Westview Park Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some common questions follow:
Westview Park is NOT a covenant-controlled community.
Annual
dues are $10 or less per household. What is the Westview Park Improvement & Civic Association
(WPICA)?
When do residents need to seek approval to make changes to their properties?
Why do we operate with volunteers rather than using a professional management group?
How do I place an advertisement in the Newsletter and on the Website?
What is Neighborhood Watch (also known as Citizens
On Patrol (COP))?
I’m LOST and can’t find my way around the neighborhood, is there a map I can use?
Answers:
Where is this development and when was it built? What is the Westview Park Improvement & Civic Association (WPICA)? What is the WPICA's official address? Maintenance and landscaping projects within Westview Park
Mailings of meeting notices, budget information, and other official business
Quarterly Newsletter to keep you informed on events in our community Community-sponsored and family-oriented social events and special events
including twice yearly yard sales and an annual Easter Egg Hunt A model
Citizens-On-Patrol (COP) program that assists local law enforcement Neighborhood with a close, friendly relationship with County police Postal box for official correspondence with professional organizations and an
outlet for residents to send their concerns for WPICA action Powerful
representation of the 1800-home constituency in Westview Park Zoning code
enforcement - citing residents and homes to remove unsightly/untagged vehicles,
high grass and other property violations to keep property values stable and our
community beautiful Two well-maintained recreation areas (Western Hills
& Westview Parks) Community association is eligible to apply for and receive government
grants for special projects Summer concerts in the park at Westview Park located on Chesworth and Gilston Park Roads Participation in sponsorship
of EDRECO programs such as basketball, softball, baseball, soccer, etc Sponsor Christmas home decorating contests Semi-annual general meetings where
residents can interact with elected officials, police officers, and local
business owners in addition to, of course, your Association Officers and Board
members. Lobby government officials for noise abatement wall constructed
along the Baltimore Beltway and other public transportation efforts planned for
our region Building a community identification wall at Johnnycake and
Southridge Roads Float in Catonsville's 4th of July Parade representing
Westview Park; in 2001, we won an Award of Excellence from the Parade Committee Your Association has a great working relationship
with local politicians, including our County Councilman, and works to submit
legislation to improve our community when required What happens if residents don't pay their dues? What documents govern the operation of Westview Park? When do residents need to seek approval to make changes to their properties? What is the process for getting approval? What happens if residents make changes without approval? Who provides our trash removal services? What is the trash removal schedule?
http://www.co.ba.md.us/FAQ/trashrecycle.html
Westview Park is a more modern section of
Catonsville (built about the 1950's era) that runs along a large section of
Johnnycake Rd and extends southward to Route 40 in some portions of the
neighborhood. Features in this area include the Westview Mall and Ingleside
Shopping Centers, Johnnycake Elementary School, and the Western Hills Community
Park which is shared with the Woodbridge community. Homes in this area include a
mix of mid-size single family homes and attractive townhomes.
Click Here to view
a Map
of Westview Park -- our area is highlighted in blue.
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WPICA is the legal entity responsible for community management issues.
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The business address of is:
Westview Park Improvement & Civic Association
6400 Baltimore National Pike, Box 537
Catonsville, MD 21228-3921
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Homeowners' annual dues cover:
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Westview Park residents who do not pay their dues prior to January 1st of the
calendar year are unable to vote on issues affecting the entire community.
Westview Park is not a covenant-controlled community. Liens are not filed against the property
if dues are not paid; however, residents are encouraged to pay their annual dues
of $10/family or $8 if you're single or retired.
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The WPICA Constitution and Bylaws, ratified by all Westview Park
residents on February 22, 1961, are the legal documents which empower WPICA to
represent the community.
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Residents never need to ask WPICA for changes to their residence. However,
Baltimore County requires permits and approval on a large number of projects.
Residents should hire only state-licensed and bonded contractors and investigate the
following website for details:
http://www.co.ba.md.us/FAQ/permits.html.
Hiring unlicensed people to work on your property puts you at risk for lawsuit
if they're injured; and it also may prompt heavy county and state fines.
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Residents never need to ask WPICA for
changes to their residence. For zoning questions in Baltimore County, contact
the Department of Permits and Development at 410.887.3391. For zoning
classification changes, contact our community planner at 410.887.3480.
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Residents never need to ask WPICA for
changes to their residence. However, Baltimore County may charge the owner a substantial fine for constructing
fences, decks, etc not approved by the County. Moreover, permission will be required retroactively and, if changes are not approved, the
homeowner will be legally obligated to have
the changes removed or reversed.
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Baltimore County provides the services which are funded through your property
taxes. Corrugated containers or cardboard boxes are not
proper containers and will not be picked up. All boxes must be flattened and
tied in bundles for pickup on recycling days. Categories of recyclables include:
paper, plastics, and yard waste. All items, except recyclables, placed
on the curb for pick-up must be placed in a metal or plastic trash can
when on the curb.
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Baltimore County has 217 different
schedules for trash/recycling pick-up. To accurately determine your pick-up
days, call 410.887.2000. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Or visit the following website at
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Why do we have a Board of Governors?
