Town Crier Articles

Currently, Cox Communications holds a Monopoly on wired Internet and cable TV services in our New Town neighborhoods. (Verizon Fios chose not to lay fiber for residential services in New Town during New Town’s development). While Verizon and T-Mobile do compete with Cox Communications with wireless Internet services through their cellular networks, those systems cannot provide the bandwidth and speeds available to Cox Communications customers. This means that cellular-based Internet will work well with tasks such as reading email and simple Internet searches, but they will have much more difficulty streaming high-resolution video, and serving multiple users in a household simultaneously.

 

Glo Fiber has started competing directly with Cox Communications in the Williamsburg area using fiber optics rather than copper-based coaxial cable. This newer technology has the advantage of providing faster service, higher bandwidths, symmetrical download and upload speeds, and more consistent/reliable performance than coaxial cable.  The maximum available bandwidth from Cox Communications is 2 gigabits per second download and 35 megabits per second which compares to Glo Fiber’s 5 gigabits per second symmetrical (both up and down) bandwidth.  Like Cox Communications Glo Fiber also provides up to 130 optional entertainment channels and landline telephone service. Glo Fiber has recently completed the installation of its fiber optics cable system in Ford’s Colony with satisfactory results.

 

Glo Fiber recently approached the NTRA Board about using the area’s communications easements to install underground fiber optics cables and provide their Internet, entertainment, and telephone services to our residents. This service would directly compete with Cox Communications but its use would be totally voluntary.  The NTRA Board of Directors will consider this issue early next year.

 

 

New Town now has a local Buy Nothing group! If you are not familiar with this organization, Buy Nothing is a global initiative that operates on a hyperlocal level. This means you get to know your neighbors while keeping items out of the landfill, decluttering your home, and requesting items or neighborly help you would like. The best part is that all of this is free. No trades, barters, or cash is ever involved.

 

Gina Forster and Tammie Ortlieb are your local admins of the group. You can message either one of us with questions. Tammie has been involved with Buy Nothing groups for over a decade and has enjoyed the strong sense of community that is built within the groups.  I have personally enjoyed my Northern Virginia neighborhood Buy Nothing group and am excited to create that same sense of neighborliness here in New Town.  I have given and received plant cuttings, spices, art supplies, children’s items, and much more. People have even offered skills/actions such as a knitting lesson or a ride to a doctor’s appointment. Each interaction feels like a connection, not just a transaction.

 

Spread the word to all your New Town Neighbors!

 

To join, simply head to Buy Nothing New Town Williamsburg on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/share/A4pgKhZ4cCACj2XV/?mibextid=K35XfP 

(Remember to answer the membership questions and agree to the rules to be accepted into the group.)

 

Hope to see you there!

 

#gratitude

The NTRA Board of Directors conducted a landscaping services survey to assist in making decisions on the type and level of landscaping to be contracted for in 2025.  The large number of landscaping tickets received over the last year has overwhelmed the Association’s manager and it has become apparent that using one large landscaping company to provide commercial-level services for all six of our diverse neighborhoods is not meeting our Association’s needs.  The survey has shown us what our membership sees as important. The following is a summary of the roughly 100 written comments submitted.  There is also a tabulation of the survey question results in charts available at this link. 

 

 

198 owners or about 30 percent of the Association responded to the survey. The survey highlights both ratings of the importance of different types of services and owners' various opinions on these services' quality, management, and costs. 

 

 

• Many residents express satisfaction with the scope of current landscaping services, citing them as a reason for moving to New Town.
• Some residents prefer to maintain existing services without additional costs, emphasizing the importance of uniformity in landscaping and protecting the appearance of our community.

• Numerous complaints about the quality of services, including poor turf maintenance, inadequate pruning, and neglect of common areas.
• Residents report issues with large mowers damaging small yards and a lack of attention to detail in landscaping tasks.

• A significant number of respondents seek clarity on costs associated with landscaping services and how changes might affect HOA dues.
• Suggestions include allowing homeowners to opt-out of certain services to reduce fees, while others advocate for maintaining comprehensive services.

• Residents recommend hiring smaller, specialized landscaping companies to better cater to the diverse needs of different neighborhoods.
• There is a call for improved communication between homeowners and landscaping companies to ensure clarity on services provided.
• Suggestions for better management oversight of landscaping contractors to ensure accountability and quality of service.

Living in proximity to others can be both rewarding and challenging. As we go about our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the people living right next to us. However, building relationships with our neighbors can have a profound impact on our lives and communities. Moreover, getting to know your neighbors can also lead to new connections and opportunities. You may discover shared interests or skills that can lead to collaboration on projects or hobbies. You can also learn about local events and activities that you may not have heard of otherwise.

