Budget Box: Updates on Community Projects

Last year, the community voted in favor of the 2021-2023 Annual Dues Proposal that included support for restoring and improving our community infrastructure, amenities, aesthetics, and services. We currently are finalizing the proposed 2022 Budget for final Board review and approval in December, so I wanted to provide an update on the 2021 Budget - the projects completed and services restored this year - as well as a preview of projects for 2022 that your Annual Dues help support.

Earlier this year, The Landings Association transformed a dated, 20+ year old asset into one of the best, most inclusive play areas in the region, newly named The Landings Community Park. The project scope included the replacement of the existing playground equipment with new, innovative playground additions (e.g., zipline, inclusive play structures); a 24’x 24’ shade pavilion for small events and protection from the sun; replacement of the parkour trail with a low-impact walking/jogging track (with marine matting surface to be applied once that product has been received); new lighting around the perimeter walking/jogging track; upgraded sports lighting (also still to be finalized as we work through a supply shortage); resurfacing of the basketball courts and new hoops; an addition of a third base line safety netting; and new picnic tables, benches, and trash cans.

During 2021, more than $1.2M has been spent on the road resurfacing program. In 2022, we will spend nearly $1.5M on roads. Resurfacing is the preventive maintenance that prevents costly street rehabilitation. This will be achieved by resurfacing and/or repairing identified roads based on their longevity and condition (e.g., road base failures), with final selection determined by physical inspection, including core samples.

A total of $444,000 was budgeted in 2021 to continue converting asphalt path to concrete, except for sections adjacent to the marsh due to DNR restrictions and other asphalt paths designated as walking paths/areas. This asphalt to concrete conversion project is now expected to be completed in 2024, with a projected spend of $371,444 in 2022.

Due to the phased nature of the development of the community, different materials were used over time for storm drains, including corrugated metal, concrete, and plastic. The sections of storm drain identified for potential repair are inspected by video camera and cleared of debris, root intrusions, and natural obstructions. This November, the Association will purchase a pipe crawler camera system to allow staff the flexibility to identify blockages and/or separation of pipes in-house prior to contracting any necessary repairs, and thus saving money on contracted camera services. The total expenditure for Storm Drains in 2021 is expected to be $632,000, while $550,500 is planned for 2022.

The Marinas Dry Stack project at Landings Harbor was scheduled to be half completed in 2021 and the remaining half completed in 2022. Due to the current availability of materials and timing of contractor availability, both phases of the project are now scheduled to be completed in 2022.

 Lastly, restorations to the 2021 operating budget included the following:

• Tree and turf maintenance on the center islands has been increased.
• The mailbox/sign repainting program frequency has been doubled.
• The Marinas’ live web cams have been restored.
• The forward-facing GIS maps have been restored, allowing owners to research their own and other properties in our community.

We will continue updating the community on projects that your Annual Dues help support.