Backyard Buzz

PROVIDING FACTS ABOUT ISSUES AND CONCERNS WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY

Backyard Buzz – Recent Dog Park Incident

Recently, I saw online about a potential dog vs. dog incident at The Landings Dog Park. What happens in such a case?

If your dog is involved in an incident at the Dog Park, The Landings Association encourages Dog Park patrons to call Landings Security (912-598-1982 and select option 2 for non-emergency situations and 3 for emergencies). A Landings Security Officer will come out and take a report. It is important to note that all reports are forwarded to Chatham County Animal Control, which may also get involved. Additionally, if found in violation of the Rules and Regulations regarding the Dog Park, owners of the offending animal may be subject to fines or suspension of TLA privileges. This may include suspension from the Dog Park until the dog is properly trained and socialized.

It is the responsibility of patrons to supervise the activities of their dogs while at The Landings Dog Park. This includes preventing, detecting, and addressing any conflicts while visiting the Park. Dog owners are encouraged to only bring dogs to the Park that are properly socialized and monitor their dogs while at the Park to ensure they are interacting safely with other dogs and humans. Quickly responding to an animal’s body language and removing an uncomfortable or overexcited dog from the Park is wise and can prevent potential conflicts.

The Landings Dog Park is a wonderful community amenity that can provide lots of fun for dogs and their humans. Let’s work together to keep it that way.

To read the complete list of Landings Dog Park Rules, click here.

Backyard Buzz - Picnic Tables at Landings Harbor Marina (July 1, 2021)

Have the Picnic Tables been permanently removed from the Picnic Grounds at Landings Harbor Marina?

No. When large gatherings were discouraged as a part of COVID-19 precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Association removed the picnic tables from the area. The tables currently are being cleaned and sanitized and will be replaced in time for the July 4th holiday.

Backyard Buzz - Deer in The Landings (June 10, 2021)

Is anything being done about the large number of deer in The Landings?

Yes. In 1994, The Landings Association established a wildlife management program. Since the program’s inception, the USDA has safely removed an average of 140 deer annually from The Landings’ property, with the venison being donated to local food banks. It is important to note that removal of deer during the spring and summer is limited by State law to Bucks (males) as Does (females) typically are with fawns (babies) during this period. Removing the mother would result in an orphaned fawn in the field.

This 27-year-old program provides The Landings Association with one ¾ time wildlife biologist. Responsibilities for the position include the removal and management of deer, wild hogs, coyotes, vultures, and other migratory bird species. In addition, this employee responds to resident questions and complaints as well as acts as the Association’s resident expert on human and wildlife conflicts.

The USDA service agreement has proven to be a safe and effective method of managing our wildlife populations year over year. Additionally, there has been no control-related incidents reported, and wildlife damage claims have been reduced since the onset of the program.

If you have questions or concerns regarding wildlife on the island, please call the Public Works Department (598-5509), or report the issue via SeeClickFix on the Association’s website (seeclickfix.com/landings-association). You also can access SeeClickFix via the TLA app from your mobile phone.

Are the deer worse than usual this year? What can I do to stop them from eating my plantings?

No. Although it has been an exceptionally dry few months, deer tend to have larger appetites in the spring as new shoots and buds are in bloom and become especially enticing to them after winter.

Many residents install netting around their flower beds to prevent deer and other animals from snacking on their plants. However, the nets can trap snakes and other unwanted reptiles. If an animal gets stuck in your netting, you can reach out to a local pest control company or remove it yourself. Although we contract a USDA Representative at ¾ time, he is not authorized to conduct work on residential property and is to provide expert technical advice only to assess concerns/issues on residential properties.

Below are a few tips to help prevent deer damage to your plants:

Choose deer-resistant plants. Your first line of defense against deer always will be your plant selection. Deer often go for tender greens such as pansies, ivy, hosta, and most young plants. Click here to view a list of deer resistant plants
Use deer repellents/deterrents like liquid fence, deer farm, and even paprika every now and then.

Backyard Buzz - Unlicensed Cart Drivers in The Landings (6-4-2021)

Can children ages 12 to 14 operate golf carts in The Landings?

