![]() “Realty Yours” Market Watch for Fripp Island
By Rita Riley @ RE/MAX 843-838-0806 February 27, 2008
www.HomesOnFrippIsland.com rileys@islc.net
February was an exciting month for us here. The weather has been more or less cooperative and we had so many ‘special days.’ I appreciate that daylight is getting longer and the night skies have been so crystal clear. Don’t forget that Daylight Savings begins March 9th).This year is Feb has 29 days – a leap year so spend it wisely! Many days the temperature is perfect for just letting in all the fresh air & doing what is called “airing out.” The azaleas are already out, camellias are in bloom, daffodils & tulips about to ‘pop’ and “Spring is in the air!” We’ve just had a nice downpour – let’s hope that your gutters were not clogged…. & probably your driveway has plenty of debris. It’s time to begin the spring landscaping projects. It’s time to re-mulch beds and core aerate the lawn. It’s also that time of year to think about protecting your home from little prowlers…(with 4 feet). Call me, or email me @ rileys@islc.net if you need any recommendation. Also, for those here on Fripp- I guess you’ve also noticed a big increase in children riding their bicycles, - so be extra careful.
On Feb 2nd was the first B’day party we’ve ever had for Chuck (my husband) and we had about 90 guests at the Commun-ity Center & 3 bands & tons of food. We brought in the most renown band on Hilton Head, ‘Target’ & everyone com-mented that this was the best group they had ever enjoyed. Our friend, Franco, an international entertainer, (from Italy) also performed & was a big hit. Perhaps we’ll see him on the Friends of Music program in the future. The family members who came for the party stayed more than a week so there was a lot of excitement & activities. Then, mid-Feb was Valentines Day & the club had their Sweetheart Dinner & the following weekend was a 3-day President’s Weekend with lots of bike riders (except for Monday when it poured). The island is perking up for the season. Our ocean water temp is still too cool to swim (57 degrees) but the Cabana Pool is heated & scheduled to be ready on 3/1.
On 2/15 we attended the Marina Boathouse Grand Re-opening with the Resort Cocktail Party for Members Only. What a wonderful affair they gave us – with Open Bar for an hour, then spiced chicken wings & tons of oysters to an overflowing crowd! Then, on Feb 17th we went down to Savannah to another function at the Savannah Theatre – this time it was “The Best of Hollywood” – very similar to the program we attended, “The Best of Broadway” at the end of October. What a lively and talented group – we strongly suggest you seeing this show – it’s terrific.
Speaking of shows, Tom Jones will perform at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center 3/7 – go to ticketmaster.com or call 843-554-6060. Also, Anne Murray will perform there on 3/13 (same phone numbers). Meanwhile, right in Beaufort the Lowcountry’s Premier Chamber Music Concert with Charles Wadsworth will be Sun 3/2 at 5 PM at the Univ of SC Performing Arts Center. Contact the Beaufort Visitor Center 1-800-638-3525 or 843-986-5400 Ext. 34.
The Beaufort Kaleidoscope (For film & fine arts) multi-faceted celebration of creativity is back with a film festival, an art walk, a Big Chili Party 3-6th thru 3/9th & presented by the Chamber of Commerce. Tickets & passes are available through the Beaufort Visitor Center or visit www.beaufortkaleidoscope.com or call 986-5400 ext 22.
The main topic this month has been about the possibility of Wal-Mart coming to Lady’s Island near the small airport on Rte 21. Most folks are definitely against this – especially because of the traffic congestion it would cause to an already strained Rte 802 & 21 intersection. Articles abound, in several newspapers, and on the web and meetings were scheduled…quite a lot of activity. They (Wal-Mart) were seeking permission to build an almost 200,000 sq ft store which would be completed by 2009 and have 910 parking spaces. It would be adjacent to the solid waste and recycling center on that corner. The public hearing was scheduled Valentines Day 2/14 at 3PM at the Beaufort Arsenal. Although it has been turned down, there is still ‘news’ as published 2/25 in the Gazette stating that Wal-Mart is appealing the rejection & that appeal won’t be heard until 3/25/08. Meanwhile, on 2/13, I read in the Gazette that the Developer Patrick Scott of the Paradise Development Group said that the desired zoning is now in place - and that although it won’t be a Publix, - there will be a national grocery chain store near the intersection of Rte 21 & Polowana Rd (at the Dataw signal light).
