MARCH 2006 NEWSLETTER ARTICLE

 The fact that Stafford County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country is starting to come home to us in a big way.  The day is rapidly approaching when we will be surrounded by development and in many places up to the property line.  We do have a small blessing around most of the perimeter with the association owned 20? buffer known as the bridle trail.  Recently the Silver Company sold the area bordered by Atlantic Drive and the 1100 block of Aquia Drive to Augustine Homes.  We had an agreement with the Silver Company to leave a buffer.  It appears that that was never conveyed to the buyer.  I have talked with Augustine Homes and they are providing a grading and site plan for the area.  They have been most cooperative but it may be a little late to save some of the mature trees on the border as clearing has started.

 At the last board meeting input to the draft FY07 Budget was discussed and the building fee for new homes was raised to $10,000 and a $5,000 returnable building bond was implemented to be effective April 1st.  This may come as a shock to some but the increased building fee will raise several hundred thousand dollars over the next few years.  Expect the new budget to be approved at the February or March board meeting.  As you read this we should have selected a contractor to rebuild the Harbour Inn Swimming Pool.

 Now that spring is just around the corner it?s time to do an assessment of yards and home exteriors.  I would ask that everyone take a few minutes to walk to the street and look their property over.  Many need to take some time and effort to bring things up to standard.  This beats having the Code Violation Officer writing a letter.

 The board is prepared to sign a three year extension with the Country Club Restaurant Concessionaire.   Also look for more discussion on implementing user fees for the athletic fields.  If this is decided it would probably take effect in July or August.  Potential use of the Old School Site off Harpoon Drive continues.  More should be said about this as details and potential become better known.  The web site is getting a face lift by the Communications Committee and a new Web Master engaged.  Look for more timely and detailed content.

 Kudos to the maintenance crew on another outstanding job of snow removal during the February 11-12th storm.  They were really hampered by about 20 fallen trees but still excelled.

 Recently the areas behind Lions Park and at the end of Delaware Drive have become the playground for paint ball play.  Many do not realize discharging a paintball gun in a subdivision is considered ?discharging a firearm? and prohibited by law.  If you or your children are into paint ball please go to an appropriate location outside the community.  Due to several recent complaints the police will be enforcing the law.  The association is trying to establish a skate board park but is having difficulties due to liability issues.  In the interim please no more skating off stacked picnic tables and curb stops drug into the middle of parking lots.  The damage to the tables and vehicles is getting out of hand.