No. Under State and Chatham County law, to operate a golf cart, just like any other motorized vehicle, the driver must have a valid operator’s license. A Learners Permit does not qualify as a valid operator’s license. Under OCGA 40-6-3, Chatham County Police Department can enforce traffic laws in our community, including those regarding golf carts.

Unlicensed cart operation is one of the most misunderstood issues in our community and one of the most violated. Our Rule mirrors State and Chatham County laws regarding motor vehicles and is very clear. “F. Vehicles, 3. All licensed and unlicensed vehicles must obey all traffic regulations” and “4. Operators of motorized vehicles, including scooters, mopeds, and golf carts, must have a valid operator’s license, in compliance with Georgia law.”

Understandably, this rule can get confusing as there are some places like Peachtree City that allow unlicensed cart operation with an adult on board. In The Landings, fines are issued for cart violations, including unlicensed cart operation, which could be up to $1,000 for repeat offenses. To learn more about the most current fine schedule, click here. To view tips for cart safety, click here.

Backyard Buzz - Swift911 (April 27, 2021)

Is it true that The Landings Association’s emergency alert system, Swift911, is no longer operable?

No. A company named Rave recently purchased SwiftReach, and the Swift911 platform is changing to Smart911. The company is transitioning clients in phases, starting with organizations like Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA). At some point, TLA will be notified regarding switching over. However, we don’t know yet when that will be or what the changes will involve. At this juncture, there is no cause for end-users to do anything differently, and for now, TLA will continue sending emergency messages via Swift911.

Backyard Buzz - TLA's Heavy Equipment

Is all of The Landings Association’s heavy equipment necessary, or do many pieces of equipment often sit idle? If we don’t need this equipment, maybe TLA should consider selling it, contracting out some of the work, such as lagoon maintenance, taking that money, and placing it in the Capital Reserves Fund.

Yes. Every piece of equipment purchased by your Landings Association is necessary to maintain the infrastructure in The Landings.

From the Street Sweepers that daily remove debris, pine straw, and leaf litter from the roadways and prevent debris that otherwise would end up in the storm drain system and lead to potential flooding on the roadways, to the Backhoe Loader, bucket trucks, and Stump Grinder (all of which have more than paid for themselves during clean-up and restoration caused by Hurricane Matthew and Tropical Storm Hermine), every piece of equipment is used, and used often, to complete weekly maintenance cycles. Additionally, when equipment reaches the end of its useful life, your Association works to sell the old equipment via auction sites to offset the new purchase price.

There are times when equipment is rented for specific projects as opposed to outright purchasing the item, as it is not used on a regular basis, like our current fleet is. Some examples of rented equipment include a Mini Excavator, boom lights, electric signs boards, front end loaders, large dewatering pumps, etc.

To read more about the heavy equipment that your Public Works Department uses, please click here.

Backyard Buzz - Let's Talk Trash

Is it true that The Landings Association is going to force all residents to use a specific waste provider?

No. There will be no compulsory participation in any garbage program that may be developed.

TLA has been researching the feasibility of one, main waste collection provider in The Landings. The goal of this research is to determine if residents might benefit financially from one, main garbage provider, while protecting TLA infrastructure. It is important to note that even if this is pursued, all residents still will reserve the right to choose the garbage provider they prefer.

Backyard Buzz - Panther in The Landings?

Why has The Landings Association not made residents aware of the sightings of panthers reported in the community, even after a resident’s dog was killed?

Reports are circulating on social media regarding a panther that mauled to death the dog of a Landings resident who resides in the Oakridge area of the community. When The Landings Association was contacted about the posts and attempted to contact the poster, we could find no records with that name in our database. In addition, we have not had reported cases of panthers in our community.

A reverse image search of the poster’s photo takes you to a Facebook Page that is being used for trolling (the act of someone who uses the Internet to make intentionally inflammatory, rude, false, or upsetting statements online to elicit strong emotional responses from people).

Legitimate social media sites take trolling very seriously and have zero tolerance for this type of behavior. Click here to learn more about reporting trolling on Facebook. Click here to learn how to report an inappropriate post on NextDoor.

