MCCONNELL S TRACE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Transcription

1 MCCONNELL S TRACE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER Established 2000 A Deed Restricted Community March 2012 Events and Announcements April 26, 7 pm(thursday) Semi-Annual MTNA Meeting *The next semi-annual meeting of the MTNA will be Thursday, April 26, 7 pm, at the First Baptist Church of Bracktown April 7, 1 pm(saturday) Annual MTNA Easter Egg Hunt *Come join the fun and the hunt for Easter candy April 21, 10 am (Saturday) Great American Cleanup *Come and help beautify your community June 9, 8 am- 2 pm (Saturday) Annual MTNA Garage Sale *Clean out your garage and make extra money at the same time! September 8, 6 pm (Saturday) Annual MTNA Community Picnic *Come to Masterson Station Park and join your neighbors for food and fun *Articles elsewhere in newsletter McCONNELL s TRACE GREAT AMERICAN ClLEANUP SATURDAY APRIL 21, 10 AM Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup, the nation's largest annual community improvement program, brings the power of 3.8 million volunteers and participants to create local change. Volunteers donated more than 5.2 million hours in 2011 to clean, beautify and improve more than 16,500 communities during more than 30,600 events in all 50 states and beyond. Activities included beautifying parks and recreation areas, cleaning seashores and waterways, handling recycling collections, picking up litter, planting trees and flowers, and conducting educational programs and litter-free events. McConnell s Trace will participate in this year s Great American Cleanup on Saturday, April 21 at 10 A.M. We will meet at the corner of Trailwood Lane and McConnell s Trace. The cleanup will include picking up litter and debris on Trailwood Lane between McConnell s Trace and White Oak Trace. Gloves, trash bags and other cleaning supplies will be provided. Breakfast will be provided for all volunteers. Please come and be a part of McConnell s Trace Great American Cleanup! 1

2 PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Well, it seems that spring is right around the corner, and we are hopefully through the worst of the cold weather. That means more outside time, and more people taking advantage of the lovely weather to walk, bike and otherwise enjoy the great outdoors. Unfortunately, some of those people will be up to no good. The best thing you can do for yourself and your community is to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. Recently a burglary in the area was stopped in progress because an alert resident saw something that didn t look right and called the police. Some burglars were caught in the act, and were arrested. We certainly hope that all our residents will be as watchful. Many petty crimes in the neighborhood are crimes of opportunity. If we keep an eye out for suspicious activity, we can cut down on the chances of having burglary, petty theft, vandalism and general mischief in our area. I know it seems that it s an effort to call the police, but please do just that if you see something that seems out of the norm. It s so much better to call and have it be nothing than to stand by and do nothing and have a crime occur that could have been prevented. I have also been asked why some deed restriction violations get a letter and some get an immediate fine. The Board feels that the deed restrictions are so clear on screening Herbies/Rosies/Lennys that the fines should be immediate. We also felt the restrictions are equally clear as to trailers and boats being stored in the drive or on the street at a residence, as well as basketball goals being left at the curb or the sidewalk. Pictures are taken of each of these violations and are sent to Maggard Property Management, who keeps them on file. In addition, as mentioned elsewhere in the newsletter, because so much notice has been given about yard trees, after April 30, those homes not having a yard tree will be given an immediate fine. The last topic I want to address is problems you see in the neighborhood. PLEASE contact me, another Board member, or your block captain! We can t address problems if we don t know they exist. At our last semi-annual meeting, several residents were angry because people had been driving up behind homes on White Oak by going up the old driveway off Leestown. They felt this also contributed to petty crimes in that part of the neighborhood. But nobody had told us about it! Once we found out, I asked Dennis Anderson s office to block access from Leestown, which they have now done. Hopefully this will cut down, if not eliminate, the gathering back in that field, but we certainly have to know there s a problem in order to address it. Don t hesitate to let us know about these situations. Have a great summer, and please look out for each other! Sincerely, Barb Stucker MTNA President 2