Our Rte 21 widening project is still coming along – but there is yet much to be done and it makes trips in & out of Beaufort slower with the low posted speed and oh so many barrels! They are now around the elementary school area in St. Helena. Update on SC 802 widening Project: At the meeting (with about 100 attendees) held 1/31 the new plans were displayed showing there will be raised medians & sidewalks. Two sections will go to 4 lanes including the Lady’s Island Dr from Ribault Rd to Rte 21 & includes a 2nd bridge next to the McTeer Bridge & will have 2 signals (at Meridian Rd & Island Causway). That project is estimated at $39Mil. The other section will be on Savannah Highway between Parris Island Gateway & Robert Smalls Pkway @ $7 Mil. These should be completed by 2013.
Speaking of the McTeer Bridge – Feb 15th was an article in the Gazette that a settlement had been reached which left me very upset. Everyone by now is aware of the April 26th 2-month closure of the bridge for repairs after a towed crane 1 hit the bridge. “Crews needed to replace 5 of the bridge’s steel support beams…” and “the repair work is estimated 2 to have cost as much as $2 Mil.” However, “in addition to the suspension of Captain Gres’ license” (6-months), they “recommended Savannah Marine Services be fined up to $75,000.” My biggest question is, who pays for the $2Mil?
In an article in the Gazette, on 2/19, Tom Henrikson (Controller) presented updated budget projections to the County Council’s Finance Committee for the current budget year which ends 6/30. There are decreased revenues from fewer home permits & deed registers. His figures were totally different from an article appearing just 4 days later in the Gazette. On 2/23 was the Gazette article, “County finance director presents ‘worse case scenario’ to council: Raise taxes or dip into savings.” According to Tom Henrikson, the county expects $5.7Mil less than what services will cost in the upcoming fiscal year for maintaining the current level of services. This can come from the county $17.7Mil in savings but which is needed to fund its parks, libraries, law enforcement, jail, emergency mgmt & other services. In case of a disaster it NEEDS to have at least $10.8 for an unforeseen disaster. The obvious alternative to major cuts in services is increased taxes (which he suggested) meaning a $62 tax hike for primary owners ($200,000 home) and a $128 increase on secondary homes (per $200,000 value). Oh, & while were on taxes – the 8th sexual abuse victim regarding the school board lawsuit was just awarded $300,000 (to be added to our $4.6Mil which we’ll be paying for this year.).
Beaufort: Next month the construction is expected to begin on a development of 17 condos & 14,000 sq ft of commercial space right over the Woods Memorial Bridge at Bay Street. There will be a 3-story building with 9 condos, 5000 sq ft commercial space and an underground parking garage. At the corner, the 2 buildings will be renovated to accommodate 8 more condos & 9000 sq. ft. commercial. Most of the condos have already been sold & there is a commercial occupant (still secret). About 27,000 cars pass there each day. One of our Fripp residents from New Hampshire is a big investor in this project. Also Beaufort– The American Assoc of Univ Women are holding their annual Attic Sale at the Sea Island Presbyterian Church Sat 3/28 (Lady’s Isl Drive). Proceeds will go to scholarships-they are looking for donations of jewel-ry, knick-knacks, furniture, etc. Call Maryanne Beck 838-7094, Peggy Hubright 838-0008 or Joan Schwartz 838-7092.
Charleston – good news: In a recent 1/29 article from the Gazette, “8 attorneys generals sign letter against SC power plant permit.” I’ve mentioned this proposed plan by Santee Cooper, which would release millions of tons of carbon dioxide into the air. “The state-owned electric utility wants to build two 600-megawatt generators along the Little Pee Dee River. The attorney generals from CA, NY, CN, DA, DC, MA, RI and VT are against it…as were more than 700 comments DHEC received about the plant….and to date they have not decided to issue a permit. Hopefully the plans will be scraped. Mid-month I read an article about a request to import about 20,000 tons of nuclear waste from Italy for processing in Tennessee and disposal in Utah….and a great portion of it would come through the ports of Charleston or New Orleans. Don’t we have enough USA problems disposing of its own nuclear waste! the article ended with, The Port of Charleston must not be turned into a nuclear highway for the world.” Now that makes sense to me.
