Upcoming Work in West Winds

Hello West Winds Neighbors,

Over the past few months, the WWBoD Elm Street Committee has been coordinating with the Elm Street Development Group, LLA, and Frederick County on several projects in and around West Winds. A couple of these projects will be moving forward in October, and we want to keep you posted on what to expect:

New Back Entrance Signage

Work on our back entrance upgrade will begin in the next couple of weeks as the stone monument sign is installed. This is a multiphase project that will include relocation of the existing lamp post, clearing brush, sign construction, and landscaping. A rendering of the sign and landscaping plans are attached.

WestWinds Back Entrance Updates.pdf

Download PDF • 3.38MB

Roundabout Construction at WW Main Entrance

Initial work on the roundabout project at the WW main entrance is scheduled to begin in mid-October. The entire project is slated for completion next spring.

For the remainder of 2025, residents should not see any access restrictions to the main entrance to the community. The Elm Street Committee will continue to meet with all involved in the project throughout the coming months and will advise residents of any updates.

Landscape Committee: Street Tree Replacement

Frederick County has advised us that their vendor will be replacing the dead street trees along Country Club Road and installing new street trees along Panorama Drive sometime between October 17 and November 1.

Thank you,

Amy Harvick, President

Cathy Hinesley, VP, Elm Street Committee, Landscape Committee

Conor Moe, Secretary, Elm Street Committee, Landscape Committee

Mike Scott, Treasurer, Budget Committee

Chad Oursler, Elm Street Committee

Catherine Randazzo, Budget Committee, Landscape Committee

Street Trees are Coming!

Work crews are in WestWinds this week to plant the replacement street trees! Today flags were placed in the mow strips at the approximate locations where the trees will go in. There are two varieties - Japanese Lilac and Paperbark Maple. The "AG" flags indicate Paperbark Maples and "SR" flags are for Japanese Lilac. Double-click the image at right to embiggen it. Trees will be planted as close as possible to the original locations - they can't go into the exact same places. These will be small trees with non-invasive root systems and a shorter height at maturity. Summary of work to be performed:

• Tree planting is expected to take 1-2 days.

• Newly planted trees will be deep-watered and fertilized, staked and guyed (ties).

• A protective root barrier 12" deep and about 4' wide will be placed between the root ball and the new sidewalks.

• Soil, straw, and seed will be used to finish off the planting.

• Trees are warranted for 1 year after planting (but not if they die for lack of water!). Legally, each homeowner is responsible for repairs and maintenance of the mow strip and sidewalk in front of their house.
  

Tree Care After Planting With the trees being planted in Spring, regular deep-watering during the hot summer months is really important. The trees are warranted for a year, but if they die due to lack of watering the warranty will not apply. The landscaper suggests:

• Water once a week during weeks with little/no rain, applying 5- 10 gallons of water into the saucer around the trunk. If there is significant rain that week, you don't need to water.

• Aim for alternating wet and dry cycles to encourage roots to reach down for water.

• Don't overmulch or apply volcano mulch!

• They do sell watering rings at Amazon - the landscaper said they are fine if you don't leave them in place for too long. Leaving them up for years encourages insect/termite infestations, but if you think you'll forget to water regularly they could be a good short-term solution!

DID YOU KNOW? The County doesn't usually replace street trees. WestWinds is the only community to get replacement trees - we are being studied as a test case for future county sidewalk repairs. Many thanks to the Frederick County Dept. of Transportation Engineering for keeping us in the loop!

April 2024 WestWinds News

Today is the last call for candidates for our upcoming election at the WW Annual Meeting. With so many big changes facing us this year (LLA's purchase of the former golf course, the Cherry Run connector road, to mention just a few) the Board really needs the input and involvement of a variety of WestWinds residents. Email president@westwindshoa.org if you are interested, or if you have questions about serving!

WestWinds annual dues are due by May 1st! Slightly more than half of homeowners have paid, but there are still 3 weeks to go! See the linked blog post for more information.

Wednesday yard waste pickups have started for 2024, and LLA's board of directors election is underway. You can vote online or at the meeting on May 4th. LLA Spring Bulk Pickup is Saturday, 4/20. List of acceptable items at the link - get your items out to the curb early to avoid disappointment! LLA is only offering one pickup this year, so don't miss it!

Come on out to the WW Spring Fitness Walk on Saturday 4/20 from 8 am to 10 am, starting in the parking lot of Raj's WestWind Bar & Grill. Flyers were delivered to the neighborhood yesterday. Big thanks to the WW social committee and local sponsors Raj Singh, Prospect Pantry, FIT2SHINE studio, 5 West Cafe, and Juice Plus. Warm up and dietician's advice from WestWinds residents Melissa Perlman and Deb Schulze!

Interested in serving as or finding out about the WestWinds Village Chair position? Attend the virtual meeting Wednesday, 4/24 at 7 pm. More information at the link!

You are cordially invited to attend the WestWinds HOA Annual Meeting on April 27th, 2024, 10:00 a.m. - noon inside Raj’s Pavilion, 11330 Country Club Road, New Market, MD.  Please bring a folding or lawn chair - water, donuts and/or muffins, and coffee will be available. This Annual Meeting is required under the WestWinds bylaws to (1) elect Directors to fill Board vacancies, (2) hear reports from officers and volunteer committees, and (3) provide homeowners with a forum to ask questions and provide feedback to the Board. 

ATTAINING QUORUM   To make quorum and hold the meeting, at least 25% of eligible Members (one per household) must attend in person or by proxy.  If we fail quorum, the meeting must be adjourned - no business or votes can take place. MEETING AND ELECTION INFORMATION is going out this week by email, posts on our web site, NextDoor posts, and snail mail - stay tuned!