Social Media is a wonderful tool that helps keep people connected and informed, but please be sure to verify posts that seem outlandish or suspicious before sharing. Remember, The Landings Association only posts in our official Facebook Group. Follow this link to join the Association’s Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/TLAHOA

Backyard Buzz - March 27, 2020

Are the Landings Marinas closed for business?

Starting today (March 27) both Landings Harbor and Delegal Creek Marina will be closed for business until further notice. One of our Marinas employees has reported that he may have COVID-19 and is in quarantine. This means that other employees, who worked closely with him must also self-quarantine. The offices and stores at both Marina are being professionally disinfected by a contractor this weekend, along with all other TLA buildings. We look forward to re-opening all facilities in a safe, and health-conscious manner as soon as possible.

Is it true that someone in The Landings has COVID-19? I heard that The Marshes of Skidaway recently sent a message to residents about this.

No cases of COVID-19 in The Landings have been officially confirmed to The Landings Association, and we have been told locations of cases by neighborhood will not be made public. However, the Association continues to encourage residents to operate as if everyone is a carrier of COVID-19. Asymptomatic carriers are the best example of why we should approach this pandemic with an abundance of caution and adhere to social distancing at all times. Social distancing and frequent, thorough handwashing are our best defense against transmitting this virus.

What is going on with The Rookery Lagoon?

For years, wading birds have inhabited an island in the middle of Lagoon 71 in the Midpoint phase of the community, and this became known as The Rookery Lagoon.

It’s important to note that the natural lifecycle of any Rookery averages between 5-10 years due to the continual changes in nesting behaviors and the natural migration of these birds. The heavy nutrient load (bird feces) from the nesting population is extremely acidic and eventually destroys the trees and vegetation. The island on The Rookery is no longer favorable for nesting. However, wading birds will continue to frequent the island.

Over the last 10 years, wading birds have migrated to various other lagoons for nesting, including Lagoon 2 (located off of Bartram) and Lagoon 124 (located inside of the Deer Creek Village Gate), along with other areas throughout the community.

At one time, wood storks also nested at The Rookery Lagoon, most recently in 2009. Wood storks are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Therefore, the site was protected for a period of 10 years until such time as no wood stork activity and/or nesting took place. During these last 10 years, other wading birds at The Rookery Lagoon attracted the presence of several species of vultures, which have continued to cause damage to residential properties.

Landings Association staff have been working for more than 10 years with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services (USFWS), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Unites States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to properly manage the Midpoint rookery in Lagoon 71, including issues with vultures and their associated damage. USFWS is the agency with the authority and jurisdiction for migratory populations, such as wood storks. They have continued monitoring this rookery annually (through the DNR) and since 2009 have documented no evidence of wood stork nesting activity. They consider this location to be an inactive wood stork nesting site. USDA has been working with area residents to address concerns about the vulture activity.

The Association has conducted annual maintenance, outside of nesting season, on this rookery under the guidance of the USDA and DNR for many years. The work is done to remove the dead woody material. Since the population of wood storks has been relocating to more favorable locations, and USFWS and DNR have declared the site as inactive, this maintenance will ultimately provide a natural area with aquatic plants for the lagoon island. In the meantime, the USDA will continue to work with residents to help mitigate the problem of vultures in the neighborhood.

The Landings Association has been advised by the USFW to maintain the site in accordance with the recommendations of our USDA Representative. Moving forward, future maintenance of the Rookery Lagoon will include: (1) Annual bush hogging and removal of dead woody material from the island; and (2) Quarterly trimming and herbicide management of plant material on the island (e.g., dog fennel and woody vegetation).

This week, BrightView and TLA staff bush-hogged the island, along with successfully removing an invasive Chinese Tallow tree and two smaller scrub trees (which were compromised as a result of previous nesting activity). TLA staff will reevaluate the island in the spring to determine the feasibility of additional aquatic plant installations.

Staff, in conjunction with the USDA, will continue to evaluate the maintenance of The Rookery and make any necessary modifications to the plan as required.

