From Management

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Fishing within Gatewood

Every year as the summer begins, we need to remind all residents of the fishing policies within the community. Houses that are located around the smaller ponds have property ownership that extends out to the middle of the ponds. As a result, fishing is not allowed in these ponds unless you are fishing with one of these property owners on their property. Community fishing is allowed on several sections of common parcels owned by the association. These are all located on the large two lakes. Maps are available in the Clubhouse which depict where these locations are located. Homeowners may access the two large ponds for fishing from common areas. For the big pond the common areas are located on Brookfield Drive by the gazebo, the common areas behind the clubhouse, and off the large pier on Gatewood Drive. On the smaller lake below the large dam, the common areas are the flat grassy area below the dam and along the edge of the pond to the small pier. A concerted effort is going to be made to stop trespassing and unauthorized fishing. Trespassers will be warned at the first incident and will be prosecuted for additional incidents. Please call the sheriff ‘s office 942-8600 to report a trespasser/unauthorized fishing. You may also call Wilson Bruce at 377-1016. Please remember that just as a member must accompany a guest to the tennis courts and the pool, guests must alsobe accompanied by a homeowner when fishing.

Why Must the Association Approve My Outdoor Building or The Erection of a Fence?

Although the Association may sometimes seem like Big Brother when you want to build a shed or put up a fence, our design review program is actually a benefit—not a burden. The Association’s design standards are based on harmony with the overall community, consideration for neighbors, and high- quality construction practices. The Architectural Control Committee exists to maintain, protect, and enhance the value of your property, and it strives for a balance between individual rights and the good of the entire community. While Association members have the biggest stake in property values, others are also very interested in seeing our community well maintained and looking its best. Builders’ reputations and lenders’ financial support are closely connected to the community. Also, public officials have an interest in maintaining and enhancing the community since tax revenues depend on property values. The Association tries to notify new members of its design review requirements as soon after they move in as possible. If we missed you, or if you need another copy, please contact the Clubhouse or any member of the Architectural Control Committee. Also, be sure to consult the Architectural Guidelines if you’re considering any type of exterior design change. These guidelines contain everything you need to know about the approval process, design requirements, and the Association’s basic design philosophy. The guidelines even list changes that don’t need to be approved. The Architectural Control Committee makes every effort to process applications fairly, reasonably, and quickly. And we trust the same can be said for how we handle alleged violations— most of which are resolved easily. Please contact any member of the Architectural Control Committee or Donna Hasting in the Clubhouse if you have any questions.

Speeding in the Neighborhood

When more than one or two homeowners complain about a specific issue or problem, Management and the Board of Directors sit up, take notice, and respond. We have begun to hear concerns expressed this Spring about vehicles driving too fast in our community. These incidents are occurring both during the day and could be the result of non-Gatewood residents, and they are also occurring after 5pm and on weekends. Logic would have you to assume the latter is more than likely activity by a Gatewood resident. During the warmer months we have an increase in walking and jogging activity throughout the neighborhood and want to remind residents of the importance of discussing speed limit restrictions with all their family members and guests. The speed bump/humps are gone so this deterrent is no longer applicable. Law enforcement issuing tickets have proven to be effective for short periods. Therefore, if the problem persists, we will initiate having deputies patrol and issue tickets to violators.

Yard Waste

Greenwood County provides regularly scheduled monthly pick up of yard debris on the first week of each month within the Gatewood neighborhood. Calls to Greenwood County are not necessary for pick up. Debris to be disposed of should be placed curbside of one’s own property during, but not before, the seven-day period leading up to the pick-up date. Please note that the debris is to be placed on YOUR property. Debris placed on vacant lots or open space across the street is a violation of Gatewood’s Covenants & Restrictions.

Debris Pickup Tips:

  • Limbs must be no greater than 6-8 feet in length and 10-12 inches in diameter
  • Lot clearing and professional tree removal debris shall be removed by the contractor, land- scaping contractor, lawn care service, tree surgery company, property owner or person having the work done
  • Avoid placing debris piles under utility lines, fire hydrants, utility boxes, mailboxes, storm drain culverts and in the road
  • Do not mix leaves with limbs and other yard waste debris
  • Leaves, pine needles, pinecones must be bagged. It is recommended that you use the thick, paper yard trash bags found at local hardware and building material stores.