Frequently
Asked Questions
What
is Great Harbors Residents Association?
Great
Harbors Residents Association is a not-for-profit community organization
meant to develop and maintain the athletic, recreational, and social
facilities within the community.
How
much does it cost to join?
If
you are not already covered by the covenant, the cost is $3500 per
household. Over 95% of the homes in the community are members of GHRA.
What
are the Annual Membership and User fees?
Mandatory
membership Dues for 2008 are $182. User fees and passes for use of the facilities are available
for an additional cost for members in good standings. See the 2008
profile sheet for details.
Will
the user and membership fees be going up next year?
Membership
fees are increased by the amount of the Consumer Price Index (inflation)
and will likely rise by a modest amount next year to track inflation.
User fees are set annually for the following year.
When
does the Great Harbors summer season begin and end?
The
season typically starts the last Sunday in June and ends on the Sunday
of Labor Day weekend.
Can
renters use the facilities?
If
the homeowner that you rented from is a member in good standing, and
all current dues are paid, then renters can take advantage of the
association facilities for an additional fee that should be paid in
advance of the summer season.
If
I intend to rent my property, do I have to pay the Facilities Fee, even
if I do not intend to use the facilities myself ?
Yes,
and it will be between the landlord and the renter who pays for the
additional weekly renter fees.
How
much do renters pay?
Renters
pay $160 for a family of six per week if the passes are purchased
by the landlord prior to 6/15, $200 if purchased by the landlord after
6/15. Walkup renters who wish to use the facilities pay $250/week
for a family of six. In either case it is an additional $25 per week
for each additional person over the six person limit.
How
can I get involved with Great Harbors initiatives?
Great
Harbors operations and projects are currently managed and implemented
by volunteer residents. Residents volunteer their time formally -
by joining the Board of Directors for a term or informally - by doing
work with or for a committee. Contact Dave Roberts , the current president of GHRA, any board member, or
attend a Board of Director's Meeting on the third Saturday of each
month at 9:30 at the clubhouse to learn more about the association.
Who
should be notified in case of a change of address?
The Great Harbors clerk
When
does the newsletter go out?
Spring
and Fall.
Does
the covenant dictate things like house color, etc.?
No.
The majority of the community felt that the covenants should not have
that level of detail.
Whom
should I contact about issues related to the roads or drainage.?
The GHRA Board of Directors.
What
issues should I bring to the Town of Falmouth for resolution instead
of the GHRA?
The
town should be asked to resolve any issue that any other resident
of the Town of Falmouth might have...trash collection, unrestrained
animals, noisy neighbors, etc. The GHRA is focused on recreation and
community activities.
I
am interested in purchasing a home in Great Harbors. How can I determine
whether the seller is a member of the Association and is current with
dues and any assessments?
You
or your attorney should inquire directly with the GHRA to determine
the status of a particular property. Those properties that did not
choose to renew the covenant (at no cost to them) or join the Association
when the prior covenants expired are now subject to a $3,500 initiation
fee. Overdue assessments and back dues are linked to the parcel of
land, not the owner. Make sure that you know whether the property
is in good standing prior to closing.
Does
the town provide basic services within Great Harbors even though the
roads are Private?
Yes,
the town plows and picks up trash within Great Harbors.
How
do I get a key to the tennis courts?
If
you are a member in good standing, and would like to use the 3rd tennis
court during the off season, a key can be acquired by contacting Emily
Heald.
How
do I rent the clubhouse?
Members
can rent the clubhouse for a nominal fee. Please contact Peg
McGaffigan for the rental form and to make sure the date is available.
Remember, the clubhouse must be left in the same condition after the
rental. It's for all of GHRA to enjoy, so please be respectful.
How
do I know my status on the dock list?
If
you are currently on the dock list, you can get your current status
by checking the list that is at the toll house or by stopping by for
the monthly BoD meetings. Keep in mind that only a few docks are turning
over annually, and there are currently over 60 people on the waiting
list. If you would like to added to the waiting list, please send
a letter to the GHRA clerk, PO Box 988, East Falmouth, MA 02536. You
must be a member in full standing to be added to the waiting list.
Why
don't we build more docks?
We have
already begun this complicated and expensive process, although the
results and timing of this effort are impossible to predict.
Are
there any other social groups within Great Harbors?
There
are several; The Women's Club, The Men's Club, and a Neighborhood
Watch group. These groups welcome new members.
