Chapter 1 - The Early Years in Big Canoe
Common knowledge states that Tom Cousins was the first developer of Big Canoe. In fact, a Big Canoe Property Buyers Guide dated November 30, 1972 reveals that Big Canoe “is a joint undertaking by Cousins Properties Incorporated of Atlanta, Georgia, and Sea Pines Company of Hilton Head, South Carolina”. Tom Cousins was shown as the President of Cousins Properties, and Charles Frazier was the Sea Pines President.
There was a clear division of responsibility between the two entities with Cousins Properties being in charge of physical development and property management, and Sea Pines handling sales administration as well as providing advice and counsel regarding general design, amenities, and community structure. The Sea Pines involvement explains why Big Canoe’s initial governing documents, including architectural standards and restrictions, were very similar to those of the Sea Pines Plantation. Even today, Big Canoe property owners can feel “at home” in Sea Pines when they see very familiar condo structures, tree topper units, and paint colors.
Even though Big Canoe was jointly developed by Cousins and Sea Pines, it was owned by the Big Canoe Corporation which was a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Southeastern Land Fund, Inc. which in turn was owned equally by Cousins Properties and the Fidelity Mutual Life Insurance Company of Philadelphia.
As interesting trivia, the Equestrian Neighborhood was originally meant to be just that. Lots were sized to permit owners to stable horses on their property, and the neighborhood was to feature bridle trails. When that concept was abandoned, the neighborhood name remained the same, but the lots were essentially cut in half lengthwise to create more home sites.
Another “promise” made in the Buyers Guide that was changed over the years, particularly as it pertains to Lake Petit, was that there would only be a limited number of home sites fronting the lakeside green belts. The plan was that “much” of the land surrounding lakes would be common property for use by all residents.
The original General Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions for Big Canoe was signed on October 2, 1972, and among other provisions, established the “supermajority” vote of the Big Canoe Corporation (the Company) in all issues put before the membership of the Big Canoe Property Owner’s Association (POA). This vote, which expired on December 31, 2005 as the result of the Governance Transition negotiations of 2004, provided the “Type ‘D’ member” (the Company) with a vote equal to the number of votes held by all other members of the POA plus one. The practical impact of this provision was to assure that the POA membership could not approve any official resolution or issue that the Company did not agree with.
As more trivia, in regards to the Company’s “supermajority” vote, the 1972 Buyers Guide says, “The Big Canoe Corporation has a right to such control until January 1, 1982, unless it decides to relinquish this control at an earlier date”. This wording would make it appear to prospective property owners that the “supermajority” vote would expire no later than January 1982. The wording was clearly misleading when compared with the 1972 General Declaration which said in Article III, Section 2, “…however, in no event shall Type ‘D’ membership cease to exist prior to 1982 unless the Company chooses to abolish Type ‘D’ membership at some earlier date”. While 1982 was in the mind of the General Declaration writers, they did not commit to eliminating Type “D” membership at that time as the Buyers Guide implies.
Finally, the 1972 Buyers Guide states that, “The Association will be operated by a board of directors elected by the membership of the Association”. As late as 1987 the board was composed of three directors appointed by the Company, and only two elected by the membership. As late as 2004 the composition was three directors appointed by the Company and three elected by the membership. Again, the Governance Transition negotiations of 2004 achieved a reduction to only one appointed director by 2006. Once more, the Buyers Guide depicted information that was not accurate at the time, or for years to come.
-
About This Site
This site is presented as a resource for use by Big Canoe property owners. Information found on this site will often differ from that which is presented by the POA Board, the current administration, and some of the committees. Much of what you will see here is opinion, but the opinions will be formed from the best available information.
As property owners and users of this site, you are urged to bring attention to the good things you see as well as the bad. You are particularity urged to bring attention to acts by our employees when those actions exceed your expectations.
Property owners have strongly held views and they are encouraged to express their views on this forum. Please refrain from name-calling or attacking individuals. Keep in mind that the goal is to effect change, not create enemies. -
Recent Posts
-
Recent Comments
- Chris Beechler: This proposed R&R Reserve Fund plsn needs some clsrificsation for it to be meaningful to me. Here...
- F Shead: Congratulations, very well done.
- F Shead: Must address no-bid contracts. There must be wording added to stop multi-million dollar “no-bid”...
- Larry Grizzle: I would like to think that everyone involved in this process feels they’re doing the right thing...
- DAVID KELLY: My fear is that the POA Board will turn around and increase the monthly assessment to generate the funds...
- Don Wyeth: My numbers as to homes and lots may be slightly inaccurate but are close enough to establish a point....
- mark sementilli: So this is the new and improved CIF? What a dissapointing outcome. I don’t want to appear as...
- Don Wyeth: By now most of you are aware that the POA Board has , after great consideration , come up with a new plan...
- mark sementilli: Doug, The one area or your letter that strikes me as truly amazing is the purported spiking of the...
- Doug Piggott: “Corporate” Board – Fact or Fiction? You decide. Some would have us believe that this term...
