The Ponds/Kolter Homes Dispute Resolution

The Ponds Development was created in 2005 by Greenwood Development Corporation.  Greenwood submitted a Development Agreement with many stipulations about the design, size, and amenities of The Ponds, including natural space and trails.  All was well until the credit crises of 2008, with Greenwood struggling to recover until it transferred the development to Kolter Homes (KH Ponds LLLP). 

Several homeowners felt that Kolter was ignoring certain critical aspects of the agreement and sought help from the County Council.  With much discussion, in the media and on the campaign trail, the County, Kolter and members of the Residents Committee met and worked out a resolution that appears to reinstate many of the provisions that were contested.  All of this is still subject to final language in the contract, but the agreement is expected to include the following:

With the implementation of this Plan, the County is assured that a large tract of land on a major highway including unique environmental and historic features will not be developed in a piecemeal fashion by numerous persons.  Rather the development will be pursuant to an all-encompassing, coherent and unified master plan utilizing best practices, and will preserve and protect those portions having value to the community as a whole.

Kolter will convey the site on Lotz Drive consisting of approximately 35 acres for a single school site, concurrent with the recording of the final plat for Phase 10. 

Trails in the Ponds Plantation east of the Ashley River shall be private and accessible only to residents and their invited guests of The Ponds, Carillon, and Cresswind.  Trails in the area known as The Conservancy west of the Ashley River shall be open to the public.

A second entrance to The Ponds shall be constructed connecting Headwaters Drive to the traffic signal at the intersection of Dorchester Road and Highway 17A.  The County may also relocate the second entrance as mutually agreed.

Kolter agrees to limit of 1950 residential units with no less than 17 townhomes at the intersection of Hundred Oaks Parkway and Lotz Drive.  Townhomes will also be constructed on Pottery Circle across from the YMCA.

Kolter will also construct a second swimming pool similar in size and amenities to the first. 1.8 acres near the current entrance will be used for commercial development.

The Ponds residents seem pleased with this development. Kolter and the County are as well, as considerable uncertainty pertaining to the future of The Ponds is now resolved.

The foregoing is subject to final language and signatures but is expected to be completed shortly.

Homeowners can now be assured that the space and unique characteristics of The Ponds will be protected for the enjoyment of the residents and those that follow them.  For more information on The Ponds, and the homes available please contact Mark Wetherell, AgentOwned Realty, 914-400-7467 a Ponds resident.

It’s a great place to live!