The reason for this advisory is to tell you that if you didn’t receive it – assuming that EPM has your correct email address on file – the message may have been culled as spam.

It was for me.

So, if you haven’t seen the message in your inbox then one or both of the following remedies may be in order.

1. Ensure that EPM has your correct email address on file by checking your profile on the official Riverbend Web site (not this one, the official one, which doesn’t seem to be online as I’m writing).
2. Whitelist the addresses that EPM using to send their broadcast messages.

Contact EPM if you’re still having trouble receiving their broadcast message.

Please be advised that we have received word today, from PSE&G that they are planning to shut off the electric in Riverbend on September 8th for a few hours. (date not confirmed) We assume this is to hook up the electric from the newly installed wiring from their construction that was done in the community earlier this year. Please let you neighbors know.

Remember that those who have electric garage door openers, you will not be able to get into your home through the garage when the electric is off. You should take a front door key with you if you leave your home to prevent being locked out during this period.

Please look for further notice from PSE&G that should be posted on your front/garage door and possibly the mailboxes as well.

Janice Barber,
Executive Property Management

The calendar on this site has been adjusted to reflect the correct dates for Zone 3 as shown in the notice. Here’s a summary of the changes.

The full revised schedule is on the township site.

We are proud to announce that the official Riverbend web site is up and running at www.riverbendtoa.com. This web site will contain the following information shortly:

• Newsletters
• Monthly Board Meeting Minutes
• Event Calendar
• Rules and Regulations
• Landscaping request forms
• Current budget and audit results
• Community updates and alerts
• Community Notices
• And so much more …..

This web site is evolving and will be enhanced in the months ahead. That is why we need your help. Please visit the web site and send your comments to: randbsoptonline.net or kenboots@aol.com.

Your user ID and PASSWORD have been preset to ******, i.e. ****** (example ****** at ******). For security reasons we suggest that your password be changed by logging in using your preset login and password and then updating your user profile to change the password, for security reasons. [sic]

We are hoping to reduce our mailing costs by distributing information via this website. If you want to continue to receive US postal mailings, please mail in the attached form.

Very truly yours,

Board of Trustees
Riverbend Townhouse Owners Association

Administrator note: For security reasons, the default userid/password scheme described in the Board notice has been omitted, for security reasons. It’s also worth noting that the official Riverbend Web site URL has apparently changed. In earlier notices from the Board (see Spring Update and Update on Recent Activities) the site’s URL was www.riverbenddrive.org while in this notice it is www.riverbendtoa.com. The earlier URL redirects to the one announced here – in other words, both function equally, but it’s confusing. Perhaps the Board will provide an explanation later.

I walk the community regularly. Many homes are in serious decline. Not only empty units, either. In some cases occupied units are just as bad!

The abandoned home, the focus of my neighbor’s concern, was well-kept before the last sale. The final occupant was a young girl, Virginia plates on her car as I recall, who had found new work in the City. Then, one day shortly after a crowded party, a truck came. She and friends loaded it up and disappeared, and no one has been there since. She wasn’t here very long. Maybe a year, if that.

The home to the other side of that one, on the end, is occupied. I’m not sure how many live there. It’s in decline, too. There may even be a business being run from there, if the number of FedEx trucks and assorted unmarked straight-job trucks in and out, loading and unloading, are any indication.

There are others. But what’s the point in going on?

I’ve entertained thought of posting unit numbers and pictures of some of the slum-like things I see in our once-beautiful community. I’ve used peer pressure tactics before to effect change behavioral changes – it can work, sometimes. But thinking it through, broadcasting the situation with precision just might worsen it.

What do you think? Is the home next to yours making you nervous because of abandonment or neglectful owners? What, if anything, have you tried to do about it? Or, are YOU one of those neglectful homeowners? Can you explain yourself?

I’m not holding my breath.

Everything seems to test out fine, but if you notice anything awry then please tell me. I’ll get it fixed. Thanks!

Bad enough during the day, but after dark with no lights? Ordinarily I’d figure Darwin would sort things out, but you just know the SOB would sue you. And here in the People’s Republik of Jersey they’d probably win!

Back in 2001 I had some – about 85% worth – of my cedar siding replaced. The prior owner had let the maintenance slip and it was in pretty bad shape. I’m not griping; I knew it going in.

