Good Neighbor Code of Conduct
“Being a good neighbor is an art which makes life much richer.” — Gladys Taber
The GLA, a community of 42 lots, adopted this code on 08/08/2023 for the purpose of establishing acceptable boundaries and behaviors to be considered a “Good Neighbor Code of Conduct”. The covenants already include several tenets of being a good neighbor, such as property maintenance, parking practices and caring for our lakes. This code of conduct takes those tenets one step further and emphasizes that positive communication with your neighbors is a potential key to resolving many problems.
At the core of the GLA is respect and appreciation for how each family uses and enjoys their wonderful properties while minimizing the indirect impact on other homeowners' quality of life. When issues arise, the board encourages all members of the GLA to work together to solve problems before asking the board to intervene. If the parties are unable to come up with a solution, the next step would be to reach out to your sub-association leadership for assistance.
Every neighbor is entitled to the most direct method of contacting a fellow owner. In order to allow urgent matters or issues to be addressed in a timely manner, all members should provide their phone numbers and e-mail addresses to the GLA and the Board should provide an updated listing to all members at least once per year.
Being a good neighbor is a two-way street, meaning all owners should be able to enjoy their properties in a manner that adheres to existing Wolfeboro rules and regulations. However, the purpose of this document is to encourage compromise and understanding between owners when “discussions” are necessary.
Responsible Noise Practices
Each owner should be mindful of reducing excessive noise between the hours of 10:00 PM and 8 AM, in accordance with being a good neighbor. This includes minimizing loud music, reducing noise from backyard games, and being considerate of the impact large gatherings or parties may have on neighboring properties.
It is understood that celebrations and recreational activities are part of lakefront living and contribute to the creation of many wonderful memories. This code of conduct does not seek to ban such events, but rather emphasizes the importance of awareness and efforts to minimize potential disruptions for neighboring residents.
There Is Always Compromise and Understanding, Rather Than Right and Wrong
As with any problem-solving skills, the goal is finding a level of understanding and compromise if possible. No one neighbor who is following the “rules” can be deemed “non-compliant” because another neighbor seeks a one-sided solution to a problem. There are always exceptions to the rule and being able to proactively address issues is always the best way to go.
Being Receptive
It is recognized that bringing an issue up to a neighbor can be intimidating and stressful. No one enjoys creating an issue. As uncomfortable as it is to receive feedback, being receptive to listening and understanding a potential issue can go a long way to finding middle ground and compromise if possible. Please understand that no one wants to create stress and awkwardness so the best path to potential resolution is listening and respectfully moving forward with conversation.
In Summary
Each property is used in a unique way that fits the needs and joys of each owner's friends and family. Issues will arise from time to time, but how we agree to work together to find resolution will make for greater harmony amongst the 42 properties within the GLA. Every situation is unique and we hope that these guidelines will make neighbor conversations more productive moving forward. The GLA board as well as each sub group is here to help as needed but hoping nothing ever needs to be elevated to this level.