Whetstone Watch

Springtime in Whetstone

by Timothy Thompson, Whetstone Board of Directors

Well, it’s spring again in Whetstone. The transition from a cold and (actually) snowy winter feels so sudden this year; I still have a bag of ice melt in my car I never brought in. That white blanket of snow I looked out on in my yard has so quickly been replaced with dropped white Magnolia petals, as our beautiful trees move forward blooming and leafing out. Away goes the implements of winter, and out comes lawn mowers, rakes and leaf blowers. Ice melt bags are out, mulch and yard cleanup bags are in.  All ready for the great annual outdoors spring cleanup.

The WHC board met on March 13 for our annual meeting, approving the election results for 2025. We have several maintenance projects scheduled for the warmer days ahead. These include obtaining evaluations of trees in the community to determine where pruning is needed. Additionally, roads will be inspected to finalize which will be repaved this summer. These roads are streets off Whetstone Drive in the Ridges and Lakeside sections and the Courts. Stay tuned, and ample notice will be provided by community management on paving schedules. Also, path systems, storm drains, step railings, retaining walls and bridges will be inspected this spring, with necessary repairs reported and proposals requested as needed. We’re also finishing up repair and replacement of a select number of street signs previously deemed needing attention. One new project, in the early proposal phase, is upgrades and enhancements to our entrance signage planting areas (or “monument”) islands at both the Village Avenue and Centerway entrances.  Designs will be discussed during our board meetings as the project takes shape.

Of special note, some may have seen or been affected by minor work WSSC was performing in Whetstone, one day in early March. Our understanding is it was a simple repair and not part of any currently planned ongoing project. While unrelated to this work, it does bring to mind the subject of knowing your household water pressure. 80psi is considered the maximum recommended pressure for residential fixtures, appliances and piping. Checking is as easy as attaching a readily obtainable and affordable gauge to your outdoor hose spigot.  If over 80psi, a whole-house pressure-reducing valve is recommended. Another plumbing item to be aware of is a water heater expansion tank, which absorbs the additional volume created by heating water. The original late 1960s water meters in Whetstone allowed this expansion to push backwards into the city supply lines. New meters have a one-way check valve, which necessitates adding an expansion tank to your water heater. I share this having just had my original meter replaced. Staying ahead of plumbing conditions goes a long way toward avoiding future more serious problems.

Enjoy the great weather ahead and have a wonderful spring.

Whetstone Watch: for residents of The Courts, Goshenside, Lakeside and the Ridges of Whetstone.