TO: Owners at Gun Creek HOA Townhomes and Single-family homes

FROM: Jeff Hawkes, Community Association Manager 

DATE: June 3, 2025 

RE: Owner survey regarding wooden trail and benches behind properties

The Sponsor of the Gun Creek Homeowners Association, Grand Island Town Board and the developer are contemplating the elimination of the wooden walking trail located on the East side of the common area after hearing the residences issues regarding the wooden trails and benches.  Removing the wooden paths and benches eliminate the need for the maintenance of such trail and the related expense. Homeowners within the Gun Creek Townhomes subdivision and the Single-Family homes have indicated that they are not in favor of having the walking trail behind their homes and many believe this project would negatively impact the neighborhood in the following ways:

1.      Safety and Security Concerns – Additional foot traffic behind homes increases the potential for trespassing, vandalism, and crime, making it harder to ensure the safety of families and properties.

2.      Loss of Privacy – A publicly accessible path behind the homes will significantly reduce resident privacy and create unnecessary foot traffic near private backyards.

3.      Increased Noise and Disturbance – Gazebos/benches and walking paths may invite gatherings that could result in excessive noise, loitering, trash and disruption to our peaceful residential environment.

4.      Increased Traffic and Parking Issues – A recreational area behind our homes may attract visitors from outside the community, leading to increased vehicular traffic and parking congestion in an area not designed to accommodate such activity.

5.      Potential for Unsupervised Gatherings – Without proper oversight, the path/benches may become hotspots for unsupervised gatherings, including underage drinking, illicit activities, and excessive late-night noise.

6.      Ongoing Maintenance Issues – Wooden paths require upkeep to prevent erosion, weed overgrowth, and unsightly deterioration.  Without clear and committed maintenance plan the path will become an eyesore and hazard.  Current paths are not maintained in the community.

7.      Environmental Impact – Construction and maintenance of a wooden path may disrupt the natural landscape, impact local wildlife, and lead to erosion or drainage issues in our yards.  Increased issues with the large Tick population and diseases.

8.      Property Value Decline – Reduced privacy, potential noise, and security concerns could negatively impact property values in our community.

9.      Drainage and Flooding Risks – The addition of a wooden path could alter natural water drainage patterns, leading to pooling, flooding, and water damage to adjacent properties, especially during heavy rainfall.

10.  Light Pollution – Individuals walking on along the path or near gazebos at night, would create unwanted light pollution, disrupting residents’ ability to enjoy their properties in the evening.

11.  Lack of Community Support – This project does not align with the desires of the residents who will be directly affected. The lack of community input and support should be taken into serious consideration before proceeding.

The wooden chip paths installed three years ago and are now completely unrecognizable. The Sponsor would like to survey the homeowners within Gun Creek to determine the interest in eliminating the walking trail and benches completely.  Green trees and/or neighbor friendly trees would be added instead of these items.

By signing this survey you DO NOT want the wooden paths and benches in the Gun Creek community.  Please complete no later than June 23rd 2025.