3 MTNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS President: Barbara Stucker 129 Ocoee Court Vice President: Kay Blues 3017 Town Branch Road Treasurer: Bob Russell-Tutty 104 McConnell s Trace Blvd rbrt1@winstream.net Secretary: Lisa Martin 129 Yamacraw Place lisaquintet@insightbb.com Board Members: Harold Ikard 297 Long Branch Lane hikard4@yahoo.com Kevin Fitz-Gerald 212 Long Branch Lane krfitz@windstream.net Committee Chairs: Social Club Chair: Lisa Martin Greenway Chair: DG Gridley Block Captain Chair: Kay Blues Newsletter Chair: Barbara Stucker Garden Club Chair: Will Hardin Deed Restriction and Enforcement Chair: Bob Russsell-Tutty AND THE WINNERS ARE. This past holiday season marked the fourth annual McConnell s Trace Holiday Lights Contest. Each year it gets harder and hard to judge as many homes put up beautiful displays. The winning residences were 2908 Briggs Place and 200 White Oak Trace. Congratulations! Now let s all start planning our 2012 displays! 3

4 WHY SHOULD I BE INVOLVED WITH MTNA? This article was originally reprinted a few years ago. It is being reprinted now with the permission of the author, David Henderson. Hello McConnell s Trace! My name is David Henderson, and I am a new contributor to our newsletter. I volunteered for this charge while attending our last homeowners meeting because I had great concern in that fact that over the last year, the newsletters seemed to contain mostly all negative connotations. Now I m not a writer, but I am opinionated. Just ask me. For my first contribution, I wanted to talk about the Homeowners Association from my own point of view. You see, I have always thought negatively about Homeowners Associations. The fact that someone, be it a person or entity, has say over what I do with my own house and the property it sits on, has never boded well with me. Add the fact that I have to give them money on a yearly basis was one aggravating prospect. I figured that if they wanted a voice in the matter, they need to share my mortgage with me. It turns out that a Homeowners Association has a purpose. It is not designed to be a group of our betters that come together to build their grand vision. It is designed to be comprised of people from the neighborhood to collect fees from homeowners to maintain the common areas of the development and enforce the association's governing documents. When we moved into the neighborhood, we signed the deed restriction documents that contain a vast listing of restrictions. These include detailed rules regarding construction and maintenance of individual homes. We re all in a special situation, as we belong to a new community. So new in fact, that it is still being built upon. My wife and I have owned homes in the past, but never in a new community. So we were looking forward to our first homeowners meeting, specifically to make sure that no one was infringing on our rights as homeowners. We arrived to a gathering of neighbors that we ve never met, in a location that was warm and comfortable. Even refreshments were available. We felt like fishes out of water. But as the meeting got underway, we became excited in the fact that the current status and the future dreams of our little community were actually being explained to us. Issues of the neighborhood were brought up, and we were actually able to voice our own opinions. Let me say that again: we were able to address our concerns, and legitimately have them heard. Now this is very important to me, as I am sure that it is to you. I then realized that the Homeowners Association wasn t a dictatorship. Homeowners meetings have a specific agenda. To discuss concerns within the neighborhood, what is to be done with the monies collect from dues, to report on the progress of projects that our treasury pays for, and to discuss ways to improve the quality of life where we all live. Our homeowners meetings are very important. Not just to the neighborhood, but to you as individuals as well. For the benefit of our community, voice your concerns to the board. Your ideas need to be shared, and your votes on decisions need to be made. Your participation is greatly needed at these meetings. Do it for yourself, for your neighbors, for the whole community. Find out what your monthly dues are going for. Learn who your board members are. Meet your neighbors and make new friends. It s informative, as well as fun. I know I look forward to the next one, and I hope to see you all there. 4

