2
Amenities Evaluation (Continued from Previous...)
Three Potential Projects Presented for Input
Ultimately, the board and committee approved three potential
projects to present to members for feedback. The approach of the
board is to present concepts, solicit feedback through the member
sessions and a subsequent survey, and, based on the results of the
survey, determine whether to proceed with firm plans for any of these
projects. The three potential projects shared at seven information
sessions in early May included:
• Adult and family pools built on the ocean-side common
property between the Sandcastle and the b each, with a covered
veranda for casual seaside meals or snacks;
• A two-story fitness center and Wi-Fi café/coffee shop and juice
bar at the Rhett’s Bluff common property, and subsequent
remodeling of the Sandcastle fitness space into additional
meeting rooms;
• A one-story indoor pool and spa/therapy area that could be
added to the fitness center.
Rhett's Bluff Community Provides Feedback
On May 1, the board set aside one of the member information
sessions for the Rhett’s Bluff community. During this session, some
members questioned the appropriateness of a fitness center in Rhett’s
Bluff - citing concerns about traffic, noise and other livability issues
- and KICA’s legal ability to expand facilities at that location. Several
members expressed their intent to sue KICA should it pursue the
project. The KICA board takes the threat of legal action seriously.
Accordingly, it is not presenting a site-specific fitness project at this
time. Instead, the board is surveying the community on its desire
to expand fitness to an alternate site. Whether that site is on Rhett’s
Bluff or somewhere else, the board needs to know if the community
is interested in the type of fitness center presented, and whether or
not the membership is willing to fund it. In the meantime, KICA will
work to resolve the legal matter involving Rhett’s Bluff.
Funding Options for Projects Considered
Should the board make a formal proposal, the funding plan would
require a vote of the membership. The membership could approve one,
two, three or none of these projects. The current funding philosophy
assumes a 15-year loan, paid for by an annual amenities assessment
that would cover debt service and increased operating costs (with an
option for prepayment at a discount). Any final funding plan will be
the best terms that the association can negotiate. Several institutions
have indicated a willingness to lend to Kiawah; the final terms of
a loan will depend on interest rates at the time and the strength of
community support for any construction.
Annual costs per member for improved properties are estimated at $160195 for the pool complex at the Sandcastle, $390-460 for the fitness
facility, and $150-170 for the indoor pool complex, or a total for all three
projects of $700-825. These costs are for facilities and operating costs
only, and would clearly be higher should the community association
need to purchase land. Board Chair Dave Schoenholz stressed to the
session attendees, “The board cannot tell you whether these prices are
expensive or cheap. Each member must decide that for themselves.”
Member Survey and Information in the Works
KICA is working diligently with the McMahon Group and hopes to have
the information about these potential projects and a survey mailed to
members by early summer. KICA and the board look forward to hearing
from all KICA members on these various options. For more information
on the Amenities Evaluation, visit kica.us (News and Updates).
June 2014