Woodlake Villas on Hilton Head Island will become a gated community later this year and will be among the Island’s most economical locations to have security gates.  In January, 2008 the two-bedroom villas there were listed for sale from $116,000-$145,000.  The villas were built in 1983.

In late 2007 the Town of Hilton Head Island began the long-planned widening of Mathews Drive and it purchased land from Woodlake for $80,000 under eminent domain.   Before this, Woodlake owners had voted against buying security gates because of the cost.  With $80,000 from the Town, they decided to go ahead with gates.  The total cost for the new entrance at Woodlake including the gates will cost about $145,000.   Homeowners will not be assessed for the balance that will come from their reserve funds.  

"We intend to build a mechanical security gate with pass codes,"  Woodlake Board President Charlie Wetmore told Go Gated Realty ®.  “Restricting access to the neighborhood with security gates will reduce the potential for problems and enhance our property values".   

The Town’s Mathews Drive renovations will beautify the neighborhood and should enhance properties values in the area. Old  Mathews Drive was an undivided and heavily traveled two-lane road.  The new road will have two lanes divided alternatively by landscaped medians and turning lanes.  There will be a 10-foot wide bicycle path on each side of the road and three traffic circles along Mathews Drive with one at the entrance to Woodlake.   A raised crosswalk there will improve pedestrian traffic between Woodlake and Port Royal Plaza.   

The Mathews Drive renovation and the addition of new security gates at the entrance to Woodlake Villas should increase property values and make Woodlake a preferred community for many people.   Before the renovations to Mathews Drive and the security gates to Woodlake are finished, this is a very good time for anyone to buy a Woodlake Villa.  To discuss availability, selection, costs and rental, call or e-mail Richard Kadesch, the Gated Community Specialist ® today!