The Issaquah Highlands is only a few months away from letting go of its safety net and claiming responsibility for itself, and Brian Daniels couldn’t be more pleased.

As the board president of the community’s massive homeowner’s group, it’s more than a sign of maturity, he said. “We get to control our own destiny.”

Port Blakely, the master developer, announced plans to relinquish its majority control in the Issaquah Highlands Community Association this fall.

The community’s first board election is planned for this winter, a major milestone for a neighborhood still under heavy development.

Rene Ancincas, the Port Blakely chief, likened it to teaching a kid to ride a bike. The developer is about to let go of the seat, he said.

However to Daniels, the community is fully grown. People have stepped up into leadership roles.

It’s just a matter of letting go of Pt. Blakely’s financial and legal safety net, which has been a use in the past, he said. “It has to happen sometime. It’s not healthy to always rely on someone else.”

While the master developer has always had the community’s best interests in mind,

this is a chance for the Highlands to be on its own, Daniels said. “I think it’s actually an overwhelmingly positive thing.”

At first Port Blakely will give up one of its four seats, giving majority control to voters in the spring. It plans to relinquish its three remaining seats, which are held by Port Blakely employees, by 2013.

The decision was triggered by the area’s renewed development interest.

When 75 percent of land zoned for housing is developed and sold, Port Blakely would be forced to relinquish its control to the homeowners.

Today, the Highlands has about 2,860 homes, its about 63 percent complete, but it’s expected to grow quickly. So, the master developer decided to begin the process now to ensure its a smooth transition.

Eventually the Highlands will have about 4,540 homes.

Port Blakely is also convinced the community is ready for the responsibility, Ancincas said. “We know there are a lot of people who are dedicated and capable and able.”

Port Blakely has been preparing and working with community leaders since it started the association in 2002.

It even used its own board seats to give people in the community experience and knowledge.

The association maintains the community’s numerous parks and enforces conformity rules. It’s also responsible building a cash reserve. As of this fiscal year, it has $381,500.

Alongside the homeowners group, Port Blakely also formed the Highlands Council, which owns Blakely Hall and organizes Highlands Day. The trustees include a mixture of developers and nonprofits invested in the community.

Handover Timeline

Nov. 2011 – Port Blakely officially relinquishes majority control, reducing its four seats to three.

Dec. 2011-Feb. 2012 – The Issaquah Highlands Community Association holds its first election, two seats are expected to be open.

May-June 2012 – Another election will be to elect residents to two more Pt. Blakely seats.

2013 – The last Pt. Blakely declarant lets go of his or her seat.