Living in the Neighborhood

Reminder — Increase in 2009 Assessments

As one final reminder, monthly assessments for both townhome owners and single-family homeowners will increase by $1.50 per month ($18 per year) starting January 1, 2009. This results in a single-family homeowner increase of $9.00 per semi-annual payment (due January 1 and July 1) and a monthly increase for townhome owners of $1.50 each month. This increase is for Common charges only and is due primarily to inflationary increases in management fees and the annual landscaping contract. There is no increase in assessments for townhome (Peer Group) maintenance.

Owners who currently have automatic bank draft set-up for monthly payment of assessments will not need to do anything. The increase will automatically be reflected in the January draft. If you are paying by coupon book, you should have received a new book with the increased fees sometime in December, 2008. However, if you did not receive a new book by the first of January, please contact Abbott as soon as possible. For owners who pay by other means or on something other than a monthly schedule, please contact Abbott Enterprises to confirm what is needed to cover the increase.

Owners are reminded that failure to receive a coupon book does not excuse payment of dues by the first of each month (January 1 and July 1 for single-family homeowners). Payments not received within thirty (30) days will incur late fees and possible additional charges. Although owners have frequently asked that late fees and charges be waived for various reasons, the Council of Stewards seldom grants such requests unless the result of an obvious error on the part Abbott Enterprises or the Association.
Thank you for your cooperation in 2009!

Thanks: Holiday Decorations Volunteers!

The Association owns a modest display of holiday decorations that are put at the entrances to our neighborhood each December. These lovely wreaths and garlands would not be of much value without dedicated volunteers that are willing to hang them up. The Landscaping & Grounds Committee is generally responsible for these decorations and solicits volunteers to help each year.

Thanks go this year to Judy & Ed McClean, Harriet Kessler, Jim Richards, Tamara Dietzel, and Hank Howell for volunteering to help make the neighborhood sparkle with warmth and spirit.

When the decorations were taken down this year, two wreaths that were mounted at the Fairview Lane entrance off Concord Road were missing. There has been some utility construction at that corner which may have resulted in their tragic end. However, if anyone tried to save these wreaths from the construction and knows where they are, please contact Judy McLean at 704.895.0940.

Policy on Attic Fans & Venitlators

Townhomes throughout the neighborhood vary in construction depending on when they were built. This is especially true in regard to the installation of attic fans & ventilators. Early units used passive (“mushroom”- style) ventilators, while other early units were installed with ridge vents and no fans or ventilators. Later units generally were installed with powered vent fans, activated during the hot summer months by a temperature controlled switch. Questions have frequently come up in regard to options for owners in early units in regard to installing devices or changing existing equipment. The Association is beginning to also see a high rate of failure among powered units. In order to fairly address these issues, the Council of Stewards has reviewed and approved the following policy:

“The Association will take responsibility for maintenance of all “original” attic fans and ventilators as part of the roof system. This includes replacement of these items, when needed, and appropriate repairs to the roof, at no cost to individual homeowners. This will exclude the situation when a Unit Owner installed either attic fan or ventilator that was not part of the original construction.

Furthermore, when replacement is deemed necessary, the Association will endeavor to replace an attic fan or ventilator with a passive, non-powered, gravity roof louver.”

This policy has been adopted to maintain our warranty and responsibility for roof repairs. As stated, this applies to original installation equipment. Owners who have elected to install fans or ventilators outside of this policy assume all responsibility for maintenance and repair of that equipment, including roof leaks resulting from installation. The replacement of powered ventilators with passive, non-powered, louvers will save costs for both the Association and owner, and provide a more reliable source of ventilation.

If townhome owners have questions regarding this policy, contact a member of the Council of Stewards.

Holiday Decorations Contest Winners

Selection of winners for the third annual Winter Holiday Decorations Contest was again a difficult task. There continues to be an increase in the quality and number of residents participating. The neighborhood put forth an awesome display!

The winners in the townhome category are Tamara & Dennis Dietzel of 167 Harper Lee Street. You may recall that the Dietzel’s also won the award in 2006, but they have steadily made additions to an already dazzling theme. The garlands on both upper and lower porches are joined by a wreath in every window. Colorful Christmas balls hang from the upper porch. The tree on the lower porch is well decorated and stands as a prominent feature. The townhome was well lighted to add emphasis to all decorations. Santa is again seated in his traditional rocking chair and many added packages around Santa and the tree contribute to our winning entry.

Honorable Mentions go this year to Harriet & Steve Kessler (415 O. Henry Avenue) and Beach Howard and daughter Cindy (159 Harper Lee Street). Many other townhomes were among the possible winners.

Dietzel Home

The blue ribbon seems natural in front of this townhome winner.
The Dietzel flag also hangs proudly.
Congratulations to Tamara & Dennis Dietzel!

Winners in the single-family category are Judy & Ed McLean of 150 Clemens Place. It takes a lot of effort to decorate a large home and the McLean’s have certainly given it their all! There are garlands with red bows in all windows. The front porch and windows are well lit to display the warmth of these decorations. Lighted reindeer add peace and interest to the back yard arbor. The icicle lights around the entire outer picket fence make this and outstanding entry and certainly highlight the overall effect. The single wreath on the fence gate says, “Welcome to all.”

Honorable Mention goes to Don & Meredith Jennings (317 North Faulkner Way). As in the past two years, the curve on O. Henry Avenue was alive with spirit and a winning spot in the neighborhood. Homes on Harper Lee Street were also especially attractive this year.

