Village Preps

[CharlesHarris]

About half of the lots have vacation cottages which are not occupied full time, and the rest are occupied by either retired people like myself, or young couples with kids who commute into DC, Winchester, Martinsburg or Hagerstown to work. The last year before I retired I commuted 150 miles round trip into Fairfax, VA and back every day. I don't miss that at all.

Something which worked well for our community, there were several houses which had been foreclosed upon, were derelict and several years behind in association dues for road maintainance, etc., as well as on taxes. Our association was able to file mechanic's liens on these properties, pay the back taxes and got clear title to the properties. The association then fixed them up and entered into an agreement with the County to permit sheriff's deputies, EMTs, etc. to live in these homes rent free if they would help coordinate with our security company, neighborhood watch and CERT, and the county then would include our neighborhood within part their assigned patrol area. This type of community policing is common here, and it is a good deal for younger deputies with families who are short on money. These Deputies and their families are part of our community, participate in community activities, and advice residents on safety and security matters.