Archive

Why are motorcycles, mopeds, and E-bikes with 750 watts or 1 horsepower not allowed inside the gates?

While our roadways behind the gates are regulated by the Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways of South Carolina (Chapter V, Title 56 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976), it is the Dunes West POA (Association) that maintains and insures these roadways.  Statistically speaking, the risk for injury or fatality is significantly higher for a motorcycle. Motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than someone in a car and motorcyclists are 5 times as likely to be hurt. Permitting motorcycles significantly increases the risk to the Association and the associated insurance costs. This is why most gated communities who own and insure their own roadways do not permit motorcycles, minibikes, E-bikes >750W, golf carts, etc. Dunes West is not unique in this regard. Many people assume it is...

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Do persons entering through the gates need a driver’s license?

Yes, everyone operating a motor vehicle who comes through the gate must have and present a valid, non-expired driver's license. The purpose of this policy is to reduce the DWPOA's liability risk in the case of an unlicensed driver on our private roads. The policy also provides a higher level of access control by identifying those coming into Dunes West. Please see the "Driver's License Required For Access Control" policy dated August 2013. ...

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Does the POA record phone calls?

Yes, in accordance with South Carolina law, the POA records all incoming and outgoing phone calls to and from the POA office and both guard houses. We record phone calls for training purposes, quality control, to verify how the staff interacts with the public and residents, to correct improper behavior, enforce consistency of response and to verify the accuracy of reported incidents. If you have any questions about this practice, feel free to contact the POA office.  ...

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Why is my resident lane barcode scanning intermittently?

If your barcode is active, not expired, clean, and placed correctly on your vehicle it is possible that the barcode is beyond its useful life (non reflective, dull, frayed, etc). Refer to the included manufacturer's document for more details. In short, please contact the POA Community Administrator by phone or email to request a new barcode if necessary. ...

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This policy seems overly restrictive. How do you justify the degree of restriction?

This policy is in keeping with regulatory norms. As with other major policy decisions, the Board often consults with other organizations, governments, and Boards of peer or similar planned developments in the area to determine common practices. We consulted with the Mount Pleasant Police Department, Community Associations Institute, our general counsel, insurance providers and reviewed the covenants and policies of several nearby Mt. Pleasant communities. We also consulted with the Board of Directors at The Pointe in RiverTowne Country Club as they have a community dock with similar characteristics and challenges. Their dock has been in place as an amenity for over 15 years and serves just over 200 owners. Access to their dock is controlled by a substantial gate with barbed wire “wings” on the walkway. Owners can open the gate with a key and FOB....

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As a property owner, I consider the amenities and shared space a critical component of the overall value of my home and my residential experience. As such, I expect my family members who are residing in my property to be able to make use of those amenities whether I am present or not.

A: Article 6.3.4 of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R) already imposes restrictions and conditions on use of Recreational Amenities. These restrictions are not new; they’ve been in effect for 30 years and they are simply being reiterated in the policy for clarity and emphasis. Some of those restrictions include: “All guests and children of Owners ...

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Why are swimming and jumping off the dock strictly prohibited?

Because there is too much risk involved. A teen died earlier this year (5/2020) when he fell off a dock in Beresford’s Hall and drowned. We are aware of two incidents this summer in which a minor struck their head jumping off the dock, one knocked unconscious and needing to be rescued. Another incident involved a teen who struggled with making it back to the dock swimming and had to be rescued by Berkley County Sheriff’s personnel. The Wando River has strong currents and there is no lifeguard present (nor will there be). Individuals who have repeatedly jumped off the roof and railings of the dock despite warnings have caused damage to the roof and compromised the structural stability of the railings. The Board will not expose members of the Association to such potential liabilities...

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Are non-residents bypassing the gates without invitations to use the Riverview Recreational Amenities?

Yes, they are. Non-residents have been dropped off at the Pulte Sales Center parking lot or just outside of it on Braided Lane who have then walked to the dock area. Pulte located their sales center outside the Harpers Ferry Gate where prospective buyers can drive directly to their sales center without entering via the gate. In accordance with Town of Mt. Pleasant approvals in their development plans for Riverview, steel bollards are mounted across Braided Lane just past the sales center to prevent vehicles from driving into the gated portion of Dunes West. However, this does not prevent individuals from walking in past the sales center. This will cease to be a problem once Pulte has completed Phase 3C of Riverview. These are the four lots behind the sales center that are listed for...

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Why the limit of four guests at the Riverview Recreational Facilities at any given time?

At some point the number of guests can transition from a small group of friends or non-resident family members to a party. Why the number 4? We had to select something that could not only accommodate the average family, but also other families visiting at the same time. With larger groups of guests the chance of noise becoming a nuisance increases as does the likelihood of one group monopolizing the limited deck space available at the pier head. If you’re going have company in town and know you’ll want to take more than four guests out there, we ask that you arrange to get a written waiver from the POA office beforehand. This is similar to the existing arrangements for reserving the Pavilion at Riverview for small gatherings. We cannot authorize exclusive use of the...

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Why restrict the hours residents can access the Riverview Recreational Amenities?

We’ve already restricted access to the restrooms at the Riverview Pavilion because of repeated vandalism to the restrooms. Having 24 hour access to the dock without a security guard present overnight increases the chances of irresponsible behavior such as excessive drinking by unsupervised teens and younger adults and vandalism which has become a major expense in Dunes West. Simply put, the bad things that can occur overnight far outnumber the peaceful, respectful uses during those hours. We believe having access from 5 AM until 11 PM is reasonable. As with the policy for the number of guests, should there be some reason for an owner to want to use the dock after 11 PM, contact the POA office and request a written waiver. ...

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