We’re excited to share the results of the Ivy Hill Homeowners Association (HHA) Feedback Survey that we conducted in November, 2025.
The survey was shared in the Ivy Hill Communities – Forest, VA Facebook group. It was shared multiple times, and everyone was invited to complete it. Additionally, the link could be shared with anyone in the neighborhood, whether or not they are a member of the Facebook group.
The survey was anonymous. Unless the respondent chose to share contact information, there was no way to identify them.
One thing that is immediately notable is that there was one response from a former member of the Architectural Committee, but otherwise, no other former or current IHHA Board or Architectural Committee members responded.
The majority of the responses were from Ivy Hill proper, but we also received responses from Club Terrace, Equestrian Ridge, Haines Point, Ivy Lake, Ivy Woods, and Quail Ridge.
The majority of respondents moved to Ivy Hill in the last eight years, though we had respondents who moved here as far back as 1991.
The survey results indicate that our neighborhood is primarily composed of families and established adults. The high frequency of residents in the 25–44 and 5–12 age brackets suggests a community with many school-aged children.
Conversely, we see very few residents in the 18–24 age range, suggesting that young adults may move away for school or work, or that the neighborhood primarily attracts those in a different life stage.
77% of our respondents are not members of the IHHA.
41% were members at one time, but are no longer members.
Those who have chosen not to renew their membership were asked why. Here are their responses:
Didn’t really know what I was paying for. Road way areas seemed to be cut sporadically. The entrance is the only area that seems to get regular lawn care.
Pay hefty dues already for Ivy Lake Haines Pointe HOA.
It was optional and did not see the benefits of paying our dues
Most of time I forget about it. I have dues specifically for our neighborhood for street maintenance and snow removal.
We disagree with their use of funds. We do not support the use of funds for legal fees, suing neighbors etc.
Why pay money voluntarily when you don’t have to and it doesn’t benefit you at all?
The first time, it’s because I was kicked out by Tom. The second time, it was because I wasn’t provided with documents (financials, etc.) that I am entitled to as a member.
The actions of the IHHOA were not aligned with our views of how an HOA should perform.
77% of respondents have always known the IHHA membership is optional. This is great.
When asked if the IHHA is a Homeowners Association in accordance with the Property Owners’ Association Act, 36% believe it is, while 64% believe it isn’t.
“55.1-1807 does not apply because the IHHA is not a mandatory neighborhood HOA as defined in that statute.”
Tom Haertel (via email),
March 27, 2025
36% of respondents know where to access key governing documents for the IHHA (such as Bylaws or Articles of Incorporation).
The majority of respondents, 55%, feel like meeting minutes or financial reports should be published quarterly.
Exactly 0% of respondents think they should never be published, which appears to be the current frequency for which meeting minutes are published.
Some of the required financial reports are published annually in the newsletter, but other required reports are absent.
Only 5% of respondents believe the Architectural Committee is currently operating in compliance with the deed restrictions, which require a qualified architect.
They are, in fact, not operating in compliance. According to an email from Sharon Mahon, the Architectural Committee has been operating without an Architect for at least as long as she has been involved with the Committee.
When asked about confidence that the Architectural Committee’s decisions regarding exterior design (e.g., approval of sheds and fences) are based on consistent, objective criteria, 73% of respondence are not at all confident.
Nobody responded that they feel extremely confident.
When respondents were asked if they think the Architectural Committee’s process for approving or denying exterior changes is transparent, 9% think it is, while 77% think it is not.
How effective is the IHHA at performing its duties?
You can’t attend a meeting, even if you wanted to. When respondents were asked if they’ve ever attended an IHHA meeting, 91% have not, while 73% have never even been made aware of the dates and times or locations of meetings.
Do you believe the enforcement of the Ivy Hill Reservations and Restrictions is applied equally to all homeowners?
45% of our respondents have sought guidance from the Architectural Committee before. Of those, 60% said the guidance was not helpful.
36% of our respondents have received a violation letter from the IHHA or Architectural Committee, with one of them having received two. All but one of them took corrective action.
How has the IHHA affected your life in Ivy Hill?
We asked our respondents how the IHHA has made their living in Ivy Hill more positive.
It has not. I live on Quail Ridge with two small children (4 and 2 years old). I have called the president of the HOA requesting info on speed monitoring (signs or police monitoring) and told basically there is nothing they can do. A car crashed in my front yard into one of our trees. It is a dangerous place to live. If my children were outside playing at the time they could have died. I called the HOA president describing the incident and my request to have a fence in my front yard – maybe similar to homes on Wiggington. I was told I could not. The silly esthetic rules being enforced are MORE important than my CHILDREN’S safety. This is extremely disheartening. Obviously making me not want to be a member and pay dues. If I could move I would but cannot in this economy. Please revisit what is most important- a SAFE neighborhood where families WANT to live and thrive.
Consistent application of rules.
Installed lights at the entrance.
They make sure the front entrance stays mowed.
It hasn’t.
I have seen no positive outcomes related to the actions of the IHHA, only negative.
Overseeing development of property moving forward and overall remaining in compliance with the original contract.
Overall the various associations have good intentions I think. There doesn’t seem to be as many internal politics as with other suburban HOAs, but in many cases there are antiquated guidelines being applied.
I’m not sure the IHHA has done anything positive on its own.
I do not believe it has been made a positive impact on my living in Ivy Hill.
I like the entrance signage – that’s about it.
The Octoberfest is the only thing I can think of and it was ok at best.
