Gillian Cell & Jim Ackerman

To help you better understand the role of the FHA in the Fearrington community, Gillian Cell and Jim Ackerman have provided us with answers to the following questions.

Tell us about your background, and how you got to Fearrington.
After a long career as an academic (professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) and academic administrator (Dean of Arts and Sciences at UNC-CH and later Provost at the College of William and Mary), I wanted to move back to this area when I retired. I assumed that I would return to Chapel Hill where I had lived for many years. But, when I looked for the kind of property I wanted – a house or town house with virtually no yard – I found that such a home in Fearrington was far more attractive in terms not only of price and property taxes, but of the beauty, charm and friendliness of the Village. I bought a house in Camden Park and have never for a moment regretted my decision. Gillian Cell (GC)

During the many years I lived and practiced orthodontics on the Main Line of Philadelphia we consulted annually with a prominent Philadelphia financial planner primarily in preparation for retirement. When our financial planner retired to Fearrington Village it was our first clue that this must be a very special place. In short, we checked it out and the rest is history.
Jim Ackerman (JA)
 

How does the FHA work to support property values?
The principle ways in which the FHA works to maintain property values are through review and approval of proposed architectural changes and enforcement of the restrictive covenants. The FHA through its responsibilities for maintenance of common spaces, mail kiosks, the playground and the Gathering Place is dedicated to maintaining and improving the appearance of the Village. Sustaining the great spirit of community that exists in FV creates a environment that is highly desirable to prospective home purchasers. JA
 

How does the FHA support Health, Safety and Security?
The Board’s major current initiative is establishing an Emergency Preparedness Plan for the village, most particularly ensuring that the community as a whole as well as individual residents are prepared if an emergency arises. GC

When you look at other planned communities, how well managed is Fearrington?
By serving on the Board of the North Carolina Community Associations Institute, I have been able to compare and contrast Fearrington with other comparable communities throughout the State. I can say without reservation that there is no comparable community.  Over the years, the management of the village has primarily rested with Fitch Creations with the help of the FHA. Today we are trying to establish more of a partnership whereby the sharing of responsibility is more equitably distributed. JA

Describe the community – in particular what do you hear from Fearrington Residents about why the chose to live here?
In a word, neighborliness. My neighbors made me feel so welcome and making friends beyond Camden Park through my involvement with some of the clubs and now the FHA has been easy. When residents fall ill or have some other problems, neighbors are quick to help. The nature of this caring community is perhaps best illustrated by the organization, Fearrington Cares, run by volunteers, which provides a range of services and as well as educational programs and referrals that support residents and promote wellness. Volunteerism, both within Fearrington and in the surrounding area, is also a strong characteristic of the community. GC
 

What else would you say to someone who is considering living here?
For most major decisions in life, which involve economic factors one’s expectations are often far greater than the reality of what one is ultimately faced with. Moving to FV has an almost paradoxical effect in this regard. Most of the residents of FV couldn’t even imagine how great a place it is until they move here and experience its charm and serenity. I don’t believe that any rational person, who has the option of selecting any community they wish, would dither for even a second about moving here.  JA

If you want to live in beautiful and peaceful surroundings with good neighbors, easy access to first-rate health care and more cultural and educational opportunities than you can possibly enjoy, this is the place for you. You will find plenty of clubs and organizations to be involved with as well as many opportunities for worthwhile volunteerism within and outside of Fearrington. GC
 

We would like to thank Gillian Cell and Jim Ackerman for their time answering these questions.

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Fearrington Village | 2000 Fearrington Village Center | Pittsboro, NC 27312
Just minutes from Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, NC
(919) 542.4000

© 2008 by Fitch Creations, Inc