Why does TLA not allow for extenuating circumstances such as financial issues and personal crises?

If you make us aware, The Landings Association is more than happy to work with residents experiencing extenuating circumstances when it comes to addressing a violation. We certainly understand that “life happens” but we do need to be advised in order to help. We have worked with owners to reset plans and timelines on an extended basis when they have shared the need for an accommodation. Please contact our Community Development team (cdd@landings.org or 912-598-5511), who are happy to help you work up a plan that fits your need

I recently purchased a property, and the driveway had been cracked prior to my ownership. Now, I received a notice from The Landings Association informing me that my driveway needs to be fixed. Why the concern out of the blue?

It may seem out of the blue, so a bit of history for newer owners may be helpful. In 2015, the community overwhelmingly approved a Covenant Modernization Vote, with 87 percent of participating owners voting in favor of updating the Covenants. Community approval authorized the Association’s Board to establish exterior Private Property Maintenance Standards (PPMS) to further enhance private property values in our beautiful community.

Implementation required the subsequent establishment of an Appeals Process which was approved by the Board in 2016. In addition, the inspection duties were transitioned from Security to the Community Development Department.

Further implementation delays were experienced in 2017 as a result of Hurricane Matthew’s arrival in October of 2016. Throughout 2017 and into 2018, both TLA and property owners focused attention on storm debris removal and storm damage repairs. Starting early 2019, the Community Development Department began performing routine weekly exterior inspections of properties throughout the community. Since that time, a small percentage of property owners have received notices

What’s the inspection process?

During routine exterior inspections, the staff review landscaping, hardscaping, and structures to help residents ensure that they are within the standards. Following an inspection, if an issue is observed, the staff will contact the property owner with a courtesy phone call or email. Most often, this initial informal contact results in compliance since residents support and appreciate the benefits of these community standards.

On occasion, initial informal attempts to reach an owner are not successful, and a written notice letter is then mailed to the owner. It is important to recognize that upon receipt of the first notice of violation, the owners always have three options before a second notice is issued. These options include:

Correcting the violation within 10 days, if practical; or
Advising staff within 10 days of your Plan of Action that reflects how and when the identified item(s) will be brought to standards; or
Filing an Appeal within 10 days to the Appeals Committee (made up of volunteer neighbors)

The Landings Association appreciates that owners may not be able to have work completed within 10 days, as some situations require contractor assistance and additional time. Staff always are willing to work with owners on a reasonable plan.

In very rare circumstances, an owner receives an invoice for fines ($25 per day) that constitute a lien against their property. On these rare occasions, this undesirable action normally is a result of our longstanding inability to obtain a response from the property owner.

If I am purchasing/selling property in The Landings, can I have it inspected to make sure that no Private Property Maintenance violations exist?

Of course! The Community Development Department's inspection team welcomes the opportunity to meet onsite and perform a courtesy inspection to help an owner or potential buyer understand if the property meets the community standards. To schedule an inspection, please call us (912-598-5510).

How does the process work to be nominated for election to The Landings Association's Board of Directors?

The process is simple, and you can even nominate yourself. To learn the complete details, please click Nominating Committee Guidelines.

Why did The Landings Association allow Chatham County to install advance warning rumble strips (thermoplastic) on Diamond Causeway, McWhorter Drive, and Green Island Road?

Chatham County manages these roads, not TLA. Therefore, The Landings Association did not have the final say on the safety improvements implemented by Chatham County. However, as previously reported, the Association objected to the use of rumble strips due to the potential noise. Some residents have reported that when they call Chatham County to complain about the noise, they are told TLA’s Board approved the rumble strips. This statement is not accurate.

Since the installation of the rumble strips earlier this week, some residents have expressed their concern with the County’s decision and want to know what can be done to have the rumble strips removed.

If you wish to voice your concerns regarding the rumble strips, please call Chatham County’s Engineering Department (912-652-7800). You also can submit feedback to the County’s Department of Engineering by clicking here.