5 5

6 DEED RESTRICTION CORNER By Robert B. Russell-Tutty Deed Restriction and Enforcement Chair The McConnell s Trace Neighborhood Association Deed of Restrictions is in place to maintain the value of our homes and the quality of our home life. All homeowners are expected to know the Deed Restrictions and follow them accordingly. If you do not have a copy of the Deed of Restrictions, it is available on our neighborhood website. If you do not have access to a computer, you may call Maggard Property Management at and they will be glad to mail you a copy. In December 2010, the McConnell s Trace Neighborhood Association Board of Directors and the Developer amended the Bylaws and Deed of Restrictions. As required by the By-Laws, every member received a notice in December 2010 advising them of the changes. In this issue I will address the following changes: Antennas and/or Satellite Dishes and Window Air Conditioning Units, and Radon Pipes. Antennas and/or Satellite Dishes: No satellite dish, antenna and/or sending/receiving telecommunication unit of any kind, size or proportion may be erected or placed on any lot in excess of 36 inches in diameter and any such dish must be attached to the house or deck, or freestanding and discreetly situated so as to minimize its visibility and be obscure from the street. No satellite dish, antenna and/or telecommunications unit of any kind, size or proportion may be erected or placed on any lot without prior written approval of the respective developer or the Board of Directors, through its managing agent. Window Air Conditioning Units: No window air conditioning units may be placed or kept in any window of any structure in the subdivision, unless approved in writing by the Developer or the Board, through its managing agent, except however, window air conditioning units may be used on an emergency basis for a period of time not to exceed 72 hours without the written consent of the Developer or the Board, through its Managing Agent. Radon Pipes: Any radon pipe which exits via the exterior of a residence and runs vertically along the structure and/or its roof line must be painted so as to blend in with the exterior color of said residence. In future newsletters I will be addressing other changes to the Deed of Restrictions and Bylaws regarding fences and gardens, along with some changes to the Bylaws in article lll C, Powers and Duties. Feel free to me with any questions or concerns that you might have. Once again you can get a copy of our Deed of Restrictions or Bylaws by going to our website, or by calling Maggard Property Management at Bob rbrt1@windstream.net

7 SEVENTH ANNUAL McCONNELL S TRACE NEIGHBORHOOD PICNIC As the summer winds down, what better outdoor activity is there than a picnic! Join us on Saturday, September 8 th at 6 PM in Masterson Station Park. Look for us at the shelter close to the dog park! The Neighborhood Association will be providing hot dogs, chips, barbeque sandwiches and drinks. Please bring a side dish or desert to complete the menu. If your house number is even, bring a side dish; if it s odd, bring a dessert. Hope you can make it to the fun and games! 7

8 SIDEWALKS ARE FOR PEOPLE, NOT VEHICLES! By Kevin Fitz-Gerald It's good to see residents walking around the neighborhood, both on the Town Branch Trail and on the sidewalks. These pathways connect all our homes together and encourage exercise and socialization. This is a reminder to residents that parking a vehicle across a sidewalk is a violation of LFUCG Ordinance. There is a good reason for this ordinance. When a vehicle blocks a sidewalk, it forces pedestrians to go around the vehicle to pass by. While it may seem like "no big deal" to simply walk around, for some individuals who are mobility impaired, especially wheelchair users, going around a vehicle can be a dangerous operation. The person must get off the sidewalk, go down your driveway, cross the uneven curb (and risk falling or tipping over), go into the street (and risk getting hit by a car), cross over the uneven curb again, walk or roll themselves back up your driveway, and turn back onto the sidewalk. We do have wheelchair users and parents pushing strollers in our neighborhood, so even if you don't care about LFUCG ordinances, out of courtesy to others, please pull your vehicles fully into your driveway so that they do not obstruct the sidewalk. You may also open yourself up to liability if a pedestrian is injured when going around your vehicle. LFUCG Code of Ordinances Sec Parking of vehicles in any residential section. (3) It shall be unlawful for any person to park a vehicle upon a sidewalk. As used in this subsection, the term "sidewalk" shall mean that portion of a street between the curblines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines intended for the use of pedestrians, including any strip of ground between curb and paved sidewalk. (4) Any safety officer, parking control officer or peace officer is authorized to issue citations for violations of this section. GOT A TREE IN YOUR YARD? You may remember that in our last newsletter we mentioned that each home is supposed to have a tree in the front yard. We have had complaints from some homeowners who had planted trees that others didn t have one. So, in the spirit of fairness, the Association is going to start enforcing that restriction. Even owners with small yards can plant some dwarf or smaller variety of tree. The Board had planned to start enforcement of this restriction last fall, but too much rain kept many from being able to plant. Your yard tree should be planted by April 30, On the next neighborhood inspection after that date, immediate fines will be issued, since there has been so much notification. Please select your tree and get it planted before April 30. 8

