When we all moved to The Landings on Skidaway Island, one of the first things we noticed about our new home was that everyone waved to us — on the cart path, at Landings Harbor, in The Village, at the playground, at the Dog Park — everywhere. Remember how welcomed and comfortable it made us feel  and how glad we were that we moved here.

Over the years, all our lives have become more filled and hectic, and everyone seems to be in a hurry all of the time. In addition, COVID-19 added to our sense of isolation. Nowadays, we drive or walk by our neighbors and others and simply pay no attention to (or don’t notice) them. The community doesn’t seem quite as “warm and fuzzy” anymore, does it?

It’s time to start smiling and acknowledging each other again. Look up from our phones and see who’s walking near us, standing in line at the pharmacy next to us, or driving down the cart path toward us. Do you want to brighten your and others’ days? Let’s “Bring Back the Skidaway Wave!”

Vehicle Accidents

On Wednesday, April 10, Security, Chatham Emergency Services (CES), and Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) responded to Green Island Road and Waterway Drive for a two-vehicle accident. The driver of the first vehicle stated that the driver of the second vehicle was making a lefthand turn without turn signals, so he tried to go around the vehicle and struck it on the front driver’s side. CES assisted with minor injuries, but no transport was necessary. Both vehicles sustained significant damage and had to be towed from the scene. The driver of the first vehicle was found at fault for the accident and cited by CCPD.

Security, CES, and CCPD responded to a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Diamond Causeway and Green Island Road on Friday, April 12. The driver of the first vehicle was heading towards the Main Gate on Diamond Causeway and failed to stop at the stop sign. The driver of the second vehicle was crossing the intersection from Green Island Road to McWhorter Drive when she was struck on the back passenger side of her vehicle by the first vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle was treated on scene for injuries and transported to a local hospital. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. The driver of the first vehicle was found at fault for the accident and cited by CCPD.

Golf Accident

Security, CES, and CCPD responded to the Westcross overpass bridge on April 10 for a report of a golf cart accident. Upon arrival, the responding Officer observed a man lying on the ground who was alert and conscious but injured. The man stated that he was looking over into the woods when he struck the median on the bridge that separates the cart path and roadway causing the cart to flip over. Bystanders informed the Officer that the man had been stuck under the cart, so they helped push the cart off him and back into the upright position. The man was treated on scene for his injuries and transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. The owner of the cart arrived on scene and removed the cart.

Suspicious Incidents

On Friday, April 12, Security responded to Franklin Wood Lane for a report of a suspicious person. The complainant advised that her doorbell camera captured a young male walk up to her front door and then turn around and leave. She provided a description of the individual to Security, and the responding Officer patrolled the surrounding areas but did not see anyone matching her description. The complainant was advised of the action taken and the Officer’s findings. No further suspicious person reports were received that night.

Security responded to Henry Clay Court for a report of a suspicious incident on Saturday, April 13 at approximately 10:30 p.m. The resident advised that she had been watching TV when she heard a knock at her door. By the time she reached her door, no one was there. However, she could hear someone running away. The responding Officer walked around the residence and surrounding area but did not find anyone or anything suspicious. The complainant was advised that extra patrols would be performed.

At approximately 2:49 a.m. on Sunday, April 14, Security responded to Middleton Road for a report of two individuals banging on a resident’s door. The resident stated that she saw one juvenile on a bike and one on a scooter take off from her yard when she looked out the window. While patrolling the surrounding area, Officers found the bike and scooter in the bushes in front of a residence on Wiley Bottom Road. The items were taken to the Main ACF for retrieval. At approximately 3:15 a.m., a juvenile called to report that his bike and scooter had been taken by Security. The juvenile admitted to playing ding dong ditch. He was informed that his parents would need to retrieve the scooter and bicycle, so they could be made aware of the situation. On Monday, April 15, Security spoke with the juvenile’s father regarding the incident. He advised that he would address the situation with his son.

Road Rage Incident

On Saturday, April 13, Security at the Main ACF intervened in what appeared to be a road rage incident in the guest lane. Two individuals had exited their vehicles and had begun arguing with each other. One of the individuals had allegedly made several threats to pull his gun on the other man. In an effort to deescalate the situation, the Officer advised one of the individuals to leave the area. The man remained combative with the Officer and continued to argue. As the Officer was talking with the man, the other driver returned to his vehicle and left the area heading toward the four-way stop. At that time, the man that Security was speaking with also left the area proceeding through the Main ACF. It is unknown what caused the incident.

Traffic Safety and Compliance Officer

On Monday, April 15, our new Traffic Safety and Compliance Officer joined the Security team. Please help us welcome Michael Tyler as he embarks on his journey to make The Landings a safer community through traffic compliance. Michael joins our team with 23 years of experience in law enforcement where he specialized in K-9 and traffic enforcement.

Traffic Safety

The Guardian Pro camera/LIDAR system remained on Landings Way North at Wiley Bottom Road.  From April 3 to April 9, the system recorded 71 violations with the highest recorded speed being 51 MPH. Courtesy notices will be sent to those individuals who are recorded exceeding the posted speed limit.

TLA Rules and Regulations Enforcement

• A $100 citation was issued to a vendor for damaging the gate arm. The vendor also will be charged for the repairs to the gate.
• A warning was issued to a vendor for not having safety cones.
• The following citations with fines were issued to residents:
  • $49 for yard debris on common property
  • $25 for overnight parking on the street
  • $50 for overnight parking on the street
• Warnings were issued to residents for overnight parking on the street.

** Please note that a brief synopsis is provided for pertinent incidents that Security responds to during the week. All incidents are not covered in the weekly recap. Statistics for reports are provided below. **

The CDD team has been busy this week. Following is a closer look at what they’ve been working on.

Private Property Maintenance Standards
Routine inspections were conducted in Moon River and Marshview Landing this week. Follow-up and requested inspections were conducted throughout the island. This week, one property was contacted regarding new violations of the Private Property Maintenance Standards and no properties were contacted to provide courtesy education regarding property maintenance standards.

Landings Harbor Marina

Normal Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday  8 a.m. to  5 p.m.

Learn To Sail Basic Sailing Course – Saturday, April 27

There will be a Basic Sailing Course led by a certified Society for the Education of American Sailors (SEAS) instructor in collaboration with sailors from The Landings Sailing Club (TLSC). The class is intended to teach the basics of sailing to those age 21 and over who have never been on a sailboat, as well as those with some experience. The two-day intensive course includes interactive classroom instruction plus an on-the-water session to practice boat and sail-handling skills. The water session will be held the following Tuesday or Wednesday based on the student and instructor availability, weather, and tides. The cost for the course is $100 per student, $25 of which will be refunded if you join TLSC within 30 days after joining as a full-time member. Every student must be a Landings resident. If you have questions, contact Angela Margolit directly (973-296-8011). To register, email Angela (amargolit@hotmail.com).

Landings Dry Storage Activity

Delegal Creek Marina (DCM)

Operating hours  9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily

The Delegal Creek Marina Dockmaster position has been filled by Kathrine Cram. She is starting during the first week of May and will be training in the marina systems and daily procedures. The Landings Harbor staff have been filling shifts during the recruiting process. Delegal Creek has been hosting transient vessel traffic as the Spring migration North continues. Late Monday afternoon the staff found water coming from the meter box that feeds the docks. Utilities Inc was contacted to investigate the source and determine the repairs. The water was restored at the end of the day on Tuesday.