BOARD BUZZ - June 2022
by Glen Mitchell, Director
Hello friends and neighbors.
As I’m sure most of you know by now, inspections of home exteriors have been going on for several weeks and will resume mid-month in Shirley Park, Abbey Commons, and Savannah Square. (Given vacations and other events, our schedule for the Village Walk inspections will await the completion of these other neighborhoods.)
Our Chesapeake Bay Community Manager, Anne Ingram, along with the members of the Asset Maintenance Committee have certainly been busy in May. The inspection process has been going fairly smoothly and I’m pleased to say that for the most part things are looking good!
In the event you receive a letter of violation, we ask that you address the issue as soon as possible to avoid any further covenant enforcement actions by the NTRA.
Once all of this home inspection work is complete, the Committee members will begin inspecting NTRAproperties. These include our walking trails, common areas, walkways, etc.
On another note I’d like to give a BIG shout-out to Alex Trent and her team of Activities Committee volunteers for the wonderful job they did with the Community Potluck on Friday, May 20th! What a great turnout and what fun meeting new neighbors and friends! If you missed this event, there are a few other parties being planned for the summer. It’s a great way to get out, make some new friends and have fun! Check your email and the NTRA website for notices on these upcoming events.
Finally, Chesapeake Bay offers its employees summer hours as one of their employment benefits. Their office at 337 McLaws Circle will be closed on Friday afternoons starting at noon. Please be respectful of this great staff’s time and plan your appointments/calls accordingly [Monday thru Thursday 8:00 to 5:30PM; Friday 8:00-1200.]
Wishing you and yours a happy and fun-filled summer in New Town!
Board of Directors Vacancy - Applications Now Being Sought!
By Mary Cheston, President, Board of Directors
The NTRA Board of Directors (BOD) has accepted the resignation of Director Laura Loda who has stepped down due to personal circumstances. Laura wrote, “During my all too-brief tenure, I have found the Board to be an effective and dedicated group. I believe we have made some significant progress during the first half of the year, and I have no doubt that the group will continue to do so in the months to come. This is a simple case of competing priorities and limited time.”
I am personally very grateful to Laura for her calming presence and ability to cut to the chase. Laura took on the challenge of rolling out the new pool entry system for our 2022 swim season and our community is in her debt. Even with Laura’s departure the NTRA enjoyed 5 months of consecutive leadership since last December’s Board election - a record since the transition to homeowner control!
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
The Board is now seeking a volunteer to fill Laura’s remaining term which expires December 31, 2023 (18 months). If interested, please submit an application by email to: Monique Stevens, Board Secretary - ntrasecretary@gmail.com
Your application need not exceed one page and should include your:
- Name, address, contact information
- NTRA neighborhood (see below), and
- Qualifications for Board membership (for example: prior NTRA Committee service or other relevant experience), any biographical or other information you wish to include.
- A short statement of why you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors.
(See NTRA policy 1.0 “Vacancy in the Board of Directors”.)
All applications received by June 22, 2022 will be considered for appointment.
As a reminder, our Bylaws (Article IV, Section 4.1) state “No more than two directors may be owners in the same neighborhood.” Current directors are Mary Cheston (Charlotte Park), Jack Espinal (Abbey Commons), Everett Lunsford and Glen Mitchell (Village Walk). However, as of mid-June, Glen is relocating to a home in Charlotte Park. So the Board can consider applicants from any neighborhood except Charlotte Park.
The Board is currently addressing a variety of significant issues and will be moving forward towards a vote on the Governing Documents revisions. Each Board member serves as a Board Liaison to one or more of the eight standing NTRA committees. As volunteers we take on the responsibility to govern, budget, enforce, mediate, supervise operations and maintain grounds by working with vendors and our management company. Most Board work is done by email and monthly meetings. Other questions on what is involved? Please email Monique.
Serving on the Board is a challenging commitment for anyone, but it also gives you direct impact and influence on how Association business is handled. We hope each NTRA owner will seriously consider stepping up to serve. We are building a strong foundation for the future of our community - join us!
20 Years of The Corner Pocket (at New Town)
By New Town Commercial Association
While New Town is so lucky to have been home to The Corner Pocket for 20 years, in June, owner Lynn Allison will be celebrating 30 years for this amazing business! New Town is not the original location for this exciting restaurant/billiards hall, but we are so grateful to be their home now.
Lynn Allison came up with the idea to open The Corner Pocket in June of 1992 when the game of billiards was taking the country by storm. While Lynn herself, is not an avid pool player, she knew this business is something the Williamsburg community needed. When New Town developers gave the option for business owners to also own their land, she knew that would be a great opportunity, too.
