Cutting corners

Not long ago, the garbage and recycling trucks had torn up the grass at the corner of the first alley on the left as you enter our neighborhood on Gainsborough. It was unsightly. God Bless the USA Trash and Recycling was contacted and they promptly repaired, at their expense, the damage and even agreed to alter their pickup route to avoid similar damage in the future.

Though there was quite a rainstorm the day after they fixed the area, we have a nice photo of the area after it was repaired:

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For several days, the repair looked great. And then it was once again run over completely, leaving deep ruts in the new sod. This time, however, it wasn’t God Bless the USA Trash and Recycling. It happened on a Sunday. And now, in order to repair it again, it will be at the expense of the HOA.

These types of repairs are completely avoidable. Exercising some caution and common-sense can potentially save the HOA a few hundred dollars. Money that can go to many of the needed repairs around the neighborhood.

Please treat the common areas as you would your own property.

 

Take time to remember.

Happy Memorial Day to all of the residents of Chestnut Oaks.

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Anyone up for a swim?

Hey everybody! Summer’s almost here and that means…the pool is open again starting this weekend!

As a reminder, pool hours are 9am to dusk.

As was mentioned in the Spring 2013 Newsletter, there is going to be an important change to the pool this year with the addition of a part time pool attendant checking names, ages, and access privileges. Pool attendants are NOT lifeguards. They are only available to ensure that those who use the pool are allowed to be there and meet the pool rule requirements. Emergency situations still need to be dealt with by dialing 911.

Should the pool attendant suspect that you are under 18, you will be asked to produce ID. The pool attendant will also check coolers for bottles or other glass. If there is glass in the cooler, you’ll be asked to leave it outside of the pool area. You’ll also have the option of pouring the beverage into a solo cup which will be available.   Thank you to all and let’s hope for some nice warm and sunny weather to open the pool season!

Trash Can Enclosures

For anyone who is thinking about replacing or upgrading their trash can screen enclosure to keep those trash cans out of sight, a neighbor found this great deal at the Home Depot:

Suncast Classic 44 in. Resin Screen Enclosure

 

Good quality and a good price. Especially with the free shipping.

Caring for our neighborhood

This set of pictures isn’t from some dump or neglected city creek. These pictures are from the culvert that runs along Gable Way. And they’re disturbing. Trash, dammed up water flow, algae, and mosquitos. All because we have some neighborhood children (as well as outside children invited into the community) playing in this culvert and creating a terrible mess.

This is not consistent with either the behavior we expect from our young people or the image we want our neighborhood to project. Furthermore, it’s dangerous. At the HOAs expense, the culvert will be cleaned up and the rocks and debris will be removed to allow the water to once again flow freely.

But this isn’t the end of it. Any individual caught damaging, polluting, or altering the water flow will receive a letter indicating the violation. Violations can result in fines as well as the loss of access to Chestnut Oaks amenities.

This is your neighborhood. This is our neighborhood. We want it safe, clean, friendly, accessible and enjoyable by all residents. Exercise good judgment. And educate your children in what is appropriate behavior and what is not.

Two Very Important Residential Announcements

importantAnnounceTo all of our residents:

Please read both of these important announcements carefully.

1.  Suspicious persons
We have, on occasion, been informed by residents that non-residents entering our neighborhood (and possibly using our amenities) look suspicious. Our first concern is always for the safety of our residents. Therefore, please don’t approach anyone you feel may be acting unusual, erratically, or has a threatening demeanor. Rather, please call the police. And if the situation is an emergency, don’t wait:  call 911 immediately!
It is not our practice to post details on any criminal records on any of our media outlets, but we encourage everyone to visit the Union County Sheriff’s website where you can find safety tips, important community notifications and alerts, and more details on potential suspicious individuals.
2. Pool violation
On a recent evening, several youths were caught in the act of trespassing in the pool area. Not only is this a violation but it’s also extremely dangerous. All residents are warned that trespassing is against the law and trespassing in the pool area before it’s open presents a number of safety hazards. Residents are further reminded that the pool area and playground are under surveillance. Any damage done to community property will be the responsibility of the individual or individuals committing the act. Violators will also face additional actions such as loss of Chestnut Oaks amenities privileges. Finally, should an injury of any kind occur under any of these circumstances, the neighborhood association is in no way responsible.