The Board of Governors act on behalf of the residents to manage the legal entity that is known as
WPICA. These individuals approve all expenditures of the WPICA Treasury and guide the direction of
the association.
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How is the Board elected? How often?
The Board is elected to two-year terms by all Westview Park residents whose dues
are paid. Elections are held each year at the Annual Meeting held in
October.
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How are Board members compensated for their services?
WPICA Officers and Board of Governor members volunteer their services and do not
receive any compensation.
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Why do we operate with volunteers rather than using a professional management group?
We save thousands of dollars annually and determine our own destiny. Communities
who use professional management groups typically have covenants and mandatory
annual dues that be as high as several hundred dollars.
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What committees are there and what do they do?
Zoning (Standing): Investigates complaints of illegal building
structures, unkempt lawns, and abandoned vehicles. Interfaces with Baltimore
County government officials to rectify issues.
Membership (Standing): Responsible for notifying community residents of
their status in paying annual dues. Maintains record of dues receipts and helps
ensure the association membership attains at least 20% (required by county and
state governments for WPICA to be formally recognized).
Social (Standing): Organizes social events for the community.
Newsletter (Standing): Keeps owners informed about WPICA issues with a published newsletter and other communications.
Welcome (Standing): Distributes information to newcomers.
Fundraising (Standing): Interfaces with area businesses to solicit ads
for the quarterly newsletter. Develops innovative ways for WPICA to raise funds
which support community development projects.
Citizens on Patrol (Standing): Coordinates activities relating to the Neighborhood Watch
and routinely interfaces with the Baltimore County Police Department.
Nominating (Ad hoc): Identifies and recommends to the BOG for ballot as many qualified candidates for
WPICA Officers and the Board of Governors.
Website (Ad hoc): Manages WPICA website, ensures appropriate content, and
interfaces with WPICA leadership to maximize communication with the community.
Standing and Ad Hoc: Standing Committees have ongoing responsibilities. Ad Hoc Committees are formed
by the WPICA President for a special purpose. Once that purpose is accomplished, the need for the committee ends.
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Is there a directory of residents?
No – Not one that is available for publication. WPICA has a limited Directory
of those homeowners who are current on their membership dues. WPICA will
never share, sell, or distribute any resident's personal information of any
kind to anyone.
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How often is the newsletter published?
Once every 3 months.
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How is it distributed?
United States Postal Service, Bulk Rate Mail.
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What are the policies for placing items in the newsletter?
Board members and committee chairs routinely contribute to the newsletter.
Residents with an item of
general interest is
strongly encouraged to submit an article or announcement for publication. Items are published at the
discretion of the WPICA leadership and may be edited. The preferred way
to submit newsletter items is via email to our newsletter editor at
newsletter@westviewpark.org; you can also submit
items via U. S. mail to the following address: WPICA; 6400
Baltimore National Pike, Box 537; Catonsville, MD 21228-3921.
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How do I place an advertisement in your newsletter and on the website?
Any Westview Park member in “good standing” (current with all dues) may place
home-based business advertisements (2 lines maximum) in the newsletter free of charge.
Larger advertisement sizes are available to members and non-members alike -- see
prices below. For more information, e-mail our newsletter editor at
newsletter@westviewpark.org.
Business card size advertisement - $25 (WPICA members)
Business card size advertisement -
$35 (non-members)
Quarter-page size advertisement (4.25 x 5.5 inches) - $50
Half-page size advertisement (8.5 x 5.5 inches) - $100
Full-page size advertisement (8.5 x 11 inches) - $200
We can also help develop your advertisements. Please feel free to send us your advertisement via email or mail it to us. We will send you an invoice with a self-addressed stamped envelope to make payment really easy. Proceeds go towards newsletter printing and mailing costs. Please also note that our newsletter is also available on this website.
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Publication | Deadline |
|
April-May-June |
March |
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July-August-September |
June |
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October-November-December |
September |
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January-February-March |
December |
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What is Neighborhood Watch (also known as Citizens on Patrol (COP))?
COP is our partnership with the Baltimore County Police to ensure neighborhood safety and security.
We rely on residents' cooperation and a group of Block Captains who know their neighbors.
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How do I report a crime or suspicious activity?
If it's an emergency, call 911. In situations that are less urgent, call our local law enforcement agency, which is the
Baltimore County Police.
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How can I get involved?
To participate as a Block Captain, WPICA Committee or Board of Governor position, contact
our president, Steve Whisler, at 410.788.3232, or
email him.
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Who are the current members of the Board of Governors?
See
Board of Governors.
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How do I join a committee?
Contact our president, Steve Whisler, at 410.788.3232 or e-mail him at
president@westviewpark.org.
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Mail from WPICA has my name spelled incorrectly/has the previous owners' names/includes a person
who no longer lives at this address. How do I change it?
The members' database is maintained by Roy Fredrick; please route your changes to him (or to a member of the Board of
Governors.) His phone number is
410.747.4336; his email address is
membership@westviewpark.org.
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I’m LOST and can’t find my way around the neighborhood, is there a map I can use?
Click Here to view the Map
-- Westview Park is highlighted in blue.
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