davez
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by davez on May 17, 2010 12:16:07 GMT -5
I have had some email discussion with our developer with regard to the theft and vandalism in the community. Apparently this (in their opinion) is typical, and they believe the community is very safe; and there is no need for any security measures such as a camera at the new pavilion (as I had suggested).
My concern is less about what has happened (as it is mainly builders losing money), but more about the consequences of inaction. My belief is that by no action, we invite further crime with possibly increasing scope; maybe to the point of damage or worse to residents as well. (Not just model homes.)
I know in conversation a few other residents had mentioned a shared concern and a need to do something, however without other input, I believe this is as far as that discussion will go. If there are others who would like to become more proactive on this issue, and possibly push harder for some support from the development, please let me know. At this point the developer feels that a camera would negatively impact sales; and I think we need to decide whether that is more important than any safety concerns we might have.
Thanks
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Post by jbenko75 on May 20, 2010 11:43:44 GMT -5
I agree. Or even if it is calling the local sheriff to have a car randomly come through the community during those hours might help as well. Just a thought.
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Post by Heather Smith on May 25, 2010 21:09:54 GMT -5
It seems the community continues to grow which is good for all of us. Anyone know at what point the homeowner's take over the HOA? I realize it probably won't be until much more development is done. However, we are all paying HOA dues and maybe it is time they at least entertain some type of quarterly meeting with the homeowner's to discuss issues as such.
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Post by Paul Z (127 John Gibson) on May 27, 2010 20:33:05 GMT -5
We can get folks on the board when 80% of the community is complete. However, the builder still controls the Board. Only when it's 100% complete, do we get to take control - per our HOA regulations.
Security is something they need to take seriously. Word gets around about the security problems - housing will slow down. Having said that, to a degree, I am sure this is par for the course for a new community - I don't condone it or say that it isn't nescesary to do something..but I don't think we are an outlier.
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Post by davlin on May 28, 2010 10:41:57 GMT -5
We just joined the forum - great idea! We hadn't even heard about this. I agree that we should push this issue - whether it's adding cameras or having Elm Street get the county to patrol during the night or some other method with alarm systems. How could having security measures in place hurt sales? This is hardly a high crime area and potential buyers know that. Showing an extra concern for homeowner security should be a plus.
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Post by richcatan on May 30, 2010 9:47:45 GMT -5
Hi all, having our home built on lot 12. catching up on local goings on. with respect to the security issue stated here, i think the recommendations stated are good ones. get the local sheriff to put the development on the routine patrol and have the builders put an alarm system in their models. i don't get the sense this is a major issue as the area is generally a safe one. New development models are routinely targeted because they are empty. the builder(s) have to secure their property. it bares watching though, but looks like we have a proactive community and that's half the battle.
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Post by Heather Smith on Jun 1, 2010 13:55:47 GMT -5
Friday night there were police patroling through the neighborhood in case you did not seen them. I am not sure if this was planned or a coincidence.
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Post by Paul Z (127 John Gibson) on Jun 1, 2010 22:59:55 GMT -5
On saturday there was a raid out by the water. Earlier the weekend there was a break-in to one of the new homes prior to the family moving in. Certainly need to progress this forward. We need to reach out to Mike Burbaugh and Elm Street to get motivated. I think us doing it individually is better than one mass letter.
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Post by Mike B on Jun 2, 2010 9:14:39 GMT -5
Good morning all. I think this forum is a great idea - it's great to see so many folks so active in the community already. Hope no one minds me commenting on the forum - I figured it was a good way to communicate to everyone.
I wanted to comment on the security issue - obviously it's important to everyone - residents, builders, and developer.
To summarize what has happened, two of the model homes and one of the homes under construction were broken into recently, with items being stolen such as flat screen TV's, appliances, etc. Unfortunately, this is a common occurence at model homes since they tend to have very predictable hours, and are empty at night. This same thing has happened at Easton Village, and multiple NV communities in AA County recently. It's an ongoing problem. In every instance, these are crimes of "opportunity", and are in no way indicative of a crime problem in the area. As I've said to a few residents, Gibson's Grant is a safe community, and QA County is one of the safest in Maryland.
That being said, GG is on the regular patrol for the local police. In addition, all models now have alarms, and we are looking into a few other "improvements" to keep things a bit more secure during construction. We will not be adding cameras for various reasons, but mostly because our experience has shown that bringing cameras into a community creates more problems than it solves - on many levels.
As is the case in any neighborhood, whether under construction or not, it is very helpful for everyone keeping their eyes open, and not be tentative to call the police if something just looks "out of whack".
I'll keep you posted on security issues as appropriate. I wanted to make sure everyone knew that this is important to us, and we are constantly evaluating how to improve things.