 

Obviously New Town is a diverse community – young professionals, students, families and retirees all call New Town home. But with busy lives, smart phones that seem to eat more and more of our time and life in general how do we connect? 

 

Sometimes the simplest way is a common interest, or a new hobby or even responding to a need. So how do you do that?

 

 

There are many clubs and social groups in New Town. Some are: Book Clubs, Garden Club, Retired Men’s Club, Women’s Lunch Group. Just go to the NTRA website and see the link for Pool & Clubs. Other small groups exist for those who like to sew, play bunco or mahjong, or enjoy good food. Ask around to get in touch with these residents.

 

But perhaps you don’t see something established that appeals to you. Why not start a club? This month’s Town Crier highlights some residents who have started a Buy Nothing Group. Other ideas could be a Film Club, Photography Club, Quilting/Crocheting Club, Walking Clubs, Breakfast Clubs (maybe slightly different than the club from the 1985 movie) or perhaps a club for old men who stand at the stop signs and shake their fist at the cars who roll the stop sign (ok, maybe that might not be a good club). If you have thoughts about starting a new club in New Town, you can contact the Communications Committee at ntrawebsitecommittee@gmail.com for support in getting the word out to recruit members. 

 

Although existing book clubs are currently full, it’s great to hear from Stuart Dopp about a book club she is in. I reached out to her to find out about the club. 

 

New Town Bookies (no horses involved…) 

 

“New Town is full of avid readers, and it’s small wonder that bookish neighbors enjoy discussion groups and friendships with other bibliophiles. One such group is chaired by Liz Fones/Wolf, a retired WVA University history professor. Other members come from varied backgrounds, each bringing a perspective to conversations about the month’s reading choice. For instance, our discussion of Demon Copperhead — a re-telling of Twain’s Huckleberry Finn set in Appalachia in modern times — elicited varied perceptions of contemporary poverty, human striving, and our own roles in the larger world society. Most of us reread Huck, which will be useful also when we next discuss James, the story of Huck’s traveling companion, Jim. 

 

Reading about civil war in Chechnya (A Constellation of Vital Phenomena) forced us to confront unspeakable cruelty and suffering but reminded us of the human potential for goodness and loyalty. It also required research into eastern European geography and history. 

 

Other books have spurred historical/ political inquiry, such as The Warmth of Other Suns, by Isabel Wilkerson, and At the Dark End of the Street, by Danielle McGuire.  A fictional account of a rural woman having to leave her farm and vital connection with nature to follow her husband to Detroit during WWII, Dollmaker, touched all of our hearts, and we re-visited the book with the movie. A recent selection (Cave Dwellers) was fiction but a thinly disguised critique of life amongst the rich and famous — or infamous — in Washington. We could visualize the characters as a parody of politicians and values in Washington. 

 

Each book has a discussion leader, but that role is rarely needed. Everyone has ideas to contribute, and even the occasional member who didn’t finish the assignment will find pertinent elements in the conversation. There is a strong sense of humanity within the group, and most of the members participate in civic /charitable endeavors such as the Porch food drives. 

 

Truly, reading helps us to walk in another person’s shoes, to experience worlds beyond our own fortunate lives even as we enjoy our friendships. Meeting as we do in our homes limits our number, but Liz is happy to assist anyone hoping to create a new forum for mind-opening discussions of literature.” Stuart Dopp 

 

Hopefully, as we move into the holiday season, you’ll find a few minutes to ponder 2025 and think about areas you’d like to explore in the new year. Being a part of a small club in a large community can bring many benefits to you and those around you. Not only is knowing your neighbors beneficial for you, it can also improve the general well-being of the community. By building a sense of camaraderie and support, neighbors can work together to improve the quality of life in their area. Community involvement, whether it’s through events, outreach, or simply being a good neighbor, can lead to increased civic pride and a stronger community spirit.

 

The holiday season is full of festive décor that pets find irresistible. Here’s a list of common hazards and tips for keeping them safe during the celebrations:

 

Christmas Trees
Cats love to climb, but a Christmas tree can be risky. Pine needles may irritate the mouths of cats and dogs or stomach if ingested.

• Tip: Secure your tree to prevent tipping, and consider using a tree guard or blocking it off.

Tinsel and Ribbons
Shiny tinsel and dangling ribbons are hard to resist, especially for cats, but they pose serious choking and digestive hazards.

• Tip: Use alternative decorations or place tinsel and ribbons out of reach.

Ornaments
Small, delicate ornaments look like toys and can shatter or break if swatted.                                          

• Tip: Choose shatterproof ornaments and keep smaller, fragile items higher up on the tree.

Electric Lights
Light cords can be tempting for some pets to chew on, leading to shocks or burns.

