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Ok, Since SJP now has speed traps and after your first violation the fines increase from $50.00 to $100.00, I am going to ask Santa for a radar detector. I invite SJP posters to list your favorite speedtrap. I'll start. My favorite is the one in front of the Founders club, where the speed limit drops from 30 to 20 and an officer pulled me over. I wonder if the POA has a revenue line in their budget for income from traffic tickets. Although in a way the speed traps remind me of home in the NY Metro area.
The system they are using is new and the update process is not working for the person who updates it. We are aware of the problem. I could email you a copy if you like. Let me know at william_voss@hotmail.com
I searched the web far and wide trying to find out what fees are associated with St. James but came up empty. On a recent trip to the area we "dropped in" to take a look. First, non-members
will not be admitted unless accompanied by a real estate salesperson. Visitors must go to the sales center and be given a sales presentation before being allowed in the gate, in the sales
person's vehicle. The sales presentation we had was low key, up front and fair in my opinion. However, we were required to sign paperwork prior to entering the property and the whole thing
made us feel uncomfortable. The Planation is beautiful, but if you don't play golf, tennis, swim or own a boat, there is probably no reason to get involved unless you looking for the
"security" of living in a gated community. Personally, the gates, security guards, etc. made us feel a bit creepy and the whole place, while beautiful, seemed a bit unreal.
Here's the financial scoop:
Property maintenance fee $790/yr
Property taxes are $490 per $100,000 property value per year.
A one time fee of $30,000 to join all four clubs; you can get 80% of that back if you sell your property.
$1800 per year to join the social clubs - restaurant use, etc. (per couple)
$2200 per year for tennis (per couple)
$9000 per year for golf (per couple)
Except for the maintenance and taxes, the fees are optional. I asked what percentage of people who live in St. James don't belong to anything and the answer given was "No one. If you don't
However myopic your "view" is of St James.... there must besome redeeming factors here.... after all, they are building more homes right now than any other plantation in 50 miles, over 125 under construction at the present time..... according to the County office St james accounts for 80%+ of all the new home building in Brunswick County..... I just can't figure it out.... there must be "something" right about the place to attract all those people.... and as far as being ... what was it, oh yes, "creepy and unreal" ??? That's the first time I've ever heard that ridiculous description of such an upscale and lovely place to live... and o my Gosh who would have thunk, just consider it, "a sales presentation" by sales people ???? Yes, quite suspect.
However, in reality, similar security, salespeople and fees exist ( with far less amenities I might add ) at other upscale plantations like Ocean Ridge, Porter's Neck, Landfall and others... all of which are thriving upscale communities, just not thriving at the rate of St James.
Perhaps it is that rascally term "upscale" ( perhaps a bit foreign to you ) that is throwing you.... in any case, I would definitley advise you to continue your search elswhere.... after all there is no reason for you to be uncomfortable.
Now please don't bite my head off-------I don't live at SJP, but I BELIEVE that one may eat at the restaurants, use the beach club with pool , and attend the social events such as outdoor concerts and dances, plus the many charitable events and fairs, without having to join any of the social clubs. Plus the book clubs, quilting groups, etc..
Also, one may play golf, but at a different rate $$ than those with golf memberships, no?
My point is that not being a member of the tennis, golf, etc. clubs does not preclude having an active life at SJP.
Just wanted to add that to howgreen's info re: SJP.
I also thought there was a $15 k Golf membership option that was not refundable compared to the upfront $30k with %80 refundable??
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