Neighborhood Watch

BY RUSS KELLY

Writing this on the last day of January, I can only hope that February was like previous months. Not much snow, short spurts of frigid cold but generally milder than many in the past years. Once we get through February, most of the optimists in the area can hear the birds and see the flower buds coming. Maybe too optimistic, but for the first time in a while you know for sure that weather and our surroundings will be improving. No more guessing how much ice melt we should stock up for the coming months.

Some of our snowbirds will be enjoying their last month in the sunshine states and will be returning to see the springtime changes that occur in April. March can be compared to “hump day”, we are on the way down from the peak.

Soon, we will start cleaning up the property and making plans for the ideas you have been going over this past winter. Before you start a project, check to see if permits are required or check the approved house color list. It is too big of a job to have to do twice. If there are any doubts, get in touch with Artie, our code official. He will help you with any questions that you might have. Normally, the winter gives Artie a break from writing many non-compliance letters. The most common reports are uncovered propane tanks or garbage barrels being put out to early or left out too long. But as we get into March and the coming months, the reports become more frequent and more letters are mailed out. Keeping your property

Public Safety

BY ARTIE FURMAN - CMCA, AMS

clear of trash and clutter and checking before jumping into bigger projects should keep you from getting one of Artie’s letters.

You will continue to see our little band of volunteer drivers every month. We drove about 146 hours in January. As we get into this time of year, we get to see the gray change to color on a weekly basis and appreciate what a nice community this is. We hope in our small way, we are helping to keep it this way. Do not forget, wave as they go by, they are your neighbors just being neighborly. Want to be part of the group, give the office a call at 570-894-4435, or leave a message for Russ Kelly at 570-894-4034.

REMINDER: Please Keep Your Dogs Leashed and Off Homeowner's Private Property

Also: No dogs or animals are allowed on the golf course, beach, docks, lake area, pool area, grassy area along and behind the beach and Clubhouse.

Hello everyone, March has arrived. Hopefully Mother Nature is being kind to us.

I have said many times through the years, that if you have a question, please ask. Since the beginning of the year, I have received quite a few. That is a good thing. The one topic I have dealt with the most, is fencing. We have received all sorts of questions including:

Is it allowed?

How high can it be?

Can I have a chain link fence?

Am I allowed to put a fence around my entire property?

This month’s article will deal with this subject. Yes, you are allowed to have a fence. I am sure as you drive through the Farms, you really do not see that many. There is a reason for that. Most people enclose their backyards to allow for pets or children to play, so as not to worry about vehicle traffic. You are allowed to have a 4-foot fence, that is the rule. People have said, “but I have seen a fence higher than that”, and they are correct. There are only a few that, because of extenuating circumstances, a variance was applied for and was granted. Those individuals have also agreed that once those circumstances change, the fence must be lowered back to 4 feet. The fences must be a natural material, not chain link. Privacy, stockade, split rail and even the proverbial white picket fence are acceptable. The fence cannot exceed more than 75% of your property, which is why the back yard is used so much as the location of choice.

I want to thank everyone for reading the Public Safety articles. As I have said in the past, if you have questions please ask. We are only a phone call away.