Downs Grant

December, 2007

Letter from the President

I am happy to report it is not the worst of times; however it is not the best of times either.  We in Downs Grant are a product of the times.  As our community of homes settles into that 25 to 30 year existence, let’s look into the mirror.  We are not in need of the Joan Rivers total reconstruction; nevertheless, a little Botox might be in the offing.  As an example, our front entrance is showing the world what a little age, no sun block, and no moisturizer will allow wind and weather to do.  

We all need to be aware that the money we collect in dues simply can’t fix all of our on-going maintenance needs; we must prioritize our use of money so that the total community will be best served.

What can each of us do to help the overall effort?  It is a reasonable expectation that all of us maintain our properties in a neat fashion.  Tidy the yard; use a little paint; plant a few shrubs.  A tidy well-kept exterior and yard require basic effort, time and in most cases, do not cost much.  Please show that common respect is alive in our community.  Don’t park what is unsightly and does not belong here.  Don’t start a project that you know you won’t finish in two years.  Your neighbors may not complain, but they do harbor negative thoughts.  Try not to detract from the property values of others.  Do try to be considerate and respectful.

I have listed below some of the efforts your board of directors has been engaged in and a few things I think are of concern for the coming year.

     Items Addressed and Completed in Current Year

1. Fire Department and EMT review of premises and common area, now in compliance except for signage; new gates at both entrances to common areas per fire and EMT codes
2. Made full review of our insurances, and adjustments and corrections for buildings no longer in existence were made.
3. Put into place full time legal service on a pay-as-we go basis with no retainer from a firm that represents 500+ HOA’s
4. Retained full time CPA to monitor all financial dealings of the HOA and to provide a limited certified audit.
5. Removed over 30 dead and dangerous trees in the common area
6. Drained silt retention basin, and provided county with revised drainage and survey maps. Applied for all relevant permits to complete fill, reseeding and silt prevention
7. Made repairs to entrance lighting and fencing
8. Refurbished watering system at entrance

       Items to be Addressed in Coming Year

1. Basketball and tennis court refurbishing
2. Entrance signs and lighting
3. Drain under Woods End from holding pond on Raintree Golf Course to Four Mile Creek – substantial erosion taking place – water flowing under culvert, not through it
4. New signage reflecting use and rules of the common areas at entrances
5. Better enforcement of architectural guidelines
6. Review of existing rules governing privacy fencing along golf course properties
7. Lazy cops – speed bumps – can we have them
8. Paint entry gates to common areas
9. Work with Duke Energy to put in new and more attractive street lights
10. Develop grant monies for any of the projects the HOA cannot fund
11. Develop commons area access from Autumn Leaf as was previously utilized
12. New board members – please volunteer

I would like to thank my fellow members of the board for a valiant effort and also voice a special thank you to Rick Romanoff for his IT skills.

 Please be happy, be thankful, and be sure to thank our neighbors whose sons, daughters, and loved ones are serving abroad.

 Best wishes for a great 2008.

 Glenn Kiger