The Corner Pocket is the very first business to have opened its doors in August of 2003 after breaking ground in July 2002. Lynn worked with Guernsey Tingle to create the unique design for the property and liked the idea of giving it a New Orleans-style architectural design. The design turned out so exceptional that The Corner Pocket won the “Best Architectural Design” award by Billiards Digest magazine in 2003. Along with its welcoming design style, The Corner Pocket is also home to the city’s biggest outdoor patio.
While strolling through New Town, a first-time guest might stumble upon The Corner Pocket because of the beautiful outdoor space, for which Lynn Allison credits her amazing staff’s efforts. The welcoming patio was not only helpful for their survival through Covid restrictions, but it's design was also strategic to draw more attention to the restaurant. “Not many people would give The Corner Pocket a chance for dining if they were not interested in the game of billiards,” Lynn says. The patio has people take a second look and is the restaurant's first chance to “wow” guests.
What really keeps people coming back to The Corner Pocket? Sure, they have 13 tables to enjoy shooting pool, but their exceptional food is what keeps the regulars loyal to this fan-favorite New Town eatery. The Corner Pocket menu features unique appetizers, classic salads, delicious burgers, and even some specialty items with a New Orleans slant (think: Corner Pocket Jambalaya!) Chef Jess is also quite a wiz with desserts. Cross your fingers that she’s whipped up something new to try on your next visit or be sure to save room for their regular dessert menu which features options like a Salted Caramel Pound Cake or Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pie!
We could go on and on about all the reasons we are lucky that The Corner Pocket chose New Town for their new location 20 years ago, but we’ll just say this: if you haven’t visited yet, don’t wait any longer!
Home Maintenance: Get the Lint Out
By Jim Ducibella
Six weeks ago, it was taking so long for us to do a load of laundry, we wondered if the neighbors weren’t sneaking dirty clothes into our home. In truth, our dryer was the culprit. We needed to run it three or four cycles just to dry a load that used to take one cycle. Being all too sadly familiar with planned obsolescence, we figured our 14-year-old appliance had hit the end of the road. But before we started shopping, we brought in a repairman.
He said the dryer was fine, then asked when had we last cleaned out the vent? We’d had it done; we just couldn’t remember when.
I took my shop vac and vacuumed both inside and out. I got a lot of lint, but the dryer still wasn’t right. The repairman had recommended calling Atlantic Vent Cleaning, though he added there were other good companies as well. We decided to take the first available appointment, which turned out to be the next day with Atlantic.
For a bit more than $100, the Atlantic technician used a 23-foot snake to completely empty our vents of lint (see photo for about half of what he got from the outside vent.) We were so impressed and relieved that we’ve already scheduled an appointment for this time next year. Why?
According to Dustdoctors.com, here are the negatives to a clogged dryer vent:
- House fires. Just under five percent of all house fires in the U.S. start in the laundry room, resulting in deaths, injuries, and hundreds of million dollars in damages each year. Of those fires, a third of them were caused by the homeowner forgetting to clean the dryer vent.
- Higher bills. Overheating can cause your equipment to break and need expensive repairs or replacement. Combine this with increased utility from an ineffective dryer, and the cost of a clogged dryer vent can really add up.
- Pests. It is something which many people never consider, but if there is enough build-up to push open the outside laundry flap, you are proving an easy way for pests like rodents to enter your home.
Here are some warning signs:
- It takes longer than usual to dry your clothes. A clog in your vent prevents the hot, moist air from escaping your dryer, which prolongs the drying time and leaves your clothes wet at the end of a cycle.
- You notice a burning smell. Lint and fabric fuzz are highly flammable, so it doesn't take too much heat to ignite a small piece. If you ever smell something burning when operating your dryer, turn it off and contact a technician immediately.
- Your clothes are hot to the touch at the end of a load. If you find it difficult to touch your clothes without burning your hand, your vent may be clogged, which prevents hot air from escaping.
- You can see lint or debris in the dryer hose or around the outside dryer flap. Once you can see a build-up in either of these two places, you know you are well past the time you should have cleaned your dryer ducts.
- You haven't cleaned your vents in over a year. In a typical household, the dryer vent should be cleaned at least once a year. Homes with more frequent loads of laundry need to clean out their vents more often.
Manor on the Green Is Coming to New Town: A View from Both Sides
By Jack Espinal
NOTE: This article was originally written by NTRA Board Vice President Jack Espinal and includes responses from Brennan Raab and McLean Gordon of the Whitmore Company, who were provided an advance draft of the article for review. Responses have been slightly edited for clarity.
The original James City County plan for the wooded lot behind Sullivan Square was for a fashionable, boutique hotel. For 19 years this property has remained vacant, and the New Town community was built up all around it. The lack of investors and a downturn of the hotel market in Williamsburg has forced the property owner to revise the planned use for this area. Instead of a hotel, the Whitmore Company plans to develop the property into a one- and two- bedroom apartment complex. These upscale, luxury apartment units and associated amenities will be designed to appeal to young professionals.
