OCTOBER 2024 www.diamondheadms.org
President’s Report
Y
By Nancy Sislow
our POA Board has spent August and September working with the committees to set goals and explore current issues. Additionally, in August we met to review the recent court decision regarding whether the Bylaws serve to assure that each property owner is responsible to support the amenities. Since the wording of the court decision did not clearly address the question whose answer we are seeking, we have returned to the court, asking for clarification. The outcome of that request for clarification has not been rendered as of this writing. The goal of any legal action is to obtain a ruling by the Supreme Court of Mississippi giving a definitive answer as to whether the Bylaws provide for mandatory dues payment by property owners. As we await that legal step, the Board has begun a detailed review of all amenities regarding their expenses, income, member use, and overall value. That information will guide us in any decision-making we must undertake. We will keep you apprised of the process and outcome. Continuing the history of Diamondhead, I found a great article archived by the Hancock County Historical Society from the Mississippi EPA News of April 1979 that described the progress Diamondhead had made in 7 years. With its property encom-
passing 6,700 acres north and south of I-10, and 6500 lots sold out of 10,000 available and all 375 units in four condominium complexes sold (as of the publication date of the article), Diamondhead was serving as an economic engine for tradesmen, skilled workers and business development. There was a riding stables, all 10 pools were open (4 in the community and 6 in the various condominium complexes), and 8 clay tennis courts were open for play with 2 courts by the clubhouse. The Pine Golf Course was complete, winding through the residential area. And the first nine holes of the Cardinal Golf Course were ready for play with the last nine holes scheduled to begin development in 1980. The fire department had a brand-new fire truck and emergency vehicle, security was provided by a contracted firm, the Diamondhead Water and Sewer Department met all state standards, Coast Electric Power provided the electricity and there was one physician and a clinic, with retail development just beginning. A survey conducted in early 1979 showed that a majority of property owners were from the New Orleans area, coming to Diamondhead to escape the crowding in the city. The Diamondhead we know today has changed so much in 30+ years since the article was written. Be sure to ask your neighbors where they
lived originally and why they chose Diamondhead. It may surprise you; and it may help you find a new friend and help us all appreciate what we have today.
VOL. 42, NO. 10
Thank you for the opportunity to serve our wonderful Diamondhead Property Owners Association and the great amenities.