Hilton Head one of the World’s Largest Yard Sales will be held at H H Island High School’s parking lot 70 Wilborn Rd on Saturday March 29th. Back in Bucks County & Phila I really enjoyed yard sales, so I just might see you there! It is sponsored by the Island Packet…any questions call Beth Patton at (843) 706-8180 or e-mail: bpatton@islandpacket.com. We took another trip down to Hilton Head to hear our Target Band again last Saturday.
Audubon Club meeting Jan 24th had guest speaker Jeff Mollenhauer who spoke about the identifying and reporting of banded shorebirds. His slide presentation showed where the birds were banded and what the meanings of the different colors and types of bands meant. He discussed their migration patterns, how to approach near to the birds, what to photo-graph & report. It was very interesting and he just completed a color brochure titled, “Share the Beach with South Carolina’s Coastal Birds.” Since populations of our beach-nesting birds and winter shorebirds are declining, they need our help. To learn more go to: www.scshorebirdsproject.org. Other news: Indonesia reported 100th bird flu death, according to a Gazette article 1/28. “Health officials were bracing for more possible outbreaks during the upcoming Lunar New Year festivities, when massive numbers of people and poultry are on the move.” So far there have been 222 human deaths from bird flue detected worldwide. Also, I have learned that the pelicans nesting site in ‘Crab bank’ in Charleston is eroding & may or may not be replenished. However, they have ‘taken up’ an island made by the US Army Corps of Engineers at the mouth of the Savannah River where last year the saw over 300 pairs of pelicans. In 2006, the nest count was 3,878 the most since1997. But, overall in SC & the coast, the pelicans are considered in decline.
The Community Center & Chapel – are coming along well. The chapel has remained open but the Centre has been closed since the day after our B’Day party 2-2-08 & will open shortly after the electric and water sprinkler system are installed. They will still have the monthly dinner on March 12th but the new rugs won’t be in by then. Members of the Board are now selling raffle tickets for Faye Edge’s beautiful reproduction of the stained glass window -tickets are $10 (drawing at the Dinner). It’s a beautiful piece of art . Take several raffle tickets & support the building fund.
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Regarding Insurance – I finally received an email from James Byrd, Deputy Director for the SC Insurance. As far 3 as I can see, it was a wasted response because I specifically asked what the state has done for secondary home owners regarding flood/hurricane insurance programs. His entire 5 pages only covers one item – that of the new provision for the Catastrophic Savings Account….. & after reading it I can see no reason for me EVER doing this even though on my one home (I have 3 homes here) I am a primary owner. However, according to the state’s tax laws, if a property owner is not a legal resident of SC, they are not eligible to receive this tax savings. (The interest earned by the account is exempt from state income tax). It must be in a state or federally chartered bank and you can’t invest it – it can only be in an interest bearing account (which pays what now?)! It is used to pay your homeowner’s insurance deductible & is limited to 2 times the amount of your deductible not to exceed $15,000. Anyone reading this, who is a primary owner, and wishes a copy of the 5 pages – just email me @ rileys@islc.net & I’ll get you a copy. I really can’t see ANY benefit but I’ll be happy to copy you. Meanwhile, there is still another ‘primary’ grant program out there to encourage coastal residents to perform hurricane-resistant retrofits on their home and receive up to $5000 in grant money. In total there is $2.3 Mil in recurring funds the state legislature set aside, but people on “private island” Fripp don’t qualify for that either.
Garden Club meeting for March will once again be at the fire station because work is still being done at the Community Center. This past meeting we had a very informative presentation given by Barbara Lutz Hart from NC about how to garden like an ecologist. She was so knowledgeable, and with a great sense of humor, we all enjoyed her talk. The detailed minutes of the meeting are out & if you haven’t received them just call me 843-838-0806 of it you want to learn what to do with your garden at home & would like a copy. Also, Micki McCormick gave us an update about the Tower Lot Beautification Plan, & Dot Steele covered some correspondence with the main one being The Lady’s Island Middle School Project – to which we are donating $500. to this splendid cause. Shelia Tindall brought up the idea that we might want to car pool & attend the 61st Annual Spring Festival of House & Gardens March13-April 12th where there will be 150 colonial & antebellum homes open. Also, through the Garden Club of Charleston they are having the 73rd Annual Walking Tour of Private Houses & Gardens on March 28th & March 29th.