The Planned Apartment Complex. The Whitmore Company plans to construct four buildings on the site. Their plan places a four-story building with 54 apartments on Shannon Place adjacent to Sullivan Square. This building will house a lobby, administrative office, clubhouse, billiards room, pool, and fitness center for the use by Manor on the Green residents.
Two additional three-story buildings will be constructed on the sides of the property. One of them will be located on Center Street and the other will be on Foundation Street. Each of these buildings will have 24 single-bedroom apartments. The fourth building, a two-story carriage house, will be constructed along Lydias Drive. It will contain four large, two-bedroom apartments built over multiple enclosed private garages. According to the developer, the luxury units in the apartment complex will provide an amenity-rich place for young, upwardly mobile professionals as well as for people opting to downsize from larger homes.
All of the buildings in the complex will have elevators for access to the upper floors. One hundred and twelve parking spaces, “screened from public view,” for their residents’ use will be located in the center area between the four apartment buildings. The complex will be served by three entrances: one on Center Street another on Lydias Drive and a third on Foundation Street.
The Developer. The Whitmore Company has experience in building and managing high-quality, multi-unit housing in the Portsmouth and Hampton areas. They have specialized in both new construction and adapting older historic buildings for residential use. Once constructed, the Whitmore Company stays on to manage the properties for its investors. This business plan makes it less likely that the surrounding community will be left with unsolved problems after construction is completed. The Whitmore company has a good reputation for the management of its rental properties. They also provide on-site management availability 24 hours a day and include a daily valet trash pickup service for their renters.
Whitmore Company perspective:
In addition to Hampton and Portsmouth, members of the Whitmore Company were also the original developers of High Street in Williamsburg. With High Street being a local property, the members of the association will be able to appreciate the level of quality of construction and architectural design that was put forth and evident in the retail buildings and the Sterling Manor Apartments. We also developed and manage properties in Norfolk and Newport News that are considered to be Class A, market-rate apartments. They achieve some of the highest rents in Hampton Roads due to the exceptional level of services from our management staff and the amenities we provide.
Community Concerns
The New Town Residential Association (NTRA) Board of Directors has several major concerns regarding the development of this property. Board representatives recently met with Whitmore Company management and have raised the following issues with the developer.
Insufficient Parking. Parking for the residents is a major concern for New Town. As planned, the apartment complex will have a negative impact on parking in the surrounding community. Street parking in this area is already in short supply. The current Manor on the Green plan provides only 112 parking spaces for the planned 106 residential units. It does not consider or address tenant families that will have more than one automobile, visitor parking, parking for development employees, and delivery/services parking.
The plan also mentions the use of 36 street parking spaces located around the perimeter of the site as well as the use of other parking spaces in New Town for use by its apartment residents. Parking in the area around the proposed construction site is already scarce, especially at night, and will only be made appreciably worse when the apartment complex is occupied. While this plan may meet the James City County parking requirements for New Town, it would not be prudent to build this apartment complex without including additional dedicated parking for its residents.
Whitmore Company perspective:
We will refer to the Amended and Restated NEW TOWN SECTION 2 AND 4 DESIGN GUIDELINES, James City Counth, Virginia, dated July 31, 2003. These design guidelines state:
“Primarily this town should ‘encompass a more urban and humanistic approach to the design of buildings and public spaces’ than the more common suburban patterns which have resulted in an alienating environment in many areas, thus serving as an ‘enduring model for growing American communities.’”
The guidelines go on to say:
“Throughout these guidelines, references to a ‘village character’ are used to describe various elements and conditions of the new town… A village is primarily residential but contains other uses and services to provide for the daily needs of its residents. A village has a center with a mix of uses (including residential) and is organized about a system of interconnecting streets and public open spaces. A village is a pedestrian environment. Uses orient toward streets and open spaces, avoiding enclave development, while parking is accommodated on the streets or behind the buildings. A village is walkable, with centers of activity of public space usually with a 10 minute walk from residential areas and consists of a density of development which encourages proximity of uses.“
This excerpt is quoted at length because it is a reminder that the guiding principle of New Town has always been to create a walkable community that embodies “village character”. In fact, these same guidelines go on to define the parking requirements for all future development within New Town by explicitly stating that the minimum parking requirement for residential is 1 space per unit, and the maximum is 1.5 spaces per unit, “in order to ensure a more urban level of development.” In our plan for the Manor on the Green development, we have stayed below that maximum while providing more than the minimum of 1 space per unit, as required by the guidelines and approved by James City County, which has reviewed the New Town parking requirements for this project and multiple previous projects. We are highly confident that 115 spaces is more than adequate, as we have tried to honor the village character that is so essential to New Town.
