Living in the Neighborhood

Additional Water Restrictions in Effect

Persistent drought and its continuing impact on regional Catawba River water supplies have prompted the declaration of tougher water use restrictions across Mecklenburg County. For detailed information, visit www.charmeck.org/Departments/Utilities/WaterSmart. Effective on Wednesday, September 26, the following amended water use restrictions in Mecklenburg apply:

• Lawn watering and the operation of any sprinkler system are prohibited at all times.

Note: The Association’s Landscape Contractor, Coleman Burnett, Inc., has already turned off all sprinkler irrigation systems in common areas and around townhomes.

• The operation of ornamental fountains (without fish) is not allowed.

Note: The contractor that maintains our two fountains has been notified. The front fountain on St. Alban’s Lane has been non-operational for a couple of weeks due to a failed pump. This pump will be replaced, but until restrictions are lifted, the fountain water system will be turned off. The water feature at Clemens Square will continue to operate as normal since it does contain live fish and is exempt from current restrictions.

• Residential car washing and refilling of swimming pools is not allowed.
  (Topping off is still O.K.)

Enforcement of the new rules is underway. While the car-washing and swimming pool rules are the same as they have been since the original mandatory restrictions were enacted on August 28, the total sprinkler ban replaces a previous two-day-per-week lawn watering allowance. Fountains are being shut down for the first time. Except for lawn watering and fountain operation as specified above, commercial uses of water (pressure washing, plant nurseries, commercial car washes, etc.) will not be affected by new restrictions. Drip irrigation and hand-held use of watering containers and hoses with spray nozzles will still be permitted to sustain flower beds, shrubs and trees. Variances may be considered for health and safety, but variances will not be granted for re-seeding or sodding of established lawns or other elective discretionary landscape projects.

For most residential customers, the penalty for first offense is $100, second is $200, subsequent offenses are $300 each. There is the possibility of loss of service for repeat violations.

Coleman Burnett, our landscaping contractor, has been in almost daily contact with the Association and has assured our neighborhood that he will do everything possible to maintain our grounds.

• Fall aeration & seeding – It is critical to move forward with core aeration, fertilization and seeding. Since our lawns have been irrigated over the summer months, they are still in decent condition and will allow for proper core aeration and incorporation of seed into the soils. It is important to get seed on the ground prior to the heavy leaf drop. The seed can be on the ground for weeks without water and we will get the most we can from the rain when it comes.
• Flowers – Water restrictions for the fall annual plantings should not have much of an impact. We will wait until late October or November to install flowers and since hand watering and tank watering will still be allowed, the flowers will be properly irrigated while they root.
• New plants – The project to replace shrubs and landscaping materials on the east side of Twain Avenue has been delayed repeatedly due to the heat and lack of water. At this time, plans are underway to complete this work in November and early December when conditions are more favorable. Soaker and drip type irrigation systems are under evaluation for this upgrade. Residents will be kept informed of this situation.

In a recent letter from Coleman to all of his clients, he stated: “Based on our conversations with city officials, we truly believe the city is attempting to balance a difficult scale with respect to water conservation and understanding the needs of the green industry. The city we feel and hope will remain committed to allow the continued operation of drip systems, hand and tank watering which will allow for the continued health of tree, plant and flower material which are the most expensive aspects of your landscape. While it is a vital aspect of the landscape, the turf areas require the most water to maintain and are the least costly to replace/renovate should it be needed.”

One step that homeowners can take to help the situation is to insure that you have adequate mulch in place around plants and trees in order to hold in moisture. This is the time of year for this maintenance.
In the meantime, please maintain patience and cooperate with our conservation measures. We are all in this together and our water supply is critical.

New Addition in Dog Park

One of the attractive features of our neighborhood is the off-leash dog park on O. Henry Avenue, next to the Town Nature Preserve. Users of this facility have likely noticed an addition to the canine area. There are now two large and well built picnic tables for members of the human persuasion to enjoy.

The neighborhood owes many thanks to a dedicated group of park users who donated dollars and time to building these two tables. Harper Lee resident, Ashley Page, and Neighborhood Founder, Doug Boone, cut the lumber ahead of time and brought it to the site. Other residents who helped with the building include Bobby Bowers (Fairview Lane), and Will and Emma Watts of Clemens Place. Once construction was complete, Mike Kessler helped locate the tables with his truck. Frequent users outside of our neighborhood were also involved in the project, including John Geocher (River Run), Lynn Hines (The Peninsula), and Kenn Latzer, former Community Services Officer for Davidson.

This was a wonderful plan and a well executed effort. This type of devotion and support add to the value and quality of our neighborhood. Thanks to these hard working volunteers for a job well done!

