A reminder that the VAT annual meeting has been scheduled. All homeowners are encouraged to attend.
Details for this meeting were included in the annual assessment packet and can be found below as well.
Date: Sunday, February 5, 2023
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Westland Area Library – 4740 W Broad St
We look forward to seeing everyone.
Happy New Year!
We at the Prairie Township Community Center would like to wish you and your family a Happy New Year! We have plenty of exciting programs coming up that I’d love to highlight for you! We hope to see you at the Community Center in the new year!
Adult Programs
Valentine’s Woodland Wreath Workshop
Make your own Woodland Wreath for Valentine’s Day. All supplies included. Registration link below!
($27R | $32NR | Thursday, February 2nd, 6pm-8pm | Ages 15+)
https://recreation.
Adult Nutrition
Participants will learn the basics of nutrition and the importance of having a balanced diet. This course provides basic information on nutrition and wellness, tailored specifically to adults. Registration link below!
($44R | $55NR | Wednesdays, February 8th – March 1st 6:30pm-7:30pm | Ages 18+)
https://recreation.
We hope to see you at the Community Center soon! Happy New Year!
Thanks,
Vic Woodward
Several homeowners have reached out regarding questions about their annual dues invoices. The letter sent to homeowners in November noted the increase to $315 annually and the the deadline to pay annual dues has moved to January 31, 2023. Invoices will be mailed in late December/early January. Also note that the property manager’s address has changed. Be sure to update your online bill pay address field with the below:
VB Business Service
1209 Hill Rd. N. #150
Pickerington, OH 43147
The votes are in! The VAT best Home of the Holidays is 6089 Broadwell Court, where Stephanie and Scott Krummel are making merry! Congratulations! They won a yard sign boasting their festive status and gift cards donated by your local JOANN store on West Broad Street, and your neighbors, The Vidosh Family. Thank you to everyone who let their spirits and lights shine this year! Our neighborhood sparkles because you’re in it!
Have you noticed an especially charming holiday home in the neighborhood? Passed by a winter wonderland while walking the dog? Mention that address you’re loving in the comments below! Inspire your neighbors to take a look! Then vote for it! Voting will take place December 17-21. The grand-prize winner will be announced December 22! Everyone take a stroll or a drive through our winter-wonderful neighborhood anytime between December 17 and 21 to search for your favorite home. Make a note of the address YOU think should win best Home of the Holidays. Then you can cast your vote by paper in the ballot box at the front door of the gate house, or you can vote by email to [email protected]. One vote per household, please and thank you! 
Hello Neighbors,
In 2022 the Board heard many homeowners’ concerns about snow removal within our community. Many homeowners in courts and cul-de-sacs told us that by the time plows arrived, the snow was so packed down that plows did not drop their blades, and instead spread salt. Homeowners on main roadways often had slush and ice building up around curbs due to lack of drainage. All-in-all, homeowners dealt with icy streets to try to maneuver through and lots of frustration.
In response to these concerns, the Board has arranged for private snow removal within our community in 2023. It is our plan to continue with these services should they improve the safety of our community. There are some parameters for these services and they are outlined below:
City of Columbus plows will still service our community however it is our goal that our private contracted services will clear our roadways faster once the snow stops. Making for clear and safer streets.
To take the best advantage of this service we kindly ask homeowners to do the following when heavy snow is in the forecast:
We hope residents find this new service an enhancement to our community and we will welcome feedback as snow events occur so we can follow up with our contractor as appropriate.
Safe driving everyone.
REMINDER – Annual Dues
Several homeowners have reached out with concerns over not yet receiving their annual dues invoices. As indicated in the letter sent to homeowners in November, the deadline to pay annual dues has moved to January 31, 2023. Invoices will be mailed in late December/early January. Also note that the property manager’s address has changed. Be sure to update your online bill pay address field with the below:
VB Business Service
1209 Hill Rd. N. #150
Pickerington, OH 43147
Santa Claus visited VAT
A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated in our annual Santa visit on Sunday! We are happy to report that it appears all the kids (and some dogs) made the Nice List this year. Much fun was had and we are grateful for everyone who organized and participated.
Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season!
End of Daylight Savings Time
A reminder that this Sunday, November 6th, at 2:00AM marks the end of Daylight Savings Time – don’t forget to set your clocks back by an hour.
Also, this is a great opportunity to take care of semi-annual homeowner projects such as: changing batteries in smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, cleaning external dryer vents, having furnace and fireplaces serviced and making sure home emergency kits are up to date.
Village at Thornapple Turns 30
As we progress into the fall and winter months many homeowners are addressing common home maintenance projects including: driveways, roofs, landscaping and home painting. It is exciting to see homeowners showing pride in our community.
This year marked the 30 year anniversary of our neighborhood’s establishment. Due to our neighborhood achieving a certain age many of the more expensive home maintenance projects have been showing up in the neighborhood. To help homeowners plan and budget for these projects over the next few weeks we will be posting information for homeowners to reference when looking at home projects and budgeting for the upcoming year.
Driveways
To starts us off we will be covering driveways. Current guidance is that concrete driveways will reach end of life at approximately 20-30 years depending on care, use, maintenance, and weather. As asphalt driveway will last approximately 20 years again depending on care, use, maintenance, and weather.
For our community a property will be determined to be outside compliance when any of the following apply:
Black Top/Asphalt
Replacement will be warranted when >75% of driveway is fractured, fissured, and/or deteriorated (graveling) OR
Sealing will be warranted when 50% has no visible appearance of blacktop sealant
Concrete Driveways
Replacement will be warranted when >75% of driveway sections are broken, heaved, or decomposing into aggregate
Driveway replacements DO require a Request for Review application with approval to proceed with work. Many local businesses have long waiting lists so make sure to plan your project timelines accordingly.
Finally, don’t forget to thoroughly vet any vendor you plan on using. There are many resources for this: Google/Yelp Reviews, the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s, and others. According to the BBB here are some of the best practices when it comes to vetting a new vendor:
1. Research and gather information
2. Ask for references
3. Ask for multiple quotes
4. Get information/offers in writing
5. Verify licenses and insurance
6. Confirm building permits
7. Inquire about lien waivers
8. Ask about warranty coverage
9. Arrange a payment schedule
10. Get a receipt
11. Keep your contract
For more information on any of these items click here.
We hope homeowners find this information helpful and informative. Have a great weekend everyone!
Per the Far West Side Area Commission Facebook Page
Renner Road will experience periodic road closures starting Monday, Oct. 31. Per the Franklin County Engineer’s Office:
“Currently, we are planning to start resurfacing parts of Renner Road on this date. We will use a one-way flagging operation for the maintenance of traffic. Motorists are being notified using message boards.”
Please consider adding additional time to your commute as necessary.