CONSTRUCTION VOTE RESULTS/STAIRS PROJECT UPDATE

 

CONSTRUCTION VOTE

     The ballots are in and the votes have been counted. Sixty one percent of the residents voted, totaling 31 responses.  Options 2 and 3 received a combined total of 20 votes to freeze summer construction, substantially outnumbering the 11 that want to maintain the status quo. Since the ballot stated that the outcome would be based on the selection of the majority who voted, the overwhelming choice was number 2. In order to provide for the peace and tranquility residents look forward to, implementation would not begin this season until July. Thereafter, the new rule would be implemented as stated:

2. No major construction from the Wednesday prior to the Memorial Day weekend thru the 2nd weekend after Labor Day. When construction is permissible, work must not begin before 9:00 AM and must end by 6:00 PM.  Saturday hours during this period shall be from 9:00 AM and be completed by 4:30 PM. No work is allowed on Sunday.  During the period of the Thursday before the Memorial Day weekend thru the 2nd weekend after Labor Day, only emergency repairs will be allowed and those, to the greatest extent possible, only on the weekdays.

 

STAIRS PROJECT

       Since the annual meeting, the Board has been busy collecting bids for the front steps project. The project was initiated because a substantial number of front porches were becoming structurally unsound, and the decision was made to use the opportunity resulting from expenditures that would be needed in any event to make changes to modernize the look of the Landings. A vote among owners was taken and a majority voted to go ahead with the project.

Simultaneously, however, one of our unit owners who has consistently questioned Board actions regarding the claims reimbursements for Super Storm Sandy, has petitioned FEMA with questions resulting in them making inquiries.  This might result in an audit of everyone’s reimbursements and worse, having to return portions of what was received, including amounts received by the Board on behalf of the ownership.   This process could take months, if not years. There exists a possibility that even with our present reserves, if FEMA were to require returning a portion of its disbursements to the Landings as a consequence of such an inquiry, an unexpected  assessment might be necessary in order to maintain reserves at the needed level while  completing the front steps project.

Therefore with this open ended inquiry, until a conclusion is reached, the Board believes it most prudent not to engage in any large expenditures that are not entirely essential.

     Once we receive complete information as to FEMA’s intentions relative to the inquiries, we will recalculate the cost of the project.  At that time we will once again inform our owners as to the plans for the project, and, if any, additional out-of-pocket costs that might result from FEMA actions before moving forward with the project.