Melani Caron
The Quail Creek POA assessments are more than just a budget entry, they are the driving forces that keep our community well maintained and continually improving. Among the most important uses of these funds are road surface treatments such as polychip and mill and pave projects. These kinds of investments not only keep our community looking its best but also protect property values and reduce long-term costs.
What is Polychip?
Polychip is a way to give our roads a protective “coat” so they last longer. First, a thin layer of special liquid asphalt (mixed with a strengthening additive) is sprayed on the road. Then, small gravel chips are spread over it and pressed in. As we saw just a few weeks ago in Unit 17, polychip is the last step before the road actually has to be removed and replaced with new. Think of it like putting a weatherproof sealant on your deck—it keeps the surface strong and looking good, so you don’t have to replace it as often.
What is Mill and Pave?
Mill and pave is a more extensive resurfacing process. It involves the actual processes of removing the road and laying new asphalt. If you recall, this process was completed in Unit 1 in the summer of 2023. The same process will be done this month with the scheduled road work slated for Quail View Loop Road. This is the short loop from the four-way stop (Grill and clubhouse, heading towards the Robson Sales office ending at the Admin/dog park intersection). Don’t worry, a section of this road will remain open during this project in order to allow traffic to continue to flow through this area and to make sure everyone can get home.
The steps included are:
Milling—removing the top layer of worn asphalt
Paving—laying down a fresh layer of asphalt for a smooth, durable surface
Striping—final touch to the new road
This method is used when roads have deteriorated beyond what surface treatments can fix (meaning, no further options to use Poly Chip to extend the life of the road, it’s time to replace). While this process is more costly than polychip, mill and pave restores structural integrity and provides a like-new appearance. By going out to bid, I was able to negotiate a $76,000 savings. My plan is to use these savings to defray the costs of unexpected road repairs yet this year.
Why These Projects Matter
Polychip and mill and pave might not sound exciting, but they’re basically the Quail Creek’s way of giving the roads a little TLC. When you pay your POA dues, you’re not just checking off a bill—you’re pitching in for smoother drives, safer streets, and a better-looking community. These projects are planned well ahead of time so we can fix things before they turn into big, expensive headaches. By chipping in (pun intended), we all help keep our neighborhood looking sharp, safe to travel, and a place we’re proud to call home.