Clearing up common areas

I have a simple question. Does anyone know if we are allowed to clear out brush in the common tree areas?

Recently I was at the large pool playground with my children. We found out a small path back into the woods to the stream. It was a nice area for the kids to play, but would normally be overgrown during warmer months. I am wondering if I would be allowed to clear out a path for the children to use during those warmer months?

 

Nope, it's all protected. The HOA is the the only ones who are allowed to do anything in common areas, especially the Tree save ares since many of them are backyard habitats and protected wetlands.

 

Actually I have read in the newsletter on several occasions that homeowners are not allowed to do anything to the common areas. I took note because we live right next to one and all we do is keep it from growing into our yard in the summer months.

 

Common areas cannot be cleared of leaves, brush, etc...if the growth encroahes onto your property you may cut it back to the property line. There are circumstances where you can add to the common area, such as broadcasting wildflower seeds, but this must be approved through the open spaces committee (See the inside cover of the newsletter for contact into)

Maureen Burns
Assistant Property Manager and Resident since 1997

 

would this include if you would like to plant trees in the open area?

clwjl5

 

Not sure, but I think that would be going beyond what is usually permitted.

Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

In the past, we have allowed residents to clear out debris from sections of the common area, with guidance from the HOA through the Open Space Committee. As I recall, these were areas around some townhouse sections and a group of residents wanted to clear it up some.
I doubt the HOa would allow any clearing for the purpose of establishing a walking trail through the common area.

 

This would have to be evaluated on a case by case basis...If you'd like to put together a plan for a particular area and submit it to the Committee I'd be happy to facilitate the delivery to the "proper authorities"

Maureen Burns
Assistant Property Manager and Resident since 1997

 

I'll have to back to the area and see if I can come up with an idea that fits in with the preservation nature of the broadlands.

The first one that comes to mind is simply clearing the deadwood and having a clear area for a picnic table by the stream.

My big concern would be that people may go back there and smokeand since it would be in the woods, it may not be a good idea since a discarded cigarette butt could cause a fire.

Thanks for all the input.

 

Does anyone know who is responsible for picking up the trash in the common areas? Especially in the trees behind the townhouses along Vestals Gap and along Claiborne. I walk and try to enjoy the wildlife, but I see so much trash that it takes away from the beauty.

 

This is my article from the upcoming newsletter...I think it answers your question...

When is trash not trash…

Most members of the Broadlands Homeowners Associations are aware that curbside trash pickup is included in their HOA dues. Where some confusion arises is when trash becomes litter.

AAA picks up trash and recyclables from the curb. However, when trash and recyclables are not secured or when they are put out prior to the proper collection time they often blow around the neighborhood…this is the point when trash becomes litter.

Litter removal is very expensive and not part of the HOA budget. The HOA employs a part-time individual to pick up litter along the sidewalks and trails, but one person can only do so much, especially on foot! We are very fortunate that HLS, our landscaping company, will often help to remove litter from the common areas when they are maintaining these open spaces but, those “wild” spaces that define the natural environment of Broadlands and individual properties are not part of a litter removal program.

This is why it is imperative that trash is secured and put out at the proper time. It is the responsibility of the individual homeowner to make sure that their trash doesn’t become litter and if it does… to pick it up.

Get your neighbors involved with a monthly Neighborhood Cleanup Day…Have your kids “adopt” a common area and keep it free of litter…Remind your neighbors who don’t secure their trash or put it out too early that they are in violation of HOA rules and not helping to keep Broadlands the beautiful place it is.

If there is construction litter left behind by the builder of a new home, such as insulation, carpet pieces, the builder is responsible for cleaning that up. Please report this type of litter to the HOA and we will contact the correct group to clean it up.

The association can enforce the rules and regulations of the community but it is up to the owners to provide the pride and community spirit that makes a neighborhood, a home.

Maureen Burns
Assistant Property Manager and Resident since 1997

 

Not to mention that the area around the stream is a protected wetlands, and clearing anything around that could be a violation of federal law.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

and the poison Ivy, and the fact that it is a WETlands (read this "bog") any time it rains (at least along the stream behind our house). Any table (or short children) might just sink into the ground. Another concern would be litter.