How about a yard sale?

 

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Last year, we didn’t get the chance to have the annual yard sale. So that means attics, crawl spaces, garages, and closets are probably overflowing with items that you’ve been waiting to sell!

So this year’s yard sale is definitely scheduled for April 27th! The HOA board with the help of our terrific social committee will make all of the arrangements for advertising and signs, etc. All you need to do is go through those overflowing spaces and get ready for the eager yard salers. We’ll have it rain or shine!

So remember:

Chestnut Oaks Community Yard Sale
April 27th, 2013
begins at 7a.m. and continues through noon (depending on the number of yard-salers who come through)
Rain or shine!

 

Neighborhood Watch

NeighborhoodWatch

It’s been quite a while since we’ve discussed our neighborhood watch program. The safety and security of our community are paramount and reinvigorating our neighborhood watch program is an important goal.

We need volunteers. In particular, we need someone who is willing to coordinate our neighborhood watch program. If you are that person, please contact the board or contact Braesael Mgmt. and express your interest.

As a coordinator, you would help to organize block captains, attend board meetings, and keep in contact with our local police. And you’d be doing an invaluable service to our community.

Please consider volunteering!

If you need more information about the Town of Stallings Neighborhood Watch Program, click here.

 

HOA Open Board Position

The HOA currently has a board opening that will serve through the end of this year. And you could be the one to contribute your time and expertise to this community by volunteering to be that person!

if you are interested in the position and would like to serve your community, please contact the board president at president@chestnutoaksinfo.com.

Commercial Vehicles

Each year as our neighborhood grows and changes and we have new residents joining  us, it’s a good idea to once in a while remind everyone of some of the important parts of our CCRs.

Please read and review the following information from our CCRs and Rules and Regulations documents:

CCRs Section 7.03 – PARKING. Unless otherwise permitted by the Rules and Regulations no boat, trailer, recreational vehicle, camper, camper truck or commercial vehicle shall be parked, stored or left (a) on any undesignated part of the Common Area, (b) in any driveway or (c) on any other part of a Lot, (d) or otherwise in the Project unless the same are fully enclosed within the garage located on the Lot. Any such vehicle shall be parked, stored or left wholly within the garage located upon the Lot, except to the extent same is already occupied to capacity, in which case such vehicle may be parked temporarily in the driveway once during any calendar month for not more than 24 consecutive hours.

This restriction shall not apply to sales trailers, construction trailers, or other vehicles which may be used by Declarant and his agents and contractors in the conduct of their business prior to Completion of Sales. No boats, truck, trailer, pre-manufactured home, camper, recreational vehicle or tent shall be used as a living or dwelling area within the Project. No repairs to or maintenance of any automobile or other vehicle shall be made or performed on any driveway within the Project, except in the case of emergency and except as may be permitted by the Rules and Regulations. No unlicensed, wrecked or inoperable vehicles may be left on a Lot outside an enclosed structure.

Rule & Regulation – A commercial vehicle is defined as a vehicle 10,000 lbs or more, used in the transportation of passengers and/or sale of goods, carries a commercial license plate, or has permanent markings and/or attachments (ex. Ladder, equipment trailer). Plain magnetic signs may be used to cover commercial markings on vehicles. It is not the intent of this ruling to prohibit residents from earning a living by not allowing these vehicles in the community. All such vehicles must obtain approval from the board in advance of parking the vehicle in the community. 

If you will be driving a vehicle that meets the description above, please get in touch with the board or with our management company to obtain approval.