Christmas Decorating Contest
The Highbridge Homeowners Association Board of Directors is pleased the winners of the First Annual Christmas Decorating Contest. The selection was determined by text voting from the entire neighborhood. Congratulations to Jaime and Maribel Escobar for First Place and to John and Linda Labas for second place.
Neighborhood Appearance
During the most recent walk-through, many homes in the neighborhood are in need of some minor maintenance. Though delayed, violation notices are forthcoming to properties in need of pressure washing, mailbox issues, and other minor maintenance. There is no expectation of completion during the winter months, but please look around your house and yard and start working on your Spring “To Do” list now.
Ponds
Please be vigilant to the presence of children playing on the ice on our two ponds. When present, the natural ice that forms in this region is rarely thick and strong enough to support the weight of any form of recreational activity. Every winter we hear about a child drowning in a pond after falling through the ice. We don’t want Highbridge to make it on this list.
HOA Website
We are in the process of reconstituting the HOA Website The HOA Website (Highbridgehoa.org) is back on line. The email service is back up and working so you can use the following email addresses to reach Board members:
Snow Removal
Snow removal from roadways is the responsibility of the Virginia Department of Transportation. Please be aware there is no entitlement in residential areas for snow removal, as we are the last priority in the commonwealth. Snow removal priorities (in priority order) are: Interstates, snow emergency routes, primary routes, secondary routes, then residential streets, followed lastly by cul-de-sacs. VDOT typically utilizes contractors to assist in these efforts. Their goal in subdivisions is to clear snow “curb line to curb line” or as close as possible. This sometimes causes frustration after residents dig themselves out, only to find their driveways plowed shut again following multiple passes by plows. The following are issues frequently experienced by snow plow operators: trash cans, vehicles in the road, portable basketball hoops, barbeque grills, or other obstructions placed in the roadway to block their ability to clear to the curb. It is illegal to impede their progress, and police can cite or tow vehicles if necessary. Only legally parked vehicles may be on the street. We recommend that if you fear being plowed in after digging out, park your car LEGALLY (parallel to the curb) in the cleared space in front of your driveway. Nose-in parking in the cul-de-sacs is illegal any time, but becomes a significant impediment during snow removal operations and vehicle may be towed at the owners expense.
Please do not call VDOT to complain about snow removal issues, as there are many stewards within the neighborhood to help resolve issues with much less frustration.
Those who’s yard contains a sidewalk are expected to clear those sidewalks to facilitate keeping our residents and children in safer areas than walking in the street. It also may prevent trouble with slips and falls on your property (which you can be liable).
Finally, if you are ill and/or physically unable to handle the snow in your driveway, please feel free to reach out to the board for assistance. Although it is not the Boards responsibility to clear the snow from your driveway and/or sidewalk, as fellow residents and neighbors of Highbridge we are willing to help when we can. As a neighbor, please help out your neighbors (especially the elderly and less physically able).
Snow plow locations and progress can be monitored in real-time by visiting VDOT’s website.
.
GaryGesling, HOA President
HOA By-Laws and Covenants
For your information, the HOA Board is in the process of updating the Highbridge By-Laws and Covenants. The updates mostly reflect ‘fact-of-life’ changes since they were first written (for example the rule regarding satellite dishes) and removal of out-of-date information. We expect to have this completed sometime in 2017 and will submit these changes to all of the Homeowners for a vote. The approved, updated version of the by-laws will then be distributed to each of the Homeowners so that you have the latest and greatest version. If you have any specific inputs or changes you would like to see made to the By-Laws and Covenents please send these to the HOA President either via mail or email ( and )
Annual Meeting
As we do every year, we are planning for the Annual Meeting 12 Feb 17 at 7PM at 4380 Decatur Drive. This year we are looking for at least one new Board Member to replace a relocating homeowner. This is your Board and we are all volunteers so please give some consideration to joining.