the bird was located. Officers engaged in a second mad dash through the heavy woods and wetlands on the far border of Seven Lakes North. After tripping on vines, the emu was eventually secure; but, unfortunately, by then heat and stress had taken their toll.
The emu was put in a horse trailer for transportation; and officers poured water over him, improved airflow in the trailer, and even attempted CPR, but it wasn’t enough to save the bird.
“This makes me mad and was the one thing I was afraid of when we were getting it down there running,” said Animal Control Officer Bryant Voss. “It was way too hot, way too humid, and it just stressed him more than he could handle.”
Voss explained that he was anxious to capture the bird because of the frenzy of calls received and published accounts of the emu’s location.
A relatively docile animal, the emu is a native of Australia and can reach six feet, six inches tall. Emus can run thirty miles an hour and their powerful legs and clawed feet can serve as a formidable defensive weapon with a close range kick. While the bird’s plumage can protect them from heat from the sun and they can pant to maintain body temperature, they do not sweat and cannot cool themselves easily.
“My biggest concern was that it could hurt somebody if they tried to grab it. That put a lot of pressure on us,” he said. “We did everything we were supposed to do.”
Voss said a resident of Robbins had reported the escape of an emu, and the Seven Lakes bird is likely to be the escapee, though there is no way to be certain.
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Committee Recommends Building New Westside Mail House |
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Written by Greg Hankins, Times Editor
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Wednesday, 25 August 2010 |
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Seven Lakes West's Mail Delivery Committee is recommending that the community build a new mail house -- or two, or three -- and that the Westside Board implement a special public input process before finalizing any decision on that recommendation.
 Committee member -- and Westside President -- Ron Shepard previewed the recommendation during the Tuesday, August 24 Seven Lakes West Landowners Association [SLWLA] Board Work Session.
The Mail Delivery Committee provided cost estimates for the building of one, two, or three mail houses, but comments from Shepard and Directors John Goodman and John Hoffmann made clear that building a single mail house on somewhere on the 35-acre West Side Park tract is seen as the most economical and expeditious alternative. That option is expected to cost $365,000, and could be handled without a dues increase, Shepard said.
Building two or three mail houses will not only cost more, Goodman noted (an estimated $430,000 for two or $591,000 for three) but would also be challenging because the Association may not yet own enough land, properly covenanted, to accommodate a second or third structure.
The committee recommended that the Board deem the mail house question a matter of "significant interest to the membership," which would trigger a special decision-making process in the SLWLA by-laws that require the Board to formally notify the community of the matter and take public comment on it during at least two separate work sessions. |
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Plenty of Questions for Upcoming County-Seven Lakes Meeting |
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Written by Greg Hankins, Times Editor
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Tuesday, 24 August 2010 |
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The upcoming meeting of the Moore County Board of Commissioners and the Greater Seven Lakes Community Council [GSLCC] will follow an extended question and answer format, reflected in an agenda for the meeting published by the county on Monday afternoon.
The face-to-face meeting between the two groups -- proposed by the Commissioners in response to the GSLCC's request for a "seat at the table" when the county meets with municipalities -- will be held in the Great Room of the West Side Park community Center on Thursday, August 26, at 5:00 pm. The Council is comprised of the Presidents of the landowners associations in Seven Lakes and McLendon Hills, along with the President of the Seven Lakes Area Business Guild.
Members of the Council posed questions to the county in five areas: Water Issues, Planning and Zoning Concerns, Security Concerns, Incorporation, and Bond Issue. Seven Lakes West Landowners Association [SLWLA] President Ron Shepard will deliver opening comments and lay out the format for the meeting, after which county staff, led by County Manager Cary McSwain, will respond to a range of questions posed by the GSLCC.
The Council has invited landowners association and business guild directors and committee members to the meeting, but has not specifically promoted the event as a public meeting. It is definitely open to the public; it is not clear whether the public will be invited to ask questions or make comments at the end of the county presentations.
The questions submitted by the GSLCC are a mix of big-picture questions and specific concerns. |
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Written by Greg Hankins
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Sunday, 22 August 2010 |
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Sunday, August 22 • St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church – 9:30 am, 1145 Seven Lakes Dr., Seven Lakes. Holy Eucharist. The Rev. Robert Brown, Vicar. Pentecost 13 Proper 16. Gospel Luke 13: 10-17. All are welcome.
• Bats in the Sandhills – 3 pm. “Blind as a bat” is just one of the myths that the ranger will dispel about these flying mammals during the program. Learn about the different bats found in the Sandhills and other interesting information on these fascinating creatures of the night. The ranger will also share some secrets for keeping bats out of your home. Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Fort Bragg Rd., Southern Pines, 910-692-2167.
