Harbour View Article  2-15-02

 

By John Reinboldt AHPOA Director

 

The major news is off course is the dredging project. As of February 15, 2002 the unofficial dredge yardage taken from the Austin Run area stands at 2,000 Cu/yards. Our goal was to open up Aquia Creek at Austin Run and to pull out approximately 4,000 cu yards of silt. We seem to have a good channel between markers 29 and 30. Additional information will be available once the survey is complete.

 

The board has been working hard on a host of issues. I would like to address two here:

 

One issue that begs for attention in the Harbour is our need for a storage area. This may be an area where we can offer an important service with major aesthetic rewards.  In a very unscientific review of the Harbour, every other home seems to have at least one boat, trailer, camper or large commercial vehicle in front of their home.  Additional evidence is seen for this need when you look at our common parking areas. In my recent travels, I noticed two boats and some jet skies in the Rudolph Park parking area, three boats a camper and a truck at Aquia Park, a bus and a camper at the tennis courts in section one, four horse trailers in the Stables parking area and 17 or so large boats in the parking area at the Marina as well as many “For Sale” cars at the Briar Patch Park. There are several issues here. The fact is that our common parking areas are being used for storage, rather than for parking associated with the usage of the amenities, recreation area or for commuter parking. There is also a fairness issue. Can one individual use our common areas while another may not be able to? General appearance of the Harbour is an issue as well. Dave Richardson and I are addressing the issue for Board review.

 

We have three possible areas in the Harbour that can be secured and are relatively obscure from the general public. One area is behind the stables.  This is a rather large area that can easily be secured and is secluded from general view.  The area by the tennis courts off Washington Drive between the towers is an excellent site for winter storage of the large boats. Easily secured, very close to the Marina and relatively obscure. The third possible area is in section three across from Friendship Park. This area is also easily secured and relatively obscure from view. In some instances we are taking care of two issues at a time. We need some fencing behind the stables and along the back of Pilgrim Cove. Friendship Park needs a parking lot. Therefore multiple requirements are addressed.

 

The second issue is Litter, and the general condition of our common areas. 

First our Beautification Committee deserves sincere thanks from everyone in the Harbour for their efforts. When you see Beth Barg, Bonnie Campbell, Joyce Laenger and Jane Gill on the side of the road picking up things or planting trees and shrubs, give them a wave or better yet, a hand. We need additional support for this group. Please offer you support by volunteering to help. Contact the Beautification Committee through the AHPOA office or email me, and I’ll forward your information. Another way to help may be to create an “adoption plan” for certain areas within the Harbour, not unlike the state program where a sign goes up with the group or families who take care of that area. Our new Aquia District Supervisor, Kandy Hilliard has indicated that litter is a top issue for her as well. Hopefully we can get additional support at the county level.

 

What are your thoughts?  Please email me at john@reinboldt.com