I have a complaint about a neighbor (dog running loose, excessive trash on the property, noise, construction work being done, etc). Who should I contact to complain?

You should contact Jennifer Sagona at NEPA. Jennifer will work with the board to share covenant violation concerns and issue a letter to the violating party as appropriate.

Why do we have a Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors assists in the management of the community. The Board attempts to resolve complaints within the community, assists in collecting unpaid or late fees, and keeps the community together as a whole. The Board of Directors is a volunteer position and, without the Board, the community would become much less organized and costly.

I am in violation of a bylaw or covenant but was previously unaware. What should I do?

You should contact the Board of Directors. For a more serious and offensive violation, a remedy may be required. In less serious violations, a mutually agreeable solution may work.. Either way, contact the Board through the property manager. If you should have submitted a modification form, submit that form as well.

Why am I paying $80 per year for dues?

The Woodlands has one of the lowest annual dues of any community in the area. Your $80 a year goes toward landscaping at the front entrance, a basin maintenance fund, newsletters, website maintenance, administrative costs associated with collecting past due accounts, lawyer fees, accounting fees, and NEPA management. While the Board discussed raising dues at the Annual Meeting, it has decided to leave dues for another year at $80.

Who is responsible for maintaining the roads in our community?

Generally the township maintains our roads. General items such as pothole repair, drainage ditch maintenance, and snow removal are all the responsibility of the township. The Board of Directors contracts out for items like landscaping, lighting and signage at the front entrance.

Why do we need NEPA Management if we have a Board of Directors?

NEPA Management helps with mailings, due collection, and legal counsel in community-specific issues. They also address immediate concerns if they can and forward issues to the Board of Directors for consideration. The Board of Directors is a means for the people of the community to have a voice amongst themselves in how their community is managed, but must meet as a group to provide consensus feedback.

What are the retention basins, what are their purpose, and why are we paying to maintain them?

In basic terms a retention pond is a method of managing stormwater runoff. The drainage ditches and channels within our community lead the water to one of four retention basins. The stormwater is collected in the basin and slowly drained over a period of time either into the ground or to a stream. Here is a link to an article regarding retention basins. Retention basins have pipes leading into and out of them. Over time these pipes clog with debris, garbage, leaves, and twigs. The pipes need to be cleaned periodically and preventive maintenance needs to be performed. Occasionally more major maintenance needs to be performed (for example, after a large storm involving severe flooding). Our maintenance fund is in the event that more maintenance becomes necessary.

What is the speed limit within our community?

The speed limit on our roadways is 25MPH. Please observe the speed limit out of respect to your neighbors. Remember that, especially during the winter months, that it is dark in the morning and evening and our children are walking to and from the bus stops. There have been several complaints of speeding automobiles in the community narrowly missing pedestrians. Please leave yourself the extra time and SLOW DOWN!

I've cut down trees I shouldn't have. What next?

The board is very keen on maintaining the Woodlands as a community that embraces the tree scape we have. The covenants are clear on not cutting large trees without permission and a plan. But it has happened and the board has the following criteria for tree replacement, in additional to a significant fine.

The board is looking for replacement of the hardwood trees with similar hardwood trees. We require trees of 3 caliper which is a 3” diameter trunk 5’ above ground, which usually results in 15’ trees, but the caliper is the important factor. The trees are usually spaced 15’-20’ apart. Appropriate species include Red Maple, Red Oak, Sycamore, Tulip Poplar, Birch and White Oak. If a more ornamental tree is desired on the front of the property, a deciduous ornamental tree such as magnolia or dogwood would be appropriate. Each property is specific and the board is happy to work through a replacement plan with you.

Why is our website so expensive?

The website is not expensive at all comparatively speaking. It equates to $1.31 per household per year. The fee includes domain registration, hosting, emails, a mailing list for all in the community to interact without having to BCC everyone and worry about spam filters, and website maintenance. All other quotes ranged from $200 setup and $75 a month maintenance ($1,100 for the first year and $900 each year after) up to $500 setup and $200 a month maintenance ($2,900 for the first year and $2,400 each year after). $200 per year isn't expensive at all!