Monday, August 23
• Sandhills Natural History Society – 7 pm meeting at Weymouth Woods Auditorium, 1024 Ft. Bragg Rd., Southern Pines. Join the group for a viewing of the movie "Dirt!" Watch the trailer at: www.dirtthemovie.org/ Visitors are always welcome. Call 910-692-2167 for more information or visit online at www.sandhillsnature.org
• Bingo Night At Our Lady Of The Americas – 7 pm, Early Bird Bingo; and 7:30 pm, Regular Bingo. Located at 298 Farmers Market Road, off Hwy 211 (Exxon Station), just east of Hwy 220 near Candor. Minimum purchase $15. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Everyone over the age of 16 is welcome. For more information, call 910 974-3051.
Tuesday, August 24
• Chamber Lunchinar On Media Relations – 12:00-1:30 pm, Moore County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors will hold a Lunchinar at the Moore County Chamber of Commerce, 10677 Hwy 15-501, Southern Pines. The speaker will be George Harrison, assistant professor in the Department of Mass Communication at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Harrison will be speaking about media relations and how to use this resource to publicize your business. Program costs $12 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Preregistration and payment is required. To register visit www.moorecountychamber.com, call (910) 692-3926 or e-mail
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• Seven Lakes West Landowners Association – 7 pm, work session. West Side Park Community Center. Open to all landowners.
Wednesday, August 25
• Project Linus at Phoenix Fashions Fabric Department – 10 am to 3 pm, volunteers will be making blankets, inspecting blankets and sewing on labels. Drop in, see what Project Linus is all about and learn how easy it is to help a child in need in Moore County. To celebrate our event, Phoenix Fashions is offering a 10% discount for Project Linus attendees on the 25. Just one more reason to join the group! Call Pat Weber, 673-1457, if you have any questions.
• Hormones and Your Health – 6 pm - 8 pm. Are you experiencing any of the these symptoms? Skin, hair and/or nail problems. Weight gain, Fatigue or low energy, Headaches, Depression, Constipation, Emotionally overwhelmed. It could be you just need your hormones balanced! Join Jim Paoletti, RPh for an information session, Paoletti is the Director of Provider Education at ZRT Laboratory. He has over 25 years experience with bio-identical hormone therapies both in clinical practice in retail pharmacy. He has lectured extensively and internationally on all aspects of BHRT, (including dosage forms and guidelines, testing and monitoring effectiveness, lifestyle and nutritional influences on BHRT outcomes, adrenal and thyroid hormones, and patient consultation) to medical practitioners and consumers. This event is sponsored by the Aberdeen Prescription Shoppe, Seven Lakes Prescription Shoppe and ZRT Laboratory and will be held at Aberdeen Lake Recreation Center 301 Lake Park Crossing, Aberdeen. Seating is limited. To register contact Tiffany Abbey at (910) 986-2451 or
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• Seven Lakes Landowners Association – 7:30 pm, monthly meeting. Seven Lakes North Clubhouse. Open to all landowners.
Thursday, August 26
• Wine Tasting – at Sandhills Winery 5:30 to 8:30 pm. $10 for six wines and food from Goldie's. Located at 1057 Seven Lakes Drive. (910) 673-2949.
Friday, August 27
• Casual Fridays – Everyone welcome to “Casual Fridays” at the Seven Lakes Country Club. A night of socializing and/or game playing. Feel free to bring your own games or you can join in with others playing games that will be provided. One item entrée buffet is also offered for $8.15 +tax & gratuity. Reservations suggested but not required. This is the place to be on Friday nights. For more details, call SL Country Club at 673-1100.
Saturday, August 28
• SLCC Beach Party – Everyone’s invited to a “Beach Party” on , at the Seven Lakes Country Club. Cocktails at 5:30 pm, buffet at 6:30 pm. Dancing and entertainment at 7:00 pm. with DJ, Chad Sain with music that will take you back through the days of Ocean Drive, the pad and cruising the strip. All- inclusive price for members $25 and nonmembers $30. Reservations may be made in person at the club on August 2, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am and call in reservations taken after 11:30 am. Nonmembers may call the club at 673-1100 starting August 9. Cool & Casual dress is recommended. You do not have to be a member to attend this fun event.
Sunday August 29
• St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church – 9:30 am, 1145 Seven Lakes Dr., Seven Lakes. Holy Eucharist. The Rev. Fred Brown, Priest Associate. Pentecost 14, Proper 17. Gospel Luke 14: 7-14. All are welcome.
• Sandhills Invaders – 3 pm. The ranger will talk about some of the invasive non-native species that have been introduced to the Sandhills area, why or how they came to this region, and what problems are associated with them being here. The ranger will also discuss what native plants are good alternatives to put in your yard instead of non-native ornamentals. Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Fort Bragg Rd., Southern Pines, 910-692-2167.
