'Meeting Weekend,' which is coming up this weekend, is a great opportunity for new and even seasoned property owners to learn about the inner workings of BHI. Here's the schedule:

(With the exception of the Conservancy's meeting on Saturday, all other meetings will be held at the Association Center - 111 Lighthouse Wynd.)

Friday, Jan. 25th

Sunday, Jan. 27th

Annual Village Chapel Meeting beginning at 11am, with reception and luncheon at the Village Chapel immediately afterward

*See article below for details on submitting voting proxies to BHA.

NOTE: BHA regrets that this year's Smith Island Social has been cancelled due to the damage Hurricane Florence caused to the BHI Club.

Last Friday, a federal judge stopped the processing of federal permits by BOEM, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, for five companies previously authorized to conduct seismic surveying in the Atlantic Ocean from Delaware to Florida. In late November 2018, the National Marine Fisheries Service approved 'incidental harrassment' authorizations for the companies to begin the work.

CLICK HERE to read a News and Observer article about the South Carolina judge who blocked furloughed federal employees from processing the permits required for the seismic surveying to begin.

In North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper is leading a coalition of governors and attorneys general who intend to block the federal government's plans to conduct seismic surveying, and ultimately offshore exploration.

Additionally, CLICK HERE to read an article by Coastal Review Online about the slew of bills recently introduced by federal and state legislators that would block drilling in the Atlantic.

BHA's Annual Meeting will be held this Saturday, January 26th, beginning at 9am at the Association Center. A couple of voting reminders:

Send any questions regarding the meeting, proxy, voting or attendance to Carrie Moffett ( carrie@baldheadassociation.com).

Members who cannot attend the meeting in person may listen via phone. Below is the call-in information:

BHA's Annual Meeting 
Sat, Jan 26, 2019 8:55 AM - 11:55 AM EST 

Please join my meeting using your phone. 
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412 

Access Code: 823-504-301 

BHA's Board of Directors will hold a forum immediately after Saturday's Annual Meeting to receive comments from BHI property owners about the future of the Wildlife Overlook, which is located on Stede Bonnet. Hurricane Florence caused damage to the Overlook's pilings. In light of concerns about human/alligator interactions on the Island, the Board is interested in hearing from property owners whether to repair or remove it. 

Property owners who cannot attend the meeting but would like to submit comments may do so by emailing Carrie at carrie@baldheadassociation.com.

For 2019, BHA assessments include a Basic Assessment and a Special Assessment. The Basic Assessment for an improved property (with a home) is $390 and for an unimproved property is $130 (increased from $345 and $115, respectively). The small increase of $45/$15 in this year's assessment is the first in three years and is necessary to offset incresing costs in areas such as health insurance, commercial/liability insurance and common area maintenance and reserves. There is also a Special Assessment for the Battery 4 purchase, which is the final assessment. It is $161 for an improved property and $54 for an unimproved property. (See the upcoming February Island Report for information about that purchase.) Property owners whose total assessments equals $1,000 or more may choose to pay their assessments in quarterly payments rather than one lump sum. Contact BHA for payment options.

East End properties in former Stage II that are managed by  BHA are subject to additional supplemental dues for expenses specific to those neighborhoods. CLICK HERE to view the list of dues for these individual properties.

Also, there are some communities that may be subject to separate, additional sub-association dues - i.e., Ibis Roost, Lighthouse Landing, Hammocks, etc. BHA  can help with additional contact information for those neighborhoods.  CLICK HERE to view information specific to those neighborhoods, as well as other tax information.

Contact BHA for any questions. Call 910-457-4676, ext. 21 or email Carrie@BaldHeadAssociation.com.

Spaces are available in BHA's newly expanded boat park and the community garden. Boats that fit the Village ordinance requirements of 16hp/25 feet in length can be stored on an annual basis. The storage area has been completely overhauled and offers wider spaces with a marl entrance and parking area. The community garden area has also undergone a facelift and provides areas for gardeners to plant flowers, vegetables or other items of enjoyment (legal ones, of course!)

Boat park: Contact Ann VerMeulen ( ann@baldheadassociation.com) or 910-457-4676 x24.

Community garden: Contact Diane Mesaris ( diane@baldheadassociation.com) or 910-457-4676 x21.