Safety Improvements Background:

Several years ago, Chatham County proposed a Roundabout at this intersection due to continuing calls for action. At that time, residents resoundingly spoke out against a roundabout. Chatham County recently expressed an interested in revisiting that issue with some redesigned plans. The Landings Association submitted a request to view these plans and to date have not received them but will keep the community informed.
After conducting an initial traffic study, Chatham County determined that traffic counts are not met at that location for a full traffic light. However, The Landings Association continued to request safety be addressed at this location, perhaps in the form of flashing lights. The County agreed to install the flashing lights.
The County said it wanted to install rumble strips. However, the Association objected to the use of rumble strips due to the potential of noise pollution, as noted in the General Manager’s Update that was published in the August 2019 edition of The Landings Journal, where General Manager/COO Shari Haldeman shares the County’s response to the Association’s opposition to rumble strips.

Does Landings Security have the authority to run radar? Don’t you have to have a license from the state to run radar?

Landings Security can run RADAR or L.I.D.A.R. without a license from the State because The Landings is governed by Covenants and Rules and Regulations that Security can enforce per the community’s 2015 Covenant Modernization Vote. Although Security can run RADAR or L.I.D.A.R. (Light Detection and Ranging), their citations are Rules violations and do not result in points against your license like tickets issued by law enforcement officers.

In 2017, Landings Security purchased a LaserCam4 L.I.D.A.R. unit to enforce speed limits similar to other Rules and Regulations violations. In short, L.I.D.A.R replaced the older RADAR unit used to assist in traffic safety. How the system works is pulse laser detection sends out a predetermined series of light pulses with a known time interval between each pulse to a target. Through an averaging process, a time over distance calculation can measure the time of flight between the transmit and receive sensors, resulting in an accurate speed and range. Speed limits within the community are 30 MPH unless otherwise posted (please see Rules and Regulations, Section F.2 on page 41 of the 2019 Landings Residential Directory).

To read articles written by Security Director Tim Cook when his team first began using the L.I.D.A.R unit, please click here and here. To read an article written by General Manager/COO Shari Haldeman when L.I.D.A.R. first was implemented, please click here.

I heard from a friend that The Landings Association doesn’t use professional engineers to help with the evaluation of roads.

This is inaccurate. Thomas & Hutton Engineering has been with The Landings since it was created in 1972. In fact, Landings resident Bill Foster is a retired partner with the firm and performed much of the civil engineering for our community. Foster also serves on The Landings Association’s Public Works Committee and is part of the team that evaluates streets prior to and during road projects. While we are fortunate enough to have a civil engineer on our volunteer committee, currently Civil Engineer Scott Monson, a 32-year employee with Thomas & Hutton, is the PE assigned to The Landings Association’s projects.

I think The Landings paves roads that really don’t need it. What is the Association’s process for road repairs and repaving?

All roads in the community are evaluated annually by Landings Association staff in conjunction with civil engineers and Public Works Committee members to determine which need repair and which require replacement. Signs of deterioration include rutting, weathering, aggregate polishing, cracking, upheavel, ravelling, and potholes. The roads are evaluated during the summer to go into the budget for the following year and are assessed based on condition, usage, age, and ride quality. Although this method of evaluation is effective and efficient, there are times roads require replacement earlier than anticipated due to severe root intrusions, reflective cracking, water intrusion, and/or a deteriorating subbase.

Thomas & Hutton records and archives data related to the Association’s road maintenance program. The data is reviewed with TLA staff annually to prioritize which roads are most in need of repair, maintenance, and/or resurfacing. Staff also uses the data to determine the best use of the road maintenance budget for each year.

Monson said it is his professional opinion that the road maintenance plan the Association has in place is both effective and fiscally responsible.

“Advances in the milling and paving process are contributing to a longer service life for asphalt roads,” Monson said. “Milling and paving practices that were once restricted to highway work are now feasible for use in residential developments like the Landings, extending the service life of the roads by as much as 10-15 years, or more. The repaving plan that TLA has put together for the Landings roads will extend the service life of the roads significantly. The plan is formulated to provide a cost-effective program that addresses the deteriorating condition of the roads before they experience structural failure and require immediate and more costly replacement or reconstruction.”

What is the process for milling and paving roads in The Landings?

