The once-fetid river is much cleaner these days. But debris still washes up on rocks near the pier. The walkway abruptly ends on the development's south side, meaning there is relatively little foot traffic. A lone jogger may pass by, or a dog and its owner out for a stroll. Still, some property owners grouse that they shouldn't have to worry about strangers entering the complex from a public walkway while they pay for a guard to stand at the entrance on River Road.
Neighbors say it can be difficult to meet other neighbors.
The design of Independence Harbor allows residents to drive into the garage, park near their building's entrance, and quickly duck inside. The pool, especially popular among parents, offers one of the few places to sit and chat. There's a small group of us who know each other. Andrea and Allan Albert say they find almost nothing lacking at Independence Harbor. That is in part because they have created their own world.