From The Blog

Proposed Road Connection in Duneside Area – Feb. 22 Update

On Feb. 21, Town of Kiawah Island Mayor Craig Weaver issued a statement about a plan by Kiawah Partners (KP) to extend Duneside Road to the Timbers property in West Beach, and create an additional security gate and access point to the island. In his statement, Mayor Weaver indicated that the town’s Planning Commission would defer action on the proposal until April, giving all parties, as well as the community, more time to understand the issue and provide input. Read the mayor’s statement here.

Opening the road is a reversal of KP’s prior commitment that this location would not serve vehicular traffic. KICA’s five property owner elected directors met earlier this week by phone to discuss concerns expressed by community members, as well as KICA’s role and legal rights associated with this issue. The elected board shares in the frustration and disappointment expressed by many that this has occurred. However, its primary focus is on assessing the traffic, safety and security implications, as well as what legal authority KICA has to influence the situation. In that regard, the deed that conveyed the road to KICA in 1982 includes certain reserved rights for the developer, including the right “to use the aforesaid property for purposes of ingress and egress and the right to cross and recross the said property.” View a copy of the deed.

The one month delay announced yesterday by Mayor Weaver gives KICA leadership and the community some time to understand the proposal, and offer input. As KICA continues conversations with Kiawah Partners, we’d like to hear from you. We invite members to make comments at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting next Friday, March 2 at 2 p.m. Please note that due to construction at The Sandcastle, the meeting is being held at the new Town Hall on Betsy Kerrison. All board members and key staff will be in attendance, and it will be a good time to offer your perspectives. Like many of you, we’re still trying to understand the implications associated with this.