Contacts

CRAB, Inc. encourages new membership for eligible residents and would welcome any new suggestions or ideas for better utilization of the area. If anyone would like more information on CRAB, Inc. they can contact Dave Millette Treasurer (804) 580-1074

History

The original Robledal/Oak Haven Estates developer was Carl Barnard. During the early years of planning and development, it became apparent that Gulf Power required an easement through the property. Mr. Barnard was paid a one time fee for the easement, but he still retained ownership of the easement itself. As development progressed, early homeowners constructed a boat ramp and pier on the Gulf Power easement leading into East Bay. This was to be used by Robledal/Oak Haven residents, but a lot of outside traffic became evident also.

In 1991, a neighbor adjacent to the easement sought and received approval from Mr. Barnard to erect a gate on the area going to the boat ramp in order to guarantee that only eligible residents were using the area. For several years the keyed gate remained and for a small key charge homeowners continued to use the ramp and its surrounding areas.

In 2000, Mr. Barnard decided to get rid of some of the property that was not available for development and before he would consider offering the easement to a single homeowner he made it available to the Robledal Estates/Oak Haven Landowners Association (RELA.) The association, after careful consideration, rejected taking the property in view of liens against Mr. Barnard. Subsequently, a small group of 15-20 homeowners elected to form a non-profit corporation in order to acquire the property from Mr. Barnard.

Membership Fee

In 2000, bylaws of the corporation were formulated and steps were taken to acquire the property from Mr. Barnard. Original estimates of costs to each member of the corporation was estimated to be $325.00. However, after fees relating to back taxes, title transfer, surveying, attorneys, and initial improvements to the property, the amount settled at $417.00.

Facilities

The name given to the organization was CRAB, Inc. Robledal/Oak Haven residents are still eligible to join for $417.00. Monies in the treasury are used to pave the new boat ramp, erect new fences, rebuild the pier, gravel the entry way, put benches on the beach, etc. In the future there are plans to beautify the entrance to the boat ramp easement.

The CRAB, Inc. boat ramp and the surrounding area is private property belonging to the members of the organization. It is not a public boat ramp. Recently, there have been reports that some members had been sharing their keys or duplicating them and providing them to non-members. This is in violation of CRAB, Inc. by-laws and it does have repercussions.