Entrance Project and Patio Areas

June 18, 2009 by
Filed under: Board Notices 

M E M O R A N D U M

To:            Homeowners
From:       Riverbend Board of Trustees
Date:        June 15, 2009
Subject:   Entrance Project & Patio Areas

Entrances

We are sure that you have observed the replacement work that has begun at the entrances. The crews from Mapleton Nursery have removed the railroad ties and most of the overgrown plants and bushes. Where possible, the most attractive plantings have been saved, but the majority have been pulled in order to revitalize the entrances.

The stone for the walls will be delivered shortly and then, weather permitting, installation will begin. Both sides of the Hidden Lake Drive entrance will be replaced with new stone walls. Steps will be installed to allow a safe place for those waiting for school buses. As those steps are completed, new landscaping will be added to further enhance the Riverbend look.

Platinum Graphics has been hired to fabricate new signage. The colorful, classy design mirrors our Riverbend letterhead. The sign material is a composite product and requires minimal maintenance. Both signs at Schmidt Lane as well as the Hidden Lake Drive sign will be replaced. It will be a bright addition.

If the weather cooperates, we should be completed by early July.

Private Yards and Plantings

The landscape architect has taken a close look at the property and came back with a number of recommendations. The biggest concern about Riverbend is that the landscaping has outgrown and overgrown the homes. It makes the community look dated and ultimately impacts the property value. During a walk through recently, it was clear that Riverbend needs to remove a number of large trees from the common property. The trees have grown to the point that they are damaging sidewalks and the sprinkler system. Because of the shallow root systems, the trees are more easily toppled and present a potential danger to the homes themselves. You may recall that we lost several trees last October during a freak snow storm. As the budget allows, we will also begin clearing overgrown bushes that are causing damage to houses, lights, and signs.

The landscaper was amazed after seeing a number of the private spaces inside the fences.

EVERYONE needs to look at their own yards. There are a large number that are so overgrown that it is impossible to move around. The yards are dark and wet. No light gets through. In addition to looking bleak and jungle-like, there is damage being done to the roofs and siding of your own home, as well as your neighbors. Having vines growing up the walls and around the fence is not a good idea. The vines will eat at the wood siding/fencing and cause rotting. There is also the danger of some of these trees toppling against the houses. Homeowners need to contact their insurance companies to check their liability in the event of that happening.

Make a close examination of your yard. Look for rotted wood, blocked gutters/down spouts and green mold. Find companies that will remove the overgrown trees/bushes. In fact, this is work that our own landscaping contractor, Growing Concern, does. If you cannot do this yourself, find someone that does.

The Board is making every effort to improve the look and property values of Riverbend by addressing the overgrowth issues. Do your part to keep your values up by attending to your own yard and its contents. Everyone has their own opinion of what is attractive, but it is more than clear in these cases that growing a rain forest in your yard is not appropriate.

Thanks for your prompt attention.

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