Award Presented to St. Alban’s Square Neighborhood Association

As first reported in the September newsletter, St. Alban’s Square Neighborhood was named 2007 North Carolina Community of the Year (medium size, mixed-use) by the North Carolina Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI). Dave Smith, Association President, received the award at the CAI Fall Conference and Annual Meeting at the Embassy Suites in Cary, North Carolina, on Friday, September 21. Our neighborhood was nominated by Vera Victorino, our Association Property Manager with Abbott Enterprises in Charlotte.

There were only two associations in the Charlotte area that received recognition as “Association of the Year.” The Magnolias Neighborhood was recognized in the small size category. Both neighborhoods utilize Abbott Enterprises for property management.

The North Carolina Chapter of Community Associations Institute serves the educational, business, and networking needs of community associations in the state of North Carolina. Members include condominium, cooperative, and homeowner associations as well as those who provide services and products to associations. The North Carolina Chapter has 600+ members including nearly 50 businesses, and over 40 Associations representing 6,000 households. The chapter is one of 56 Community Associations Institute chapters in the nation.

This is truly an award for all residents in New Neighborhood. If anyone has a good suggestion about where to hang our plaque and certificate, please call Dave Smith at 704.987.1472. The award will be on display at the Membership Meeting to ratify the budget on Tuesday, November 13.

There are a lot of reasons to be proud of this award – our people are among the most important. Pictured in front l to r: Dave Smith, Shirley Fischer, Alan Sterling, Mike Stenhouse [holding plaque], Luann Christine [holding part of certificate], Joyce Feir, Judy McLean [holding part of certificate], Ed McLean, Nancy Kahn, and Sherman Kahn. Pictured standing in back l to r: Rev. David E. Buck (new rector of St. Alban's Episcopal Church), Hank Howell, and Tom Fischer.

Homeowners Beware of Potential Scam

Homeowners on Fairview Lane have recently reported what may be a phone scam to find out when residents are at home. With the past history of break-ins in McConnell Neighborhood and along Fairview Lane in our own neighborhood, a precautionary warning is in order.

Someone has been calling residents and stating that they are representing local painting contractors who are currently painting or have painted other houses on Fairview and asking the homeowner if they would like an estimate themselves. Suspicions were raised when, upon asking the person that is supposedly having work done, there appears to be no painting going on at all. The caller has always addressed the homeowner by name and requests information about “convenient” times to stop by and give an estimate. (i.e.: “When will you be home for an appointment?”) An additional “red flag” is the fact that the caller has blocked the number of the call so that it will only show as “Private.”

Several neighbors along Fairview Lane have received such calls and in each case, there have been false references made, legitimate painting company names given, and no follow-up made. One of the company names given was Advance Painting. If this is a scam, other legitimate company names may be used. If these calls are being made by a legitimate contractor, false references and the manner of the request are not good business practice.

Davidson Police have been notified and are cautioning residents to avoid giving such information over the phone. So far, no break-ins have resulted from these inquiries, but the possibility is cause for concern. All residents of both single-family and townhome units are strongly urged to report any suspicious behavior or phone calls to the police immediately.

Yard of the Month Winner – October, 2007

The Landscape and Grounds Committee congratulates Ione O’Hara of 424 North Faulkner Way as the October 2007 winner of the “Yard-of-the-Month.” The “Star of Excellence” will not travel far to find its new home since Ione lives just around the corner from last month’s winner.

This yard is a showcase for the “cottage garden” style of landscaping. There is plenty of color from attractive flowers in addition to well placed plants that seem to bring the front porch into the total landscape. Hanging baskets also compliment the setting. Use of slate to create barriers and walkways present an attractive appearance. There is also use of statuary among the plantings. A beautiful crepe myrtle accents the side of the lot. Grass is kept to a minimum as emphasis is obviously placed on plants, shrubs, and flowers. A large wind chime hanging on the front porch sends an inviting sound in the gentle afternoon breeze. As with so many of our winners this year, this home says “Welcome” in so many ways.

This month’s selection concludes the 2007 season for Yard-of-the-Month. Each month from May through October, a yard will be selected among single-family homes. If you have questions or suggestions for next year’s selection process, please call Judy McLean, chairperson of the Landscape & Grounds Committee.

Don’t forget the Holiday Decorations Contest in December. Start planning early!

The “Star of Excellence” comes for the first time to this end of North Faulkner Way.
Please drive by for a view.

Congratulations to Ione O’Hara!

Newsletter Delivery Volunteers

Many thanks are due our newsletter delivery team. Our “weather-wilted” September volunteers included Adria & Woody Appleby, Barbara Doster, Norman Richards, Dave Smith, and John & Marcia Williamson.

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

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