Canidate speaks out re: Family Fun Center

The proposed Family Fun Center (FFC)would be built outside the boundaries of the Diamondhead community so we really cannot control what they do, however I do feel that the Board considering takeover of Riviera should have another engineering evaluation of the impact of the FFC before consummating any takeover of the water and sewer system.

I agree with the comments that any membership fees granted to FFC condo owners should not grant privileges to Diamondhead (DH) amenities at a rate below or even equal to that of lot owners. But consider what amenities DH has to offer; pool, basketball court, tennis court, playground, exercise room, club house, lake access, 19th Hole and of course the golf course. At the town meeting Mr. Brown said they will have an indoor pool, sauna, exercise room, etc. They will not need access to our exercise room and with electronic games and laser tag, who needs a playground. Basketball and tennis courts could be reserved in blocks of time with a possible guest fee for FFC condo residents. For the pool perhaps a limited number (20) of free daily passes could be given to condo residents with the guest rate fee beyond that number. A new fee schedule can be set for use of meeting rooms by condo residents, something less than non-DH renters but well above DH residents. New membership packages are being considered for the golf privileges which should provide adequate discounts without special packages for FFC condo residents. Also consider that the state park offers lake access and activities which we do not.

I do not see the need to grant FFC condo owners super discounted fees which I fear would cause lot owners to feel slighted and possibly increase the nonpayer delinquency rate. We also must consider the impact on DH home owners. Those who rent their homes will see more competition with 100 or so condo rentals available. There should be some advantage to renting in DH as opposed to FFC condos. I feel any agreement that is negotiated with FFC should be limited to a period of maybe 3 yrs. and then renegotiated so that DH will not be locked in for an extended period. This will allow us to see how things progress and give a different DH Board of Directors an opportunity to re-evaluate the situation.

I don’t believe we will see a lot of additional traffic throughout our community other than the immediate area of the country club. We may see some people looking around with the thought of possibly buying property here while visiting the FFC which could be a good thing. Our financial situation is not bad but we are budgeted for no carry over this year and using last years surplus. We have a large expense coming with the needed replacement of the culverts between the ponds at the entrance and the postponed resurfacing of Independence. These will require funds over and beyond our current and future budgets. It may sound good what FFC is offering from sales of their condos but that will be a one time thing and what will we have to give up. Caution must be exercised and we must be in control of funds that are spent on DH properties.

One way to increase our revenue without an increase in membership fees is growth from new homes being built, but consider that 10 new homes will only generate $9,000.00. A second way is to increase the percentage of paying lot owners. A third is to increase golf revenue by methods currently recommended and being considered by the Board.

Finally, I will probably irritate some people for this but if you agree with some of what I’ve said, I will take this opportunity to let you know that I am a candidate running for the Board this year. I would like to believe that I can bring some constraint and common sense to the Board. If elected I would welcome everyone’s pros and cons and hopefully make decisions which will benefit the Diamondhead community.

Copies are being given to each director of the DH Board.

Jack Watson