Capital Improvement Project Q&A
We have received a few questions about the Capital Improvement Project, so we’ve put together some answers. We hope to keep adding to this list.
What has the Board approved currently as of 8/1/24?
What has the Board approved currently?
There is activity at the park - what is being removed and what permits are required?
We met with Fairfax County, they confirmed the vegetation in the park is considered invasive and removing the vegetation is allowed without a permit.
We have already hired an engineering firm and the required permits are “in progress”. No grading will be performed during the cleanup.
The Board wants to preserve all healthy trees. The company performing the work has certified Arborists on staff and we are looking to them to determine what trees are healthy.
Unabated invasive ivy growth over the last 30 years has damaged many of the trees in the park space.
How does the board contact the community to let them know about future plans?
The board has been as transparent as possible with the use of the 66 funds. We solicited feedback in the newsletter (digital and in print), at the annual meeting, and via any social media platform on which community members widely participate (i.e. Facebook and TownSq). Given that the newsletter is available in print and received no feedback after publication there, we did not move forward with a mass mailing at added expense. Of note, we have received negative feedback from homeowners in the past if we did NOT post on the unofficial Facebook page because that is the fastest way to spread community information, which is why so many residents were aware of what we are proposing this time around. This does show the increased need for the planned bulletin board by the park entrance.
What if the trails or the park has a negative impact to the environment?
There will be limited impact to the environment, most of the path would move around the trees. If erosion of land is significant, the board would possibly look at putting in more landscaping. Part of the plan incorporates repairs to existing erosion issues.
Will the park or paths raise our future dues?
The board is in the process of asking our insurer how much more it would be to insure the park. From what we can tell so far, it should be minimal and is directly proportional to the playground equipment.
What happens to the money that we don’t use for a capital improvement?
The funds that are not used for a capital improvement are subject to a 30% federal tax and 6% state tax cost.
When is the vote going to happen on the capital improvements? When do you ask the residents again about their concerns?
The board has received feedback from the community and is reviewing and taking great consideration of those concerns. The board needs to get a 75% vote from homeowners if it plans on raising annual dues if there is a special assessment of more than 10% - we do not intend on raising annual dues. The board is acting on improving and maintaining property values. When we vote as a board, we are always thinking of our neighbors and the future of the neighborhood. The capital improvements will not deplete the fund, there will be funds set aside for future maintenance and replacement. Those funds will be taxed at the 36% rate.
When will we hear more about what is going to happen?
We have not finished sorting out the details yet. As we do, we will notify the community.