Dear Members of the Board,

I am writing to respectfully reiterate my concerns regarding the recent changes to the ARC Guidelines on leaf removal. On March 30, 2025, following a public comment at the March Board meeting, I sent a detailed letter addressing issues with your current approach to yard maintenance. Although I did not receive any response, I infer from the subsequent April presentation regarding leaf violations that my concerns were acknowledged, albeit indirectly.

It is disconcerting to note that the justification for the new guideline has shifted from a longstanding emphasis on community aesthetics to a purported focus on fire safety. A review of previous Board meetings clearly indicates that fire safety was never raised as a primary concern regarding leaf accumulation. For example, during the February 22, 2025 meeting (OPVFD also presented) the discussions centered on properties maintaining a neat appearance. Homeowners heard from Operations for the first time “if you can’t see the ground, you have too many leaves,” and comments highlighting the importance of well-kept lawns and overall beautification. There was no mention of fire safety. Director Brady talked about “the mess lawns look like.” President Lakernick stated “we were elected to make sure this place stays nice.” Director Farr stated “homeowner need to understand the requirements of beautification.” Even the GM noted he will see “four front yards meticulous and then you go around the bend, and there it is, it is all leaves.”

Of further note is Director Heavner’s public comment during that meeting where he underscored the Board’s commitment to beautification. His remarks consistently focused on raising aesthetic standards—with no reference to fire safety. He stated that the Board “has made it a mission to address beautiful community appearance” and noted changes in resolutions and ARC Guidelines “in support of beautification.” It appeared that the Board was going to become the beautification police when he stated that “we need to do more to bolster the appearance as it obtains to beautification. While our community looks fine, it is not good enough.” Director Heavner made the plea “I am calling for this Board to be far more aggressive in enforcement and inspections…we need to take it to the next step. I am not satisfied with what I see.”

The April Board meeting’s presentation by the previous ARC chair, which linked raking leaves to fire safety marks the first instance where fire safety has been cited in support of clear-raking requirements. I respectfully assert that this rationale is inconsistent with OPA’s historical practices and legacy, our governing documents, and the established guidelines of Maryland House Bill 322. Over the past half-century, even during severe droughts such as those in 1976 and 2012, OPA has never mandated complete leaf removal. Moreover, the decision in 2018 to permit fire pits—seemingly contrary to fire prevention concerns—further challenges the new justification.

There are, however, many effective methods to enhance fire safety without imposing a blanket approach to leaf removal. Options such as mower-mulching, promoting natural landscaping practices, adherence to Maryland House Bill 322 requirements, and targeted attention to fire risks can safeguard our community while preserving its natural beauty.

In light of these points, I respectfully request that the Board reconsider the mandate for completely clear raking of yards. While it is understandable that some Board members may view this issue from the perspective of urban maintenance as they live in condos or sunny clear lots, for over fifty years, the majority of Ocean Pines residents reside in woodland settings and deeply value the natural character and aesthetics of our environment as did the Founders of Ocean Pines.

If fire safety is indeed a priority, it would be prudent to address more pressing risks—such as fire pits and the DRs ban on outdoor wood burning —rather than focusing solely on resident yard leaves.

I appreciate that the recent Saturday meeting included presentations related to my earlier correspondence concerning the soft shoreline project and leaf violations. In the future, I welcome direct communication on these matters so that we may work collaboratively towards solutions that honor both safety and the cherished natural beauty of our community.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Amy Peck