Whether want to buy a house in our neighborhood, you just did or you have lived here for years...find answers below.
1. When purchasing or renting a home in Greater First Colony, do I have to buy an Association membership?
Answer - No. Membership is a paid option that gives you access to so many amenities listed above while also paying for the general maintenance of the common areas.
2. If I don't pay for a membership, can I still use any of the amenities?
Answer - No, given the costs to maintain the many amenities it is required to pay the annual membership fee.
3. Does First Colony have a mandatory architectural review committee requiring approval for landscaping, tree removal, home changes, sheds or building projects?
Answer - First Colony is a civic association and does not require approval. Please read the applicable covenants noted below. However, we are zoned R-1 and fall under the permit requirements and residential regulations of James City County. To avoid any fines or other actions, we suggest you contact James City County before you start any project to make sure you get any needed approvals or permits to avoid possible fines or other County penalties.
4. Can I use or join the marina, boat ramp and/or beach if I’m not a resident?
Answer - No, these amenities are solely for the use of resident members of the Association
5. Can I join or use the pool if I'm not a resident?
Answer - Yes, see the pool link above for further details.
6. Can I join the pool if I am a resident but not a member of the association?
Answer - No. Residents must join the Association to be eligible to join the pool
7. Can I fish in the lake or at the marina?
Answer - Yes, with an Association membership. Non-members are NOT allowed to fish at either location. A Virginia fishing permit IS required for fishing at the marina though NOT required at the LAKE as it is private property.
8. Can I put my boat in the lake?
Answer - Members are allowed to use the small lake park and use a small (john boat/kayak, etc.), no engine boat.
9. Who picks up trash and recycling for residents?
Answer - Homeowners contract with private trash companies. Some commonly used companies include: Suburban Disposal, Republic, County Waste/GFL, Waste Management, Ambrose, etc. Curbside recycling pickup is optional and managed by James City County for a small fee. There are multiple recycling drop-off locations in the County that are free.
10. Who do I contact for problems with drainage ditches, connecting culverts or road issues around my home?
Answer - Contact the Virginia Department of Transportation.
11. How many homes are in the Greater First Colony neighborhoods?
Answer - Approximately 540.
12. What schools will my children attend while living in Greater First Colony?
Answer - Matoaka Elementary, Hornsby Middle, and Jamestown High School – all highly ranked schools built within the last 2 decades.
13. Why do we have to pay fees to use the amenities?
Answer: All the amenities, entrances, lake and other pieces of property have to be repaired and maintained which costs the association money every year and some assets like the pool and spillways have recurring large costs when they begin to fail. VDOT has also reduced their responsibility levels putting more expenses on our association. Since we do not have mandatory HOA fees like other neighborhoods, we need as many members as possible to minimize those fees.