Thanks! -Mike Burlbaugh Vice President Elm Street Development
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Post by Paul Z (127 John Gibson) on Jun 3, 2010 15:49:25 GMT -5
Mike
I appreciate the input and look forward to Elm Street's continued involvement. I was actually intending of sending you an email with these concerns, but looks like you seem to be getting the message.
I think the model home break-ins, from everyone I've talked to, are victimless crimes of opportunity. We, as residents, see it a little more seriously since we live next door to odd events occuring at night. While, we appreciate the fact it may be common place, it is still very disconcerting.
However, if things were isolated to the model homes, we'd probably be comfortable on the level of security. However, we do know of several other instances in the community - including the recent break-in Henry Stoupe road, trailer break-ins, a suspicious car that fled when it a community member made them aware of their prescence, stolen flowers, our cars being egged, the police activity the other evening, and potential other activities that directly involved a member of our community (want to get the facts on that one).
Again, I do not think anyone questions the fact this might be, to a degree, somewhat common in a new community. But the events seem to be getting slightly worse and more directed at the community members. Additionally, many of us are out late at night walking dogs, visiting neighbors, and so on. We do not want to be caught in a situation where we are witnesses to a crime. Eventually, the way things are going, they are going to escalate.
We, as a community, want to be proactive and are talking about keeping our eyes open and possibly starting a community watch. However, we also believe the Sherriff's office and County Commisioner need to be made more aware of the situation. The support of Elm Street in those endevours would be appreciated.
Since the developer is the Board - and we can't speak as the board, and a majority of the incidents involve the developer - your help is requested and very much needed. The onus shouldn't be only on us (e.g. Community Watch) or soley on the Board/Developer - it is a mutually shared responsibility until the community is complete and we can act and vocalize as the singular voice of the community.
There are certainly other solutions than simply cameras. I can see the concerns with their use. A community watch, increased patrols, perhaps additional lighting, etc. are other considerations.
Thanks for taking our concerns on security seriously.
Paul Z.
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Post by Heather Smith on Jun 3, 2010 17:04:32 GMT -5
What are the details about this "raid out by the water" on saturday?
i am still noticing non community members going out and fishing, parking cars near the barns. Is this an act that we should be calling the police to report? Is it trespassing if they do not live in the community.
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Post by Paul Z (127 John Gibson) on Jun 3, 2010 21:38:46 GMT -5
Mike
A suggestion was made to me this evening, and I think it is a very good one, that might me a compromise for those wanting cameras. What if there were two sets of cameras placed at each enterance/exit to the community focused on the license plates of cars?
We'd still have the privacy we'd expect and many of us want within the community, but at the same time provide a record to track down who's committing these crimes.
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judym
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by judym on Jun 9, 2010 6:41:06 GMT -5
I observed suspious activity on Sunday, 5/30/10, approximately 7:00 a.m., 3 adult males 'fishing' at the front pond. It was an uncomfortable feeling. I was reading all the good feedback and agree we need to become more proactive with the current dilemma we face with random 'crimes of opportunity', vagrancy, trespassing, etc. Can we set up a community forum with law enforcement officials for their feedback on securing our homes and knowing when to call 911 or the non-emergency line for law enforcement support. Does someone have time to investigate a Neighborhood Watch? www.nnwi.org/Law enforcement may have suggestions for this process, too. What is the best way to get the word out to all homeowners to retrofit their garage lights with lightbulb socket sensors that allow automatic turn on of garage lights at dark to illuminate the alleys. In other neo-traditional communities, builders have provided this as part of the 'package' Why are some streets illuminated with lamps and others are not? Will street lamps be installed on all streets eventually? Can we begin to investigate how similar communities manage their security? I.e. Oyster Cove and The Pointe on the Narrows (near Mears Marina) are gated. Look forward to being part of the solution.
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Post by Paul Z (127 John Gibson) on Jun 9, 2010 20:49:34 GMT -5
Judy - my intention is to be reaching out to the Sheriff's department - along with Elm Street to determine a path ahead the puts some responsibility in our hands, as well as Elm Street. I also intend to reach out to Commissioner Wargotz also. You provide some good suggestions. I will setup a security forum and ask that law enforcement monitor it, provided they have the bandwidth.
Elm Street reads the forum - so please continue to report activity here (as well as to law enforcement).
Paul
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Post by Paul Z (127 John Gibson) on Jun 10, 2010 13:58:01 GMT -5
Elm Street has confirmed they are taking a look at some of our considerations seriously. I believe the first one that might be coming to fruition is the closure of the 'alternate' entarance. In theory - one entarance and one exit will make it more difficult folks to go undetected at night. They were going to eventually close anyway - so we'll get a great bike path and walk way for the kids much earlier than planned!
I am also looking into a community watch program. The effort for security has to be mutually ours and Elm Street (until they leave).
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