Dear Woodlake residents,
Several months have passed since Atlantic National Capital (ANC), the new ownership company, has shared a written update regarding the redevelopment of Woodlake. At this time, we are still trying to determine the best means for communicating information to the community, and how often; your patience is greatly appreciated as we continue to work through this. ANC is pleased to report exciting progress from the last few months, and as recent as earlier this week, that we would like to take a moment to share.
We have had some fun and exciting visits with the community during the last few months, and we greatly appreciate everyone who has welcomed us as we embark on the redevelopment of Woodlake. In May, all three sisters of Atlantic National Capital (ANC) had the pleasure of attending the Woodlake Women’s Club Luncheon at Lake Surf Grill where they enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Chef Chris, and had the opportunity to meet some of the lovely faces who have uplifted the community for the last several years.
One of our owners, Cara Spencer, and her family were able to attend the 3rd of July event, which was a great ode to all of the July 4th events we attended at Woodlake as a family many, many years ago.
As you may have read in our last letter, the road to get here was not an easy one. The first few months of our ownership were dedicated to evaluating the next steps, clearing titles, assessing all land and structures, and putting together a plan of action to share with the Woodlake community. Given the obstacles and unique structure of Woodlake, we anticipate periods where we do not feel like we are making enough headway, and although some of our efforts may seem small in scope, they are big strides as it relates to the long-term plan. The redevelopment process has been grouped into five key categories: first and foremost is the repair and rebuilding of the dam, and returning water back to the lake. In addition to obtaining updated surveys, topography maps, and legal descriptions, we are also working with city and county officials on about a dozen different options in regards to this high priority project. The second is the rehabilitation of amenities and addition of new ones in an attempt to regenerate social activity and opportunities for memberships that include the Clubhouse and golf courses. The third category is residential development. There has not been substantial development at Woodlake for quite some time and is one of our major priorities and areas of focus, including bringing water and sewer to areas in which they currently do not exist. Fourth is commercial development along Highway 690 leading to Woodlake, a focus that is critical to the long-term sustainability and residential development inside of Woodlake. Lastly, the fifth category involves working closely with the current Woodlake POA to ensure that everyone is on the same page in regards to covenants and governance. It is our goal to work very closely with the POA on all redevelopment efforts moving forward, giving them the autonomy and authority to make decisions on behalf of Woodlake homeowners that will benefit the entire community. Each of these five categories of re-development has its own priority and focus that have been assigned among the Atlantic National Capital team members whom you will see on the property at different times working on their respective projects.
Congratulations to the pool members who helped fund the addition of this new playground. These memberships are currently being handled by a separate group of community volunteers for the pool, fitness area, and Lake Surf Grill and have been able to fund events and new amenities such as the playground area. We are working closely with those volunteers to support them in any way they need and our hope is that by next year, ANC will be able to take over this project and roll into an overall clubhouse membership.
In regards to some of the more recent projects that are underway, you may have seen a more updated entrance as we work through the most urgent landscaping needs, curb appeal, and overall aesthetics of Woodlake. This project included an overall cleanup and much needed removal of some overgrown shrubbery that will eventually provide for maintainable seasonal flowers and landscaping. You may also spot a tractor around the property as we begin to Bush hog some of the golf courses to see what type of condition they are in and assess the redevelopment of those. More specifically, the Maples Course, which we have received an overwhelming amount of feedback that it is one of the best courses not only in North Carolina, but the eastern United States. This assessment and repair includes irrigation and pumps that have been neglected for a very long time. We have entered a contract with a golf course architect and design company that will be guiding us through some of these decisions as we work to prioritize the redevelopment of one or both courses. At this time we do not have a timeframe on when this phase of work will be completed.
We conducted an overall cleanup and much needed removal of some overgrown shrubbery around the main entrance that will eventually provide for maintainable seasonal flowers and landscaping.
Another exciting project you may have noticed commencing is the cleanup and repair of the former sales office. We received our formal permit to demo the space on July 6th, and while we are still working on final plans and determining the best use of this facility, we deemed it urgent to go ahead and remove all items from this building and proceed with the demolition as quickly as possible to prevent any further damage and safety concerns it was causing. The renovation of this building is the first step towards providing an office for on-site management, and a place for the entire community to gather information and ask questions as needed. Our goal is to send out a survey in the coming months on how the Woodlake community feels this facility would be utilized best. As we continue to update the sales office, we will be working simultaneously with architects on plans and renovation drawings for the Oates House. Unfortunately, every structure and facility at Woodlake has been left in substantial disrepair and will require a significant amount of cosmetic work. Our goal would not only be to restore it to its original state, but to enhance Woodlake facilities for improved functional and modernized uses in the future. Much of our investment in these amenities will depend on our survey results which will help us determine membership dues and levels based on the requests and needs of the Woodlake community. It is very important to ANC that we provide a finished product that everyone in the community can enjoy and use since it has been so long since these amenities have been available.
The sisters of Atlantic National Capital standing outside of the Woodlake Sales Office on Demo Day. In order to prevent any further damage and safety concerns being caused by the building, we deemed it urgent to remove all items from this building and proceed with the demolition as we work on finalizing renovation plans.
Atlantic National Capital cannot stress enough the urgent need for everyone in the community to please avoid or use caution around all privately owned ANC lands as we work to repair and redevelop facilities such as walkways, bridges, abandoned buildings, overgrown landscaping, and even some areas with water that have dangerous rocks and stumps that are hard to see. Many, if not all of these components of Woodlake are unsafe and will take some time to repair back to a normal, safe state. Further, vacant property vandalism and cars driving through golf courses and other private property and using as shortcuts to entrances are all unnecessary obstacles when there are already so many others being faced.
Although everything we are working on can move quickly at times, we do want to communicate to the community that this is a very long redevelopment process that is going to take many years. We already have two years of working to obtain ownership and clearing title under our belt and now the real work and results can commence. We do not feel like it will take us as long to repair and re-develop as the time it took to get in the state of disrepair, however, there are some components of the five categories of redevelopment that are expected to be a lengthy process. We ask for everyone's continued support and patience as we put everything we can towards making this community what we all know it can be and what it once was. We are also still actively acquiring properties, residences and vacant lots, from those that have reached out to us directly and open to receiving any communication for those that are interested in selling.
We are also working on a “behind the scenes” video to further highlight some of the updates we are working on in regards to ANC owned properties and overall redevelopment. Most of the properties, while in disrepair, have good structure and layouts that will serve as a sufficient base for renovations and adding new functional spaces for future member use.
To keep up with any additional updates, changes, and announcements regarding Woodlake, along with more information about Atlantic National Capital, subscribe to woodlaketoday.com. We welcome any feedback and appreciate all of the positive response we have had thus far. Our current ownership office is located in Fayetteville North Carolina and we will try to respond to any questions in the meantime as needed.
We look forward to providing more updates in the near future, and if you see us out and about, please stop and say hello.
Sincerely,
Your family at Atlantic National Capital