One of the greatest responsibilities for The Landings Association is to continuously maintain and improve the current assets and infrastructure that are provided to the community. The Association holds upwards of $60,000,000 in capital assets, which includes roads, storm drains, community paths, bridges, piers, seawalls, docks, vehicles, heavy equipment, and machinery. Throughout the year, numerous projects are performed that involve repairing and replacing capital within our community.

By the end of this year, the Association will have spent a projected $5,111,764 on capital projects. This includes $111,219 in Association capital projects, such as the replacement of computers, cameras, radios, projectors, sound systems, and more. The Association will have spent $355,323 to fund the replacement and restoration of buildings, structures, and equipment. This includes assets such as bridges, electronic signs, heat pumps, security vehicles, both Administration building and Sunset Pavilion repairs, along with other small projects.

The Association also will have invested $889,851 to fund various capital projects at both marinas, such as the dry stack replacement, fuel tank/line replacement, concrete replacement at Landings Harbor, and electrical panels at Delegal Creek Marina. Finally, the estimated spend contains $2,998,433 for the repairs and/or replacement of roads, paths/trails, and storm drains throughout the community.

The above totals include items related to projects that were carried over from 2022, as well as projects budgeted in future years but which were completed in 2023.

The 2023 Capital Expense budget was approved in the amount of $5,206,193. The estimated spend for 2023 is $5,111,764, which is $94,429 less than the budget. Finally, the 2024 Capital Expense budget of $4,925,672 is scheduled to be approved by the Board of Directors on December 19, 2023. It’s money well spent to maintain and improve our 51-years-old community.

Dear Landings Association Members,

I can’t believe we’ve already reached the last month of the year! I’ll never understand why time speeds up the older you get, but it really hit home recently when my daughter decided to graduate high school a year early. My wife: “I just lost 12 months with her!” It’s great she’s ready to spread her wings, but as the great philosopher Ferris Bueller said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

That has me reflecting on what your Landings Association has accomplished this year. In the spring, you approved a needed Annual Dues increase that was focused on shoring up our Capital Reserves Fund and maintaining our assets. Read more about how we spent such funding this year in the Budget Box. One success story was the alternative construction methods and materials for the Landings Harbor Fishing pier, resulting in an improved, lower maintenance product with a longer lifespan and a $365,827 savings vs. budget. Also at Landings Harbor, we completed Phase 1 of the Harbor’s dry rack replacement project, allowing the storage of 24 additional boats that were on the waiting list.

An extensive review and update of our Rules and Regulations was completed, with more than 100 Member comments to help refine the final output. We worked with our Insurance Committee and brokers to change providers and adjust coverages, for a savings of $102,000 versus budget. We launched our new smartphone app. We transitioned to an electronic Landings Journal when our printer shut down and it became cost prohibitive to continue a print publication. Similarly, we pivoted to an all electronic Board election, saving your Association $15,000/year.

Live Oak Fiber (previously Coastal Communications) began the project of running fiber to the home for an internet alternative. Work will continue into next spring. You can imagine that running 90 miles of fiber to create the network, buried underground along with 51 years of other utilities that have been installed, is quite the task!

Those are just some of the more visible projects throughout the year. Behind the scenes, dedicated staff worked with the Board and committees, your fellow neighbors, on improvements from large to small, such as beginning to revise Architectural Guidelines to consider current trends and create a more user-friendly document; creating and distributing the first Community Survey in four years (now awaiting results); and meeting with local elected and appointed officials to discuss items of interest at our Landings Roundtable.

Turning to the future, replacement electronic message boards have just been installed. The previous signs had failing lights and had reached their lifespans. These new signs have higher-density pixels, allowing for more robust, easier to read messages. It will take us a while to dial in our new look and designs, so bear with us while we finalize what works best for our residents. But we’re excited about the new opportunities the signs will provide.

You may have noticed the radar/speed camera combination we now have out in the community. First set up on Landings Way South, it showed several hundred people a day exceeding the posted speed limit by at least eight miles per hour. We will begin sending courtesy notices to those who exceed certain limits, and ultimately will resort to fines in the future if necessary. We don’t want to fine anyone or view this as a revenue stream. However, we’ve heard loud and clear from the community about speeding concerns, and we intend to address this issue to ensure our community remains as safe as possible. Please do your part to help keep our community safe.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the many volunteers who help make what we do at the Association possible. You can find a list of these dedicated individuals starting on page 14 of the December Journal. Please know that try as we might, it often is difficult to make certain we have gathered the names of all Landings volunteers. If your name is not included in this listing, please know it was not intentional, and we appreciate all of your contributions.

 If I can help in any way, please let me know (karls@landings.org). Have a fabulous holiday season with your family and friends!

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.

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.

Congratulations to the new Landings Association Board Officers for 2024, as voted on by The Landings Association’s Board of Directors.

Barnes & Noble at the Oglethorpe Mall has once again selected The One Hundred Children’s Foundation to be the recipient of its holiday book drive.

Please remember to buy a book(s) for the kids when you are doing your holiday shopping and checking out. The drive has begun, and will end on December 8.

This year, there is a change in policy which is important. Barnes & Noble is no longer allowing cashiers to solicit customers to buy a book(s) while checking out. Please remember to tell the cashier that you want to buy a book(s) for The OHCF, and let your friends, family, book clubs, golf groups, etc., know how they can help.

Thank you for putting a smile on the face of a child on Christmas morning!

Happy shopping!