Stormwater Mitigation. Currently the stormwater that falls on the Manor on the Green site percolates through the soil where it is naturally filtered. However, this development will make the site largely impervious to water and create large amounts of runoff which will be directed into an already stressed stormwater management system. The short- and long-term impact of this additional runoff has not been fully addressed in Whitmore’s conceptual plan. Whitmore advised us that the current stormwater system was designed with a building in mind; however, they will research the condition of this existing infrastructure considering issues raised by the Board.
Sewer System Capacity. The sizing and capacity of the existing sewer system was developed to support a hotel and not apartments. Constructing an apartment complex in place of a hotel will bring two or three times more people into the area to use the existing underground infrastructure. The planned residential apartments will include 106 kitchens as well as 106 laundries that were not considered or included in the original plan for the construction of a hotel. This will create a significant increase in wastewater that must be handled by the existing sewer system. It is unclear whether the existing sewer capacity is sufficient to support the development of an apartment complex of this size. The Board has raised this concern with the developer. It should be addressed by the Whitmore Company and James City County prior to construction.
Construction Impact on the Existing New Town Infrastructure. The tree clearing process, the site development, and the subsequent construction will create a large volume of traffic in and out of New Town. Much of this additional traffic will include large trucks with very heavy loads. This heavy vehicle traffic will cause significant wear and tear on our roads, curbs, and walkways and has the potential for significant damage. The Whitmore Company monitors the before and after condition of their sites, in order to return any damaged roadway areas to good condition. However, this impact is not just immediately adjacent to the construction site but will also be along whatever arteries the construction traffic uses for access and egress. This wear and tear as well as any damage that may occur to our existing infrastructure during the construction phase will need further discussion among all parties.
Whitmore Company perspective:
The original infrastructure for New Town was designed with the flexibility to accommodate the unknown nature of the future development of the community. While the use for this particular site was previously envisioned as a hotel, the currently proposed apartment building fits within the overall framework of the original development matrix. As is the case with all developments, the design civil engineer is working with James City County to ensure compliance with all state and local design requirements.
According to AES Consulting Engineers, the licensed civil engineer for the project, the drainage systems and ponds within New Town were conservatively designed to accommodate the maximum impervious coverage for each parcel. In the case of the apartment parcel, the site was originally envisioned with a high amount of impervious surface and the apartment development has less impervious coverage than was anticipated in the original design. The drainage from the site discharges to two different retention ponds which were both designed to handle the flows from this parcel.
Regarding the sewer, AES Consulting Engineers and JCSA both have confirmed that the present system has adequate capacity to handle the proposed sewer flows for the apartment community.
Regarding the streets, almost all the roadways within New Town are public VDOT roads. Some of the roadways are still in a developer warranty period but are outside of the maintenance responsibility of the NTRA. The only items that are an exception are the paver sidewalks and crosswalks which are within maintenance easements.
Time Frame
The Whitmore company is working on architectural renderings for the site. The clearing of trees from the property will be an environmental loss to our community and we asked for their landscaping plans to consider maximizing greenery. Later this summer we expect that representatives will come to New Town to discuss their more detailed development plans with members of our community. We welcome this dialogue.
While we have always known that this property would eventually be developed, we must do everything we can to ensure that the development has a minimal impact on the quality of life for those currently living in New Town and reduce any negative impact on visitors who use the outstanding restaurants, retail stores, theater, and other facilities both during and after construction. Having a vibrant rental option in our midst could help to keep our commercial businesses stable. It is the Board’s hope that the Whitmore Company will work with us to satisfactorily resolve any issues that impact our community.
June Quick Getaways: Hampton Pirate Festival, June 3-5
By Jim Ducibella
The annual Blackbeard Pirate Festival returns to Hampton from June 3 to 5 at Mill Point Park. The event features costumed re-enactors, cannon battles, mermaids, music, vendors, lectures, and fireworks.
On Friday night, the festival kicks off with a ‘Pirate's Parlay’ from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mill Point Park. This free party is a family-friendly event featuring a performance by the Clan MacCool Band. The public is encouraged to show up in their finest piratical attire.
On Saturday, the festival runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and returns on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Events include:
Character vessels: Included is Blackbeard's sailing ship Adventure, Royal Navy vessels Jane and Ranger, and merchant vessels which engage in battles on the Hampton River Saturday and Sunday.
Character actors: Dozens of professional pirate re-enactors, and living history interpreters from all points of the compass will be in attendance, along with Helena the Mermaid, Fins and Seashells, Circus Siren Mermaid, and more.
Weekend performers include Mark Miller/Rusty Cutlass, The Brigands, Chaste Treasure, Press Gang, the Natterjacks, and Field Musick Virginia.
On Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., scholars Dr. Jamie Goodall, author of “Pirates of the Chesapeake Bay: From the Colonial Era to the Oyster Wars,” and Jeremy Moss, author of “The Life and Tryals of the Gentleman Pirate, Major StedeBonnet,” will offer free lectures at St. John's Church, sponsored by the Hampton History Museum.
