May 5, 2026

PBNA Newsletter

Palmetto Bluff Neighborhood Association

 

Dear Neighbors,

It was nice to see the 50+ members attend our April 15^th annual meeting.  We appreciate the time together, active discussions and your commitment to PB.  In the event you missed the meeting, here is our wrap-up.

Introduction

Following the board of directors introduction the Palmetto Bluff Neighborhood Association vision and mission were presented.  Founded in 2013, PBNA currently has 540 members from 354 households.  PBNA has grown over 85 households in the last year. 

As PB has aged and matured the PBNA role has evolved but it is important to note PBNA:

• Provides independent, objective information regarding PB issues

• Monitors community developments and communicates with PB management and the developer

• While with similar objectives, has a different role than the MAC

• Is not a litigant in any of the lawsuits

PBNA is a member-friendly and member-focused group.  PBNA is not a litigant and exists to support all members.  As part of our membership drive PBNA asks that each PBNA member get 2 new households to join the organization.  This will be part of our membership drive.

Governance

A quorum was achieved. John Meltaus and Holly Miller were subsequently elected to the board of directors for three-year terms.

The PBNA board elects its officers and announced the following:

• Allen Roth, President

• Frank Riddick, Treasurer

• John Meltaus, Secretary

PBNA Successes/Action

1. Active in the South Wilson Bluff Erosion Project.  PBNA met with the resident liaison to better understand the progress and impact on the homeowners, both along the Bluff and throughout PB.

   
   

   At this time this project is progressing, while there may be delays due environmental concerns related to an eagle’s nest near the construction area.  Regretfully, there has not been any financial information provided by the POA to the PB residents.
   

   
   

2. Assisted in the SC46/May River intersection traffic light procurement.  Based on the recent POA minutes the engineering design for the light will be paid for by Beaufort County.  The Preservation Trust stated in the March 16, 2026 Board of Stewards meeting minutes that “Funding for the installation of this traffic light can be supported by the Palmetto Bluff Preservation Trust via special assessment.”  The future maintenance costs are TBD.

   
   

3. Capital reserve discussions with the developer.  Working with MAC to create more user friendly POA reserve financials.

   
   

4. Created the Black Book of Service Providers resource.

   
   

5. Attended Town of Bluffton Town Council Meetings

   
   

6. Organized the PB Mobile Town of Bluffton Council meeting including the Mayor, Town Manager, several Town Council members and Chief of Police.

   
   

7. The most significant action has been two recent meetings with Rob Duckett and Gray Ferguson.  The first was a few days before the SSP Annual Meeting and the second was on March 31st.  These meetings were very open, candid and sometimes with difficult discussions/topics.  The ultimate objective was to lay the groundwork for future collaboration and understanding. Our topics included:

• PBNA role and mission

• Restoring the community’s trust in the developer and identifying specific instances when trust was broken.

• Our requests included:

  
  

   - Pushing for POA representation on the Board of Steward

  
  

  - Providing a longer “grace period” on significant document/policy changes; i.e. changing joining fees, golf tier memberships, changes to short-term rental rules.

  
  

  - Provide an amenity roadmap with non-binding but good faith timetables.

We agreed to meet on a regular basis moving forward.

Potential Financial Audit or Strategic Advisor

Over the past several months PBNA has been evaluating the benefits and costs of a Club financial audit.  Knowing that SSP has committed to a first-time audit, probably presented later this year, PBNA has considered retaining a national club and community consultant. The objective is to have this individual assist the community to evaluate the overall PB documents, legal and governance structure, development, costs, fee structure, reserves and other issues and ultimately provide recommendations and alternatives to improve the relationship between PB and the developer. 

PBNA has begun the interview process but has not committed to any scope of work or budget.  If PBNA opts to move forward PBNA will inform the members and will require financial assistance.  This action is in the early phase.

Lawsuit No. 1 SC Supreme Court Hearing

Frank Riddick and John Meltaus attended this hearing on the arbitration appeal.  The panel of five judges will offer a ruling on this appeal of two lower court rulings, both of which were in favor of the plaintiffs (PB homeowners), stating that the mandatory arbitration contained in the PB documents is unenforceable.  A decision on this final appeal is expected in approximately 3 – 4 months

PBNA noted that there are now additional lawsuits against SSP and other related PB entities regarding breaches of fiduciary duty at the PB Preservation Trust, Club joining fees and member suspension. 

Membership and Committee Formation

A top priority for PBNA is to expand its membership throughout the PB community.  There is strength in members as PBNA works to communicate and influence investment in our community.

As PB and PBNA grow there is a need and call for volunteers to help our community. PBNA would like to establish ambassadors to help represent the various neighborhoods within PB.  PBNA will identify the neighborhoods and volunteers in each neighborhood will solicit members.
PBNA also has several sub-committees to get more input and assistance in with specific topics.  The committees are: 

•  Financial

•  Membership

•  Social

•  Governance

•  Special Interests

To volunteer please contact the board.

PBNA objectives are:

• Unite neighbors

•  Create community

•  Preserve the original PB vision

•  Communicate with a united, fact-based, independent voice

•  Protect our home values

•  Enable dialogue and change without litigation

•  Provide resources for members

Fun Facts

• Sun City just opened their new $50M amenity/fitness center where the design was driven by the membership

• Colleton River recently completed their $30M amenity upgrade and continues to invest in new amenities

•  Berkeley Hall Club is undertaking a $5.1M master plan upgrade

•  Hampton Hall undertaking a $6.6M clubhouse renovation and expansion

•  Belfair has completed a $5.8M golf course renovation with a multi-year $22M future commitment to improvements

This is why we need to bond together!  Please join us.

Best regards,

Your PBNA Volunteers