By Maggie Beamguard
Insider Editor
More storage space will soon be available for boats, trailers and RVs for residents of Seven Lakes West.
Community Manager Adam Bryant said expansion of the Longleaf storage amenity near the water tower is necessary to keep up with community growth. Between 40 to 50 new homes are expected to be built in the next year, with another 300 to 400 lots remaining on which to build.
“We realized that we’re going to need even more space than we have,” he said, citing a waiting list for storage spaces. “Right now, we’ve got a plan in place to add more RV storage and boat storage, and then, as the community grows, we’ll be able to add more spaces.”
The yard waste area will be moved to create access so the space behind can be cleared for expansion. While trees have been cleared, a fence needs to be moved before the area is graded and crushed gravel spread.
There is capacity to create more than 250 spaces, but the plans are to build out a little bit at a time to meet demand.
The project will be paid for through a capital expenditures line item in the budget. The decision to expand the storage area was previously approved by the board.
Theoretically, two storage spaces are available for every unit owner for a $248 rental fee per spot. Decals are issued for stored vehicles, and the area is fenced with coded gate access.
Renewals for spaces are done in April. While there historically has been a waiting list for spots, this past April the list was cleared as some people decided to vacate their spots.
Bryant anticipates demand for the spots will increase as winter approaches and people are looking for storage. He hopes the expanded lot will help the community avoid a waitlist in the future.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