• Tip: Wrap cords in protective coverings, secure them tightly, and unplug when not in use.

• Tip: Consider using flameless LED candles for a safer, pet-friendly and indoor pollution option.

NTRA Meeting Space  - 5118 Center Street or via Zoom link (see NTRA website calendar) 

• Dec. 1, 7-8, 14-15

• 12:00pm-3:30pm   

4915 Courthouse Street, located to the right of Regal New Town

The NTRA Board is considering significant changes to landscaping services provided to homeowners in our neighborhoods. These potential changes are due to our dissatisfaction with the performance of our current landscaping contractor and the services that are being provided. James River Grounds Management has done an excellent job in some neighborhoods and a poor job in others, given the diversity of our neighborhoods and using a one size fits all set of landscaping specifications.  The NTRA Board has concluded that continuing with one large contractor providing landscaping services to all of our neighborhoods will continue to fail to meet our needs.  A change is in order.  However, we are unsure about type and quality of service that owners desire.

 

The NTRA Board has spent a great deal of time soliciting suggestions and developing possible alternatives to improve the overall landscaping services in New Town.  In order to meet the individual needs of our neighborhoods, the Board is in the process of preparing individual landscaping specifications tailored for each of our neighborhoods with the goal of providing the specific services each neighborhood wants and needs.  In addition, we are considering using multiple smaller contractors to provide services by neighborhood.  Perhaps they might be more receptive to our needs and able to provide a higher quality of service. It is likely that using three or four smaller contractors will be more expensive because of the loss of economy of scale.  To address this possible increase in cost, we have developed several options for the 2025 landscaping season and would like owner input.  

 

Option Number One - Multiple Landscaping Companies.  Use of three or four landscaping companies to provide services based upon the predominate home type in a neighborhood.  For example, one contractor would provide services to neighborhoods with predominantly detached homes such as Charlotte Park and Shirley Park.  Another contractor would serve areas with townhouses that require minimal service such as Village Walk, Savannah Square, and Chelsea Green.  A third contractor would serve townhouses that require more services such as Abbey Commons.  The Board’s concern with this approach is that it would likely be more expensive, create coordination problems and be harder to manage.

 

Option Number Two - Reduction of Services.  The NTRA governing documents only mandate that the Association provide homeowners with mowing, edging, pruning trees, and pruning shrubs services for their homes.  The Board is considering providing only those services.  Spring cleanup and leaf removal throughout New Town would continue to be provided to everyone as part of the common area maintenance.  This would significantly reduce landscaping costs for every neighborhood and would more than likely make up for utilizing multiple landscaping service providers in option number one.  Under this option the Association continues to provide full landscaping services to the common areas.  If implemented, this option could degrade the look of our community.

 

Option Number Three - Provide a Package of Optional Services.  This option would provide the basic services provided in option number two above and be augmented with a set of services providing mulch, and turf fertilization, turf weed control, insect control, flowerbed weeding, fall aeration and over seeding.  This package of additional optional services would be selected by a homeowner during an open enrollment period at the beginning of the landscaping season and would remain in place until the next open enrollment period.  The combined basic and optional services are the same as what are currently provided in the Association’s contract with James River Grounds Management.

 

Option Number Four - Opting Out of All Services.  Homeowners would be given the opportunity during the open enrollment period at the beginning of each landscaping season to opt out of all NTRA-provided landscaping services.  This opt out selection would remain in place until the next landscaping open enrollment period.  Changes during the year would only be permitted with Board approval if a property is sold or a life changing event such as a death or medical issue occurred that would prevent the homeowner from providing his or her own landscaping services.

 

Option Number Five - Fenced Yards.  The NTRA Board is also not satisfied with the landscaping services that have been provided to homeowners with fenced yards that have been provided at an additional cost. It has been very difficult for both the NTRA and the landscaping service provider to manage.  If the Association continues to provide landscaping services for fenced areas, homeowners will be required to formally select this service during the landscaping open enrollment period at the beginning of the landscaping season and their selection would continue until the next open enrollment period.  Changes during the year would only be permitted with Board approval if the home were sold or a life changing event such as a death or medical issue occurred that would prohibit the homeowner from providing his or her own landscaping services.

 

I am interested in hearing your comments and learning your desires for landscaping services in 2025.  Please feel free to email me with your landscaping thoughts.  Jack.Espinal@cox.net

You may have heard that dumping pumpkins in the wild is a good way to dispose of your jack-o-lanterns after Halloween, wildlife experts says it’s a bad move.

 

“When we introduce a food source like a rotting pumpkin into the woods somewhere, you’re bringing all sorts of animals together who sniff it out." This can cause disease in animals and make them very sick, including death. Also throwing pumpkins out is bad for native soils, and the seeds can become invasive and deadly to animals. (Not to mention that it's a violation of James City County regulations to throw anything in our surrounding woods!) 

