Dear Piedmont Lake Homeowners,
The Board has recently received several questions regarding the status of the front entrance gate, pool access system, and overall community security. We appreciate residents who have taken the time to share their concerns, as the safety and well-being of our community remain priorities for the Board.
The Board agrees that a properly functioning entrance gate serves as an important deterrent to unauthorized access. While no gate can prevent every incident, it is certainly one layer of security that helps discourage opportunistic access to our neighborhood. Likewise, improving security at our pool and other common areas remains an important priority.
However, we also have a responsibility to evaluate these issues from both a security and long-term financial perspective.
Front Gate Repair StatusAs many residents know, the front entrance gate was recently damaged after being struck by a homeowner's vehicle.
What initially appeared to be a straightforward repair became much more involved once work began. Additional damage was discovered, requiring further evaluation.
The gate has since been inspected mechanically, and we have been advised that the remaining issue appears to involve the operating system and technical components responsible for controlling the gate. The repair company and technical support continue working together to identify and resolve the issue.
We understand the frustration surrounding the length of this repair. Please know that the Board shares that frustration and wants the gate fully operational as quickly as possible.
Why We Cannot Simply Close the Gate 24/7Several homeowners have asked why the Board cannot simply begin operating the gate 24 hours a day once repairs are complete.
This is a fair question.
Before making that decision, however, the Board must consider several important questions:
- Can this approximately 19-year-old gate withstand opening and closing hundreds of times every day?
- What happens if it fails again only a few months after repairs are completed?
- Can the Association afford another significant repair—or potentially a full replacement costing tens of thousands of dollars?
- Are we solving today's problem while unintentionally creating tomorrow's?
These are not easy questions, but they are questions the Board has a fiduciary responsibility to consider on behalf of every homeowner.
The Board's responsibility is not only to address today's concerns, but also to ensure that the solutions we implement are financially responsible, operationally sustainable, and in the best long-term interest of the entire Association.
Understanding Where We StartedMany residents may not realize that the current Board has only had responsibility for managing the Association for a very short time.
When control transitioned from the developer, the Board inherited numerous challenges.
The current Board did not design this community.
We did not select or install the existing gate system.
We inherited a gate that had already experienced years of wear, repeated damage, and repairs.
We inherited a budget operating at a deficit.
We inherited years of deferred maintenance affecting several community assets.
In fact, concerns regarding the condition of the front entrance gate are not new. Many residents may recall that in 2022 there was discussion regarding a $22,000 special assessment to address gate-related issues. While that assessment was never implemented, it demonstrates that concerns surrounding the gate have existed for several years and predate the current Board.
These are not excuses.
They are simply the realities from which this Board has been working.
Since assuming responsibility, the Board's focus has been on stabilizing the Association's finances while addressing long-standing maintenance and infrastructure needs that accumulated over many years.
Improvements Already UnderwaySince taking over, the Board has been working to improve the long-term health of the Association by addressing numerous issues, including:
- Improving the Association's financial position after inheriting a budget deficit.
- Continuing efforts to collect outstanding assessments owed to the Association.
- Lowering annual assessments in good faith while maintaining HOA operations.
- Repairing the front entrance gate.
- Implementing a new pool access system.
- Addressing maintenance concerns within the clubhouse and office, including termite-related issues.
- Planning for future pool resurfacing.
- Evaluating aging playground equipment that will eventually require replacement.
- Preparing for the additional infrastructure demands associated with Phase II of the development.
These projects all compete for the same HOA resources and require careful planning to ensure that today's decisions do not create larger financial challenges tomorrow.
Pool Access ImprovementsMany homeowners have also asked about the new pool access system.
The Board is actively working to implement an upgraded pool gate access system that will provide better control over who enters our community amenities.
This improvement is intended to help deter unauthorized use of the pool by individuals who are not residents or authorized guests.
Like any new access-control system, implementation requires equipment installation, programming, testing, and coordination with vendors before becoming fully operational.
Although these improvements take time, they remain a priority for the Board.
Community SecurityThe Board recognizes that community security extends beyond the front entrance gate.
Many residents have expressed concerns regarding wooded areas and neighboring access points surrounding the community. These concerns are valid and have existed long before the current Board assumed responsibility.
The reality is that Piedmont Lake is not a fully enclosed gated community. While the front entrance gate serves as an important deterrent, the Board must continue evaluating security improvements as part of a broader strategy for protecting our neighborhood.
Recent incidents involving unauthorized individuals at the pool were taken seriously. Law enforcement was contacted through the appropriate non-emergency channels, and those individuals were removed from the property.
We encourage residents to continue reporting suspicious activity or unauthorized use of HOA amenities so situations can be addressed appropriately while additional security improvements continue.
Vendor RecommendationsSeveral residents have offered suggestions or mentioned companies that may be able to assist with gate repairs or other HOA projects.
The Board sincerely appreciates homeowners who are willing to help by recommending qualified vendors.
As part of our fiduciary responsibility, however, every vendor recommendation must go through the same evaluation process.
This includes obtaining contact information, reviewing qualifications and experience, verifying licensing and insurance where appropriate, requesting proposals, comparing pricing, evaluating the scope of work, and ensuring the project fits within the Association's budget.
The Board welcomes recommendations from residents and will gladly consider qualified vendors as part of this process.
Looking AheadOnce the front entrance gate repair has been completed and the system is operating reliably, the Board intends to move forward with providing the community an opportunity to vote regarding future gate operations.
Our goal has always been to balance security, reliability, financial responsibility, and the long-term needs of the Association.
A Final ThoughtThe members of this Board are your neighbors.
Like every homeowner, we live here, pay assessments, use these amenities, and want a safe, welcoming community for our families.
We volunteered to serve because we care deeply about Piedmont Lake and believe in transparency, responsible stewardship, and making decisions that benefit the entire community.
Not every decision is easy, and not every problem has an immediate solution. However, every decision is made with careful consideration of both the immediate needs and the long-term health of our Association.
We remain committed to keeping homeowners informed and will continue providing updates as additional information becomes available.
Thank you for your continued patience, understanding, and support as we work together to move Piedmont Lake forward.
Best regards,
Bobbie Dawson, Secretary
Piedmont Lake Homeowners Executive Board
402 Cherry HIll Drive, Gray GA. 31032
piedmontlakehoa@gmail.com
Date: Monday, May 18th, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Clubhouse and Google Meet (hybrid meeting)