• Belford Baptist Church – 4 pm, will have a Building Fund Program. The guest speaker will be Pastor Anthony Pankey of Touched by Faith Ministries, Fayetteville. Church is located at 925 Windblow Rd, Jackson Springs. (910) 974-4938. |
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Editorial: Looking for Facts? |
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Written by Greg Hankins, Times Editor
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Thursday, 19 August 2010 |
"Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts."
— Daniel Patrick Moynihan
A fact is a curious thing.
It's kind of like a brick. You can gather it together in an orderly fashion with others of its kind and build a pretty sturdy structure of knowledge on a given subject.
Or you can pick it up and hurl it at your opponent, figuring that's the quickest way to win a debate.
Folks inclined toward the second use of facts start out with a preconceived conclusion and gather up only the facts that support it, hoarding them like brickbats, ready to hurl them when the right opportunity presents itself.
They leave all those other inconvenient facts lying around on the ground — or, if they can get away with it, distract you while they hide them someplace safe, out of sight.
The debate about incorporating Seven Lakes has entered the facts as brickbats stage. We've got plenty of folks gathering up plenty of facts, but few of them seem to be building anything out of them. And we've seen more than a few hurled already.
That's natural and inevitable, because folks are human and humans like to win. But it's not really going to help us better understand the implications of turning this place into a town. And, if we don't understand it, it's going to be real hard to make a good decision about it.
At The Times, we like to use facts to build good solid foundations. And we'd like to invite you to help us — and the community — build a good solid foundation of knowledge that can help folks think more clearly about the proposed incorporation of Seven Lakes.
We're neither for nor against incorporation. But we do think it needs to be discussed in an intelligent, civil manner.
So we've come up with a new way to accomplish that. We've created a Wiki on incorporation . No, a Wiki is not a large, hairy Star Wars character. It is a community-created repository of knowledge that lives on the Internet. The most famous wiki is Wikipedia, an encyclopedia written and edited by volunteers. If you've Googled anything, you've probably wound up in Wikipedia at some point.
Our wiki, which lives at incwiki.sevenlakestimes.net , is a place where we all can bring together the facts we've unearthed about incorporation, combine them with the facts other folks have unearthed, and work through the process of agreeing about how they fit into the puzzle. It's not a place to discuss our opinions about incorporation. It is a place to bring your documented knowledge of any aspect of the subject.
You can become a member of the wiki and add your facts to any of its pages, help edit the material others have brought, or make new pages that deal with any aspect of the incorporation question.
The wiki includes forums where you can discuss with your fellow members various aspects of the page you are creating together — separating opinion from fact and figuring out how the facts fit together. You can have the page you are working on send you an email whenever someone changes it, so you can go see what they have done and fix it, if it needs fixing.
It's a community project, a way of thinking together, a tool for learning together.
Using facts as brickbats, in the end, isn't just bad manners. It's intellectually dishonest. Unethical. Evil.
Using facts to build a common understanding — even if, in the end, we continue to disagree about incorporation — is more than just good manners. It's honest. Virtuous. Good.
It's time to put down the brickbat and pick up your trowel.
Go to incwiki.sevenlakestimes.net, sign up, and let's get to work. |
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Debbie Caulks Resigns SLLA Post |
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Written by Laura Douglass, Times Reporter
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Sunday, 15 August 2010 |
Debbie Caulk, a Northside resident and longtime member of the Seven Lakes Landowners Association [SLLA] office staff, has resigned her position.
“The Board was notified earlier this month that Debbie Caulk had tendered her resignation," SLLA President Randy Zielsdorf told The Times in a telephone interview. "[Community Manager] Alina [Cochran] will be addressing this issue at the Open Meeting and will make a statement.”
“While the Board regrets Debbie’s departure," he added, "we are looking forward to management’s recommendation on future staffing needs.”
Caulk began her career with the SLLA as the front office assistant, oversaw Association finances after the departure of Vicky Strider, and was recently named Operations Assistant for Talis Management.
“Debbie has been a loyal employee of the Association," Zielsdorf said, "and has served the community very well for many years. We wish her well.”
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Written by Greg Hankins
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Sunday, 15 August 2010 |
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Sunday, August 15
• North Carolina State Parks – 3 pm, Take a journey from the highest mountain east of the Black Hills in South Dakota to the highest sand dune on the East Coast. Discover the amazing diversity, natural heritage and history that is protected and preserved in our state park system. Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Fort Bragg Rd., Southern Pines, 910-692-2167
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Monday, August 16
• “Budding Artist” – Beginners Art with Laine Lea (3-day class) through August 18. Classes for Age: 5 to 8 years - 9:30 to 11:30 am, and 9 to 12 years - 1 to 3 pm. Cost is a donation of $85 (Proceeds to benefit the Adopt-A-Dancer program- all donations are tax deductible). Classes will be held at CPAC Studios, 670 SW Broad St., Southern Pines. Beginning painting and drawing. Call 910-528-1169 or the CPAC Studio 910-695-7898 for registration or additional information.
