Newtown Village Service Corp.

Newtown Village Newsletter May 2008

May 04, 2008

Community?’s Annual Meeting
Our annual meeting is scheduled for May 18th 5 p.m. at the Bear Library. All residents are welcome to attend and participate in the discussion. Homeowners in good standing may vote on community initiatives.
Volunteers and Board Member needed!
Board Members:
The board needs additional members: responsibilities would include attending periodic planning meetings, assisting with community issues such as tracking housing sells, improperly licensed cars, monitoring activity in the park, identifying and monitoring completion of task assigned to the landscaper i.e. grass cutting, removal of dead trees and trash removal, spring and fall clean-ups, snow removal and maintenance of dry and wet storm water systems.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Beautification Committee: We currently have volunteers in our community that plant spring seasonal flowers at the front entrance and maintain the area across from the pond. We appreciate their efforts and contribution to the community. However, due to housing sells a volunteer opportunity may soon become available.
Special Events: Plan and execute special events for the communities enjoyment and participation. Due to the numerous housing sells we have lost a few volunteers who planned and organized community events. The types of event previously held were the Community Yard Sells, Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Light Competition and Community Clean-up Day.
Any one who would like to volunteer please come to the meeting or contact us via the neighborhood link.


Aggressive Driving and Parking
How many of you have almost collided with someone who was driving on the wrong side of the street, particularly that S curve at the front of the development? Perhaps you had to avoid hitting your neighbor or a visitor who was running a stop sign! Aggressive driving creates a dangerous environment for all; our children are riding their bicycles, running to meet their friends, your neighbor or perhaps you are walking the dog or getting your mail; it would be tragic if someone suffered an avoidable personal injury or even death due to careless or aggressive driver.
?• Slow down the speed limit is 25 miles per hour in residential districts, however if conditions are unsafe you must lower your speed. The DMV indicates you should be watchful for 2 major pedestrian group?’s children and older adults.
?• Stop at the traffic signs, they apply to every person walking, driving and riding a bike.
?• Drive on the correct side of the street, ask your visitors to do the same! Even if there are no posted sign you should stay in the right lane.
Let?’s keep our streets safe for everyone driving, walking or riding a bike in the neighborhood!!!
Parking in our community can be limited our private driveways accommodate two cars; it can be especially difficult on the narrower streets. Please keep in mind if you park on the street in front of your driveway it is illegal, you are obstructing the free flow of traffic and/or your neighbors access to their driveway. You risk damage to your vehicle or an angry neighbor banging on your door around 5 a.m. (it has happened).
Blocking a fire hydrant is also illegal. I spoke with a member of the fire department and asked the question ?“What would happen if you responded to a fire and someone had blocked the hydrant??” His response ?“we will do what we have to do?”! that didn?’t include knocking on doors to locate the car?’s owner, but it did mean pushing a car out of the way or running the hose through the car windows!?” That?’s a lot of water in someone?’s car!

New Castle County False Alarm Reduction Program (NCC website 1/8/2008)
New Castle County kicked off a new program to reduce false alarms and police responses.
Residents and business are now required to register their monitored alarm systems, the program began on January 14, 2008.
The county is tracking the number of false alarms from any one property, in cases where the police respond three or more times to false alarms per year, the homeowner will face fines ranging from $100 to $250 per violation. Five or more volitions will result in suspension of response and will require proof that the alarm has been tested and fixed.
The fine for failing to register an alarm is $50.
Contact the New Castle County Office of Alarm Administrator at (302) 839-2731

Delaware Solid Waste Authority Information www.dswa.com 800-404-7080

RECYCLING DROP OFF CENTER
William B. Keene Elementary School
200 LaGrange Avenue
Newark, DE 19702
Materials Accepted:
Newspapers, Magazines, Phone Books, Plastic narrow-neck bottles, Steel, Aluminum, Empty Aerosol Cans, Clear Glass, Brown Glass, Green Glass, Corrugated Cardboard, Household Batteries, Plastic Grocery Bags, Junk Mail

Notes: The center is open to the general public and is located behind the State Police Barracks on Rt. 40.

Drop Off Yard Waste - Pick Up Free Mulch!
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has opened three free yard waste drop-off sites within New Castle County. Yard waste will be ground into mulch and will be free to residents when it is available. Mulch can be used as weed suppression, decorative bed covering, and more.
?• The first site is located at DART's mid-county facility at the southwest corner of Rt. 13 and Rt. 72 near Bear and is open everyday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
?• The second site is located on Polly Drummond Hill Road directly across from the entrance to the Judge Morris Estate. This site is also open everyday from 8:30am-4:30pm.
?• The third site is located in the Brandywine Hundred area near the intersection of Cauffiel Parkway and Philadelphia Pike and is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.