Dear Wade Hampton Property Owners,
This mid-season update covers four matters of particular interest to some or all members – water leaks, combinations or subdivisions of existing lots, motorcycles, and pet waste in public areas.
Water system issues.
So far this season, we have experienced a significant increase in the frequency of serious leaks and water line breaks.
The breaks have occurred in a limited segment of our water system. With assistance from Environmental, Inc., we have identified the cause — polybutylene pipe installed as that part of the system that connects our main water lines to the individual water boxes located adjacent to each lot. The long-term reliability of this 35-year-old pipe was called into question as early as 2000. It is clearly at the end of its useful life and must be replaced.
The POA is currently working with an engineering firm to determine the most efficient, least disruptive, and least costly way to replace these lines. We plan to schedule this work during the off-season months.
In the meantime, we may continue to experience an above-normal level of polybutylene water line breaks. We understand the inconvenience that any water outage imposes on our members and will do everything in our power to minimize them.
As always, please report any change in the pressure or appearance of your household water or the unexplained appearance of any surface water to the Gatehouse (828-743-3292) or to me (828-226-3623). Additionally, please continue to check basements, water features and hoses for any running water. A standard garden hose uses up to 1,000 gallons of water per hour when watering the garden.
Combinations and subdivisions of existing lots.
From time to time, we receive inquiries regarding the combination of two separate lots into a single new lot or, conversely, the subdivision of an existing lot into two or more new lots.
As a reminder, under our Protective Covenants, the Wade Hampton POA has the final authority to approve or disapprove any such combination or subdivision.
As a matter of POA board policy, combining two lots is viewed as potentially beneficial to the community in that it promotes lower housing density and reduced potential demand for POA services. And, because under the terms of any lot combination agreement, the annual POA assessment for the combined property will continue to equal the sum of the prior assessment for each of the previous lots, there is no loss of revenue to the POA.
Conversely, the POA board does not consider the subdivision of an existing lot into two or more building sites to be in the best interests of the community. Any such subdivision is likely to increase housing density as well as demand for existing services and utilities. As a result, the POA board is unlikely to favorably consider lot subdivisions.
Motorcycles.
Although motorcycles are a rare sight within Wade Hampton, there is no specific prohibition in the Protective Covenants. Nevertheless, as a matter of policy, outside contractors are not permitted to bring motorcycles on property.
The Covenants do prohibit “noxious of offensive activities or nuisances … that may become an annoyance or nuisance to other Owners.”
So, any member or guest bringing a motorcycle on the property should make every effort to operate it in a manner that insures no annoyance or nuisance to other members.
Pet waste.
And lastly, to our Wade Hampton dog owners… please remember to carry along your “pooper scooper” when walking your pets along the roads in the community. Pet waste is unsightly and unhealthy, so we need everyone’s cooperation in keeping our roads shoulders clean for everyone!
Thank you for your support of the Property Owners’ Association and we look forward to hearing from you if we can be of help.
Sandy and the POA Team