• Moore County Board of Commissioners – 6:00 pm, regular meeting. Historic Courthouse, Carthage.
Tuesday, August 17
• Moore Chamber and Town of Carthage Sponsor Blood Drive – 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, The Moore County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Red Cross Blood drive at the Carthage Community Center, 203 Barrett Street, Carthage. Donors are urgently needed. Contact the Chamber at (910) 692-3926 to schedule a time to donate. This is a wonderful opportunity to assist those in need. The goal for this donation day is to have 45 donors. Everyone may register to win a $1000 gift card. Give the gift of life, the life you save may be a friend.
Thursday, August 19
• “The Fine Art of Auto Body Repair” – 4 pm-6 pm, Opening Reception at Hastings Gallery in the Boyd Library. Please join the Sandhills Community College Auto Body Repair students for the Opening Reception of this most unique exhibit. The exhibit will run through August 30. Sandhills Community College, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. Gallery hours: 7:45 am to 9:00 pm Monday – Thursday; 7:45 am to 5 pm Friday and 8:30 am to 2:00 pm Saturday. Free Admission.
• Wine Tasting – at Sandhills Winery 5:30 to 8:30 pm. $10 for six wines and food from Goldie's. Located at 1057 Seven Lakes Drive. (910) 673-2949.
• Moore County Amateur Radio Society (MOCARS) – monthly meeting, 7 pm, at Moore County Emergency Operations Center, 105 W. Saunders Street, Carthage, lower level. Meeting will focus on planning for support of the Moore County Fair and the Pinehurst Triathlon in September. Everyone with an interest in amateur radio is welcome to visit our web site at mocars.org and to attend the monthly meetings. MOCARS also offer licensing test sessions and periodic licensing courses. For testing and licensing information contact Charlie Wackerman at 910-947-2707. For MOCARS information contact James Johnson, PIO, 910-400-3019.
Friday, August 20
• Casual Fridays – Everyone welcome to “Casual Fridays” at the Seven Lakes Country Club. A night of socializing and/or game playing. Feel free to bring your own games or you can join in with others playing games that will be provided. One item entrée buffet is also offered for $8.15 +tax & gratuity. Reservations suggested but not required. This is the place to be on Friday nights. For more details, call SL Country Club at 673-1100.
• “An Army Aviator's Look at Afghanistan” – 7 pm, join Temple Beth Shalom for a slide show presentation and discussion led by Major Matthew Weinshel. He recently returned from a one year deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan and will discuss his experiences, the state of the tactical expeditionary of the Army and answer questions. Services begin at 7 pm, and the presentation at 7:30 pm followed by a dessert reception. Temple Beth Shalom corner of Jackson Springs Road and Hoffman Road, Foxfire Village or contact Sandhills Jewish Congregation at 910-673-5224. Program is Free and open to the public.
Saturday, August 21
• North, South & West Open Golf Tournament – Seven Lakes Country Club, 8:30 am Shotgun start. Cost for tournament $35 per member ($70 per team), $50 for nonmembers ($100 per team). Entry fee includes cart fee, range balls, lunch and prizes. Format is Fourball Competition - “Better Ball of Partners”- Men or Women with official USGA Handicap. Players must reside in the same geographic development to qualify for this event (Seven Lakes North, Seven Lakes South or Seven Lakes West). Register at Seven Lakes Country Club Golf Shop or contact Gene Roberts if you have any questions, 673-1092 ext. 2, or
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Sunday, August 22
• St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church – 9:30 am, 1145 Seven Lakes Dr., Seven Lakes. Holy Eucharist. The Rev. Robert Brown, Vicar. Pentecost 13 Proper 16. Gospel Luke 13: 10-17. All are welcome.
• Bats in the Sandhills – 3 pm. “Blind as a bat” is just one of the myths that the ranger will dispel about these flying mammals during the program. Learn about the different bats found in the Sandhills and other interesting information on these fascinating creatures of the night. The ranger will also share some secrets for keeping bats out of your home. Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Fort Bragg Rd., Southern Pines, 910-692-2167. |
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Westside Board: No Dues Reduction for Septic Lots |
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Written by Greg Hankins
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Friday, 13 August 2010 |
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Westside lots used exclusively for septic fields will not get a break on their annual dues, based on a unanimous vote of the Seven Lakes West Landowners Association [SLWLA] Board of Directors during their Tuesday, August 10 Work Session.
Judy Streit, a former member of the SLWLA Board, told the Board that she and her husband Phil Streit (a former SLWLA President) had written to President Ron Shepard in January on the subject of septic lot dues. Hearing no response, they wrote again in March and had, as of August 10, had no reply -- or even acknowledgement that the letters had been received. Shepard apologized to the delay, noting that he didn't recall receiving the Streit's letter.
