Smoke Rise officials could not say just how much more acreage is available for development, however. Serious crime in Smoke Rise is almost unheard of, said Kinnelon Police Chief Daniel Colucci. Last year, there were a few mysterious fires down by the beach. A rash of burglaries occurred at one point in the 1980s. The last murder was at least a quarter of a century ago.
Residents say they feel secure.
One time my daughter drove all the way from Georgia with her family and arrived earlier than expected, so I hadn't called down to the gate to let them know she was coming. She was annoyed she had driven 15 hours and couldn't get into the community where she grew up. Visitors must stop at the gate, where an attendant will ask their names and who they are visiting. If the attendant has not been notified of the person's visit, a phone call is made to the resident. There has been some debate among residents whether to do away with the gates, but to date, support for keeping them is overwhelming.