Front sign repairs:
Thieves stole the “Sanctuary” letters from both sides of the front sign. Just last week, vandals wrote graffiti on the sign. Kim Ferrante and I were able to clean the marker a short time after it was seen. To reduce the risk of future vandalism, the Board is looking at installing a background plaque with engraved letters. I have attached one rendering of how the sign might look, and we are getting three quotes from reputable companies for similar designs. The color in this rendering is just one example; others include doing a marble background and different options. When we get the additional renderings and quotes, we’ll ask the opinion of our Members on how we want the sign to look.
Additional Cameras for the entrance on Livingston:
The Safety Improvement Committee will evaluate the cost and benefit of several projects, but we fast-tracked considering security cameras to be installed with the new Sanctuary sign. The committee and members of the Board met to discuss cameras for the entrance that would help protect the repaired sign and guardhouse area. Current cameras only monitor the gates. We will be installing three additional cameras in elevated locations. These are high-quality wireless cameras. A member suggested redeploying the existing cameras, but the large magnolia trees would prevent that, and it would leave the gates without any surveillance.
Safety Improvement Committee:
The Safety Improvement Committee held its preliminary kick-off meeting, giving representatives a chance to meet. The group elected Maria Augusto as its chairperson. The committee will be setting meeting dates and identifying projects, as well as, soliciting input and ideas from the entire neighborhood.
Perimeter assessment:
On February 18, Bob Hornbeck, Kim Ferrante and I surveyed the perimeter areas, with special focus on Phase V near Robertson Trail. We found a wide-open area where the old barbed wire fence was cut giving unrestricted access from Robertson Trail into the community. We made temporary repairs to this fence, but since then, the fence has again been knocked down by an intruder.
The Safety Improvement Committee will be considering improvements to the perimeter to discourage (or at least make it more difficult) people from driving vehicles into the community. We need signs posted for “No Trespassing” and to notify people of video surveillance. Some possible improvements might include barriers (similar to those used on highways) that could be strategically placed in the most challenging wooded areas. The barriers are surprisingly inexpensive ($144 for a 12 foot section plus an average of $45 installation) and can be sold back should they not be used in the future. In some spots, I understand Jerry Upcavage is willing to donate large logs that can make access more difficult in back areas. I’ll provide updates on the Safety Improvement and all committees in future updates.
Other updates:
There are several tires and other junk on the streets in Phase IV that will be removed by the Association very soon.
We’ve noticed a few people placing tree limbs and vegetation debris on vacant lots in the community. Trash pickup requires tree limbs to be cut into relatively small lengths for pickup. In the past, we’ve had neighborhood clean up days, but please keep in mind, it is your neighbors (and Board) who are doing most of the clean up. Please be considerate of those of us who volunteer to clean up the neighborhood. Remove yard debris from your property and surrounding lots.