The Yacht Club had a very successful Commodore’s Ball. Now, they are planning an Oyster Roast for March 13th @ $20/ea. in the Screen Pavilion at Wardles’ Landing Area. Contact Fritz 838-9944 (21 Fiddlers Point) for reservations.
Tennis – We’ve had Tuesday Men’s League (no winner yet) and Thursday Mixed Doubles (no winner yet). At the end of the month is the USTA Spring Clay Championship….so our usual Ladies Saturday is off till the next weekend.
Golf – there have been several golf tournaments this month with the winners of the Valentine Couples being Paul and Judy Hummer and also Phil & Stephanie Weber winning. The Sea Rescue St Patrick’s Day Golf Tournament is March 8. There has been much controversy about the N Y Times article by Paul Vitello of 2/21 titled, “Pressed for Time and Money Americans Are Giving Up Golf.” It is a very long – must read – article that highlights several golf problems. In it, it states that the total number of people who play has declined or remained flat each year since 2000 (26 million from 30 million)….and the number who play 25 times/year fell to 4.6 mil in 2005 from 6.9 million in 2000 (about 1/3rd). The article also states that there is now considered a vast overbuilding of golf courses. “Between 1990 and 2003, developers built more than 3000 new golf courses in the US, bringing the total to about 16,000. Several hundred have closed in the last few years, most of them in AZ, FL, MI and SC…..”
Fishing: From the Island Packet , 2/19, we read, “Center focuses on raising shrimp year-round.” Because of the threat of wild shrimp stocks being depleted in the Gulf of Mexico & a practically nonexistent live-bait-shrimp industry in SC, the Waddell Mariculture Center is developing technology to supply live local bait year-round. The 3-year project to raise a disease-free line of native white shrimp for recreational fishermen is being funded by a 3-year federal grant. Naturally, some commercial fishermen aren’t too keen on the idea claiming that the farm-raised shrimp business is destroying the commercial shrimping industry. However, the Waddell Technology is applied to bait shrimp.
Friends of Music – We were at The Savannah Theatre and missed the concert by Angela Small Blalock who was the Feb guest. We heard she was a fabulous soprano and that there was a good turnout. She is currently on the music faculty of SC State Univ in Orangeburg and the music faculty of Sav State Univ. Next month, March 30th, at 5:PM at the Comm Centre, the Friends present “Yankee Celtic Consort” a quartet which combine Classical with Celtic & Bluegrass instrumental sounds.
The Women’s Club presented Renee Sutton in a program “Rejuvenate Your Energy with a Whole & Holistic Approach” at the upstairs room of the Beach Club on 2/20. Unfortunately I had the conflict of taking our friend to the Charleston Airport at the time and I was told I had missed a great meeting. Their upcoming meeting is Feb 19th –meeting at 9:30- at the Comm Centre – elections will take place - & they have a House Tour planned ($5 per member/ $10 for guests).
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The DHEC meeting 2/13–re: Hunting Island sand borrowing. Only about 20 Fripp Residents attended (I was hoping 5 for many more). The DHEC & officials from SC Parks & Recreation spoke about the dire need of ‘hot spots’ to be filled. Rich Combes, from PSD read the PSD letter as well as a letter from David Taylor giving concerns we have for our Inlet Bridge. Several people spoke (I was one of them) from Fripp & Hunting Islands. They were seeking a cart blanch permit for a 4-5 year plan to ‘borrow’ from the south spit on Hunting Island which might affect the safety of our bridge. Several things were determined: 1) there is no money to do any research before, during or after each ‘removal,’ nor any money in the event that the borrowing would cause a negative impact on our bridge. 2) they would consider writing a ‘conditional’ permit with limitations: to the amount of sand; to the frequency of removal; & the possibility of cancellation of the permit if negative impacts occur. Today I talked with Bill Eiser at DHEC & they are waiting for a ‘Water Quality Certification’ before making any final decision. The PSD & those who wrote against the program will receive a letter on their decision. FIPOA meeting was 2/9. 1) A guest, David Warren, a consultant from Hilton Head was present to discuss ways to market the upcoming covenant changes that the POA is proposing for a vote in 2009. He will act in an advisory role & it was suggested he deliver a written proposal ASAP for approval. 2)The Managers Report brought up the proposed public hearing at the DHEC office on 2/13 in Beaufort regarding the Hunting Island erosion & sand replenishment. 