Town Crier Articles

 

That’s ARC  — NTRA’s  Architectural Review Committee ,  not Noah’s seaworthy ARK  .  .  .  .  but actually, they have a similar purpose-- both seek to preserve the good things created around them.

 

I stepped down from the ARC at the end of 2021, having served on the committee for quite a few years; first as a non-voting member while learning the ropes; then, as a full voting member, serving terms as Chair of this important NTRA team.  

 

I was asked to share some thoughts about ARC with Crier readers, so here goes.  

 

Here’s the most important thing to remember: If you want to make any permanent, exterior change to your home/lot, submit an ARC application. Do so before scheduling a contractor or purchasing materials. Do not risk a violation or blocked home sale by going ahead without approval. It’s easy — the application form is online. Plan ahead and submit your application with supporting documents no later than a week before the monthly meeting so ARC members have enough time to review your proposal.                

 

The ARC is comprised of three voting members who are appointed by the NTRA Board of Directors (BOD). The BOD may also appoint a fourth non-voting member, who has the same responsibilities as regular members but no vote unless a regular member is unavailable.  That non-voting member usually becomes a full voting member when a vacancy occurs. ARC meetings are also attended by a BOD member serving as ARC liaison and staff from NTRA’s management company.  

 

Committee members work hard to ensure that the community maintains the high aesthetic standards that marked initial New Town designs.  The application review process, intended to be fair and consistent, is based on established standards. Before discussion at monthly meetings (there were over 60 applications last year), each ARC member reviews all paperwork and visits the property to consider colors, materials, neighborhood uniformity and how suggested changes might affect the neighbors, streetscape, or community.  An alternative suggestion is occasionally proposed; most applications are approved.

 

Why I got involved with ARC.

While home shopping, we looked at 30 (or more) residences in the Williamsburg area. Realtors, random shoppers, merchants, websites kept directing us to New Town.  We toured cottages, town homes, detached homes and even looked into the community’s management and leadership, as advised, before purchasing a town home in Abbey Commons.  

 

New Town had a wonderful ambiance. It was traditional, but not entirely Colonial. The character of each named neighborhood was reinforced by architectural details, which lent variety to the streetscapes and unified these smaller communities of neighbors.  Homes displayed an orderly, cared-for appearance.  Hiking trails, plantings, and signage communicated a sense of careful planning and maintenance. 

 

There had been a contest to design New Town. This was envisioned as a community that would be compatible with this historic region, incorporate diverse populations and housing needs, and expand to become a walkable, self-contained village where shopping, recreation, sidewalks and friends were right outside one’s door.   

 

Architectural students were fascinated with the concept.  So were we.  We knew this would be a long-term move for us.  So, when we became homeowners in this HOA community, we were pleased to know that an ARC was in place to monitor the community’s curb appeal in the years ahead. My interest in ARC continued.  I attended a few meetings and saw how carefully committee members deliberated, balancing the needs of both homeowner and community.  I was delighted to eventually join the ARC.

 

ARC gets questions:

Do I have to read those thick HOA documents?  

Why not? Your home is one of your biggest investments.  You’ll become aware of what the community expects of its Board and residents (as well as their guests or renters); how your assessments are spent; what you can and cannot do on your own property.  Should violations occur, ignorance of the regulations is not a viable excuse since all homeowners sign documents stating they have read and understood them. 

 

Does the ARC make the rules and regulations?  

The Rules and Regulations are determined by the BOD. The ARC controls architectural guidelines and may propose new areas of concern. For example, there were no Solar Panel installations envisioned when the HOA docs were first written. When businesses began marketing them locally, ARC researched solar issues and recommended wording for our standards. It is the BOD, though, that approves or disapproves them.

 

If another New Town homeowner has made the same change that I want to make, can’t I just do that too, without an application?  

No. Approvals are for specific properties in particular neighborhoods.  Restrictions can differ from one neighborhood to another. Occasionally approvals are based on healthcare needs or particular situations. For example, during the COVID pandemic, roofing materials were in short supply, necessitating approval of some “near matches” in materials on adjoining townhomes since exact replacements could not be obtained. Also, don’t assume someone else’s change has been approved; the other homeowner may have received a violation notice.

 

Residents should know:

ARC benefits you.  The volunteers serving on all NTRA committees lend their time and talent to tasks that maintain the community we all inhabit. Lawns are mowed; repairs are completed; decisions are made that allow all of us to enjoy a tidy, enviable community. We’ve seen how the adage “a rising tide lifts all boats” has come into play in recent years as the ARC and AMC have had a greater influence on our streetscapes. Homes sell faster, and for better prices, when community standards are maintained.  

 

You can help New Town keep its shine.  All our committees could use help. Find some aspect of our communal life that is a good fit for you and volunteer to help.  

 

Final thought?

Yes . . . similar to my first.  “If you own a home in New Town and want to make a permanent, exterior change, submit an ARC application. Read the requirements. Include needed documentation. Allow time for review . . . . Come on board!”