Greetings to all Deerwood residents:

This will be my last letter to residents as my term on the DIA board expires on March 31. A President's Message, however, will appear in the Spring Newsletter that will be distributed in early March. While I am pleased with the many accomplishments the DIA Boards have made since the community was acquired from Gate Petroleum in 1999, we continue to face several issues that need the entire community's attention.

Covenant Adherence. What makes Deerwood such a great community is the fact that our early developers saw the need to have strong covenants that would uphold the high standards of quality and appearance consistency. We aren't allowed to place trash and rubbish at the street because it distracts greatly from the beauty of the community. Drive through other communities that do not have this restriction and notice the difference, especially on waste pickup days.

Any change to the outside appearance of our property - color changes, tree removal, window modifications, play set installation, etc. - yes, even fence installation or replacement, must be submitted to the Architectural Review Committee. Experience shows that about 95% of the plans submitted are approved without any change. The time to get this approval is BEFORE changes are started - not after they are finished. Our property manager can help you with forms and procedures.

Also note that parking on streets, lower driveways or grass areas is prohibited overnight. Vehicles not garaged MUST be within the fenced motor courts.

As to property management, we will be changing management companies on April 1, 2005. The new company is Marsh Landing Management Company, which has managed the entire Marsh Landing communities since inception and also manages the Jacksonville Golf and Country Club community as well as several condominiums. Deerwood's new manager will be Ms. Eilene Edwards. I think you will be impressed by her 20 years of experience in property management and with her pleasant and professional demeanor. A more formal introduction of the Marsh Landing people with new addresses and phone numbers follows next month.

Playground reconstruction continues and many youngsters have already found the new facilities safer and more fun. We do caution that this Deerwood playground is a community area. Safety of the children is the responsibility of the parents or guardians - not the community. We soon will be placing appropriate signs in the area as to safety responsibility; meanwhile, please make certain that your kids are not left unsupervised. And let your playground committee, chaired by Rick Root, have any suggestions for improving the facility.

The property north of Hunters Grove Road is owned by the Country Club and plans are underway to develop several additional homes on the property where wetlands can be avoided. Several residents have contacted May Management or me to ask what is going on. Frankly, DIA is not involved in this development other than with an interest in the placement within the area for the expanded boatyard. (A separate letter is enclosed that addresses the procedure for reserving a space in the new boatyard when it is completed).

I can tell you that the construction design of homes built on this property will be approved by the ARC and must adhere to the existing covenants. Undoubtedly, once plans are finalized, the club will communicate them to all Deerwood residents.

Truck Markings. In the last two years, several burglaries have occurred in Deerwood, most of a minor nature thankfully, and several non-residents have been seen placing trash on vacant lots or common areas. Residents observed many of the situations, but the culprits were in unmarked trucks that were gone by the time our guards could respond. The Access Control and Safety Committee has recommended enforcing the city ordinance that requires business trucks to be marked with the company's name and identification marks.

Earlier this year, I advised of the intended enforcement of this ordinance for entry into Deerwood. That effort was held up for more study after one resident contested the existence of the ordinance. The issue has been revisited, JSO has confirmed the statute, and the guards are in the process of notifying all regular Deerwood landscape, pool and tree removal service providers that they must have their name on the sides of their truck or trailer by March 15, 2005, or they will not be allowed in the community. So far, 86 companies have been notified and all seem willing to comply.

Speeding. Still a problem! Still working on solutions! Still need your help! After my last letter to residents, one wrote back, essentially saying I was all wet about the problem - the real problem was that our speed limits are too low. The person didn't sign the letter (attached), but did say, in effect, that I didn't know what I was talking about.

Deerwood streets are relatively narrow and have a lot of beautiful curves in addition to the occasional straight-aways. But they are NOT RACETRACKS! Our personal cars are more powerful than ever and cell phones add a distraction that never used to exist.
Speed limits in Deerwood are 30 mph, except at the school crossing.

A resident recently suggested we put other signs below the speed limit signs saying that speeding fines would be doubled. I checked with JSO and found that state law prohibits doubling fines except at school crossings and when construction workers are present. At this point all I can say is, PLEASE SLOW DOWN.

Southside Overpass. There isn't much new to report on the overpass situation. The JTA has indicated that another planning review will be done over the next six months to prioritize the outstanding road projects under the Greater Jacksonville Plan. The initial cost for the Southside Overpass was $20 million. Latest estimates are $43 million. Mayor Peyton, as most know, vetoed the City Council's decision to allow development of the Baymeadows Golf Course with 1,400 new homes and condos. The Council's attempt to overrule the veto did not pass. Maybe, if enough citizens speak against the overpass, the City Council or the Mayor might prevent this useless expenditure of the taxpayers' money. The DIA Board will keep residents informed about any new developments in the issue that might arise, including schedules of more open meetings.

Elections. Ballots for electing new board members will be sent out later this month. At this time, a number of residents have indicated an interest in running for the one at-large position. We still need candidates for Districts 3 and 8. Anyone who would like to be a candidate for the Board from these districts should call Carla Bowers for an application. Applications must be submitted to May Management by February 18, 2005, in order to be on the mailed ballot. Of course, additional nominations will be accepted at the Annual Meeting on March 31.

Many thanks to Carla Bowers, Deerwood property manager for the last four years, and to her assistant at May Management, Susan Walker, and also to Tobe Budner who has been extremely helpful in coordinating and recording the work of the ARC. Carla has been a great help to me as president and has made an enduring contribution to the Deerwood community.

I hope a large number of you will plan to attend the annual meeting. We'll bring you up-to-date on all happenings in Deerwood, discuss the 2005 Budget and answer any questions about the community.

Speaking for Lee Evans, Rick Root and Glynn Thomas, who also leave the Board after this annual meeting, we've enjoyed serving the community these past three years - it takes some time, but you only get back what you put into it. I think we've done both. Thanks for the opportunity.

Tom McConnell,
President