For any community, the governing body is supposed to serve as a steward—protecting the property, ensuring its upkeep, and safeguarding the interests of its residents. Unfortunately, at Snug Harbor, the Board of Governors has completely failed in its most basic responsibility: maintaining and repairing the common areas. The latest example of this neglect is the disastrous decision to remove a portion of the UTE Street pier, leaving nothing but exposed pilings behind.
The pier, a beloved and historic part of the Snug Harbor property, has long been a place of recreation and relaxation for residents and visitors. But now, it stands in a sorry state, stripped of its structure and left to deteriorate further. The reason behind this shocking move? Mismanagement of funds and a total disregard for the property’s bylaws, which clearly mandate that the Board is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all common areas.
A Pier with History—And Now, a Future in Ruins
The UTE Street pier isn’t just a dock—it’s an integral part of the Snug Harbor community, with a history that spans decades. For many, it represents a connection to the property’s rich past, offering a place to enjoy views of the water, watch wildlife, or simply unwind. But now, the pier is a shadow of its former self. Rather than repairing and restoring it to its original glory, the Board has opted for a quick, irresponsible fix: removing part of the structure, leaving only the pilings to rust and decay.
This decision wasn’t made overnight. It comes after years of neglect, where necessary repairs to the pier and other common areas were pushed aside or ignored altogether. According to the property’s bylaws, it is the Board’s explicit duty to maintain and repair these areas to ensure they remain safe and functional. But instead of honoring that responsibility, the Board has allowed the pier to deteriorate to the point of needing a drastic and irreversible decision.
The Root Cause: Mismanagement of Funds
It’s impossible to ignore the financial mismanagement at the heart of this issue. For years, the Board has struggled to allocate funds responsibly, and as a result, vital maintenance projects have been sidelined. Funds that should have been earmarked for repairs and upkeep have instead been squandered, misdirected, or used inappropriately. As a result, the property’s infrastructure has suffered—most notably in the case of the UTE Street pier.
Rather than facing these issues head-on, the Board chose the path of least resistance, opting to remove the pier section entirely rather than properly investing in its repair. This not only represents a failure of leadership but also a blatant disregard for the needs and wishes of the residents who depend on the Board to maintain these common areas.
A Clear Violation of the Bylaws
The Snug Harbor Property Owners Association’s bylaws are not mere suggestions—they are binding rules that ensure the community is maintained and protected. Among these bylaws, one of the most fundamental responsibilities of the Board is to “maintain and repair all common areas.” The UTE Street pier falls squarely under this category. By choosing to dismantle part of the pier instead of repairing it, the Board is in clear violation of the bylaws they are sworn to uphold.
This isn’t just an oversight—it’s a conscious decision to disregard the rules that govern the property. In failing to uphold their obligations, the Board has not only left the community’s historical resources to rot but has also set a dangerous precedent for future neglect. What happens when the next infrastructure issue arises? Will the Board choose to cut corners again, rather than taking the responsible approach of timely repairs?
The Consequences of Inaction
This failure goes beyond just the UTE Street pier. It signals a larger issue within the Snug Harbor community: a Board that is unwilling to prioritize its most basic responsibilities. The residents and property owners at Snug Harbor rely on the Board to keep common areas functional, safe, and beautiful. When that trust is broken, it erodes the sense of community and diminishes the property’s value.
The consequences of this neglect are far-reaching. The removal of a portion of the UTE Street pier, without a clear plan for restoration, means that future generations will never experience the pier in its original state. It’s also a warning sign for other common areas that may be left to deteriorate unless immediate action is taken.
What Needs to Happen Now?
The Snug Harbor Board of Governors must be held accountable for their failure to maintain and repair the common areas as outlined in the bylaws. Here’s what needs to happen moving forward:
- Immediate Action to Repair the UTE Street Pier – The first step is to halt any further degradation of the pier and begin plans for its restoration. This should be done in line with the property’s bylaws, with a focus on preserving the historical integrity of the structure while ensuring safety and functionality.
- Financial Transparency and Accountability – The Board needs to address its financial mismanagement. This means conducting an audit of the property’s funds to ensure that money is being used appropriately for maintenance and repair. If the funds are not being managed correctly, corrective action should be taken immediately.
- A Commitment to Proper Maintenance Going Forward – The Board must reaffirm its commitment to fulfilling its duties according to the bylaws. This means implementing regular maintenance schedules, prioritizing repairs, and keeping residents informed about ongoing efforts.
- Community Engagement and Transparency – The Board should involve the residents and property owners in the decision-making process, ensuring that their voices are heard and that future decisions are made with the community’s needs in mind.
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability
The decision to remove a part of the UTE Street pier is a direct result of years of mismanagement, financial irresponsibility, and a complete failure to uphold the Board’s responsibilities. The Snug Harbor Board of Governors must be held accountable for their actions—and more importantly, for their inaction. The community deserves better. The bylaws must be respected, and the common areas must be maintained for the benefit of all who call Snug Harbor home.
If the Board continues to neglect its duties, Snug Harbor will lose not only its sense of community but its rich history and the value of its property. It’s time for the Board to step up and prove that they can fulfill their obligations—before it’s too late.