HI entrance to get a makeover

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Tuesday morning, Jan. 19, Holiday Island Suburban Improvement District commissioners assembled for a regular meeting where primary conversation was the state of the Holiday Island Dr. entrance off of Hwy. 23. That entrance currently holds an unmanned guard shack, a garden area with vegetation, and a sign.

District Manager Lawrence Blood said he was asked to place this item on the agenda to address future improvements, and that the area is maintained by volunteers, not by HISID. Blood said there is no money in the budget for improvements to this entrance.

“The guard shack is an asset to some and an eyesore to others,” he said. Commissioners determined that the guard shack was historically utilized by Realtors who would guide prospective buyers to home sites within the district, however that practice has long been abandoned and the shack has dilapidated.

It was noted that curbs to the entrance island need to be rebuilt, the lamppost needs painting, the sprinkler system needs repair, and the sign needs to be either refurbished or redesigned.

Commissioner Ken Brown said that improving this entrance would attract people to come in and look at the area. “I think it would be worth the investment,” he said. Commissioner Dale Kellison suggested opening the idea of an entrance redesign to the public.

“There’s lots of artists in the area,” Kellison said encouraging community involvement. “We are not a retirement community anymore; we are a town.”

Former HISID commissioner and current Mayor Dan Kees recommended creating a committee to formulate and plan so that renovations are not piecemealed. Commissioner David Orr said the entrance has historical value and he wants the aesthetics of the sign to remain.

Orr said the guard shack has value by making people aware that they are entering a community that cares about the welfare of its people. Chair Bob Dyar said that the guard shack causes accidents. “I’ve seen cars backed up on highway 23 because people are waiting for a guard to come out,” he said.

Brown concurred with the danger of the intersection saying, “I was hit by a car there.”

“We are not a gated community, we are a welcome community,” Dyar said advocating immediate demolition of the guard shack. “It needs to come down.”

Dyar added that he would like there to be clear turning lanes for improved traffic safety. After lengthy discussion the motion was approved, with Orr voting against, to remove the guard shack and form a committee with participants from HISID, town government and residents, to create a plan for improvements to the entrance.

Public comment from BJ Dennis recommended reuse of the shack materials and planting into other garden projects in the town.

Pavement is easier for launchers

The board unanimously approved support of paving the Dolce Fishing Pier parking lot utilizing funds from the marine fuel tax revenue. Blood said he will ask approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for this, estimated at $19,000 in 2018. Dyar said this location is a popular fishing location and launching site for kayaks.  

December CCSO calls show an uptick

The sheriff’s report showed a rise from 158 calls in November to 193 in December. Calls included shoplifting, gunshot, suicide, and welfare patrols. “December is the highest theft month across the nation,” Cpl. Aaron Ingle said noting that this increase was not specific to Holiday Island.

The notable increase was related to theft of property from private mailboxes. Ingle encouraged residents not to use their personal mailbox for outgoing mail, but instead asked them to take mail inside the post office.

“Unfortunately, I hate it, but that red flag on your mailbox is a huge flag for criminals,” Ingle said adding that they have also caught people trying to steal out of the blue mailboxes in front of the post office.

Stealing mail out of mailboxes is a federal crime, Ingle said. He encouraged residents to take photos or videos of license plates if they see theft occurring and contact the sheriff’s office with this information. “It’s important that we get all the details,” Ingle said.

Commissioners entered executive session to discuss an employee retirement. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 15. 

2 COMMENTS

  1. I feel to take the guard building down would. be better and. A nice Welcome sign. Also the tall plants are out to far. The fence
    blocks traffic coming around the,curve.and it gives the idea of being a gated community..,

  2. The entrance to H.I has been there since McCullough Oil/Tom Dees moved it from it’s first location and has been an attractive symbol of our community. In my opinion it designates class and above standard place to live. Many communities have these little buildings, generally noting a difference to surrounding areas. Someone is always wanting change, for whatever reason, where no change is needed. I’m sure their are far more pressing matters that need to be addressed, such as an aged infrastructure. Repair H.I., then change/beautify it!

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