The Museum will also hold its annual Steam Punk Show Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (also free and open to the public).
Fireworks over the Hampton River will be on Saturday, June 4, at 9 p.m.
The festival was previously named the third-best pirate festival in North America by USA Today.
For more information, visit the Pirate Festival website (https://www.visithampton.com/event/20th-annual-blackbeard-pirates-festival/2022-06-05/).
Tiptoe Through the Tulips - A Getaway Proposal for Your Bucket List
By Mary Cheston
In mid-May my husband Ric and I traveled to the Midwest ostensibly to visit three National Parks but more importantly to experience Tulip Time in Holland, Michigan. What a show it was - both natural beauty and human warmth.
Holland, Michigan is a mini-Dutch suburb, taking seriously its heritage and traditions. For 8 days each spring the entire city celebrates tulips. The streets and parks are lined with tulips. (Obviously their cold winters must discourage squirrels and rabbits.) Homeowners plant bulb displays and compete in the city’s floral show including great photography and themed floral arrangements. (Did you know that Holland claims that the author L. Frank Baum wrote “The Wizard of Oz” while vacationing on Lake Macatawa?) Naturally this year’s competition was a variety of Oz-inspired topics prompting creativity in many forms.
Besides a Dutch village recreation/children’s park, there is a spectacular display of tulips at Veldheer Tulip Farm (4 million bulbs) along with a wooden shoe and delft pottery factory. We hit the tulips at their peak - their brilliant colors were something to amaze even a non-gardener like me.
Holland has a proud tradition of “klompen” - traditional Dutch dancing in wooden shoes which dates to 1935. The dancers were out in force performing on the downtown streets.
The parades associated with Tulip Time are both eyeopeners. Holland’s Kinderparade is filled with elementary schoolchildren in costume celebrating different aspects of Dutch culture and history. Then to close the festival, there is a larger Volksparade with floats and local bands and the pre-parade “street scrubbing” led by the Mayor. Of course the Holland High School Band wore wooden shoes down the entire parade route. Several thousand visitors lined the streets to cheer on the festivities. Fireworks on the lake closed out the festival-their equivalent of the Fourth of July.
My true bucket list item is to visit Amsterdam and the Keukenhof spring garden. But Holland, Michigan was a lot closer (and cheaper) and certainly a wonderful surprise.
P. S. Writing this article was inspired by Jim Ducibella’sApril 2022 article on Gloucester’s Daffodil Festival, and by the Communications Committee’s desire to broaden contributions to the Crier from throughout New Town. There are so many small town and city festivals - for example, has anyone attended the “Red Flannel” i.e. long johns, festival in Cedar Springs, Michigan? Do you have a favorite festival either in the area or elsewhere to recommend for residents to consider? PLEASE SEND IN A WRITEUP FOR OUR NEXT CRIER ISSUE-ntratown.crier@gmail.com.
Update on Charlotte Park Phase 10 Transition and Engineering Berifing - May 10, 2022
By Rebekah Roberts
In 2015 Phil and I retired to New Town and “village life” in Charlotte Park, specifically Ercil Way. It’s been wonderful. Alas, as in most neighborhoods there have been some problems. We have experienced the constant free flow of water down Ercil that causes slipping and sliding in the winter and some mushy yards in the summer. Drainage is a problem as are sink holes. Understanding what will happen when this section of New Town transitions from the Developer is very important to us.
The May 10th special meeting of the New Town Residential Association (NTRA) Board brought the community up to date on past concerns and the issues still needing repair in Charlotte Park Phase 10. There were about 20 residents in attendance.
The Board had hired Giles and Flythe Engineering Company to assess the common areas. Zach Shephard, Regional Manager, presented open issues with recommendations from the January County and Giles and Flythe inspections. They were as follows:
- The continual problem of rushing water down Ercil Way. According to Board President Mary Cheston, James City County will have to approve an engineering fix to these foundation drain discharges which ABVA is preparing.
- Determine the cause of paint peeling on the Olive Drive fence along the wet pond. Recommendation: Secure a paint professional to evaluate proper surface type and paint the coating accordingly to maintain a coating on the Olive Drive fence with a one-year warranty.
- Remove loose vegetation from wet pond along Olive Drive.
- Repair cracked asphalt section at handicapped ramp at Olive Drive and Lucretia Way.
- Repair cracked curb sections along Lucretia Way and the curb inlet concrete section of Olive Drive and ErcilWay.
- Permeability testing should also be considered by the Association. Zach noted that James City County had tested the bioretention basin at Christine Court and conducted some post-rainfall testing at the Olive Drive wet pond to ensure they were functioning properly.
The Giles and Flythe report had estimated the cost of remaining repairs at approximately $59,000. ABVA, the Developer, reported via email that some of this work has been completed and the only two issues still needing attention are the Olive Drive fence along the wet pond and the seepage issue on Ercil Way.
