Living in the Neighborhood

In the Know in Our Neighborhood:
Neighborhood Parks & Common Areas

Approximately 25% of our neighborhood was developed as “open space.” This includes common areas, parks, squares, and recreational areas. The parks (a total of twelve by my count) make up about 14 acres of our community. Each park was designed with a character and purpose of its own, and they should appeal to a broad range of resident and community interests.

One of our parks, which may go unnoticed by many, is simply called “The Preserve.” It is located next to the off-leash dog park at the north end of the neighborhood, next to the gas pipe line. It includes a natural wooded area complete with trail.

With spring “just around the corner,” plan to spend some time in the Preserve and keep an eye open for native plants in flower. Remember, however, that in a preserve, one must leave the area as you find it. Do not pick flowers or remove plants. One species of plant found in the Preserve is a deciduous azalea (Rhododendrum nudiflorem). Last Spring, several specimens were in flower and were tagged. See if you can find and identify some other interesting native species in the Preserve.

“In the Know in Our Neighborhood” is a new section that will continue to be a regular feature in the newsletter and is intended to provide important, useful, or interesting information that might not be known by all neighbors. It is intended to be positive and helpful, often humorous, and always short and to the point. It may appear on the front page or at other points in the newsletter depending on subject matter. Since this is a new addition to your newsletter, I am interested in input and suggestions. I also need topics (nothing heavy) that you feel appropriate. If you have some ideas, please call Dave Smith at 704.987.1472 or e-mail at davidbsmith@bellsouth.net.

wild azalea

Thanks go to our neighbor, John Williamson, for this magnificent picture of the azalea found in the Preserve. Although this particular plant was only about 8 inches tall, it can actually grow quite large in the wild.

Tree Care – Single-Family Homes

A number of neighbors, especially those living in single-family homes, have asked questions regarding care and responsibility for grass and trees between the sidewalks and streets. Since our roads and byways have been turned over to the Town of Davidson, the town does own the right-of-way for that property. However, unless there is an imminent hazard, lawn and tree care is the full responsibility of the homeowner. This is not a particular problem in the townhome areas as care and upkeep is covered by the contractor that maintains common areas. Owners of single-family homes must maintain these areas themselves, including irrigation, grass trimming, and mulching.

Now is an excellent time to place mulch around the base of our trees. A layer of mulch holds moisture and suppresses weeds and other growth from the area around the tree, and prevents mowers from damaging the trunk. Pine needles are easy and effective mulch and are attractive. If you use pine needles, consider one bale per tree. Open the bale, take small amounts of needles, shake them loose and let then fall more or less freely around the base of the tree. Place several layers around the tree and shape the needles into a neat "pile" 15-18 inches high. After they settle, the pile will be adequate for the stresses that summer will bring. Once you have placed the needles in a neat pile, wash them to remove the dust and admire their nice dark amber color. Pine bark can also be used, but be sure to get smaller nuggets. If you use pine nuggets, plan on using one bag per tree.

After consultation with professionals and gardeners, the Landscape & Grounds Committee advises neighbors not to prune these trees at this time. Dead branches and limbs that pose an obstruction to the sidewalk should be pruned or removed. In general, however, the trees that have been planted (especially maples) are better served by not pruning at this stage of growth.

Next Council of Stewards Meeting

The Council of Stewards meets regularly on the fourth Wednesday of every other month in St. Alban’s Church library (lower level) at 7:00 p.m. Special meetings are called as needed throughout the year. Meetings are open to residents. The next regular COS meeting is scheduled on February 22, 2006.

Thanks for Recycling, But . . .

January had some particularly windy days and we can be sure to have even more in February and March. Please secure newspapers and other paper items so they will not blow around the neighborhood on windy recycle pick-up days. Thank you!

Next Council of Stewards Meeting

Installation of Basketball Goals

At the January meeting of the Covenant Committee, the issue of basketball goals in driveways was discussed. Although there are a number of neighbors who have erected such equipment, the Covenant Committee has asked that the newsletter print a reminder of restrictions covered in the neighborhood Covenant.
Exhibit “C” of the Covenant (Initial Canons of Conduct) covers restricted activities and prohibited conditions. Item 2, (Section w) of Exhibit “C” covers the issue of installation of sports and play equipment.

Exhibit “C”: Initial Canons of Conduct

Item 2: Restricted Activities – The following activities are prohibited within all Peer Groups unless expressly authorized by, and then subject to such conditions as may be imposed by, the Council of Stewards:
Section w: Any construction, erection, placement, or modification of any thing, permanently or temporarily, on the outside portions of the Unit, whether such portion is improved or unapproved, except in strict compliance with the provisions of Article V of the Covenant. This shall include, without limitation, signs, basketball hoops, swing sets, and similar sports and play equipment; clotheslines; garbage cans; woodpiles; above-ground swimming pools; docks, piers, and similar structures; and hedges, walls, dog runs, animal pens, or fences of any kind.

Article V of the Covenant, as referenced above, outlines Architectural and Landscaping guidelines and procedures. Any change to outside portions of both townhomes and single-family homes must be approved by the Architectural Review Committee. An electronic copy of the “Request for Architectural Approval” form is on the neighborhood website (www.stalbanssq.org). This form includes a definition (as outlined in the Covenant) of what constitutes an “exterior” alteration. Hard copies of this same form are kept on a desk outside of Doug Boone’s second floor office (St. Alban’s Lane).

Although basketball goals or hoops attached directly to the garage are not allowed, the language in the Covenant does not prohibit the use of portable basketball goals as long as they are rolled into the garage when not in use. When playing basketball or any other activity around the home, please respect the privacy and rights of surrounding neighbors. The Neighborhood Association and the Covenant Committee appreciate your cooperation in these matters.
As a side note: There have been discussions in the past regarding a basketball area somewhere along the pipe line. However, no specific and/or feasible proposal has surfaced as yet.

Neighborhood Covenant

The Covenant is the primary document outlining restrictions and regulations for our community. All owners should have been given a copy of the Covenant at the time of closing. If you were not given a copy or cannot locate these documents, you may obtain a copy from Abbott Enterprises, Inc. at a cost of $35.00 ($15 handling fee to Abbott and $20 copy fee to the Association). If you have not already done so, it is important to take time to read these documents.

The Covenant Committee meets on the first Tuesday of the month. As issues are discussed and questions regarding restrictions develop, the newsletter will highlight parts of the Covenant and keep residents informed. If you have concerns or input, please contact Kathy Cox, Chairperson for the committee, or Steve Baker, Council of Stewards representative on the committee.