Masons Passage News
Online

It's That Time of Year Again!

Now that the warmer weather is finally upon us, it has brought many of us outside to walk, bike, and enjoy our community. As you enjoy the surroundings, here are a few reminders to keep Mason's Passage a clean, safe, and wonderful place to live:

· While walking your dog, please be sure to clean up after him/her.

· Do not play near or fish in the pond. It is a storm drainage area, and in the event of heavy or consistent rains, it will rise rapidly and become a danger.

· Please be sure to pick up any of your trash while you're in the community. Additionally, if you see any trash in the community, please dispose of it in the closest trash can.

· Be sure to inform/advise your children to play safely; this includes not riding bikes or playing sports in the roads, and using the tot lots appropriately.

· If you see suspicious activity, don't hesitate to contact Fairfax County Police. That's what they're there for!

· Please do not park vehicles in a manner that blocks sidewalks. It is a danger and an inconvenience to people walking children in strollers and to children riding bikes on the sidewalks.

· Please keep our community looking great by taking care of your property. Keep your lawn healthy and cut the grass as needed. Also, please return your trash bin to your garage or storage space on trash pickup days as opposed to keeping it out in the street indefinitely.

· Obey the ARC guidelines of the community. If you are intending to build a deck or erect a fence, be sure to complete an ARC form (found on the Mason's Passage website or by contacting Tri-State Management/Koger) in order to get approval from the Mason's Passage Board of Directors.

Updated Parking Information

The Mason's Passage Parking Committee and the Board of Directors are currently reviewing the Guest Parking aspect of the Parking Policy that was passed in the Fall of 2004. Please be aware that the Board will provide a letter or other communication in the event that the Parking Policy changes.

Note, however, that there are certain elements which are out of Mason's Passage HOA control. For example, Fairfax County Police Department continues to have the authority to tow and ticket vehicles that are in violation of county parking guidelines. These include, but are not limited to, parking in the street and in fire lanes, parking in the sidewalk, etc.

As always, if you are towed, please be sure to call 703-691-2131.

Lorton/Route 1 Clean Up Scheduled for June 18th

On June 18, 2005, from 9 a.m. - noon, residents of Lorton will be volunteering their time to clean up along Route 1. Please consider volunteering! If you can participate in the clean up, simply meet at the Lorton Library between 9 a.m. and noon on June 18th. Thank you!

Garage Clean-Up!

As mentioned in previous newsletters, please make every effort to use your garage for parking vehicles and not as living or storage spaces. If you are using your garage for storage instead of as a parking spot for your vehicle, then please make an effort to clean out your garage and MAKE USE OF THAT SPACE FOR YOUR VEHICLE!

Neighborhood Watch

Mason's Passage currently has a Neighborhood Watch e-mail list. If you would like to be on this list, you will automatically receive a Police Incident Report each week. Also, you will be notified via email of any significant crime issues in our area. If you are interested, please send an email to Bob Mills at Rmills26@cox.net.

Mason's Passage Website

Just a reminder that Mason's Passage website changed to www.masonspassage.org. You will be redirected to the new website if you continue to use the previous web address of www.oocities.org/masonspassage. Also note that Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and a meeting schedule are included on the site.

Architectural Review Committee Guidelines

In the upcoming weeks, the Spring walkthrough of the community will be completed by Tri-State Management/Koger. If you are found to be in violation of ARC guidelines, you will receive a letter and a warning notifying you of your violation. All violations must be corrected within 30 days of the notification.

Noise Violation

It has been brought to our attention that some homeowners are allowing their dogs to bark continuously. Please be advised that it is considered a public nuisance and anyone may report it to the Fairfax County Police Department. The first time, a warning will be issued, the second time, a citation will be issued, and the third time, the police may make an arrest. Please be considerate of your neighbors, we would like to keep this a place where we can all get along.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Have a Wonderful Summer!