Maple Springs Community FAQs
Leadership:
MSIC - Maple Springs Improvement Committee
The MSIC is an independent, nonprofit corporation whose purposes include the care and management of certain lands in the Whiteside Allotment and the adjoining Maple Springs Community. It serves to protect the Whiteside Allotment property owner’s ability to utilize the Allotment Common Lands for the purposes to which there were originally dedicated, in a manner that encourages friendship, sociability, and cooperation in the community, according to its bylaws which can be found on the Vault page.
- Who are the MSIC trustees? As listed on the About Us page, there are nine board members as well as the President of the MSCA who serves as an ex officio member.
- What are the qualifications? MSIC members must be persons who are property owners of the Whiteside Allotment. The term for board members is three years with no limit on the number of terms they may serve.
- Are the MSIC board members representative of the community? In response to vacancies, the MSIC President appoints a nominating committee. To ensure balance, the nominating committee is charged with developing a slate of nominees, taking into account a balance of factors including longevity of residence, seasonal/full time residency, community diversity and members in good standing in the MSCA. MSIC board members must be property owners within the Whiteside Allotment.
- What do the financials of the MSIC look like? MSIC has a treasury, but the MSCA is the entity which collects dues for the ongoing expenses of the community. On occasion, MSIC board members have contributed personal funds, for example, to obtain additional real property or to initiate funds for legal expenses. Presently, the MSIC has $232.02 (May 2025) in its account.
- How can I learn more about MSIC activities? Please consult the officers and other trustees listed on the About Us Page.
MSCA - Maple Springs Citizens Association
- Who are the MSCA board members? The seven MSCA board members, each of whom may serve up to three two-year terms, are listed on the About Us page.
- Where can I find the MSCA bylaws? The MSCA bylaws can be located in the Vault along with the MSCA Financial Statement.
- MSCA meeting minutes can be found on the Board Updates page.
How do the MSIC and MSCA work together?
- The MSIC and MSCA have different purposes within the community, and in 2020 memorialized their working relationship in a Memorandum of Understanding, also located in the Vault.
Where is the common property located?
Areas in yellow are owned by the MSIC and maintained by the MSCA. Areas in blue are owned by the MSIC and maintained by neighbors.
General rules within the community
The dock courtesies, also found in the Vault, outline community customs around docks and lifts.
Who can I call if I witness unsafe boaters on the lake?
Please call 911 for emergencies, or call the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s office in Mayville: 716-753-4232
I would like to install a memorial or other physical improvement on community land.
In response to controversial use of community land, in 2021, the MSIC and MSCA approved a policy on the use of common land for the erection of a memorial or other physical improvement on community land. Community members who are interested in this area should consult the policy and follow the listed procedure found on the Vault page. To date, the MSIC and MSCA have not been called upon to take action under this policy, but stand ready should the interest arise.
Can I drive a golf cart around Maple Springs?
In general, New York prohibits standard golf carts like you see on golf courses from being operated on public roads, including within Maple Springs. Low-Speed Vehicles are permitted, if they have a top speed of 20-25mph, weigh less than 3,000 lbs., and meet federal safety requirements, including seatbelts, headlights, turn signals, and a windshield. In addition, LSVs must be registered with the DMV and have proper insurance.
What kind of insurance is carried by the MSIC and MSCA?
A General Liability policy carried by the MSIC provides coverage up to $1 million per occurrence / $2 million annual limit. Each organization is also covered by Directors and Officers Liability Insurance.
