GREENE COUNTY
A task force was formed last year to better support and inform homeowners at Harbor Club as they tackle several issues with the ultimate goal of taking over the Property Owners Association (POA).
Harbor Club is one of the primary gated communities at Lake Oconee with more than 800 homes. It is owned and operated solely by John and Brandon Matney, who have been questioned about how the Homeowners Association (HOA) fees were spent throughout the property in light of many repairs needed, including ponds, reattainments, roads, adequate water delivery, and supporting infrastructure.
The Harbor Club Task Force is registered as an LLC and is managed in large part by resident Larry Miller, a 20-plus year resident.
A proposal by Kolter Management Group to buy and develop a large swath of land, 515 acres off of Richland Connector, with 1,200 single-family homes adjacent to Harbor Club, would use the only main access roads to Highway 44 in and out to Harbor Club.
The plans were later canceled but the property, owned by the Matneys, is still up for development. It has not been confirmed what developer is interested and would go to the county for approval.
A major concern will be an adequate water and sewer system, which remains a sticking point in the area. Water pressure and a single point of water delivery to Harbor Club continue to heighten concerns for any subdivision proposed adjacent to its borders in the county.
Legal counsel for the task force, Lanier Coulter, has initiated communication with the Matneys’ counsel, resident Jay Dell, and reported that initial discussions were positive.
The focus includes homeowner control of the POA, the properties within Harbor Club that are owned and operated by the Matneys, a reserve committee, and a three-year audit.
In a call to the management company, Beacon Management, audit figures would not be released until reviewed by the existing board, which consists of the Matneys and a new appointment, resident Ed Davis. A special reserve committee set up by the Task Force is presently reviewing fund allocation to confirm funds are spent on necessary projects throughout the subdivision.
A Map Committee of the task force is working on a map to identify which properties are part of Harbor Club and would include the golf course, clubhouse, select ponds, roads, and the Boathouse Marina and restaurant.
Residents have seen more than a 50 percent increase in homeowner fees in the last two years. A meeting of the board with residents is scheduled for next week at Lakeside Church.