From your president—Bill Dahms
Dear Fellow Cape Haze Residents:
As the season winds down for some of us, I wanted to take the opportunity to update you on a number of ongoing initiatives in the community. First, I appreciate all the support from the members of the association and from the Board of Directors of CHPOA. Our organization is strong and, since I’ve been here -2001- we’ve never been in better financial condition. In no particular order, here’s what’s happening in the community and the association.
1. Thanks to Wes Halle’s diligence we sold the piece of land we owned on Spyglass Alley. After taxes and fees we will net over $100K.
2. Rob Matthews has been working on reinvigorating our website and I hope you will take the time to visit it at “CapeHaze.org”. We will be using this for more communication and information sharing in the future.
3. Sewers: As you know we were successful in having Environmental Utilities (EU) drop Cape Haze from their application to install sewers in the area. They are now awaiting a decision from the FL Public Service Commission for their application to replace the septic systems on the barrier islands. Palm Island Estates has made a very compelling case that they do not need sewers and that EU is not the company to do the job. A decision has been delayed and is expected this month or next. If they are approved they may well be running an 8 inch sewage line from Palm Island, under the ICW, thru Cape Haze up Cape Haze Drive. This is not to be desired, and we await updates regarding this ongoing discussion. The plan is for Charlotte County Utilities to install sewers in Cape Haze sometime in the future. Meanwhile, I am meeting with CCU and the county water quality director to educate them about our community, emphasizing that our community does not contribute negatively to pollution. We will keep you informed.
4. Marine fuel: Rob Matthews has negotiated an arrangement with Black Fin Fuels whereby they will deliver marine fuel to your boat at your dock on call. Presently their prices are ~ 20c per gallon below comparable marina prices. A link to this service is available on our website.
5. Camera Systems: We are working on upgrading the camera systems in Cape Haze. We want to have a system that will have at least 30 day storage with high resolution cameras at each entrance. This is proving to be more involved than first thought but we (namely Ken Snyder) are plowing ahead as such features will materially enhance neighborhood security.
6. Neighborhood security: Bob Colburn has been doing a great job as head of the Neighborhood Watch and we have not had any incidents. Constant vigilance is the price of a secure neighborhood. Here are some quick and helpful reminders regarding neighborhood security:
a. If you see something say something
b. Lock you car and your home
c. Keep valuables out of sight
d. If you see an emergency call 911. Otherwise call the sheriff at 941.474.3233
7. Bill Amoroso is continuing to improve the signage, plantings and irrigation in the community.
8. Bob Howell continues to do a great job running CAM and being Johnny on the Spot when we have an issue.
9. Community Center: We are developing plans to substantially upgrade the Cape Haze Community Center (CHCC). This will include a roof-over package, new windows and doors, a new HVAC and two pickle ball courts. We need to stay within our available funds and within the limits dictated by FEMA. More details will be available as we work thru the plans.
10. 8500 Placida Road (aka the Boat Ramp Property): This property is being sold to the state of Florida, Florida Forever Program run by the Department of Environmental Protection. An application has been filed with the US Army Corps of Engineers to reopen the boat ramp that was closed by a directive of SWFWMD in 2004. We are told that there are no plans to allow motorboat launching (only kayaks). A decision is pending by USACE. The nature of the decision will determine what actions we take next.
11. Kayak Launch: The Friends of Cape Haze (a 501-c-3 Corporation – FoCH) has been working with the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) to buy 4.6 acres near the Boca Grande Bridge as a kayak launching facility. This has been approved by the BCC. We will also be working with them to find a way to purchase another 12 acres there for a water sports facility.
12. Density: In the course of our communication with the BCC we became aware of a plan by the county staff to allow certain waterfront properties to possibly have density of up to 65 units per acre. The BCC agreed with us that 65 units per acre would be undesirable but the staff is pushing ahead with this change anyway. (Don’t ask how the staff can override the commissioners). If you have not yet done so please write to the commissioners and tell them that we don’t need that kind of density here. I’ll send out another copy of my letter on this subject.
12. Deed Restrictions: Please see the latest posting regarding Deed Restrictions to remain informed on protocols for addressing restrictions.
Please feel free to contact me or any member of the board if you have any questions, suggestions or wish to volunteer for activities. We never have enough hands.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your time and attention to these matters.
Sincerely,
Bill Dahms