For decades, Mark Saunders’ companies have been building exquisite homes and developing award-winning coastal communities in southeastern North Carolina.  Mr. Saunders most prestigious and popular community is Ocean Ridge Plantation.  It is ideally located in Sunset Beach, NC, which was recently named by National Geographic as one of the top beaches in the world. Ocean Ridge features stunning homes, championship-level golf, an oceanfront beach club and world-class amenities.

Mark Saunders, manager of the Ocean Ridge® development companies, and the Ocean Ridge Master Association, the property owners’ association for the Ocean Ridge Community, announced that they have reached an amicable settlement to resolve the litigation between them pertaining to past assessments.

The issue began in 2010, when the governance of the association was turned over to board members elected by the property owners. The community’s protective covenants called for the developer to be exempt from assessments and its funding obligations ended at the time of turnover. Unfortunately, the exemption provision was apparently overlooked, and the developer paid assessments on exempt home sites for several years until the error was discovered. “We’re confident that the payment of assessments for exempt home sites was an innocent mistake – most likely a simple carryover from prior years. We are pleased that the lawsuit is resolved and extend our gratitude to the association’s board of directors for working with us to settle the issue amicably,” said Saunders. The lawsuit was filed in Superior Court of Brunswick County, NC, last year (16 CVS 2340).

While the terms of the settlement, including the total sum paid, are confidential, the association did refund a portion of the assessments, and contributions also were received from insurance companies who were representing the parties involved. The association’s current and future budgets account for the developer’s recognized dues-exempt status.

“We have always had a cordial and productive working relationship with the association members, who are an important reason that Ocean Ridge Plantation® has thrived,” Saunders said, “and, while the lawsuit was unfortunate, it is good to get the issue resolved. We look forward to continuing to work with the association’s board of directors.”

Ocean Ridge Plantation is home to four legendary golf courses: Tiger’s Eye, Leopard’s Chase, Panther’s Run and Lion’s Paw.  Each offer a spectacular golfing experience, enjoyable for players of all levels.  Mark Saunders recently announced that the 72-hole Ocean Ridge Golf Club plans to continue its capital improvement campaign in 2018. The campaign kicked-off in 2017 with the replacement of all putting greens on the acclaimed Tiger’s Eye course, which is consistently ranked as one of the top courses in the state. The putting surfaces were upgraded with new TifEagle Bermuda Grass. “We’re thrilled that this revitalization is complete and our members and guests are enjoying top-level golf on Tiger’s Eye,” said Mark Saunders. Upcoming major enhancements to the Ocean Ridge Golf Club include:

• Renovation of the cart paths on Lion’s Paw, Panther’s Run and Tiger’s Eye.
• Extensive sod re-nourishment on Panther’s Run.
• A vibrant, fresh updating of the Leopard’s Chase Clubhouse.

“As a top tier golf club committed to providing a quality golfing experience to valued club members, property owners and guests, I have green-lighted extensive makeovers that insure Ocean Ridge’s coveted position as the crown jewel in the Coastal Carolinas,” stated developer, Mark Saunders. “We are committed to consistently improving our golf courses, as well as enriching the elegant coastal lifestyle at Ocean Ridge.”

Ocean Ridge Plantation is currently featuring a collection of new waterfront and golf view home sites ranging in size from a third of an acre to one and one half acres, to complement its exquisitely designed homes, championship golf courses and desirable amenities. The moderate subtropical climate of the region, and abundance of coastal activities centered around a private oceanfront beach club for property owners, contribute to Ocean Ridge being a perennial award-winning community. Visit www.oceanridge.com for more information.