9 YOUR McCONNELL S TRACE STREET REPRESENTATIVES The MTNA Board is still looking for Block Captains for some of the streets below. By establishing Block Captains, we have increased your accessibility to the Board and making your voice heard. The Block Captain is your point person in the association. A Block Captain s responsibility is to hear/address your concerns and convey them to the Board. If a name for your street is not listed, we have not recruited anyone yet. If you are interested, please contact Kay Blues at or kblues@insightbb.com Angel Falls Drive Joyce Everly 105 Angel Falls joeverly9890@yahoo.com Black Water Lane Tony Lancaster 220 Blackwater Lane tonyblancaster@yahoo.com Blue Heron Place Jennifer Watchorn 109 Blue Heron Lane jennifer.watchorn7@gmail.com Bracktown Road OPEN Briggs Place Nathan Lowe 2944 Briggs Place nlowe1881@gmail.com Burnt Mill Road Bryan Schallner 2877 Burnt Mill Road bschallner@yahoo.com Caddis Lane Matt Hill 3008 Caddis Lane matthill@insightbb.com Gauley Lane Eddie Wesley 229 Gauley Lane edwes12@ .uky.edu Leatherwood Lane - Bennie Pointer 177 Leatherwood Lane thepoynterfamily@gmail.com Long Branch Lane ( ) Kevin Fitz-Gerald 212 Long Branch Lane krfitz@windstream.net Long Branch Lane ( ) Herold Ikard 257 Long Branch Lane hikard4@insightbb.com McConnell s Trace Blvd. Pam Russell-Tutty 104 McConnell s Trace pamrt@windstream.net New River Place Matt Fields 3052 New River Place matt-fields@hotmail.com New River Court Melissa Grassle 216 New River Court missyg7@aol.com Ocoee Court OPEN Old Woolen Mill Lane - Lauren Holman 257 Old Woolen Mill Lane laurenaholman@gmail.com Peaks Mill Drive Nathan Koerber 2892 Peaks Mill Drive n.koerber@insightbb.com Trailwood Lane Chuck White 3052 Trailwood Lane chuckwhite57@insightbb.com Town Branch Road Kay Blues 3017 Town Branch Road kblues@insightbb.com Town Branch Cove Cheryl Goldfarb 104 Town Branch Cove sgcar54@oal.com White Oak Trace ( ) Tony Wolfe 145 White Oak Trace tonywolfe@dbm.com White Oak Trace ( ) Trey McCallie 244 White Oak Trace treymccallie@yahoo.com Yamacraw Place Lisa Martin 129 Yamacraw Place lisaquintet@insightbb.com ANNUAL NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALE Are you bursting at the seams with clutter? If you answered yes, then mark your calendar for the Annual McConnell s Trace Neighborhood Garage Sale. This year s sale will be on Saturday, June 9, between 8 AM and 2 PM. Signs will be posted and an ad placed in the Lexington Herald Leader. This will be the only garage sale sponsored by the Neighborhood Association in

