Southern Walk - Wetlands/Open area question

I have a question about the wetlands that lie just off of Ridgeway. More specifically about the area just off of the bike trail that lies between Park Brooke Ct, Sunstone Ct, and Mapleton Ct. The question is at the end.

The community building plan definitely states that the majority of this open area is wetlands and that is not a problem. The problem comes up when you examine the plan, as we did before we purchased, and realize that 1/2 acre that is supposed to be a "manicured" area has not been finished by the builder.

I realize that the majority of this area is wetlands and untouchable by the builder. The part of the area that is supposed to be "manicured lawn" is the portion where the builder has already added a small path for the "picnic area" as it is called for on the community map. They have not followed through with the manicured lawn portion so the paved picnic area will be sitting in overgrowth.

I have gone by the Nature Center and talked to the HOA folks and they gave me a number for the VM gentleman to talk with. I have placed calls to the Van Metre rep asking if they plan to finish this area but have not gotten a call back. We definitely want to see them add this planned area as it was a large reason that we bought were we did (our kids love to explore out in the field).

Now for the question(s):
-Does the community plan take precedence or can the builder still make changes?
- What actions can be taken to see VM follow through with the development of this "manicured lawn" prior to the turnover of the land to the association?
- VM has already built a paved area into the wetlands so this particular area is obviously not off limits to landscaping. Who do I talk with to get the updated plan for this area?
- Can the HOA help get information about this?

Attached is a link to map quest which will give you an idea of the open area that I am talking about. If you click the link and zoom in one time you will see Park Brooke Ct, Mapleton Ct. and Sunstone Ct. The area that is designated as the "manicured" location lies in between these two streets and does not take up much of the wetland.

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.ad...park+brooke+ct&city=Ashburn&state=va&zipcode=

Thanks for advice.

 

Van Metre will be at the Annual meeting next Tuesday, May 10th, 2005

Here is the information:
The Broadlands Homeowners Association Annual Meeting will be at Hillside Elementary School on May 10, 2005 in the Activity Room from 7:30 - 9:30 PM. Sign in will begin at 7:15 PM. The Annual Meeting for the Southern Walk Association will be from 6:30 - 7:00 PM.

 

I believe the basic issue is "has that patch been turned over to the HOA yet?" IF not, they shouldn't accept it until it meets the promise, and they can't do anything about it until then. If it is turned over, the HOA can/should help.

 

FWIW ... the builder is still responsible for most of Southern Walk's areas. They can make changes in the original plan, but for the most part, have stayed with the original layouts.

As has been mentioned, the developer will be at the Annual Meeting next Tuesday, they'll be happy to address your concerns.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999