Mrs. Streit's comments sparked a discussion of septic lots late in Tuesday's meeting that led to a motion by Adam Wimberly that septic lots not be treated differently than other undeveloped lots for the payment of dues. The motion won support from the full Board.
Some owners of second lots used exclusively for septic fields have asked that the Association either reduce or waive the payment of dues on those lots, because they do not generate extra demand on or expense for infrastructure or amenities. Wimberly noted that the Association allows the combination of adjacent lots, after which the owner pays dues only on the one combined lot. Some septic lot owners have suggested their situation is similar, he said, but added that Moore County would likely not allow the combination of non-contiguous lots in order to achieve a reduction in property taxes. "They would still have to pay the taxes on the septic lot," he said.
Wimberly said he would prefer not to allow the recombination of adjacent lots for the purpose of reducing dues, since it permanently eliminates a source of Association revenue. Director John Goodman said the community benefits from more open space when lots are combined to create larger lots.
"But everyone else in the Association picks up the for that," Wimberly said.
Legal Director Ed Silberhorn noted that, by allowing non-adjacent septic lots, the Association permits septic lines to be placed in its right-of-way, which involves some liability for the Association — which may not even have good information on where all those lines are placed.
Wimberly agreed, noting that the Architectural Review Committee requires builders to submit plans for the lines that carry waste to septic lots, but does not require the submission of "as-built" plans once the work is complete.
"We've talked about putting together a whole subcommittee on this," he said. "This is the flea on the dog's tail in terms of all the septic issues and nuances and things that go on in this community."
Community Manager Joan Frost said she knew of at least two lots -- currently identified as developer lots -- that have five septic systems on them. "Eventually when the developer no longer has developer lots, who is going to pay the dues on those lots?"
Calling attention to a bright spot among the septic issues, Silberhorn said the mandatory septic management program aimed at protecting water quality in Lake Auman "is a huge success." He said "people are cooperating left and right," the approved inspectors are "swamped" with work, and they report that "situation has never been better." |
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Eltschlager Named to Foxfire Village Council |
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Written by Laura Douglass, Times Reporter
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Thursday, 12 August 2010 |
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By acclamation, members of the Foxfire Village Council added John Eltschlager to their number on Tuesday, August 10, during their regular meeting. Eltschlager will serve the remaining three-year term of office left vacant by Page Coker’s resignation.
 An engineer with twenty-five years professional experience in the private and public sectors, Eltschlager is employed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Pope Air Force Base.
Mayor George Erickson introduced and recommended Eltschlager, noting that his background will be helpful as the Stonehill Pines project moves forward over the next few years. The new councilman was tasked with overseeing Streets and Parks for the Village; Councilman Vic Koos will now handle Public Safety.
Eltschlager and his family settled in Foxfire in 2009 but have been regular visitors to the area for nearly fifteen years. He and his wife have two teenaged children.
Wilson Property ETJ Extension
The final hurdle to complete a voluntary annexation of the 750-acre Wilson property into the Foxfire Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction was cleared following a Public Hearing and unanimous council vote.
Zoned agricultural-residential, the rural tract is located at the corner of NC Highway 211 and Hoffman Road. The rezoning request was initiated by the Wilsons following the voluntary annexation of the Stonehill Pines Planned Unit Development [PUD] and the involuntary annexation of Pinewild by the Village of Pinehurst. Both major developments abut the Wilson’s farm. In addition to final approval from Foxfire, the request also had unanimous support from the Moore County Planning Board and Board of Commissioners. |
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Board, Lakes & Dams Committee Air Differences |
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Written by Laura Douglass, Times Reporter
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Tuesday, 10 August 2010 |
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In response to repeated recent requests to reinstate the currently defunct Lakes & Dams Committee of the Seven Lakes Landowners Association [SLLA], the Board of Directors held a lengthy and frank discussion with former committee members during a Work Session on Monday, August 9.
“We know we had problems in the past [with dam maintenance neglect], but let’s not keep looking backwards and start looking forward,” urged SLLA President Randy Zielsdorf. “One of the questions emphasized when we interviewed new management last year was that we were looking for someone with strong lakes and dam experience . . . [Community Manger] Alina [Cochran] is extremely proactive, and we will move forward and get something in place that will make everyone happy.”
Zielsdorf acknowledged the significant accomplishments of the committee during their short history of involvement, including developing a long-term dam maintenance schedule and many recommendations that improved boater and swimming safety. But he said he had dismissed the committee after learning that a former SLLA Director serving on the committee had signed off on work with a contractor.
“One of the concerns I have is the committee has been too active. The committee overreached and was acting like an elective body. That puts us in bad situation, it puts the Association in a bad situation,” said Zielsdorf. “That individual was acting totally inappropriately, and I made the decision that Lakes & Dams needed a time out.”