The paving process used on the Landings roads begins with milling the existing asphalt surface course. The surface course to be removed is typically between 1-1/2” to 2” in depth. On roads that have been overlaid more than once, the depth of asphalt to be milled can be 3” to 4”.

The milling process simply removes the weathered, worn, and /or cracked asphalt surface layer from the pavement section, exposing the base course below. When the milling process is completed, the base course is observed to identify any deficiencies. Deficiencies may include soft areas, root intrusion, or occasionally wet areas that indicate an underlying drainage problem. Any deficiencies that are identified are then corrected to produce a base course meeting the project design specifications prepared by Thomas & Hutton.

A surface course of no less than 1-1/2” is then placed on the base course according to project specifications. The placement of the surface course includes compaction and rolling of the in-place asphalt.

Why do the roads in The Landings have a soil subbase?

The use of soil subbases is common practice in our area. A typical asphalt road section for roads in the lowcountry includes a compacted soil subbase, 24” in depth, a base course of graded aggregate base, and an asphalt surface course. The subbase consists of clean sand or sand clay soils that are free of foreign matter and ready-compactible to specified densities.

Have the weather events of the past few years (e.g., Tropical Storm Hermine, Hurricane Matthew, Hurricane Irma, etc.) had an adverse effect on the roads in the community?

Root intrusion and excess rain can both have an adverse effect on the structure of roads in communities like The Landings. A large part of the beauty of The Landings is the tree-lined roads. However, the proximity of trees adjacent to the road introduces root intrusion into the road structure. Routine road maintenance operations conducted by the Association’s Public Works Department help mitigate damage to the road while preserving the tree canopy in most cases.

As for excess rain, most of the lowcountry, including The Landings, is subject to a shallow groundwater table. When shallow groundwater is experienced in a development, the road design typically includes subgrade drainage to maintain a well-drained pavement section during normal climatic conditions. When the area experiences the excessive rainfall or tidal flooding like we have seen with recent storm events, the near-surface soils, including the roadbed, can become saturated for an extended period. A saturated roadbed is increasingly susceptible to deterioration and/or failure.

It is important to note that while root intrusion and excess rainfall may have contributed to limited deterioration of some of The Landings’ roads, the more significant damage was caused by the cleanup effort following Hurricane Matthew. The cleanup operation included an extraordinary amount of heavy equipment, debris haulers, and tree clearing crews that not only traveled the roads but also impacted the roads with outriggers and other construction apparatus.

What is The Landings Association’s Renovation Committee?

The Renovation Committee is a TLA Board committee with the objective of stimulating renovation of homes throughout The Landings. The Renovation Committee will accomplish this objective by researching needs and developing resources to help current homeowners, prospective buyers, and other important audiences with renovation and renewal of Landings homes. The Committee has adopted the tagline Partners in Renewal to describe the way they intend to work.

Why do we need a TLA Board committee devoted to renovation?

The Landings Association was established 47 years ago by the Developer of our community to provide for the preservation of property values and amenities. Many prospective buyers are seeking a fresh, diverse housing selection. The Renovation Committee's goal is to support preservation and enhancement of property values on two fronts: 1) with resources to make it easier for homeowners who want to renovate their home or landscape, and 2) with tools to help prospective buyers visualize the potential of Landings homes that need renovation. The Committee also will research possible interest in multiple home renovations by investors.

Will the Renovation Committee tell us what we must do with our home?

No. The Renovation Committee will provide tools, workshops, and other resources to make it easier for homeowners and prospective buyers who want to renovate. It’s totally up to you whether you use these resources. As always, new construction and changes to current homes are subject to TLA General Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions and the Architectural Design and Development Guidelines.

Who is on the Renovation Committee?

The Committee is jointly chaired by TLA Board Directors Diane Thompson and Kathy Field. In keeping with the Partners in Renewal theme, Richard Burke, Board Director of The Landings Company, and Tom Souls, Board Director of The Landings Club, also are on the committee.

