Petition to Maintain a Single Point of Entrance and Exit for The Glade

We, the undersigned residents of the Glade, respectfully submit this petition to formally request that the Glade Board of Directors take the necessary actions to maintain our community’s current configuration of a single point of entrance and exit.

Our Concerns and Reasons Include:

1.     Negative Impact on Property Values

Properties adjacent to state-leased agricultural land or the proposed bike path access stand to experience a direct decrease in value.

The presence of a backdoor entry compromises the exclusivity, security, and perceived safety of the entire community, leading to broader depreciation in property values, Glade-wide.

Many homeowners chose the Glade specifically for its controlled access and sense of seclusion. Maintaining a single access point helps protect property values and the overall desirability of the community.

2.     Increased Crime and Nuisance Activity

The Glade POA recently invested ~ $8K from community dues into upgrading the front gate security system. This investment aimed to improve safety and accountability.

Any backdoor into this community raises further concern, as it appears inconsistent with the community’s commitment to enhancing security, especially given the significant recent expenditure at the main gatehouse intended to provide controlled and trackable access.

Introducing an unsecured rear access point could further invite:

• Trespassing
• Noise disturbances
• Theft and other illicit activities
   

3.     Unbudgeted Expenses

Several types of expenses can be expected. These fall into initial, ongoing operational, and risk management categories including liability insurance. Here's a breakdown:

Initial - Design, permits and construction.

Ongoing Operational – Maintenance and repairs are recurring expenses to maintain and operate the amenity.

Risk Management and Mitigation - Liability insurance, premiums, legal compliance, safety audits, buffer zones, signs, fencing, ADA compliance, and legal waivers. Liability insurance and premiums will vary based on type of amenity, amenity location, usage volumns (how many residents or outsiders use it) and claims history of the POA. Additionally, this would highly likely require specialized policies or riders for high-risk amenities.

4.     Enhanced Security and Safety
A single access point significantly improves the ability to monitor and control who enters and exits the neighborhood. This deters unwanted or suspicious activity and helps ensure the safety of all residents, especially children, seniors, and those who walk or bike in the area.

5. Preservation of Privacy and Peace
Our community has long benefited from a quiet and private environment. Additional access points could increase through traffic and noise, disrupting the peaceful atmosphere that residents value and the right to “peaceful possession and use of the Property by the Owners”.
6.     Violation of Community Covenants

This proposal is in direct violation of Section 12.2.6 of our Community Covenants, which clearly states:

"No use or practice which is either an annoyance to Owners or an interference with the peaceful possession and use of the Property by the Owners shall be allowed... no Owner shall knowingly or willfully make or create any unnecessary, excessive or offensive noise or disturbance which destroys the peace, quiet and/or comfort of the Owners..."

Conclusion:
In light of significant concerns outlined—including impacts on property values, unplanned financial burdens, security risks, covenant violations, and the erosion of our community’s peace—we strongly urge the Glade Board of Directors to preserve the current single point of entrance and exit. This configuration is fundamental to the identity, safety, and stability of the Glade. 

The proposed backdoor bike path is not a benign amenity but a high-risk access point that undermines the comprehensive plan to improve safety on Holland Glade Road. We urge decision-makers to prioritize the safety, property values, and quality of life of current residents and refocus efforts on enhancing safety for all modes of transport along Holland Glade Road.

We, the undersigned, ask that our voices be heard and that decisive action be taken to protect the core values and well-being of our community.