Town/Resort Development Agreement Negotiations
Over
At a special Town Council meeting April 10, the Town unanimously voted to end negotiations with Kiawah Island Golf Resort (KIGR) over a Development Agreement for the West Beach area, saying that they had reached an impasse.
According to Mayor Bill Wert's statement at that meeting, the Town “considered the rights of property owners to use the KIGR golf and tennis amenities at a price and availability comparable to that currently in place for Governor’s Club members as well as access to the beach in the West Beach area of critical importance to maintain the fabric of our community.
It was recognized that costs could rise as time
passes and the cost to property owners might
increase. This is acceptable, but the fee
relationship that currently exists between
Governor’s Club members and Resort guests would
be guaranteed. Continued access to today’s
public areas of Night Heron Park was also a
requirement. Of course, other items of
less significance were discussed.”
In a subsequent communication KPOG had
with Roger Warren, General Manager of the
Resort, he indicated KIGR entered
negotiations planning to discuss rezoning the
West Beach area and retaining current zoning on
other pieces of land owned by the Resort.
Zoning on those other pieces will expire soon.
Six weeks into the negotiations, the Town
introduced the need for indefinite public access
to amenities owned by KIGR. "It was
inappropriate of the Town to expect them [KIGR]
to guarantee something indefinitely."
Warren also said that left them (KIGR) with
three options, (1) determine if the old Inn
could be reopened; (2) tear down the Inn and
leave the land undeveloped; (3) tear down the
Inn and rebuild another inn instead of the
original rezoning request for luxury
condominiums.
