As this beautiful, wet summer is winding down, the ramp-up for the fall and winter is moving into full gear. From the property management perspective, the push is to catch up on the last of any rain-delayed work in the community and get lawns and landscaping ready for what little winter we enjoy around here.
Development Updates
The Summit in Longleaf Ridge is moving toward completion. Interior building finishes are in progress, and the swimming pools will be started very soon. As mentioned in last month’s column, this is a 20,000-square-foot amenity, including a 6,000-square-foot ballroom, a card room, a large main pool, and a resistance walking pool. All of this, along with a great view of the golf course. This project is on track for completion by the second quarter of 2026.
Azura Fitness Center in Candler Hills will be starting construction soon. This 8,000-square-foot facility will feature a large pool that will be focused on your active lifestyle and health. This project is expected to start construction in early 2026.
Recycling Update
It is worth reminding that plastic bags do not recycle. If you bring your aluminum, metal cans, and newspapers to the recycling containers or in the curbside containers in plastic garbage bags, empty the contents into the recycling bins and dispose of the bags in the household garbage. Doing otherwise only contaminates the entire recycling stream, and it will be directed to the landfill. A convenient container has been placed near the recycling areas for disposing of plastic bags.
Recycling works and has saved the Associations money in the long run. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Hurricane Season
September is the peak of the hurricane season. The recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) update on the 2025 hurricane season was concerning, to say the least. NOAA predicts a very high likelihood (85% chance) of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, with 17 to 25 named storms (average is 14), eight to 13 hurricanes (average is seven), and four to seven major hurricanes (average is three). The Management Company is reevaluating its resources for storm preparedness and recovery to ensure readiness for the challenges posed by serial storms.
It’s times like these that you need to locate your current HO-6 or HO-3 insurance policy. In the HO-6 under “Loss of Use,” it is recommended that a resident have 12 months of living expenses as a coverage amount. You could be out of your home for an extended period should damage occur.
The good news is that Parkway Maintenance & Management of Marion is always ready. Days before an incoming storm event, Parkway moves into “storm watch” status. As with any tropical storm, where it can rapidly strengthen, Parkway would go to “storm ready” status. Personnel and management review disaster preparation plans, personnel management, and recovery plans, anticipating the need to be ready to act.
It seems that every time the mowing crews get caught up, a long cycle of showers pushes them behind. I congratulate our crews for working so hard to keep up under the grueling temperatures and rainy conditions. Granted, we need the rain to replenish the groundwater, but it does come with a price.
As we move deeper into storm season, focus may be shifting to storm preparations. The Management Company is positioned to move fast, on sometimes less than 24-hour notice, to secure buildings and equipment from possible wind and rain damage, as well as make sure everyone is clear on their post-storm responsibilities for recovery and clean-up.
Residents are encouraged to be alert and ready to clean up personal items outside the house that may become missiles in high winds. Movable property that cannot be stored in the garage or secured in a closed room must be secured in place from high winds. If you have not prepared your hurricane kit, we urge you to do so.
Home Modifications
Residents of all communities require approval from the Association before adding any exterior modifications to their homes. One of the largest factors considered in the review and approval process is the wind rating on any proposed addition. Many aluminum products have an inadequate wind rating. Naturally, these types of products will not be approved by the Association. Check with Resident Services for details. Finally, don’t forget to update your homeowner’s insurance to ensure any additions to the original structure are included in your policy.
