President’s Update – November 30, 2023

By Herman Stone – hstone.tla@gmail.com

President, The Landings Association

Thu, 11/30/2023 - 3:22pm

In a recent edition of Backyard Buzz, we featured an article titled “Landings Harbor Potential Amenity Addition”, discussing our community’s potential plans for a multifunctional structure at the Landings Harbor picnic area. This proposed addition is envisioned as a versatile space for special events, musical performances, and informal gatherings. Since the announcement, there has been a variety of questions and concerns, with one a query from a group of residents being, “Why do we need anything added to the Landings Harbor picnic area?” This article aims to address this question by providing background information on why our Association’s Board believes in the importance of continually enhancing our community, outlining the reasons behind considering a multifunctional structure for the Landings Harbor picnic grounds.

Since its establishment, our Association has dedicated itself to identifying amenities that enhance the quality of life and property values for all residents. To ensure the effective achievement of this goal, we have implemented a series of initiatives designed to position us as the most vibrant private residential community. A key aspect of these initiatives has been active engagement from our residents, Association staff, and external experts, ensuring that decisions align with our community’s needs and contribute to our full potential.

In particular, focusing on the Landings Harbor picnic area, several initiatives have been undertaken in the past decade, including:

2014 - Landings Harbor Marina Study and Master Plan

Our Association engaged Wood+Partners, Inc., a nationally recognized Land Planner and Landscape Architect, to conduct a comprehensive Landings Harbor Marina study and develop a Conceptual Master Plan. This study, shaped by community input, aimed to enhance the area’s facilities and overall viability. The resulting Conceptual Master Plan, designed to elevate Landings Harbor to a world-class marina and waterfront destination, included recommendations pertinent to the picnic grounds:

• Preserve a large open lawn area for diverse social events.
• Provide a pavilion for cover during sunny days and inclement weather.
• Include designated areas for cookouts and picnicking.

2015 - Urban Land Institute (ULI) Study

Our Association commissioned a panel of six experts from the ULI, a nonprofit research and education organization focusing on land use, real estate development, and urban planning, to conduct a comprehensive study of the Landings community. After extensive discussions with residents and stakeholders, the ULI experts concluded that expanding and enhancing community-wide amenities is crucial for our Association. They stressed that such efforts would boost The Landings’ competitiveness against neighboring communities, leading to improved property values.

The experts emphasized the importance of a robust amenity package accessible to all residents, irrespective of Club membership, to avoid potential limitations in the community’s appeal to prospective residents. Notable among the ULI recommendations were significant enhancements proposed for the Landing Harbor area. The experts identified Landings Harbor as an underutilized waterfront asset with substantial potential for improvement.

2021- Landings Harbor Project Team

The latest Landings Harbor initiative, known as the Landings Harbor Project Team, unfolded in 2021 with a focus on goal development, identifying improvements, increasing efficiencies, and establishing a project implementation timeline for Landings Harbor Marina. More than 100 residents actively participated in advisory teams and focus groups, alongside TLA staff and the expertise of engineering consultant Moffat and Nichol, specializing in marine facilities, environmental sustainability, and urban development.

Feedback from this initiative, specifically regarding the Landings picnic grounds (park), encompassed the following key points:

• Preserve the current park “green space” and unimpeded views.
• Update park amenities.
• Create an enhanced social gathering area.
• Improve parking, especially for golf carts.
• Ensure minimal infringement on area neighborhoods.
• Introduce a simple pavilion or shade structure for the park area.
• Remove old fireplace/grills.
• Add benches and fire pits.
• Maintain the valued tranquil park and view, avoiding the addition of playgrounds.
• Implement access enhancements for older residents with reduced mobility.

These insights have played a crucial role in shaping the ongoing improvements at Landings Harbor, aligning with the community’s preferences and needs. Some examples include Tiki Bar repairs and upgrade, expanded parking facilities, and the installation of a concrete walking path around the picnic grounds, enhancing accessibility.

The ongoing Landings Harbor picnic grounds initiative involves a dedicated working group exploring the development of a multifunctional structure, featuring representatives from major community organizations to ensure a comprehensive and community-focused approach.

As the working group advances, we reassure the community that our plans will undergo thorough scrutiny, seeking full endorsement before final decisions and project executions. Your input remains vital in shaping the future of our community.

As this update marks my last during my one-year term, I am passing the “presidential torch” to our newly elected Board President, Bill Bina. Bill is an exceptional choice, having previously served as both Secretary and Vice President of the Board. In the past year, he led the Governance Committee, spearheading the effort to update our Board Policy Manual and our community Rules and Regulations and Bylaws.

However, my commitment remains strong. Next year, I will serve as the Association Board’s Vice President, taking the lead on various initiatives, including our continued collaboration with The Landings Golf & Athletic Club Board, overseeing the Landings Harbor amenity working group, chairing our Board’s Governance Committee, and leading the Nominating Committee tasked with identifying candidates for the 2025–2027 Boards.

In closing, congratulations to our Board’s new officers and executive committee, with Bill Bina as President, myself as Vice President, Rosemary Mackey as Treasurer, and Patty Morgan as Secretary.

Lastly, I extend warm wishes to you and your family for a joyous holiday season and a wonderful, safe, and healthy New Year.