Retaining Walls, Entry Fences, New Fencing and Budget

By Chuck DeCoste, Chair

It’s been a busy summer for the Infrastructure Committee. We continue to work with Epcon to address the retaining wall issues and await action on other items on our transition study punch list. Additionally, we have become involved in a couple of fencing projects. 

We are nearing completion of our work with Epcon Land Management on retaining walls. Epcon has made repairs to the nonconforming walls, and we’re satisfied with most of them. Epcon also has provided most of the missing documentation on the walls. We still are waiting for the city of Durham to provide three missing permits per Epcon’s request.

Another project prompted by the transition study was to keep the tops and bases of retaining walls free of “woody vegetation.” Because this has not been done since they were built, several of the older walls have substantial growth — pine saplings, thorny growth or scrappy trees. Boyco's bid to clean this up was accepted, and they will complete the work after the summer heat lets up a bit.

The Cherob Lane entry plank — wooden — fences were in rough shape. After some review, we decided to repair the fencing rather than replace it. The Amenities Committee worked to secure three bids for these repairs. Then the Infrastructure Committee was asked to coordinate the project. We selected a supplier, the work was done, and the fences now look much better.

Based on security concerns, we identified a need for fencing around the new amenities. We coordinated with the board and William Douglas Management to obtain quotes for new fencing that will connect the pickleball court, pavilion and lap pool to add fob access to enter the pavilion or pickleball court. We accepted a fencing bid and expect the work to be completed in August. The fob access changes will follow.

We have requested a few line items be added to the 2027 budget, including some expected maintenance and inspection items, such as those suggested in our transition study.

Finally, we continue to follow the new amenities warranty progress and to interact with our neighbors on concerns and questions.