Instead of focusing on the dams, which Zielsdorf argued are in good shape now, he said his primary thrust moving forward will be addressing the road repaving project. The Reserve Study -- a long term planning and budgeting tool currently being developed -- will also provide significant information that will assist in defining and creating effective committees.
While stopping short of reinstating the Lakes & Dams Committee, Zielsdorf did recommend taking some steps to help resolve the concerns of its former members. He asked Cochran to include more dam maintenance information on the website, including piezometer readings and other reports. And he invited three former Lakes & Dams Committee members to meet with himself, Cochran, Vice President Kent Droppers, and Treasurer Denny Galford, who will bring to that meeting a five-year history of all expenditures on the dams.
“I want to see where the expenditures are," Zielsdorf said. "Beyond the state-mandated repairs to Echo Dam, I know there were a lot of Emergency Action Plans, but I don’t know about the others. I don’t have a warm fuzzy feeling that we spent money where we had to.”
Northsider JoAn Moses, who has served as the primary spokesperson for the former Lakes & Dams Committee members, said that, while she’d prefer a different resolution to their request, they would accept Zielsdorf’s offer.
“Our main concern, as a committee, is that there need to be watchdogs for all seven dams and lakes. We don’t feel that is being done or that the Board or management can fulfill that role as effectively a group of dedicated volunteers. We are asking for proactive care,” said Moses. |
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Written by Greg Hankins
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Sunday, 08 August 2010 |
Sunday, August 8
• 31st Annual Revolutionary War Battle Reenactment – noon to 4 pm, at the House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site better known as the Alston House, 10 miles north of Carthage. A reenactment of a raid on Col. Philip Alston by Col. David Fanning on July 29, 1781. The house was built around 1772. Reenactors will be on site in period clothing and camps and various crafts and skills will be on display. Demonstrations of 18th Century artillery. The battle will begin at 4 pm. Food and drink vendors on site. All buildings are handicap accessible. Admission is Free, donations are welcomed. For full details, call John Hairr, site Manager at the Alston House, or speak to Alex Cammeron or Roy Thames at 910-947-2051.
• Amazing Adaptations – 3 pm. How does the flora and fauna survive in the sandhills with such sandy soils and frequent fires? Come learn about some of the amazing adaptations that plants and animals here have developed in order to survive in this region. Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Fort Bragg Rd., Southern Pines, 910-692-2167
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• Summer on the Porch Music Series – 6 pm, Jeni and Billy on stage tonight. Tickets $8. Postmaster’s House. 204 E. South Street, Aberdeen. 910-944-7502 or www.theroosterswife.org
Monday, August 9
• Seven Lakes Landowners Association – 8:30 am, work session. Seven Lakes North Clubhouse. Open to all landowners.
• National Active & Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Sandhills Chapter 1895 – 10:30 am, monthly meeting, at Community Congregational Church, 141 N. Bennett St., Southern Pines. Guest speaker will be Darlind Davis, Executive Director, Drug Free Moore County, which is a coalition of agencies and organizations whose mission is to reduce alcohol and drug use. Chapter 1895 welcomes all Federal (including US Postal Service) active employees, retirees, spouses and surviving spouses to monthly meetings. Additional information about NARFE is available by contacting: Vilma Geisert (910) 215-5898 or George Sandoval (910) 246-9881.
• Sandhills Community College Jazz Band – last free concert of the Summer's series, located at 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst. You can pack a picnic supper if you wish, or purchase a plate of barbeque with all the fixins for $7 beginning at 5 pm. Music begins at 6:30 pm. Complimentary Ice Tea and Lemonade available. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and come and enjoy the big band music and ballads.
In the event of rain, concert will be held indoors in Owens Auditorium.
• Sandhills Photography Club – 7 to 9 pm, at Christ Fellowship Church, Midland and Pee Dee Roads, Southern Pines. The Club will hold a Digital competition on the topic of "Stop Action." Susan Bailey of Raleigh will be returning to judge. She is an avid Photoshop and Corel Painter user, is on the Board of the Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association (CNPA) and plans their annual meeting and large weekend photo outings, recently completed her judging certificate from the Photographic Society of America. Bailey is a member of CNPA, Professional Photographers of America, the Photographic Society of America and the National Association of Photoshop Professionals. All guests are welcomed. www.sandhillsphotoclub.org.
• Bingo Night At Our Lady Of The Americas – 7 pm, Early Bird Bingo; and 7:30 pm, Regular Bingo. Located at 298 Farmers Market Road, off Hwy 211 (Exxon Station), just east of Hwy 220 near Candor. Minimum purchase $15. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Everyone over the age of 16 is welcome. For more information, call 910 974-3051.
