9
December 2013
Land Trust Meets Goal for Angel Oak Preserve
Thanks to the efforts of concerned Lowcountry residents and organizations,
the Lowcountry Open Land Trust (LOLT) has met its goal to raise enough
funds to purchase 17 of the 34 acres adjacent to the historic Angel Oak tree.
On Nov. 7, the South Carolina Conservation Bank voted unanimously to
allocate roughly $890,000 to the LOLT. These funds, combined with other
funds raised during a campaign that began in July of this year, allow the
LOLT to purchase the 17 acres in question. By purchasing this land, the
trust wants to prevent development near the massive tree and expand the
9-acre city park surrounding it. The future park could feature a community
garden, a playground or an interactive cultural learning center.
After Charleston County’s Greenbelt Board put forth the initial $2.4
million (of the $3.6 million needed), nearly 10,000 donors contributed to
the cause, in addition to local municipalities, organizations and businesses.
KICA was a driving force of the campaign, raising awareness to preserve
this local treasure and assist in raising funds for the LOLT. In total, the two
islands helped raise over $116,000.
The funds contributed by the SC Conservation Bank were in excess of
what LOLT needed to meet its initial goal. As a result, the remaining funds
from the bank will be allocated next year in the pursuit of buying the
remaining 17 acres.
“Additional funds will be used for additional acquisitions,” said LOLT
Development Director Adrian Cain. “We hope to turn it around and
continue to acquire new acreage. It creates a real opportunity, a real
possibility, to protect the entire 34 acres.”
For more information on the LOLT’s campaign, known as the Angel Oak
Preserve, or to donate to the project, visit lolt.org.
Bipartisan Deal Reached to Delay Flood Insurance Premium Hike
Key House and Senate members have reached a bipartisan deal to
delay changes to the federal flood insurance program that are raising
premiums for many coastal homeowners.
A major purpose of the original act, signed into law in July 2012, was
the termination of federal subsidies on certain properties, including
second homes, businesses and home substantially damaged or
improved, and increase premiums on them by 25% until they reached
their full actuarial cost. Additional reforms included imposing
minimum deductibles for flood claims, modernizing the mapping
system, and more aggressive mitigation programs. However, the
act also raised the annual cap on premium rate increases for other
properties from 10% to 20%, requires minimum deductibles for
flood insurance and imposes stricter requirements for obtaining flood
insurance. This situation was a hotly discussed topic at KICA's Oct.
15 Public Officials Night.
As homeowners across the country, including Kiawah Island, began
to realize unintended and sometimes staggering premium increases
in the wake of Biggert-Waters, the national Community Associations
Institute (CAI), of which KICA is an active member, took notice.
CAI is a credible public policy organization whose Political Action
Committee monitors bills in the interest of homeowners across the
nation. It has led an effort in Washington to bring about a solution to
this problem, culminating in the vote to delay increases.
For background on the original bill and more details on the delay,
please visit http://goo.gl/oXYDzc.
KICA will continue to work with CAI and encourages members to
monitor the situation closely as it impacts their personal situations.
Reminder: Speed Limit on Kiawah
As we approach one of the busiest travel times of the year, safety on roadways is a top concern. When driving
around the island, remember that the speed limit on Kiawah's roads is 25 mph, unless otherwise noted.
Whether you're heading down to road to the Ocean Course for a round of golf, or off to visit family for the
holidays, Drive Safe!