3) The Nominating Comm. has chosen 5 nominees for 3 resident positions (Jim Duncan, Bob Hess, Rick Raible, Dick Morrison & Ted Michals) and 2 nominees for the non-resident position (David Case & Richard Watts). Ballots will be mailed on 2/29 and counted April 1st. 4) The Sea Grass Condo project met with the Bft County Dev Review Team for conceptual approval. It was deferred until questions are answered regarding setbacks, buffers & parking. 5) All the trees along Tarpon (to Bonito Bridge) and Bonito have been trimmed 6) The Tarpon Road widening project is progressing & the road should be resurfaced within 2 weeks. Meanwhile POA has received 2 bids to resurface Marlin Drive. 7) A resolution was passed to update the 2007 Reserve Replacement Study for $2,500. 8) The Long Range Planning Survey was approved with modifications. The POA has put questions online (& mailing to those who do not have email) such as in the survey done 4 or 5 years ago which was most helpful in governing the POA and gave an opportunity to owners to ‘voice their opinions.’ 9) Dick Morrison gave a long presentation on what he considered was the drainage fiasco of widening Tarpon Blvd….especially in front of his house. 10) The area at Wahoo at Bonito (at Ocean Creek #16 hole) was mentioned - & the Fripp Island Resort is looking at the feasibility of developing up to 5 lots in that area – but may have to move the lagoon. 11) the possibility of paving Porpoise Circle was discussed & POA approved paying 1/18th of the cost not to exceed $1400 as one of the owners on that street. CAB –Resort Club Advisory Board met 2/18– 1) Regarding the 4th of July - Already a map & schedule is out showing the center island activities at the Beach Club/Pavillion area and include Live entertainment, Art show, Carnival, cookout, cake walk, & of course the parade area. 2) During Feb they have had Prime Rib Night at the Beach Club on Saturdays and Crab Legs at the Beach Club on Tues. 3) I was at the Cabana Club today and they are working diligently to have this open by March 1st – with painters everywhere plus there is heat already in the oval pool. I believe all pools are getting in readiness as well as the ‘Beach Club Food Court’ which is scheduled to open 3/1. 4) A by-laws committee has been appointed to have new bylaws written in time for the 2009 Club year. 5) The Resort is negotiating to move the Fitness Center into a larger area at the entrance of the island. 6) The dress code was approved for the restaurants & will be posted shortly 7) The Club office has been painted & new carpet installed. 7) The Club is planning a member survey to seek suggestions & better respond to the desire of the members. 8) The Bonito Boat House Restaurant got new paint, new carpeting and was the site of the ‘Members Only’ Grand Re-opening on Feb 15th. This was a delightful evening – thanks to the Club. PSD (Public Service District) meeting was 2/12. 1) the managers report for last month was routine with nothing new to report to you. 2) The erosion (& possible re-nourishment) on Hunting Island State Park was discussed with planned attendance from PSD for the 2/13 meeting at DHEC - plus getting a letter from David Taylor, PE of Wilbur Smith Associates to present at the meeting. At this point PSD had verbal opinions from David Taylor, but they were able to submit an impressive letter stating that “Unless it can be unequivocally shown that there will be no impact, even under significant storm events, protective measures should be provided for the bridge at no cost to the island residents.” Since Hunting Island wants to use sand which is ‘guarding’ our island, they could cause souring and problems for our bridge & David cautioned by suggesting legal counsel be sought. His letter was impressive and read at the DHEC meeting. 3) Four balance sheets & Statements of Revenues & Expenses were covered – but there were no surprises. 4) Margaret Pope who has been our legal representative during the Bond Revenue programs is changing companies. There were letters to review to make a decision to either stay with the old company, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd or transfer our files to the newly formed Pope Zeigler, LLC firm - & based on past performance, etc, it was unanimously decided to remain with Ms Pope. 5) The PSD has received an agreement to join the SC Water & Wastewater Agency response Network which is an Intrastate Program for Mutual Aid & Assistance (in the event of emergency). This was also unanimously approved. 6) a request was made by the Garden Club for a $1000 donation for the water tower beautification program (which had already been passed at the FIPOA meeting). The program would make the PSD water tower much more appealing looking and the FIPOA, PSD and Resort would all contribute. This was passed but the securing of ‘free’ water (sprinkler sys, etc) was going to be OK after conditions were stipulated & made clear.
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