THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT OWNING

AND

LIVING IN HEMLOCK FARMS

 

PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY

Community Access

Hemlock Farms roads are patrolled by radio dispatched cars for the safety and security of our members.  Cooperation with Public Safety Officers is necessary to help maintain proper security. 24-Hour gate officers are stationed at the main entrance to Hemlock Farms (Route 739) and at the Route 402 entrance.  A system of vehicle identification is utilized to prevent unauthorized entry into Hemlock Farms. Entry at all entrances is controlled by a mechanical gate, which requires the use of a bar-code sticker for entry.  Bar codes are available to HFCA members and may be obtained at the Association Office when registering your vehicle. Visitors and delivery vehicles cannot use the Forest Drive entrance and must use either of the two other entrances to Hemlock Farms.

For fire & medical emergencies, call 911.

For all other emergencies, contact HFCA Public Safety at 570/775-4242, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

 

Advanced Life Support

ALS services are now provided within HFCA.  For a medical emergency dial 911.

911 Signs

You are now required by law to have a new 911 sign.  Call Blooming Grove Township for more information 570(775-6461).

Members:

All HFCA members are required to register their automobiles each year with the Association.  Numbered HFCA vehicle identification stickers must be permanently affixed to the back of the rearview mirror (inside vehicle) of any registered vehicle.  Members may pick up current stickers and gate entry devices at the HFCA Office during regular business hours.  Bring your valid vehicle registration along with the vehicle to the HFCA office. Renters must submit a copy of rental agreement from the homeowner (HFCA member) clearly stating the rental period of at least 1 year in order to get a sticker.  See Chapter 117 of HFCA Code regarding gate entry.

The Board approved a separate vehicle identification sticker for unimproved lot owners, effective January 1, 2000 of a color different from improved lots. 

The purpose of this action is to better distinguish eligibility to utilize the Refuse/Recycling Center.  Use of the Refuse/Recycling Center is limited to members with homes in Hemlock Farms.

Renters:

Qualified renters may obtain a gate entry device for a $35 fee.  THIS FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE.

All vehicles entering Hemlock Farms may be stopped for vehicle identification.

Commercial:

Stickers are issued annually to contractors for a fee of $35.00 at the HFCA Office under certain criteria.  Contractor must show current insurance and registration information at minimum and be actively working in Hemlock Farms to be eligible to purchase a commercial sticker. Contractors whose vehicles meet the designated height requirements for entry through the 739 gate have the option of purchasing a barcode sticker for their vehicle under the same criteria listed above. Fee information is available at the HFCA office (570) 775-4200

Visitors:

All HFCA members are required to authorize their visitors.  The security system is designed to allow only pre-authorized visitors into Hemlock Farms. Call (570) 775 – 4283 (GATE) prior to your guests arrival.  Provide your PIN number, name, address, phone number and the correct spelling of your visitor's name. Register your visitor on-line at www.hfca.com.

Vehicle Code #252

The HFCA Board of Directors has adopted regulations governing use of HFCA property and roads. 

These rules are contained in Section 252 of the HFCA Code. Public Safety Officers will serve citations for both moving and parking violations. Speed limits are strictly enforced by the Department of Public Safety throughout the community.  For more information, please see Administrative Code Chapter 252 - Vehicles and Traffic, towards the end of this Handbook.

Burglar Alarms

For information on Burglar Alarms, please see Administrative Code Chapter 11 - Alarms.

Underage Drinking

Public Safety Personnel enforce PA State Law regarding underage drinking, which is an offense in Pennsylvania. An individual need not be in or near a car for this law to apply and driving privileges can be lost by those convicted of drinking, transporting or possession of alcohol or of having a false identification as determined by a court of law.  Fines of up to $500 for offenders, as well as adults, who purchase alcohol for persons under 21, are often assessed by the courts.  All PA State Laws are enforced in the Hemlock Farms Community and verified cases of underage drinking are registered with the court.

Animals

The PA Game Commission recommends that residents do not feed the deer and bear.  To this end, the HFCA has adopted Code 102, which prohibits the feeding of bear, deer, geese or turkey.