Having lived in Ivy Hill from 1987-2009, I enjoyed the beautiful views and clean-looking homes. Many people move to Ivy Hill because it IS different from other neighborhoods by having more restrictions. The restrictions are there to keep the neighborhood from looking shabby and tacky. Having restrictions also increases property value, not to mention desirability in the neighborhood. If residents don’t like the rules, they aren’t forced to live in Ivy Hill. They SIGN the restrictions in their closing documents. I believe if someone signs something, they should follow it. If not, don’t sign it and move to the neighborhood. In my opinion, ‘making Ivy Hill great again’ would be just that by going back to the way it was in the 80s and 90s when people had pride if ownership and WANTED to make the neighborhood look nice by following the rules. Allen Harvey was strict, but we are still reaping the benefits of many of his ideas. Keeping Ivy Hill nice will only work if the residents work together to keep it classy like it was originally intended. The IHHA restrictions are there for a reason. I am all for transparency, but each home buyer receives the rules upon closing on their home. Thank you.
Similarly, we asked how the IHHA has made their life less positive.
In every way that they can.
It hasn’t. If you don’t like how they operate, be a board member. It is obviously a thankless job that no one wants (otherwise the same people wouldn’t be on it year after year) but rather than trying to fight them, try joining them to make change?
They act in a manner that is unjust and unfair. They have caused undue stress with their ridiculous demands. They have insulted myself and several neighbors online publicly. They have asserted their overbearing opinions and allowed their own personal ideas to govern how they operate. They function in a manner I deem as bullying. This list goes on and on. They refuse to answer questions or provide information to those living here and trying to follow the rules they seem to make up to suit their own needs.
Unable to follow through with rules and regulations due to the lack of funds to prosecute offenders.
Seems to be property spies. They thought I was putting in a pool because I had shrubs cleared!
Poorly managed HOA not following their own rules and committee guidelines and then attempting to use their made-up powers to cause emotional and monetary harm to their fellow neighbors.
Denied request for a fence. Stated fences are not allowed at all even though there are numerous homes with fences.
They are bullies who impose their arbitrary whims on homeowners.
They did not provide any information when we moved in (and have stated it’s the Ladies Association’s job… which is absolutely stupid).
Rejected our request for a shed. Rejected our request for a fence, twice. Even though our direct neighbor has a fence and a shed. Dollar Tree decorations on entrance signs are cheap and ridiculous looking.
They were no help when we reported neighbors for [violations of the deed restrictions].
It has been very petty in regards to posts and comments on Facebook and has been biased towards friends/neighbors who have tried to have positive conversations and change in the neighborhood.
Annoying letters, inconsistent rulings from the Architecture board.
I am used to the IHHA restrictions and they never bothered me.
What would you do?
Finally, we asked the respondents if they could make any changes to positively impact the community, or individuals living here, what would they change?
I would get rid of the IHHA entirely and replace it with an organization (formal or otherwise) that focuses solely on helping the people in our community, and expecting nothing in return.
Aside from the annual letter asking me to join, I have had quite literally no interaction with the IHHA. To be honest, when we moved in we were told there was no HOA. We have done very little to our home, but we did install a fence, and just made sure to speak with our direct neighbors about it. We have great neighbors and have never had any issues.
Have more social events at the club house for residents. Make a small area for pups to socialize and play together. Sidewalks and lighting. Get the beach at opened Ivy Lake again.
Get rid of the entire board, re-elect individuals via an actual election who are interested in bettering things for all families in the neighborhood. I don’t think anyone wants to see the neighborhood go down the drain and for property values to drop, so some simblance of neighborhood guidance would be beneficial. A rewriting of the rules (and all the work needed to get the votes, ugh) to be applicable to today’s lifestyle and needs, while also being reasonable and usable. It’s a lot of work but with the right group, I think can be done.
As it currently stands I would disband the IHHA completely as it is not benefitting anyone currently. We would need a way to care for the entrances of the community.
People should be allowed to make changes and do things on their property they would like.
Sidewalks and road calming speed bumps! The neighborhood should be walkable. People do not adhere to the speed limit.
Abolish any HOA in the essence of any legal association. Then turn it into a community board that is non-profit, for the people and by the people. Volunteer based service to provide opinionated expertise on how community funds should be spent and how to improve the experience of living here.
Don’t spend money on Oktoberfest and buy speed radar signs! Invest that money in the safety of our neighborhood. We don’t need parties – we need a happy and safe place to live! OR raise money for speed bumps or speed-deterring rumble strips that we can install as a community.
As stated previously, if you don’t like how it is being governed, run for the board and BE on the board. Make your changes in the proper channels rather than running up the board’s expenses in legal fees. That is detrimental to all of us.
I would like to see the IHHA dissolved and a more community-based non-profit take its place.
I would eliminate the HOA as it presently stands. I do see a benefit in having a HOA to manage the issues of a large neighborhood; however, our current HOA does not perform the duties in which it is entitled equally, fairly or sensibly.
Allow residents to change their property on a case by case basis, depending on where their property is located.
Elect board members that actually follow the rules and regulations.
Institute monetary penalties for those not abiding by the rules and regulations they agreed to when originally purchasing property in the Ivy Hill Community….i.e., campers and motor homes stored in driveways.
Greater focus on slowing down vehicle traffic in places where children and pets are frequently outside. It feels like too much effort is wasted on petty issues and the much more important concerns such as speeding ignored.
Clear directions, rules, bylaws. Consistent rulings on architectural requests, transparency, engaging in community instead of being uppity and elitist.
If you’re asking my opinion, I would encourage residents to take time to read the restrictions and follow them. I remember when people did that and the neighborhood looked great. I think living in a beautiful place makes a very positive impact on the neighborhood.
Thank you to everyone who took time to respond to the survey. We’re working hard to improve the quality of life in Ivy Hill, and your feedback is both necessary, and appreciated.
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