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Aquia Harbour fix-up
Aquia Harbour officials addressing amenities with the money availableDate published: 7/14/2006 By MEGHANN COTTER By MEGHANN COTTERSome of Aquia Harbour's 35-to 40-year-old amenities are now being repaired or replaced, but the work isn't happening as fast as neighborhood residents and officials would like. The swimming pool, marina, business office, police station and stables already were falling apart two summers ago when a consultant estimated total fixes at $3.1 million. Property Owners Association leaders wanted to address the issues in one swoop, and asked the 2,320 homeowners to pay a one-time $1,400 fee. But residents rejected that plan, saying they couldn't afford additional charges on top of their $1,024 annual dues. Community directors have since been trying to complete projects as money is available in the yearly budget and reserve. "I have to work with what I have," said Chuck Halt, Aquia Harbour general manager. "It's over a $400 million a year business." Homeowners, however, are squabbling with his office about which work should be done first. Prioritizing the problemsJoseph Howard, who lives in the Harbour, docks his boat, the Fortunato II, at the community's 150-slip Marina. Last November the section his boat was attached to broke off from the main dock. He's since considered relocating the more than $20,000 vessel because he doesn't think the facility is safe anymore. "The reality is, this has to be fixed. This is a wonderful thing about this community," he said. "I don't believe anywhere near enough money has gone into this. I don't think we can afford the engineering if we wait another year." But community officials say they must balance issues at the marina with more dangerous amenities that get heavier usage, such as the leaking and cracked pool. There are just enough funds to complete its $900,000 replacement this year. Some of those dollars already paid for a new pump house, which was installed before this swimming season. Work on the pool will begin after Labor Day and be complete between November and early spring. Temporary fixes will bide time on the other amenities until money becomes available for more intense repairs. Area experts are working at the marina this month, stabilizing the docks, repairing concrete and addressing other safety issues. Halt estimates that will cost $10,000 to $15,000. The marina's deteriorating underground fuel system, which was prone to spilling, was replaced last year at a cost of about $90,000.
Date published: 7/14/2006
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