Senate Bill 964

Senate Bill 964 has been introduced by Senator Linda T. "Toddy" Puller, who represents parts of Fairfax and Prince William Counties. As introduced, Senate Bill 964 will have a significant, impact on the aesthetics of community associations. If passed by the General Assembly, this amendment to the Property Owners' Association Act would prohibit associations from adopting rules to control the display of political signs on individual lots - unless the recorded governing documents give the Association greater authority. Even though the law might allow a Board to establish some rules governing size and other factors, there could be little or no control over the number of such signs and what is displayed upon them.

Why would the NWC be concerned over such a proposal? The appearance of your neighborhood will deter or attract criminals. Litter accumulation is a sign to criminals that the neighborhood doesn't pay much attention to itself and the safety of its residents. Crime and litter statistics both show a direct relationship between high crime and litter-strewn neighborhoods.

Ask Senator Puller to pull this legislation before it is considered. Make the effort NOW to stop this sign pollution and campaign litter before it is allowed to get started in your community.

Newspaper Theif

At the NW meeting an issue was brought up about someone stealing Washington Post newspapers. For the past 3+ years, Monday through Friday, a man has been targeting Greenwood residents and stealing their newspapers. The woman who delivers the papers has confronted the person and he ran off into the woods, but it did not deter him. Based on her description, he is a thin white man with very curly hair and is approximately 5'7" or 5'8". He is always on foot and usually wearing blue jeans and a light blue jacket when the weather is cool. He targets homes between 5:00am - 6:30am, Monday through Friday. He focuses on streets past the stops sign on Seatrend , primarily Dakine, Debra Lu Way, Simmer Circle & Levi Ct .

The police are aware of the situation, but we can do our part to help resolve the issue by using the 6 key elements in a proper Neighborhood Watch program.

• Know your neighbors
• Be observant
• Write it down
• Carry a cell
• Do not approach
• Call police

If you see anything, please call the police - the numbers are:

Non Emergency Police – 703-691-2131 (enter into your cell phone)
You can report online at http://www.gairfaxcounty.gov/ps/police/CRS/CRSDiscl.html

Or you can contact the Fairfax County Crime Prevention Officers, Ellie Eggars or Jim Nida, at 703-922 8263

Update on NWC

Thank you to all that showed up for the NW meeting last week. We hoped there would have been more residents at the meeting as one of the ways to best prevent crime in our neighborhood is for everyone to do their part. Officer Nida, a Fairfax County Crime Prevention Officer, spoke about crime in the area and how to best protect yourself from becoming a victim. This information can be found in fliers and handouts available for free at the Franconia Government Center on Franconia Road

If you would like to become a member of the Greenwood NWC or would like to report anything of interest, send an email to greenwoodnwc@gmail.com

Officer Nida stressed it is up to neighbors to do their part to stay safe.
· Know your neighbors – when they are in town, type of cars they drive.
· Be observant
· Write it down
· Carry a cell
· Do not approach
· Call police

When in doubt – call the police – they want all the calls they can get. When many calls with in with bits and pieces of information it can be like puzzle pieces building the scene.

Non Emergency Police – 703-691-2131 (enter into your cell phone)

You can report a crime online at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ps/police/CRS/CRSDiscl.html

Tip line for rewards: 703-691-8888 Crimesolvers@fairfaxcounty.gov

Fairfax County Crime Prevention Officers
Ellie Eggars
Jim Nida
703-922 8263

All are welcome to attend the Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) at the Government Center off Franconia Road. They meet the 3rd Wednesday of the month (sometimes this will change due to off site trips). The meetings begins at 7pm; down to business by 7:30. Snacks are provided.

Gone in 4 seconds

Here is an excellent post on youtube.com Well worth the 3 1/2 minutes it will take to watch to help prevent becoming a victim of identity theft.