10 Entrance Flagpoles By Bob Russell-Tutty Deed Enforcement, Chair In December, Instant Signs installed flagpoles at both of our entrances. We have received many compliments about how they not only honor our country and our veterans, but also beautify our entrances on White Oak Trace and McConnell s Trace Boulevard. These poles are of superb quality and have an internal halyard system to prevent vandalism. Part of the project included lighting so that our flags could fly 24 hours per day, per federal flag regulations. The funds necessary to pay for this project did not come from the general fund. The project was paid from our Deed Restriction Enforcement Fine account. Due to IRS regulations, we must spend this money for beautification projects to minimize taxation. If you have any ideas for future beautification projects, feel free to call me or me. Bob rbrt1@windstream.net

11 RESTORATION OF THE MCCONNELLS TRACE GREENWAY Five years ago the MTNA Greenway Committee began meeting with Keith Lovan, Engineer in LFUG s Division of Engineering, to provide input into development of the greenway. During this time, DG Gridley, MTNA Greenway Chair, wrote grants for monies to assist in several tree planting projects. Meanwhile, Keith Lovan and Tom Blues, District 2 Councilman, never gave up asking for budget money for the project. In December 2011, residents with property bordering on the McConnell s Trace Greenway began to notice something happening below on the greenway as machinery started creating huge piles of stones. This was the LFUCG s Division of Engineering s way of announcing the McConnell s Trace Greenway Restoration Project had finally gotten underway. The contractor performing the work is Advanced Mulching Technologies of Lexington, Ky. Ecogro has a solid reputation for providing products and services that restore and protect watersheds and native ecosystems through bank stabilization, erosion prevention, sediment control, and other best management practices (BMPs). The MTNA Greenway Project is well underway with objectives to 1) stabilize and restore approximately 1,200 linear feet of the existing drainage swale between Long Branch Lane and McConnell s Trace, 2) grade, installing rock structures and outfall protection using native rock, and 3) connect a raised, mulched trail in the greenway to the Town Branch Trail. The $90,000 budget will allow some funding for planting of native grasses and wild flowers. The Greenway Committee met with Keith Lovan and Russ Turpin, Environmental Specialist from Ecogro, and discussed the overall appearance and most successful locations for plant beddings. Plants considered were: 1) Grasses: Annual Rye, Little Bluestem and Purple Top, 2) Flowers: Black-Eyed Susan, Cupp Plant, Blue Vervain, Wingstem, Partridge Pea, Lance-leaf Coreopsis, Purple Coneflower, and Grey-headed Coneflower. Desired effect of the plantings would not be immediate, but most likely mature in about three years, allowing time for the plants to mature, reseed, and fill in the desired areas. The project is expected to be complete by the end of February The success of this project is dependent upon the behavior of landowners bordering on the greenway, as well as the respect of people using the greenway. There is major concern about contamination by littering, trashing and invasion of unleashed dogs. Everyone must remember the greenway will bring pleasure to residents, but it is also a watershed, serving in the reduction of pollution from runoff water. This continues to be an ongoing project for the Greenway Committee, and it requires a serious effort from all residents to participate in the upkeep and preservation of it. This can be MTNA s way to show its appreciation to LFUCG for choosing our community for this project. McCONNELL S TRACE EASTER EGG HUNT It s time to mark your calendar for the annual McConnell s Trace Easter Egg Hunt! This McConnell s Trace tradition will be held on Saturday, April 7 at 1 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity for the kids to have some fun and the adults to meet your neighbors. The hunt will in the grassy area at the end of Long Branch Lane (near the Trail entrance). Be on time! Once the kids starting hunting, the eggs are gone in minutes. Late arrivers will miss out on the fun and eggs! 11

12 SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING The spring semi-annual meeting of the McConnell s Trace Neighborhood Association will be held on Thursday, April 26, at 7 PM at the First Baptist Church of Bracktown. We will meet in the Community Room. Please plan to attend to see what s going on in your neighborhood! McConnell s Trace Neighborhood Assoc. c/o Maggard Properties 133 Walton Avenue Lexington, KY