From the community comments, there were other actions and/or recommendations for the Board:
- Obtain a letter from James City County (JCC) indicating structures were built according to County specs.
- Conduct camera imaging for the storm water system to see if the moving of water to BMP is functioning properly. It appears that JCC requires this for new areas, like Shirley Park, but not older developments. The Board will check into this.
- Understand what NTRA must do to properly maintain assets, especially these stormwater systems (Chesapeake Bay Act).
- Ask ABVA to sealcoat the alleys before turnover.
The Board is in the process of getting bids for the regular maintenance of all BMP/Bioretention ponds (including the Olive and Casey Blvd. wet ponds). Also, consideration of any sealcoating will await the resolution of the Ercil Way drainage situation since excavation may be required.
Ultimately, the NTRA must make a determination that these areas are “in a condition acceptable to the Association.” (Section 4.9 of the Amended Master Declaration).
Hurricane Season is Here
By NTRA Emergency Preparedness Committee
This year the temperature of the Atlantic Ocean and circulation patterns in the ocean look remarkably similar to the way they did in 2005 -- the year the category 5 Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. Consequently, we may anticipate a similarly active and devastating hurricane season this year.
Hurricane season is June 1 until November 30 with peak hurricane season from mid-August to late October.
Now is the time to initiate planning and preparations to help ensure the safety of our community and that of our families.
NOAA will provide several days advance notice as well as the projected track of each major storm in the Atlantic. This gives us time for a possible evacuation or to prepare to weather the storm in New Town.
Here are some tips to consider:
Advance Planning Preparations
- Photograph or video your home and belongings for possible future insurance claims.
- Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes so you are ready to leave New Town, if necessary.
- Plan to take your pet/s with you and identify where you will stay (friend, family, hotel) inland in case you evacuate -- the further you are from the ocean the slower the winds will be.
- Build a Hurricane Kit for use if you stay or evacuate.
- Keep your car’s gas tank filled.
Immediate Preparations (as time permits)
- Consider putting duct tape on windows to lessen flying glass.
- Secure outside items -- windblown objects create damage.
- Fill your bathtub with water to use for toilet flushing.
- Move important items to higher floor.
- Protect property from flooding and water damage by moving items to a second floor and protecting them with plastic bags.
- Plan on taking your animals with you if you evacuate.
Hurricane Kit - At a minimum consider including these items in your kit:
- Extra cash (ATMs may not be operable)
- Keep batteries charged
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Battery-powered radio with extra batteries (or a hand crank radio)
- Cell phone and charger
- First-aid kit
- Tool kit
- Duct tape
- Utility knife
- Medications (seven days or more)
- Nonperishable food for seven days or more
- Manual can opener
- Drinking water (7 gallons per person / a seven-day supply)
- Pet supplies to include food, water, medications, collar & leash, current photos, proof of vaccinations, etc.
- Important documents (IDs, lease, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, etc.)
- Toiletries and sanitation supplies
- Change of clothes
- Blankets
Prepare now and have peace of mind that you and your family are prepared when the weather forecast announces an approaching hurricane.
VDOT Updates: Results of VDOT Traffic Study and Sidewalk Issues
By Town Crier Staff
On May 12, 2022, VDOT released the results of its traffic study of Casey Boulevard and Center Street.
“VDOT has reviewed the intersection for safety improvements needed and whether a four-way stop is appropriate for this intersection. Based on the traffic volume disbursement between the two roads it was determined that a four-way stop is not recommended for this intersection.”
VDOT found that Center Street carries approximately 20% of the total volume of Casey Boulevard “which is not consistent with the guidance for a multi-way stop condition.”
The review did determine that the line of sight for northbound Center Street is obstructed. As a result, “VDOT will be taking measures to help improve this situation by relocating the stop bar.” Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Lawn and Landscape have already taken steps to trim trees and/or remove shrubs blocking the line of sight in the intersection, per VDOT’s recommendations.
In April, the Board of Directors also submitted to VDOT a detailed photo inventory of the damaged sidewalks throughout New Town in hopes of receiving repair attention in VDOT’s next budget cycle. Unfortunately, VDOT remains adamant, as reported at last year’s Annual Members Meeting, that their other traffic priorities will not permit it to address this situation. Tracey Lassiter, VDOT’s Williamsburg Operations Manager responded that:
“…all of our employees are currently providing traffic control along primary routes and have been for two weeks. Please understand that we currently have 550 outstanding work orders. That means that I have 550 current unsatisfied customers. Immediate roadway safety concerns are our first priority. These are things such as potholes, dead animals in the roadway/right of way, vegetation causing sight distance issues, missing or damaged roadway stop/yield signs, drainage issues that cause water to flood the roadway, etc. I will have someone review the sidewalk concerns as time and priority allows.”
