Virtual Meetings Continue
19 July 2020

Dear GCA member,

Here is your GCA newsletter. As always, we want to hear your feedback.

Be safe!
GCA Board of Directors
GCA Board Virtual Meetings in Aug
The GCA Board of Directors is holding Board meetings via GoToMeeting on 6 August from 5 PM to 7 PM, and on 20 August from 7 PM to 9 PM. By joining the "virtual" meeting you can listen to the proceedings from start to finish. If the Board schedules an executive session, the general meeting will end and the Board will meet separately to discuss contract and/or legal issues. The agenda and Board packet will be published on the Glenmore website ahead of the meetings and the minutes of the meetings will also be posted.

If you would like to participate in the Board meeting, contact Tim Durrer at 434-984-0700 or click here to obtain information regarding the GoToMeeting link.
House Under Construction
ARB and the Highlands
Just a short update ... The GCA and the Highlands developers (Red Dirt and Craig Builders) are working out a few concerns regarding Architectural Review Guidelines. The Board became aware of the items and is partnering with the developers to reach resolution. We believe we will have the issues resolved to everyone's satisfaction withing the next few weeks.

If you have questions, pass them to Tim Durrer by clicking here.
Glenmore Sports Field Trash
Please note that the GCA does not have trash pickup service at the Glenmore Sports Field. We previously did have service there, but found the receptacles were overfilled with materials from local contractors instead of removing it per their contract.

While someone recently placed a trash bin at the sports field, we do not have service at that location. As a result it will just sit there (see the picture).

If you generate trash while at the sports field, please dispose of your trash in your home receptacles.
Sometimes its Easier to ...
Yesterday, a resident noticed clear water running down a concrete culvert in front of their house. The water appeared to be coming up from the ground between the seams in the concrete culvert. The resident had a personal phone number, and contacted a prior Board member. The prior Board member contacted a current Board member to pass the information on the issue. The current Board member contacted the Albemarle County Service Authority. The Service Authority came out yesterday to mark the location for repairs.

Sometimes the shortest distance between a problem and the solution is to call the County Service Authority directly. If you see an issue like running water on the street, the best approach is to contact the Service Authority directly. That way you can describe the problem as you see it, and provide the correct address.

To find the phone numbers of local utilities, go to the GCA Web Site and click on FAQS, then scroll to the bottom. (Click here).

Thanks
The CARB
Bear Sightings in Glenmore
After our recent bear sightings, we are providing info on wild animal safety in the community. The first is on bears and is taken and edited from the US National Park Service (NPS).

If you spot a bear in our community (or anywhere for that matter):
  1. Maintain a distance of at least 50 yards
  2. Make noise (clap, yell, etc.) to make sure the bear knows you are present
  3. If the bear moves towards you, move away slowly and do not turn your back to the bear. DO NOT run from a bear. If you have no escape, stand tall, wave your arms, yell, clap and throw rocks to deter the bear.
  4. If you are on one of our trails, stay alert and take a detour but do not surround the bear.
  5. Retreat to your home or vehicle if the bear is in or near your property.
  6. NEVER feed a bear. Do not leave any food or garbage out in the open. Secure your trash containers in a closed area or garage.
  7. If you perceive that a bear is 'hanging out", looking for food in your trash, or on your property, report the incident to the Albemarle County Animal Control at 434-296-5807 or on their website.
  8. Note: In the Bear Calorie Counter list, hungry bears love bird seed.
You can read the entire bear safety article from the NPS by clicking   here .
The GCA, the Highlands and the Pendowner Developments
Some of our residents in the Highlands and Pendowner new development areas have questions regarding the GCA role on issues such as maintenance of the common areas and the roads. At this time, the GCA does not own the Roads or the Common Areas. They are still owned by the developers, and they will continue to do so until the property is transferred to the GCA at some point in the future (date to be determined). Until that time, the developers are responsible for the development, the common areas and the roads. The transfer will occur when the developers notify the County that they are ready to transfer the property, in writing, to the GCA.

While we are not responsible for the common areas or roads maintenance, the GCA does provide services to the Highlands and Pendowner including the Gatehouse, the roads to and from the Highlands and Pendowner, maintenance of the Carroll Creek bridge, snow removal, yard waste and leaves pickup. That is in addition to the ARB, ARC, security, and communications services.

If you have questions regarding completion of the roads or common area maintenance, you will need to continue to work through the developers.
Volleyball at the Sports Field
While social distancing prevents us from playing organized sports, there are still some outdoor activities that a family unit can engage in at the Glenmore sports field. Plenty of room to run around, kick a soccer ball, play volleyball, shoot some hoops, play horseshoes and bocce. We have equipment at the Sports Field. If you want to use the equipment, contact Thelma Washington at 434-984-0700.

NOTE: Please follow all CDC and VA State social distancing rules.
Breezy Hill Rezoning Application Denied
The rezoning application was reviewed by the Albemarle County Planning Commission. on 7 July 2020 (by video teleconference). The Planning Commission denied the Breezy Hill developer's request for additional homes beyond the original application.

Thanks to the Glenmore Residents who attended and spoke at the hearing. For your information, the GCA President also sent a letter to the Planning Commission recommending that they reject the request for increased density until after the US 250 improvements have been completed (in line with the original Albemarle County Master Plan).

There is always a possibility that the developers will make another attempt in the future, but there is nothing planned at this time. You can keep track of future events regarding Breezy Hill by watching the County  calendar . 

You can also remain in contact with the Planning Commission by emailing your  Planning Commission member   or the  Full Commission  or you can send a letter to the attention of the Planning Commission or Planning Commissioner at 401 McIntire Road, Community Development Dept North Wing, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
Rules for Visiting the Equestrian Center
Please be advised that the Equestrian Center is now a working farm with large horses and farm equipment. Visitors are welcome by contacting Abbie Wright at 561 216 9392 to arrange for a visit.

Equestrian Center Safety Rules
  • Horses are unpredictable; treat them with caution at all times.
  • Do not climb the fences or go into the paddocks.
  • Do not feed or pet the horses.
  • No dogs, joggers, or strollers are allowed near the barn or pastures.
  • No bikes or golf carts are allowed near the barn or pastures.
  • The nature trails around the outside perimeter of the EC are available for residents’ walking (see below). Some trails are also used by riders. If you encounter a horse and rider, stand aside until the horse passes.
GCA Members ... Looking for Answers??
The last GCA Strategic Plan was dated from 2014 to 2018. Will the GCA be publishing an updated Plan?

Yes, last week the Board approved the updated GCA Strategic Plan for 2020 through 2025. The Strategic Plan is based on the feedback we received from the GCA Residents Survey last October. The updated Strategic Plan is being formatted for publication in the near future. When ready, it will be posted to the GCA Web Site.

As you'll see in the Plan, the Board has identified four Strategic Priorities:

A.       Improve the safety and security of the people in Glenmore
B.       Ensure a high standard of fiscal responsibility and governance
C.        Improve the appeal of the Glenmore community
D.       Enhance the sense of community

Just have some general questions? Email Thelma Washington by clicking  Here.
Watch These Dates
Aug 1: 2nd Half 2020 GCA Assessments mailed to Residents
Aug 6: GCA Working Meeting 5-7 PM (TBD)
Aug 20: GCA Board Meeting 7-9 PM (TBD)
Sep 1: 2nd Half 2020 GCA Assessments are due
Sep 3: GCA Working Meeting 5-7 PM (TBD)
Sep 7: Labor Day (click here )