By Maggie Beamguard
Insider Editor
Visitors to Johnson Point in Seven Lakes West were surprised earlier this spring to discover that the area along the exit drive was cleared of pine trees. The action was acknowledged in an announcement in the weekly Community e-Newsletter dated May 27.
“The area along the exit driveway at Johnson Point was cleared last week. Unfortunately there was some miscommunication on timing and intent of when this effort was to kick off.”
According to the message, the clearing creates long-term opportunity in addition to making entrance and exiting safer for pedestrians as they encounter vehicles and boat trailers.
Recreation space is limited in the still-growing Seven Lakes West community. The message further states “The Infrastructure Committee, working with other committees, will be creating a plan for a more efficient use of our limited recreation space at Johnson Point.” Ideas were welcome to be shared with the community manager, Sharon Hodges.
Questions about what led to the miscommunication, the cost of the project and future plans were raised during the July 26 board meeting by resident Ron Shepard.
The Board responded in a subsequent “e-blast” on August 12. “The cost of this was paid through the landscaping budget and was not a capital project requiring multiple authorizations and cost $8,850; we do not know where Mr. Shepard got the erroneous figure of $19,000. The lot was not clear-cut as only trees and shrubs from that portion of the property were removed.”
According to Chapter 5.5.7 of the SLW Rules & Regulations, “Clear cutting is prohibited in any area of Seven Lakes West.”
The cleared land briefly created a new hazard as large vehicles parked in the open space, blocking access to the boat ramp. Using split rail fencing donated by Bob Van Houten, volunteers installed a fence preventing cars from parking there.
Any future site plans in development have yet to be made public.
The Infrastructure Committee declined comment.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
