President's Comments

The LBCA Board of Directors met on March 22, 2003. The meeting focused on the real estate developments around the lake and programs to combat pollution.

As to real estate development, the Board reaffirmed the purpose of the LBCA, i.e., "to maintain the integrity of the lake and its quiet enjoyment by LBCA members", which includes taking affirmative action in opposition to commercial activity that will abridge FERC/Georgia Power/Rabun County regulations.

As to pollution, the board has declared war . . . read on.

The Board of Directors constantly monitors activities affecting the lake and we are extremely pleased that individual LBCA members are providing more and more suggestions to improve the quality of life on Lake Burton as well as notice of potential problems in and around their lake homes. Keep it up!

Ben Meluskey

Development Projects

The Seasons of Lake Burton and LaPrades projects appear to still be in the planning stages, while Cherokee Point has added roads and a rail fence. Two private homes are being built. A number of members made inquiry regarding the small dock being built next to Waterfall Country Club. It turns out that the dock is being built on a lot leased by J.T. Williams and can be used by his family and those people to whom he grants specific approval. On the other hand, the dock cannot be used for commercial activity. Mr. Williams has stated he intends to grant approval only to friends and those people who live on the lake that are members of Waterfall Country Club. This does not appear to be commercial in nature. Mr. Williams also stated that if traffic at the dock in any way disturbs other lake residents to please inform him and he will take immediate action to curb the traffic.

In the case of Waterfall Country Club, Camp Winfield or any other party using lots leased to individuals for activities that are commercial in nature or infringe on your quiet enjoyment of the lake, please write to Georgia Power Company or any LBCA Board Member.

The Fight Against Road Litter

In April the LBCA Board sent a letter to 70 of the primary building contractors in Rabun County requesting they join a voluntary anti-litter program. Georgia Power has indicated it will secure an anti-litter pledge from builders when they apply for construction permits . . . and . . . the Board asks each of you to inform any builder you are considering hiring that they will need to specifically instruct their employees and sub-contractors that littering the roads in Rabun County is not acceptable and that this policy is a condition of their contract with you.

Later this summer, Directors Tom Fischer and Jim Jackson, together with Marian Hansen and Scott Burgin, will be recruiting LBCA members to adopt and keep small sections of the lake roads litter free . . . details will follow in the July newsletter.

Light Pollution

The LBCA Board has voted in support of the installation of the 250W METAL HALIDE configuration as the standard for security lights on Lake Burton. This light has a base around the bulb so light is directed downward and not outward across the lake and its surroundings. Your Board has also sent a letter to HEMC recommending that the 250W metal halide configuration be set as the standard installation for Lake Burton security lights. The monthly charge for the metal halide configuration is the same as the significantly more intrusive "sodium" (orange) or "mercury vapor" (green) lights and for those of you who have these type security lights please call HEMC Member Services to be converted. HEMC has quoted a one- time charge of $75 for labor to remove the old light and to install a new metal halide light. Your nearby neighbors and as well as those across the lake will love you. A special thanks to Wayne NeSmith for his work on this project.

The Board's approval was based on a significant volume of individual members' requests that something be done about light pollution. It is important to note that there is a growing amount of evidence that security lights are not a significant crime deterrent in rural areas. Your Board recommends that Lake Burton residents should be relying on a good security system, a strong gate and Mountain Patrol as their crime deterrents.

Charitable Donations

On March 22 the LBCA Board approved donations to the Boggs Mountain Humane Shelter, the Rabun County Hospital Foundation, FAITH and to support acquisition of a Rescue Dog by the Rabun County Sheriff's Office. Starting with calendar year 2003, the amount of member dues that qualify for use by members as a Charitable Deduction will be reported on an annual basis by the LBCA Treasurer.

Mountain Patrol

While writing the article on light pollution, this writer remembered just how effective Mountain Patrol is and we hope every member of the LBCA subscribes to their services. Before Mountain Patrol, burglary was common at the lake . . . today it is a rarity. If you don't currently use their services, please call Michelle Bramlett at 706-947-3585.

Briefly . . .

• STANDPIPE CONTRIBUTIONS have reached $16,550 or 66% of our goal. Please keep them coming. The exact locations picked for the standpipes will be published as soon as they are selected.

• The USFS approval granting GTC the right to build HIGH VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION LINES across six miles of federal forest has been appealed by three conservation groups. As Yogi Berra said: "It's not over until its over".

• THE RECYCLE CENTER on the south end of Laurel Lodge Road (about 3/4 of a mile north of GA 197) has resumed summer hours and is open 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM Friday, 8:00AM to 6:00 PM Saturday & Sunday and 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on Monday.

• Rabun County hopes to publish NEW ZONING ORDINANCES before the end of the year. A letter has been sent urging the commissioners to meet this schedule. LBCA members may be called upon to write letters and attend commission meetings in support of the new laws. We will keep you posted.

• Tom Fischer hopes to be able to present a summary of the LBCA-sponsored WATER QUALITY STUDY at the June 14 Members' Meeting.

• Let's all remember the 100 FOOT RULE this summer!

Events . . .

Members Meeting - June 14, 2003

The Spring Members' Meeting notice is enclosed. We hope a large number of members turn out.

Tour of Homes - July 19, 2003

Four homes are pledged and applications to take the tour will be mailed in early June.

LBCA Golf Tournament - August 1, 2003

The 12th annual LBCA Golf Tournament will be held at Kingwood Resort in Clayton on Friday, August 1, 2003. Mark your calendars! This event produces revenues from sponsorships and green fees. Like the Tour of Homes, it has been a successful fundraiser for the Tallulah-Persimmon, Wildcat and Lakes Fire & Rescue departments. Sponsors for the tournament are needed and welcome. For more information, contact Ray Kunzer at 706-947-1703. Applications to play in the tournament will be mailed in early June.

Other important dates this summer are:

Copyright © 1999 - 2004 by Lake Burton Civic Association and Scot Roberge.  All rights reserved.