Also, this past spring, all Landings residents were invited to apply to be involved with this committee. Coordinators for five subcommittees were selected from more than 40 volunteer applicants. They include Gail Tomassini, Kathy Collura, Brooke Bass, Deb Werner, Fran Johnson, Ralph Lewis, and Nancy Hubbard. These coordinators will be asking other volunteers to join the subcommittee teams. Erin Schumacher, TLA Community Development Manager, will work closely with the Committee.

How will we get updates about the Renovation Committee?

TLA Communications, including Latest Landings News, Backyard Buzz, The Landings Journal, and emailed communications from the Board will include frequent updates. If you have a question, please email webmaster@landings.org.

What is the Renovation Committee budget?

The Renovation Committee just kicked off June 17, and one of their first tasks is to put together a project plan and proposed budget. We expect that many of the renovation resources will be developed by resident volunteers and through partnerships with other organizations.

My driveway has been cracked for some time, and it’s never been a problem. Recently, I received a violation notice from The Landings Association informing me that my driveway needs to be fixed. Why the concern out of the blue?

In 2015, the community overwhelmingly approved a Covenant Modernization Vote with 87 percent of participating owners voting in favor of updating the Covenants. Community approval gave the Association’s Board authority to establish Private Property Maintenance Standards (PPMS) to support community goals to improve and enhance private property values. Starting early last year, the Community Development Department began performing proactive weekly inspections of properties throughout the community for compliance. Since that time, some property owners have received notices of PPMS violations.

An important part of the first notice of violation is that owners always are provided with three options before a second notice is issued. These options are as follows:

Contact staff to submit a Plan of Action in 10 days which describes how and when the violation will be corrected; or
Correct the Violation in 10 days; or
File an Appeal with the Appeal Committee (made up of volunteer neighbors)

The Landings Association recognizes that owners may not be able to have work completed within 10 days, as some violations require contractor assistance and additional time. Staff always are willing to work with owners on a reasonable plan.

I’ve sent The Landings Association at least three emails about my violation notice and to date have not received a response.

Staff typically contacts the property owner via email or phone immediately following the inspection if a violation is noticed. It is important to note it may take some time to provide the necessary guidance to completely resolve your issue. If you have received a violation notice and have questions or concerns, please call us (598-5510).

TLA contractors cracked my driveway when they resurfaced the street and have now cited me for a violation of the Private Property Maintenance Standards (PPMS)! That’s not fair!

Before any scheduled road resurfacing or structural work occurs, Landings Association staff take photo documentation of curbing and driveways in and around the work area. If damage to private property occurs during the work, staff share the pre-construction photos with the contractor and works to immediately have the damages repaired. If you believe our contractors have damaged your property during construction, please let us know so we can address the situation. (598-5509 or billc@landings.org)

Can my 14-year-old drive our golf cart if my husband or I are in the cart?

No. Under State law, to operate a golf cart, just like any other motorized vehicle, the driver must have a valid operator’s license. “Underage drivers” are prohibited. Recently the Board took action and suspended a member’s privileges for repeated non-licensed drivers and not registering their golf cart.

Every time I walk my dog on a community path, we narrowly escape a speeding golf cart. What’s gives?! I thought golf carts were supposed to yield to pedestrians. Why isn’t the Association doing anything about these speeding carts?

Safety is a paramount issue. If you see unsafe golf cart behavior, please report it to Landings Security (598-1982, Option 2). To help Security address the concern, it is important to report the incident immediately and give as many details as you can, including the Cart Registration Number. With this information, Security can make contact with the owners.

Concerns with safe golf cart operation are currently under review in the Security Committee to explore options for improving safety on community paths. Golf cart operators must adhere to all traffic regulations. This means they must yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles while operating on our community paths. Additionally, they must stop at all stop signs including the small stop signs at path intersections. It is important to note that if a golf cart is on the street, it is treated just like any other motor vehicle.

Although we currently don’t have speed limits for golf carts, this does not mean drivers should have “the pedal to the metal” at all times. Not only should golf cart drivers yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, they also should reduce speed when driving during inclement weather, when making sharp turns, or anytime their line-of-sight is reduced. Although 20 mph may not seem very fast while driving, consider how it feels to the pedestrian who is walking at three mph.