VDOT repeated that it will not take responsibility for sidewalks uplifted by tree roots.
“VDOT cannot be responsible for these types of repairs because it requires the removal of the existing sidewalk slab, the removal of the tree root (which may kill the tree), and the repouring of a new concrete slab. If the tree is not removed, the roots will very quickly push up the sidewalk yet again. Unfortunately VDOT does not have the resources for these types of potentially recurring problems. Should the tree be cut down/removed, VDOT could provide a repair or slab-repour.”
VDOT also believes based on previous visits that some sinking slabs are being caused by home drainage systems, e.g."the homeowner's downspout/black pipe which was draining at the sidewalk location causing voids and settling of the slab. If the homeowner removes the pipe, VDOT can then consider a repair. Sprinkler systems also cause sidewalks to settle/crack. Again, VDOT cannot consider a repair until the sprinkler system is removed.”
We will continue to keep the community informed if any progress is made with VDOT in the coming months. Expensive decisions may await the Association. Continue to watch your step when walking in our community!
Free Dog Treats for A Year!
By NTRA Landscape Advisory Committee
Dog owners, what would you do for a year of free dog treats?
Would you encourage your pet to do his business on the mulch instead of grass?
Would you pick up after your pet and deposit in the designated dog stations?
Would you show respect for your neighbors by not letting your dog trespass into flower beds and private yards?
Well, fortunately most of you do these things already without needing to be rewarded. If, however, you are one of a growing number of dog owners who are letting your dog roam on private property, damage the grass and seasonal flowers with urine, and leave poop for someone else to pick up, then this plea is for you. Allowing your dog to do his business in your neighbor’s yard, even if you pick it up, is not OK.
Please consider your neighbor’s property and our community’s appearance when walking your dog. You won’t be getting free dog treats, but you will earn much gratitude from the rest of us!
New Town Clubs and Social Groups: The Ties That Bind
By Patti Vaticano
Our New Town neighborhood is a diverse community of individuals comprised of young professionals, students, families, retirees, and a growing number of Baby Boomers leading the way in the new “Unretirement Movement.” This is not a revelation, of course. As a “planned community,” just such diversity was the vision and goal of New Town’s Developer, and almost from the beginning, the tie that bound New Town’s diverse neighbors together were social gatherings, community events, seasonal neighborhood activities—and special interest clubs and social committees. None of these events or entities are ever the main focus of a community’s HOA Board, to be sure; but a good HOA Board knows the value in nurturing these grassroots gatherings, clubs, and happenings among its neighbors. They are nothing less than signs of a thriving and happy community whose residents are committed to each other--and to the greater good.
At present, New Town has a number of clubs and small groups meeting regularly to talk, interact, and enhance ties within the community. Listed below are the current clubs and their contacts. All operate independently from the New Town Residential Association—and a good many more would be welcome.
Book Clubs
The New Town community has three book clubs, to date, our newest of general topics and life in New Town, begun, last July, by resident Ginny Fisher. Sadly, none of them are actively open to new members at this time—but here is your opportunity! Book Clubs can be generic or highly selective. Are you a Jane Austin fan? A devotee of Ray Bradbury? Is there a specific genre that you are drawn to? Sci-Fi- Fantasy, Southern Gothic, the Supernatural? Forensic mysteries? The same would serve for those who love poetry or folklore. Perhaps you enjoy discussion on contemporary works of a specific theme. The possibilities are vast, and any New Town resident is welcome to form a new book club—or any club--and recruit for it by contacting the Communications Committee via their email address at ntrawebsitecommittee@gmail.com.
Garden Club - "Never Ending Garden Party"
A new gardening club has formed and is open to all residents of New Town. Beautifying our common areas with plantings is one goal, but other activities might include embarking on horticultural field trips, attending garden related educational events, or enjoying social outings, happy hours, or other forms of socialization and fun. Please email neverendinggardenparty@gmail.com or call Kelly at 757-713-5755 if you are interested in learning more.
Retired Men's Club
The Retired Men's Club meets for lunch on the fourth Thursday of the month to talk about what's going on in New Town and in the larger community. (Note: The group has been dormant during the Covid pandemic. Resurrecting it would be welcome.).
Women's Lunch Club
Meets for lunch on the first Tuesday of the month at a New Town restaurant for conversation and informal discussion of what's happening in our community. Contact Angela Lesnett at alesnett@verizon.net
So, what club or committee might you add to the above? Do you have an interest or a skill that you would like to promote or share with your New Town neighbors? Have you been toying with the idea of getting a group together to pursue a topic in depth via a small group that would be like-minded? Below are some ideas for new community clubs and committees. Come and create those ties that bind! All you need do is put your thoughts together and reach out to your Communications Committee at ntrawebsitecommittee@gmail.com. The Committee is ready and willing to help you get the word out and the crowds in!