Tuesday, August 10
• Seven Lakes West Landowners Association – 9 am, work session. West Side Park Community Center. Open to all landowners.
Thursday, August 12
• Wine Tasting – at Sandhills Winery 5:30 to 8:30 pm. $10 for six wines and food from Goldie's. Located at 1057 Seven Lakes Drive. (910) 673-2949.
Friday, August 13
• Family Camp Out – 7:30 pm, Sequoia Point. An evening of traditional Summer fun featuring s’mores & songs around the campfire, stargazing. Families are welcome to bring a tent and spend the night under the stars. Sponsored by the SLLA Recreation Committee, more info 673-4931.
• Casual Fridays – Everyone welcome to “Casual Fridays” at the Seven Lakes Country Club. A night of socializing and/or game playing. Feel free to bring your own games or you can join in with others playing games that will be provided. One item entrée buffet is also offered for $8.15 +tax & gratuity. Reservations suggested but not required. This is the place to be on Friday nights. For more details, call SL Country Club at 673-1100.
• Women of Weymouth and Elliott’s on Linden Fundraiser – The event will be an indoor “Picnic in Provence.” The evening begins at 6:00 pm and ends at 9:00 pm with a live auction during the event and this will give everyone an opportunity to purchase wine baskets as part of the fundraiser. Cost for the Picnic in Provence is $45 per person, includes wine. Reservations for this great summer evening at Weymouth Center may be made by calling Weymouth at 910-692-6261.
Saturday, August 14
• Sandhills Children’s Center – hosting its third Annual Backyard Bocce Bash, at The Harness Track, Pinehurst. VIP Team of four is $350 or Team of four is $100. For additional information, please contact Teresa Copper or Kathy Desmond by calling (910) 692- 3323 or visit our website at www.BackyardBocce.org.
Sunday, August 15
• St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church – 9:30 am, 1145 Seven Lakes Dr., Seven Lakes. Holy Eucharist. The Rev. Fred Thompson, Priest Associate. Pentecost 12, Proper 15. Gospel Luke 12: 32-40. All are welcome.
• North Carolina State Parks – 3 pm, Take a journey from the highest mountain east of the Black Hills in South Dakota to the highest sand dune on the East Coast. Discover the amazing diversity, natural heritage and history that is protected and preserved in our state park system. Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 Fort Bragg Rd., Southern Pines, 910-692-2167
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Engineer explains the Lake Auman dam road closure |
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Written by Greg Hankins, Times Editor
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Friday, 06 August 2010 |
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The engineer stood his ground. After facing an hour-long barrage of questions from Westsiders -- not all of the happy -- dam engineer Dr. Dan Marks had not budged on this recommendation: the road across Lake Auman Dam should remain forever closed to vehicular traffic in order to protect the integrity of the structure.
A crowd of nearly 200 attended the presentation, which capped a day of activities involving Marks and members of the Board and the Dam Committee of the Seven Lakes West Landowners Association [SLWLA].
Marks offered three reasons that he was recommending permanent closure of Longleaf drive across the dam:
1. Conditions encountered during last summers repairs to the dam were much worse than anticipated.
2. Even after the repairs, the dam's core will continue to deteriorate, though at a much slower rate.
3. Impact loading caused by vehicles traveling through the emergency spillway -- a 150-foot long, 4-foot deep dip on the east side of the dam -- could hasten deterioration of the dam's core and threaten the integrity of the repairs in precisely the area where the worst core deterioration has occurred.
"I do empathize with those of you that are inconvenienced by closing the road," Marks said. "But I can't as a professional engineer advise you to open that road, with the possibility that those three things could cause a failure."
"I understand the inconvenience," he said. "I would probably feel the same way, because I love water. I love dams. I would love to get up every morning and and drive across that dam with its view of Lake Auman. But I also know that my big old Ford Lariat with all my stuff totals out about 5000 lbs. Why should I take the risk of ruining the best thing in my life to save five minutes?"
The decision whether to reopen the road does not fall, ultimately, to Marks, but rather to the SLWLA Board of Directors. Director Mick Herdrich said at the meeting's conclusion that the Dam Committee would study the information provided by Marks, consider options, and make a recommendations to the Board about next steps. In the past, Herdrich has left open the possibility that the committee might recommend seeking a second opinion for another engineer. |
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Residents Want Lakes & Dams Committee Reinstated |
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Written by Greg Hankins, Times Editor
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Saturday, 31 July 2010 |
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Led by JoAn Moses, members of the Seven Lakes Landowners Association's [SLLA] disbanded Lakes & Dams Committee made a concerted effort during the Wednesday, July 28 Open Meeting to have the panel resurrected.