 

So please compost at home, or contact a nearby farm or zoo that may want clean pumpkins, free of wax or other harmful additions. Do people still burn candles in them? Otherwise, while not ideal, they'll make their way into landfills. But that's another article.

 

So let's keep New Town and our beautiful woodlands looking beautiful and showing concern for our neighbors, human, and animal.

 

Happy Halloween!  

 

You may have noticed new fences at New Town’s New Town Ave entrance and around the Olive Drive stormwater retention pond (commonly called BMP). Another new fence is scheduled to be installed in the first half of November at the Rollison Drive pond. All three fences have a different appearance, and I will address the considerations and reasons for the choices made by the NTRA Board.

 

All the wooden fences along the BMPs in New Town had deteriorated to the point that a painting contractor said they were simply not worth repainting.  So what began as a maintenance activity turned into three capital replacement projects. Since the wooden fences required painting every two or three years, the Board begin looking for more durable fencing solutions.

 

We felt the existing fence style along New Town Avenue at the entrance to our community needed to be replicated, but with a material other than wood.  There are no plastic or metal fence sections commercially available that match the custom stick-built fence we decided to rebuild the fence with solid PVC planks. Although more expensive than wood this material does not require painting and reduces future maintenance to just pressure washing every few years. Also, the PVC planks will not develop the rot and deterioration that was prevalent in all of the wooden fences in our community. For those who are interested, the material used in the New Town Avenue fence is Kleer TrimBoards, www.kleerlumber.com]

 

 

For the BMP fences, the Board looking at metal fencing.  The New Town Design Standards allow the use of chain-link fences around BMPs.  This was the least expensive mental fence option. The Board liked the appearance of the aluminum fences recently installed around the Settlers Market BMPs.  This fencing was attractive and sturdy. The Board felt that this option was better than the cheaper chain-link fence. We also considered replacing the fences with white PVC boards matching what was done along New Town Avenue, but this option was simply too expensive.  Aluminum fence panels were significantly less expensive than rebuilding the existing fences with PVC boards.  In addition aluminum fences have proven durability with their factory applied coatings.  For example, the aluminum fence around the NTRA swimming pool was installed in 2012 and has been maintenance free.  This black aluminum fence was the guiding model for changing the Olive Drive BMP fence to black aluminum. The Board decided to encircle the Olive Drive BMP with fencing in light of the tragic drowning in the Olive Drive BMP about two years ago. This extension almost doubled the Olive Drive BMP fence's length.  

 

All of the current fences surrounding the Rollison Drive BMP and the Goddard School are white.  Rather than use black fencing, the Board decided that white aluminum fencing would provide a more compatible visual appearance to the Charlotte Park neighborhood and Goddard school.  This factor justified the additional cost for the white powder coated aluminum fence, Since the earth retaining wall on the east side of the BMP is lower and less steep than the Olive Drive BMP we decided to leave it unfenced.  Only the existing wooden fence will be replaced along Rollison Drive.  This work will take place in November 2024.

 

 

Several years have passed since any paving repairs or seal coating have been done to the NTRA’s alleys and parking areas and they were beginning to deteriorate.  When one neighborhood requested that their alleys be seal coated, the Board decided that it was time to evaluate at all of our asphalt surfaces.  The inspections revealed that ALL of the alleys and parking spaces needed some level of maintenance. This spring, inspections occurred and bids were received from three contractors.  The Board assisted by the NTRA manager negotiated additional repair work and lower prices from the bidding contractors.  In August the NTRA Board approved a contract with Finley Asphalt and Sealing that was executed in September.  All NTRA neighborhoods, except Shirley Park (still under developer control) have had the alleys and parking spaces repaired and maintained with a quality seal coating.

 

The current swimming pool cover is the original one from 2012 and it is beginning to show its age and is close to the end of its useful life.  The cover protects the pool during the winter and keeps the water clean.  It makes opening the pool in the spring easier and significantly reduces the yearly water costs. The NTRA Board is planning to replace the pool cover at the end of the 2025 swimming season.  

 

Remedial maintenance to the Olive Drive and Rollison Stormwater Retention Ponds (BMPs) is planned for 2025.  This work will include the removal of the small trees and brush that have the potential for weakening the earth filled dams on the sides of the BMPs.  The Board attempted to do this work in 2024, but James City County 2024 BMP support funding had already been allocated before our applications were approved.  The applications for 2025 funding have already been submitted. Assuming approval, James City County will pay for half of the tree and vegetation clearance from these BMPs thereby saving the Association significant financial expenditures.