Club Ideas:
Film Club: Are you interested in vintage films or a specific film genre? Perhaps getting a Film Club going would be of interest to you, engaging others while enhancing your own enjoyment and knowledge of the medium.
Photography Club: There’s no place like New Town for picture taking. Get a club going to exchange methods and ideas about the art—and to capture your neighbors and your community for posterity. Your Communications Committee is always looking for “Life in New Town” pics to post.
Quilting/Crocheting Clubs: Quilting is a great American art. Quilters gathering together to share tips and innovations—and a mutual love for their craft—would enrich all involved.
Gym/Exercise/Walking Club: We all know the value of exercise—but not everyone is drawn to it, naturally. Get some friends together regularly to cheer you on!
Breakfast Club: Coffee, company, and little nosh is never a difficult thing to make a habit of.
Birdwatching/Wildlife Club: Take advantage of our setting and our walking trails—and that old pair of binoculars gathering dust since you moved in. New Town wildlife is diverse--and regular trips with those like-minded to the Peninsula’s many parks and waterways can be a fun way to enhance your discoveries.
Have the above club ideas got you thinking? Once again, just reach out to your Communications Committee via their email address at ntrawebsitecommittee@gmail.com for support getting the word out. Create a new tie that, in goodwill and New Town fellowship, will help further bind us into the fun and socially committed community that we are.
Summer Events in New Town
By Town Crier Staff
SUMMER FUN AT THE POOL:
The New Town Residential Association's Activities Committee has also been busy planning events at the Community Pool for New Town residents.
Save these dates:
- Tuesday evening, June 14, 2022 - After Hours Social from 6 to 8 PM (BYO everything!)
- Saturday, July 16, 2022 - Annual Pool Party - 11 to 1PM (Pizza and drinks provided)
- Tuesday evening, August 16, 2022 - After Hours Social from 6 to 8 PM (BYO everything!)
Watch for more details in eblasts and via this NTRA website.
And from the New Town Commercial Association:
Join us for a line-up of FREE, monthly pop-up events, to CELEBRATE 20 YEARS of New Town!
Save the Dates for the first Saturday in June through August! These monthly public events will be located by the Fountain and down Main Street by the Gazebo, and are sponsored by the New Town Commercial Association.
Family Fun Day
June 4th, 11am-2pm
The Teeny Tiny Farm Petting Zoo, Bubbles The Clown, Face Painting & More!
Ice Cream Social
July 2nd, 12-2pm
Beat the heat with some ice cream! A sweet, summertime delight on us!
Live Entertainment
August 6th, 11am-2pm
Stay tuned for details on LIVE entertainment by the fountain!
I'm Not Really Looking for a Commitment Right Now
By Kate Licastro
It's not you, it's me. You're great... really. I'm just not looking for a commitment right now. Have you thought this about volunteering on one of our many New Town Residential Association (NTRA) Committees? HAVE I GOT A DEAL FOR YOU?!
First, the benefits. A recent post on Indeed.com, Benefits of Volunteering: 10 Reasons to Volunteer summarizes some of the mood-boosting, purpose-providing benefits of volunteering in your community. Beyond adding to your sense of purpose and community, volunteering can help you meet new people, improve self-esteem, get you out of your comfort zone, and be FUN!
You may be thinking, "sure, but volunteering simply doesn't fit into my spontaneous lifestyle. I can't be tied down." Introducing, the NTRA short-term, one-time, if-I-am-in-town, sounds-like-fun, volunteer assembly! This exclusive assembly will be contacted in times of need (e.g. community events that need additional support, help getting the word out about important news, etc.)
One immediate and ongoing opportunity is to be a guest-writer for the New Town Crier! Have you taken any fabulous or unusual trips? Do you have a favorite festival to visit? Do you want to share interesting news about the community? Do you have great New Town photographs to share? You can write one article or several throughout the year; it's up to you!
Commitment is hard; volunteering doesn't have to be! Contact ntratown.crier@gmail.com if you're interested.
Pool Season Has Begun!
By Town Crier Staff
The New Town Community Pool is now open through Labor Day. The pool is closed on Tuesdays and daily hours are posted on the NTRA website calendar.
To use the pool, residents must have a new electronic pass. ALL users must review the 2022 pool rules and sign an acknowledgement form before being eligible to receive a pass.
Many, many thanks to our volunteer Pool Committee and our community manager, Anne Ingram and her admin staff for their efforts to organize, label and distribute about 800 passes so far.
If you are an owner in the New Town Residential Association and have not picked up your pass, contact Chesapeake Bay Management (757) 706-3019 for an appointment to do so. Tenants - work through your property owner or property management/rental company to obtain a pass. New Town condo residents should reach out to their property management company for information.
With the Covid-19 virus still circulating, please be mindful of others and keep your distance while using the pool. Let’s all make the lifeguard’s job easier by following the pool rules. Happy swimming!