Moses, speaking during the public comment segment of the meeting, recounted the history of the committee and its accomplishments. The group was founded as a ad hoc committee of concerned residents in 2006, in the wake of $250,000 in state-mandated repairs to Echo Dam. It worked with the Board and Association Engineer John Eddy to develop a six point action plan for dam maintenance.
In 2008, Moses explained, the panel became an official committee of the Board of Directors; had a $100,000 line item for dam maintenance added to the budget; and began to work through the items in Eddy's maintenance plan. The committee rewrote the SLLA boating rules and made more than a dozen other recommendations in the areas of dam and lake maintenance, safety, and amenities, many of which were acted on by the Board.
In 2009, the Lakes & Dams Committee was rolled into the Maintenance Committee, Moses said, and, this Spring, that committee was disbanded.
Moses asked who was monitoring the piezometers that test water levels inside the structure of the dams and whether anyone had reviewed the 2010 state dam inspection reports.
"With these facts before you, I strongly urge this Board to reinstate the Lakes & Dams Committee as a Standing Committee," Moses said. This committee should include the past members who have the knowledge, expertise, and interest in being watchdogs of our lakes and dams to make sure they are maintained and inspected on a regular schedule. We must take a proactive approach to our lakes and dams, not only to catch any problems before they become major but also to save in the cost of any repairs." |
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Board Asks Boles, Blake to Delay Action on Incorporation |
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Written by Greg Hankins, Times Editor
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Thursday, 29 July 2010 |
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The Westside Board will ask State Representative Jamie Boles and State Senator Harris Blake to delay any attempt to incorporate Seven Lakes as a town until the Association's study of incorporation is complete. That study is currently scheduled to wrap up in December, at the earliest, past the deadline to have incorporation placed on the General Assembly's agenda for the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions.
It was not immediately clear whether members of the Seven Lakes West Landowners Association [SLWLA] Board, who voted eight to one during their Tuesday, July 27 Work Session in favor of requesting the delay, realized that they may be in effect asking for a delay of two years.
John Goodman, offering the motion, said the SLWLA's study process is well underway, and will produce interim reports in September, final reports in December, and forums for discussion afterwards.
"That process would be in conflict with a rush to incorporation," Goodman said.
The letter was not in its final form when the Board approved it, but Goodman said it asks Blake and Boles "if someone asks you to move this forward, we would like you to wait until we complete our process." President Ron Shepard promised to provide The Times with a copy of the letter once it has been finalized.
Director John Hoffmann said that it is prudent for the Board to examine the implications of incorporation for Seven Lakes West and that it is in keeping with the Board's pledge to the community to protect property values. Studying the complex issues involved "takes time," he said.
Secretary Karen Milligan, who cast the lone dissenting vote against the motion, said, "I will not approve sending that letter to my state representative, because I don't feel that we know for certain that that is what the majority of our members would want us to do. There are certain members of our community that are advocates of moving things along, of having study groups, etc. For this Board to sit here and write my state representative on my behalf, I wouldn't agree with. If I want to write to them, I will." |
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Westside Entries Master Plan Unveiled |
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Written by Greg Hankins, Times Editor
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Friday, 16 July 2010 |
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Seven Lakes West has a new Master Plan for its front and back entranceways that would move the front gatehouse further inside the community and create a back gate area that is as attractive as the richly-landscaped Lakeway Drive Mall.
Director John Goodman shared with his fellow Board members the results of months of work by the Entries Planning Committee and the land-planning firm LandDesign during the Tuesday, July 13 Seven Lakes West Landowners Association [SLWLA] Work Session.
"Everyone was very happy with this result," Goodman said. "I hope the community looks favorably upon it." You can download copies of the Master Plan for the front gate area here and the back gate area here ; larger, much easier-to-read versions can be viewed at the West Side Park Community Center. 
The drawings lay out a concept and embody the work of the committee, but they are not detailed construction plans, Goodman told The Times. Detailed plans will be needed in order to implement the proposed changes, and cost and other factors may result in specific elements of the plan being changed or omitted.
Pushing the front gatehouse further into the community -- near the location of the current mailhouse -- will allow for much more traffic stacking and improve safety, Goodman told the Board. It also means that the community must resolve its mail delivery dilemma before the plan can be implemented.
"One of the things that the community likes is the [front] entry to our community," Goodman said. "As we build out, it would be nice to give the back gate a similar appearance." He noted that work to enhance the back gate area does not necessarily have to be done at the same time as improvements at the front entrance.
The back gate Master Plan includes the possibility of locating a mailhouse on property the Association already owns. The committee also provided a vision of a more extensive back gate complex that could be developed if the Association acquired three adjacent lots: one a well site owned by Moore County and two that are currently residential lots in the Stonegate subdivision.
Goodman said the well site might revert to the community in 15 to 20 years, assuming the county retires the well. Converting the residential lots to common area would be more complicated, because of restrictions in the Westside covenants. |
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