Committee

fishing pier steps

The Beach Committee has cleared the weeds off the beach, especially by the fishing pier. The Piers and Harbors Committee had new stairs built going from the beach to the fishing pier, making access to the pier much easier.

new beach wall and parking apron

The new 200' wall between the beach and Shore Drive is complete, as is a six foot apron along the East side of Shore Drive to allow for off-street parking. Grasses have been planted on both sides of the metal fence (staggered) to help control wind erosion and the movement of sand onto the road.  Unfortunately, the rose bushes could not be salvaged and will be replaced with professional landscaping this year. (The wall, made out of sand-colored 90-pound "Keystone" blocks, runs from 3305 Shore drive to the existing gate.)

gazebo lights

In addition, the two gazebos have been anchored to the ground to prevent movement in high wind/surf, and the gazebo nearest the gate has been electrified with a ceiling light and two outlets. When we have our next music on the beach, the band will actually be able to see what they are doing without running dangerous extension cords and you'll be able to see them!

Lighting on the fishing pier has been replaced with lovely new lighthouse-type fixtures. This is much safer now because the electrical wiring will not be subject to washing out in high surf. This was a joint project of the Beach and Piers and Harbors Committees

fishing pier lights

Tropical Storm Ernesto trashed the jellyfish net we strung in 2006 to help safeguard our children while swimming in the Bay, so we have purchased a new three-part net this year that will be easier to handle. Anyone interested in joining the Beach Committee and working on beach-related projects should contact Dan Craig.

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Property/Compliance Committee Report - June 2008

The following are the projects that the Property committee is currently addressing:

Spring Dumpsters
We filled six dumpsters…and then some. Jose was called to clean up Harbor lot twice, and responded promptly to our requests. It is troubling that despite posting a very visible 4’ x 5’ sign, trash was still left on the lot. It seems to be a situation that is impossible to control.

Mosquito Spraying
Expect information and forms to be posted on the OHCA website so all residents who do not want spraying on their property can opt out.

Landscaping
Jose has been reminded to include the trimming of all properties along the community roads.
The committee is going to resurrect the possibility of planting ornamental grasses to partially screen our BGE utilities.

The following Compliance issues are currently being addressed:

• 1421 Howard was reported to the County Health Dept for trash bags that are overflowing.
• 1409 Howard was reported for grass longer than 8”.
• 3370 & 3319 AOTB were reported for unregistered vehicles
• Question to the Board re 1313 Washington Drive which has no electricity or running water. How do we want to handle?

Joanie Stone
Property Committee, Chairman

Washington and Booker Community Marina Pump-Out System Instructions

Boat Ramp Pier - Please remember to pull the ladders up out of the water afer you use them. This will keep them from getting slimy and barnacle-ridden from sitting in the water unnecessarily.

Bubblers have been installed at all community piers to keep ice away from pilings and protect our investment.

The Board is establishing a committee to coordinate the implementation of the master plan… the first order of business is tracking down the request/application for the permit extension, which the design engineer (Drum Loyka) is doing for us. Once the extension is granted, the next order of business is to bid out the plan. 

On Sept. 24 there was report of a robbery at knife-point at a home on Howard Road at about 8:30 p.m. We now have more details. The crime was not a breaking and entering (B&E), it was a home invasion. That is the victim was apparently followed home by a criminal who felt she was an easy target. He entered the home through an open door without breaking in.

The lesson is to keep your doors and windows locked -- even if you are just unloading groceries or in the back yard for a moment.

While this crime is very serious and a frightening development in our community it doesn't seem to indicate that there is a crime wave in Oyster Harbor. But, the police say it is always a good idea to keep your doors and windows locked and most important, report ANY suspicious activity or persons to the police. The best way is to just dial 911 and let the police handle it from there.

Also, keep your car doors locked. Over the Labor Day weekend several open cars were ransacked in the middle of the night.

Don't think it can't happen to you. Be alert and aware and call the police if you have any doubts or "gut feelings" about something you see or hear.