McLean house

I was unable to get a clear night photograph of the McLean home.
This daytime shot does not do it justice. However, it was truly a winner.
Congratulations to Judy & Ed McLean!

Thanks go to all of our neighbors for wonderful holiday spirit and décor!

Pet Registration

All dogs and cats are required to be licensed by the Town of Davidson. Renewals of existing licenses are due each January. The cost is $10 for the year and valid proof of rabies vaccination is required at both initial registration and renewal. These tags can only be obtained at Town Hall. The good news is that if your animal is lost wearing its town tag, whoever finds it can use this system to return the pet to you.

All dogs that use the off-leash park in New Neighborhood must be licensed in the Town of Davidson. This includes out-of-town users or guests who can also obtain a “Pooch Pass” at Town Hall with proof of current rabies vaccination.

Questions? Call Davidson Parks and Recreation at 704.892.3349 or visit www.ci.davidson.nc.us.

Insurance for Townhome Owners

One of the most frequently asked question by townhome owners in our neighborhood is about appropriate insurance coverage.

If you are new to townhome living in New Neighborhood, you may be paying too much for insurance. It has come to light that townhome owners pay anywhere from $150 to $600 (or more) in annual premiums and may be over-insured for their personal insurance. As you may know, the Neighborhood Association purchases the casualty insurance for each townhome building. This is paid through the Townhome Peer Group assessment. Although townhomes are deeded fee simple, including the land underneath the unit, the insurance covering the entire building is usually described as a Condominium Policy. Townhome owners should purchase an HO-06 policy to cover personal liability and contents. Townhome owners may want to shop around. If there are further questions or you feel you may be over-insured, please contact Abbott Enterprises or Tom Fischer, Treasurer of the Association. Insurance needs and policy coverage are reviewed on an annual basis.

Please also be aware that the Neighborhood Association budget includes termite insurance to cover termite damage up to $100,000. Further insurance is probably not needed unless townhome owners wish to purchase interior or perimeter pest control policies.

Wildlife in New Neighborhood ! ? !

Residents of New Neighborhood, especially along North and South Faulkner Way, have frequently spotted deer in Faulkner Square, particularly in the early-evening or early-morning hours. The landscape contractor generally covers fall and spring plantings with a wire mesh in order to prevent grazing among these flowers. Squirrels and rabbits are common, but so far, have not been seen in large numbers.

During early construction of the neighborhood, residents noted the occasional skunk or raccoon. More than one neighbor can tell of stories of “visitors” to open garages. These reports have not been as common in the last several years. And who can forget the reports of snakes just two or three years ago? This turned out to be the result of clearing brush on the pipeline, and was a non-problem by spring.

A new type of wild “critter” was recently spotted in the night hours on Faulkner Square. We have had our first reported sighting of a coyote. These animals generally reside in the wooded areas and preserve areas behind Davidson College off Grey Road, and they often wander, particularly at night, into surrounding neighborhoods. This article is not meant to instill “panic” among residents. However, residents do need to be aware that wildlife is present in the area. The real problems are more likely to occur with unattended cats and dogs. This is also an added reason to keep garages closed.

In short, be aware of possibilities, but use good common sense if wildlife is seen. If a problem develops that may require Animal Control, residents should call the Davidson Police Department at 704.892.5131 and ask for the on-duty sergeant. The sergeant will put you in touch with Mecklenburg County Animal Control.

Newsletter Articles Needed

When writing articles for the newsletter, I try to keep the neighborhood current with Association business and news. This information includes a summary every other month of the Council of Stewards meetings. I include updates on landscaping and on new standards set by the Architectural Review Committee. It is important that owners know how their monthly assessments are being managed. It is also important to remind and update residents on Covenant issues. I attempt to provide owners and residents with information regarding safety and security within our neighborhood.

However, this is YOUR newsletter! I want to include more human interest stories and to include more articles on hot topics such as energy conservation and economic survival. This is where YOU can help me as your editor. Please let me know if you have an interest in a specific topic or if there is a special story about a neighbor. Many of our residents have written articles for the newsletter, but if you do not feel comfortable writing, please let me know the story or interest and I’ll do the research.

I hope to see more stories about neighbors in New Neighborhood in 2009. If you have suggestions or items to bring to my attention, please call me at 704.987.1472 or e-mail me at www.davidbsmith@bellsouth.net.

I’m looking forward to a great year in 2009!

Dave Smith, editor
News from the New Neighborhood in Old Davidson

Secure Recycles and Trash Bins

The winds recently have been wild and we can expect more of the same as we go into early spring. Please keep this in mind when putting out recycle and trash containers. The wind over the last two weeks has turned by-ways into recycle eyesores. When putting out items for pick-up, secure loose papers, cans, and plastic bottles under other recycle weight. Do not overload trash bins or put out loose cardboard trash on windy days.

Thanks for helping keep our neighborhood clean!

Newsletter Delivery Volunteers

Thanks go to all of our delivery volunteers! Our December team included Adria & Woody Appleby, Barbara Dillman, Barbara & Tom Doster, Anne Jerands, Sherman & Nancy Kahn, Norman Richards, and Dave Smith. Through rain, snow, sleet, hot and cold, your newsletter will be delivered!

If you wish to volunteer, please call Dave Smith at 704.987.1472 (e-mail at davidbsmith@bellsouth.net).

St. Albans Square Neighborhood Associationfountain