WWHA (Whitaker Woods Homeowners Association) represents a community of 152 homes located off Gayton Road in the west end of Richmond, Virginia.

Office Holders: Andy Klein (President), Brian Sullivan (Vice President), Carla Jacobs and Melanie Feldstein (Secretary), Indu Bhargava (Treasurer)

Boards of Directors: Shari Barbieri, Jim Beamer, Indu Bhargava, Vishwa Bhargava, Ray Clemen, Carla Jacobs, Jack Kavoukian, Andy Klein, Amy Shields

Activities of WWHA:

Maintenance (seasonal flowers, mulch, trimming, watering) of (2) Gayton Road and Green Mount Road entrances ; Lighting at (2) Gayton Road entrances ; Maintenance of split fence along Gayton Road ; Annual picnic at subsidized rate ; Ice Cream social ; Publication of homeowners directory; Happy Hours; Architectural Review Committee; Issue Safety alerts; Represent neighborhood interest in zoning matters; Neighborhood trash hauling; Welcoming Committee to welcome new homeowners

More initiatives on the way to make WW "Best-of-the-Best" places to live

Last but not the least- Annual dues $75.00 per year

WWHA Block Captains

Andy Klein, 10812 Weather Vane Rd. Phone: 750-2177 - 15 Homes, even no. on own street and Weather Vane Ct.

Carla Jacobs, 10816 Weather Vane Rd. Phone: 740-3550 - 15 Homes, odd no. on own street and Weather Vane Ct.

Jack Kavoukian, 1810 Locust Hill Rd. Phone: 741-3554 - No assignment

Jim Beamer, 1805 Locust Hill Rd. Phone: 741-1786 - 20 Homes on own street

Ray Clemen, 1805 Plain View Rd. Phone: 741-2531 - Exempt to allow time for entrance lights replacement and maintenance

Shari Barbieri, 10815 North Bank Rd. Phone: 740-5389 - 12 Homes on own street

Initiatives to make WW "Best-of-the-Best" place to live:

The self-assessment conducted during 2006 resulted in the following:

1. How do we perceive our neighborhood?

Lots of young children

Attractive neighborhood

Good house and lot sizes. Some houses with full basements

Good location, quiet neighborhood

Good value for money

Stable neighborhood

Quality construction

Convenient to stores and amenities

Good school district

Lot of woods, trees throughout neighborhood

Mature landscaping

Well built homes by known builder

Well-kept houses

Variety of houses, different sizes

Nice front entrance

Majority of homeowners keep homes well maintained

Minimum ½ acre plots

Well kept yards

Wonderful and congenial neighbors and clean neighborhood

Neighborhood is clean

Nice neighbors homogeneity of the houses

Mature neighborhood (no construction)

  1. What can a homeowner do to improve the neighborhood?

2.1 Mailbox: Replace if it is dented or faded. Straighten the mail post if leaning and not vertical. Ensure house no. is affixed on it and is visible.

2.2 Parking: Park vehicles on the correct side of the street. At night park vehicles on own driveway. Refer by-laws article III, Section 1(g)

2.3 Waste Cans: Promptly move them away from public view upon emptying by the trash hauler.

2.4 Pets: “All pets (dogs, cats) must be kept under the control of their owners and must not become a nuisance to other residents.” Refer by-laws article III, Section 1(c)

2.5 Night lighting: To enhance security around the neighborhood, leave lights on in front and back of the house.

2.6 Metal reflectors in yard: Eliminate them unless needed for traffic and lawn safety. Ensure they are not unsightly i.e. they are not leaning and bent.

2.7 Yard: Keep them mowed and clean.

2.8 Speeding: If you observe someone speeding, report the vehicle no. to the Police.

2.9 WWHOA dues: Have mercy on your volunteer Board members in general and the Treasurer in particular. Promptly pay the dues. This would eliminate having to generate reminders and distribute them. Thanks.

3. What can WWHOA do?

3.1 Entrance signs: Algae is forming on the back. Paint them. Plant seasonal flower at the entrances.

O ur entrance does not have the "look" that some neighborhoods that are newer do. I think that putting a fountain at each entrance or at least change the look of the sign. Perhaps put in between stone pillars that match the other stone pillars at the entrances instead of the wooden supports.

3.2 Curb wall at Stoneycreek Drive entrance: Study eliminating or rebuilding it.

3.3 Organize egg hunt for kids

3.4 Organize Garden Tour

3.5 Organize 4th of July parade for kids.

3.6 Organize carol singing during the holiday season.

3.7 Organize Christmas Tour.

3.8 Organize optional home services within neighborhood (lawn maintenance, trash pick-up etc.)

3.9 Ensure better drainage control throughout neighborhood.

3.10 Appoint backup Block Captains to ensure continuity in neighborhood affairs. Define what a Block Captain does.

3.11 Discard old records no more of value.

3.12 Motivate non-paying homeowners to pay annual dues.

3.13 Long term I think that adding street lights to the corners where the signs are would be most beneficial in upscaling the look of the neighborhood and at the same time adding to security. 3.14 Organize a Business Fair where WW Homeowners can showcase what they do for living and others can see what products and services are available from WW Residents. 3.15 Erect No Solicitation signs

4. What can County of Henrico do?

4.1 Rusted and leaning sign posts and faded signs: Either paint or replace the rusting posts. Ensure they are vertical. Replace any faded signs.

4.2 Tunbridge Drive entrance: Along Gayton Road Two trees are dying, cut them.

4.3 Perform periodic sweeping of Stoney Creek Drive.

4.4 Deleted

4.5 Provide sidewalks up to Gayton library.

4.6 Provide enhanced neighborhood security.

4.7 Cover the open ditch.

Thanks to the self-assessment team consisting of Brenda Feria, Cristy Samper, Indu Bhargava, Nicki Blanchard, Vishwa Bhargava-Lead