Good Evening,
So two weeks ago I made a joke about February and the abrupt temperature changes. And here we are going into the last few day of February, and we’re looking at eighty degrees three days in a row! Unfortunately we’ll have another cold snap at some point but for now, enjoy the beautiful days and remember why we all choose to live in this amazing part of North Carolina.
Some days it seems like the power company has made no progress, but at long last, they are close to being done with the installation of electric service on White Cliffs and Barnesmore. Street lights and signage come next along with grading and seeding of the road shoulders. We have also begun the process of getting the roads cleared off and looking presentable. While the area is now much easier to walk through, please still exercise caution as there are still men working and heavy equipment in use.
The barge has left us and the “heavy” work on the bank has been completed. Multiple barges, loads of rock, and concrete were distributed at various spots along the shoreline, and then those areas were backfilled with sand. The result is a much cleaner bluff area and one that we now can prepare for planting. Cordgrass plants will be installed all along the bluff as its root systems will help hold the new dirt in place and become part of our “Living Shoreline.” The fixed portion of the Riverwalk has been put back together (railings were removed during the moving of the rock) and it is now ok to walk on the decking. That said, starting early next week we will be doing concrete work on and around the boat ramp so it will not be available for several days in the middle of the week. Once that is completed, we will rock the access road and parking area for the ramp and riverwalk. All of this should be wrapped up in the next three weeks.
Our sales traffic has been very steady, and while the pace of new contracts has been somewhat slow, there are a number of buyers in the final phase of their decision-making process, and we expect a very busy Spring. Legacy will be starting a new home on Lot 121 next week, and JMP will be starting one on Lot 109. Both of those homes are on Haughton. As I have mentioned a few times before, the Parade of Homes is the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May. There will be a lot of visitors to the community over those two weekends, and a lot of them will be walking house to house.
Amenities Update
The drywall in the multi-use room has been installed, and “mudded” and the space is really looking good. We will keep you posted as work progresses, but the finish line is in sight for this project. The committee for this amenity will be working on establishing use guidelines, and fee structures for the use of the facility (for private functions) and more will be communicated about that in the future. The restroom building at the amenities area outside the gate has really taken shape, and all the rough-in work has been completed. Fencing has been installed for the various courts, and we are now waiting for the company to install the court surfaces. Holmes Security is installing the access and monitoring systems as well. We are working on the precise location of the dog park as much of the area has proven to be very wet up there, and we don’t want the play area to become a mud pit.
As I’ve mentioned before, the floating sections of the Riverwalk are under construction, and the same contractor will also be coming down to put tops on the pilings and make other finishing touches. I know several of you have already inquired about the pool, but we still have a month or so to go. While we have all enjoyed this warm spell, we will surely get some more cold weather, and the pool’s annual operating expenses (as part of the HOA budget) assume the pool operating between mid-April and November.
Neighborhood Safety
One thing to keep in mind as the temperatures warm up, so do the critters. Meaning, what has been sleeping all winter is starting to wake up and move around so be alert on your walks and bike rides. Also please remember that dogs need to be leashed and golf carts are to stay on the roadways and out of natural areas.
We will be working with the Sheriff’s Department to schedule some additional classes in the multi-use room once it is completed.
Community Activities
Farmer’s Market-Famer Steve is back this Saturday at Porches from 10-3 and will have some really great stuff. I had a salad at Porches today with some of his kale and it was fantastic.
Live Music– Starting next Friday, there will be live music at Porches each Friday night and Sunday night. Music on Sunday evenings will go from 5:00 to 8:00 and we will try this for several weeks to see how it works. We are booked with a variety of different band through April. A schedule of who’s playing can be found on the portal.
USS North Carolina Tour– Back by popular demand!! The last tour, organized by Ritt Schiano was so successful that we are going for another one. This one will be on Sunday, March 11th. The cost is $20 per person and includes a VIP tour of the ship with Ritt. If you are interested in signing up, please contact Tara. The group will meet at 12:30pm at Porches and head to the ship for an hour-long tour.
I hope everyone is able to enjoy a fantastic weekend and thanks again for your support of River Bluffs. I forgot one thing………someone on the team has a birthday next Tuesday. Hint? Hair and truck color match.
Have a great weekend.
– John Lennon