Tropical Storm Eta

Dear Neighbor:
 
On November 11, Tropical Storm Eta hit Venetian Isles harder than anyone thought it would.  I’ve lived in VI since 1993 and this was the worst storm I can remember since the mid-1990’s,  Regardless of the number of years you have lived in VI, the message is to take these storms seriously because you never know when they will make a last minute change and have a substantial impact on VI.  Be prepared and don’t leave anything to chance.
 
If you were looking in the bay or the canals after Eta, you could see that there was significant damage to many of the docks in our community but, luckily, there did not appear to be any seawall failures.  As you inspect your docks, remember to check the condition of the pilings that provide the support.  Better to inspect/repair them now then have your dock completely destroyed in the next storm.  Remember, if you are going to replace your dock, for any reason, please submit the plans to the Architectural Review Committee for approval.  The approval process and checklist of required documentation are outlined at http://www.ourvi.org/architectural-review.html
 
I appreciate the efforts of the 208 VI residents who took the time to complete the 2020 Resident Survey.  Your input and insights will be very valuable in guiding the VIHA Board in our priorities for 2021.  The survey results will be summarized and reviewed with the community once we can meet again in a safe manner.
 
Finally, VI continues to maintain our status as a highly sought after neighborhood because of our location and the efforts of our volunteers.  I’d like to recognize Lisa Schwartz, Steve Cropper and Mark Brenman who on the Saturday morning following Eta took it upon themselves to remove a substantial amount of storm debris (see photo below) from Grand Canal, Overlook and Mermaid Point.  I'd also like to thank Bill Greenfield for coordinating the placement of flags throughout VI in honor of Veterans Day. ​

Without volunteers like these four, and many others, VI would not be the quality neighborhood that it is.  Please consider volunteering for a committee or consider serving on the VIHA Board.  Nominations for the 2021 Board are open until November 30, 2020. Nomination forms can be found at http://www.ourvi.org/board-members.html. If you'd like to volunteer, please contact the appropriate Committee Chair. Their names and contact information are listed a http://www.ourvi.org/viha-committees.html.

 Rich Scanlon
VIHA President
rscanlon@ourvi.org