Archive

Why do some intersections not have crosswalks?

Roads in our community were originally developed by the Declarant and only had signage and crosswalks installed when required by the permitting authority. Since 2018, Dunes West has installed additional crosswalks and signage, for example, at Harpers Ferry and Black Rush (3-way stop on HFW at the entrance to Whispering Marsh nearest the Athletic Club) and at the intersection of Harpers Ferry and Wando Plantation. The board created an annual budget for installing or enhancing signage and crosswalks. The Traffic Safety committee evaluates and prioritizes additional projects for recommendation to the board. Current projects have been identified through the resident survey, other property owner's input, and traffic data reports. If you believe a location should be considered, please reach out to the committee. ...

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Why are golf carts not permitted behind the gates at Dunes West?

Manufacturers do not routinely make golf carts with the standard safety equipment of an automobile or a low speed vehicle (LSV)—headlights, seat belts, windshield wipers, speedometer, etc. The roads are privately owned and insured; the operation of a moving vehicle without proper safety equipment or licensed driver is a liability.  LSV’s are permitted behind the gates and, as required by South Carolina law, must be operated by a licensed driver, be registered and insured, and be driven on roadways at all times.   If you see a golf cart on the path (or road), please contact the security personnel immediately so that the security rover can be dispatched. If you feel comfortable and it is safe to do so, snap a pic and send it to the POA with the day, time, and location info. The point is...

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Are Golf Carts allowed in Dunes West?

The covenants of Dunes West do not allow golf carts behind the gates, on any path, or roadway. We do, however, allow "LSVs" or low speed vehicles on our roads. Although these look similar, LSVs are licensed by the state and have additional features a golf cart does not. According to South Carolina law, you cannot upgrade or retrofit a golf cart to an LSV. For more information on Low Speed Vehicles, see the following documents: LSV, LSV Description, LSV Specifications. ...

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What can I do as a citizen about speeding in Dunes West?

While the roads behind the gates of Dunes West are privately owned, law enforcement throughout the Dunes West community falls to the Mt. Pleasant Police Department. The General Manager and the Board do make requests to the MPPD to patrol more frequently, but the most effective means of increasing their presence is by citizen request. If you witness speeding or any other infraction of the law, you are encouraged to contact the MPPD. If you know someone who speeds and feel comfortable doing so, feel free to politely remind them of the speed limit. Speak with your children and young drivers about the dangers of speeding and to resist the peer pressure to speed. ...

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What else is being done about speeding in Dunes West?

Since 2014, Dunes West owned and operated a standard radar device, used to inform MPPD regarding primary areas where speeding was occurring. The device can usually identify the license plate of speeding vehicles; however, DWPOA is not permitted under SC law to issue Uniform Traffic Tickets for speeding. In 2018, the Board of Directors attempted to implement a speeding policy applicable behind the gates. The policy was rescinded and the Board formed the Traffic Safety committee to engage resident participation. The purpose of this committee is to address the various traffic safety related problems in Dunes West and to refer identified, prioritized solutions to the Board for implementation.  The committee performed a resident survey and collected information on streets and intersections where additional cross walks and signage could improve safety. The committee also recommended purchasing a Speed...

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How are speed limits and traffic safety enforced in Dunes West?

All law enforcement, whether inside or outside gated areas, resides with the Mount Pleasant Police Department. Dunes West shares coverage from our local MPPD division with other neighboring communities.  When residents observe speeding, failure to stop/yield at stop signs and cross walks, or other traffic safety infractions, they are encouraged to contact MPPD directly to make a “citizen request” for increased presence and enforcement. MPPD prefers, and is responsive to, these citizen’s requests. ...

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Does Dunes West really own the roads and drainage behind the gates?

Yes, the Dunes West Property Owners Association owns all the roadways and drainage systems behind the gates with a few exceptions. As the Declarant continues to develop areas within Dunes West, they install roadways. For a period of time, the Declarant will own that roadway until it is surrendered to the DWPOA. As of August 2019, the DWPOA owns and maintains 33 miles of roadway that are located inside the gate and, with some exception for locations on the golf course, the storm drainage system within the gates. Roads and drainage outside the gate are owned and maintained by public entities (town, county, and state). ...

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How are the retention ponds maintained?

The retention ponds are serviced by Solitude Lake Management, which inspects and treats all 86 ponds 21 times per year. During each visit, they remove trash and address algae and weed growth in the water. They also regularly inspect the drainage structures in the ponds--although they do not maintain drainage structure of ponds outside the gate community--as well as the rip rap that prevents erosion into the ponds. Finally, they service the various fountains and aerators that are owned by the DWPOA. ...

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How many retention ponds are in Dunes West?

As of August 1, 2019, the DWPOA maintains 86 retention ponds. It is estimated that there will be a total of 95 ponds when the developer finally completes the build-out. As the Declarant develops areas within Dunes West, they continue to add retention ponds and surrender them to the Dunes West Property Owners Association. As such, the total number of ponds are always changing.  ...

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