The job was bigger than I wanted to tackle myself so I set out to find a local contractor. In broad strokes, I called everyone I could find and had them out for an estimate. While I had a good idea as to what needed to be done I played the role of a dumb homeowner to see what they’d say. I chose to work with the contractor that best matched my assessment of the work to be done. I was well-satisfied with the work and it’s holding up well to this day. I’ve since had him handle other work for me as well.

So, with that said, give Frank a call at 732-718-7711 and tell him Rick sent you.

A word about cost. Wood is expensive. Over the long haul maintenance is key. Don’t put off staining, for example, to save a buck this season. Once the wood dries out and starts to warp you’ll have to replace it to put things right again, costing material and labor. Suck it up – do your maintenance.

Naturally, my new siding needed staining. My contractor handled that, too, using an airless sprayer. The coverage was excellent and it held up well for a long time. But not forever. When the next stain job was due I had the guy you see doing lots of staining here in the community handle the work. He used a brush. I can see that stain job will only last about half what the spray job did.

Now, if I haven’t bored you to tears already I have a definite opinion about that composite stuff: I just don’t like it. Yes, there are a number of advantages to using it, I won’t deny that. It’s just aesthetically DISpleasing. Lopez wrote, “It looks so nice…” I disagree. It looks cold, sterile and uniform where natural wood has infinite variation, warmth and character. And those are qualities that attracted me to the community in the first place.

There are definitely more than one unit that’s cut over to HARDIPLANK. One guy did it himself! It’s been on the board-approved list for a number of years; here’s a mention in the July 2005 newsletter. Some of the jobs clearly exhibit better workmanship than others. I’ve observed some where literally every seam is caulked and boards don’t meet their mates at corners. But even at best, you can look at a wall and easily identify identical spans of fake wood grain and you simply can’t do that with natural wood! I reminds me of wood-grain-stamped vinyl siding. But hey, but that’s just MHO.

Moving on, I wrote about the shrubbery devastation a few weeks back, just before the last Board meeting. I had an appointment at that meeting and I walked in just as it was under discussion with the contractors. As you’ve probably noticed by now, the bush stumps are being removed or ground (not that *I* would want to be running machinery near the transformers!). The expansive bare areas are slated for further improvement as well.

I fear that my reactionary post was harsh and fast, and these improvements simply take time. I plead shock. I was absolutely shocked when I came back into the neighborhood that afternoon. When my son came home from school it was his first comment. Likewise with my wife when she came in. As I walked around getting my pictures I saw others wandering, some almost slack-jawed. Shock.

(OTOH, I absolutely meant every single word I wrote about the dog pooper. And I’m remaining vigilant, camera in hand, gathering my evidence.) If you’re reading, pooper, I see you.

Thanks..

Lopez Family…

Ps.. I do hope that the cut up shrubs get replace with something nicer…

One of the topics of discussion will be the Board’s new Web site.

We all know about the electric infrastructure work that’s been going on, not only in Riverbend but in the surrounding neighborhoods as well. Following the new conduit runs, last weekend brought the installation of several new transformers. Not without problems, either. The power instabilities have been hell on my poor servers despite the standby power systems I use, but I digress.

There are supposed to be ‘buffer zones’ around the transformers so that utility workers can do their maintenance work. There are notices like this on many of them.

But knowing that didn’t prepare me for the destruction that met my eyes when I returned to the neighborhood yesterday afternoon. Most of the rest of this article consists of images. You can make each image somewhat larger by clicking on it, and return to your place in the series with the Back button of your browser.

Oh, yeah, and I should mention that there’s an extra-special surprise ending. It’s at the end.

Telephone pedestal and transformers.

Building marker against a background of stumps.

No transformer in sight! WTF??

Some shrubbery OK, some not so OK

More preferential treatment?

Phone service been funky lately? Maybe this is why.

They almost look like grave markers, don't they?

The scene is repeated throughout Riverbend.

No more afternoon shade here!

Wondering... will the stumps be removed, at least? Maybe replanted with grass?

Like before, not a transformer in sight.

Showing off our neighborhood: traffic signs, parking signs, multiple transformers, a telephone pedestal (this one intact), stumps and dried mulch, with trash on the side.

Oh, the destruction!

More stumps, near four different kinds of sidewalk patches/replacements.

On and on I walked with my camera, the story repeating itself over and over again. I saw some other residents wandering around. Some of them looked shocked as well.

Oh, yeah, I promised a surprise ending. Have a nice look at this area, just outside number 70. There used to be a nice set of shrubbery there, providing something of a buffer between the front windows and the street, shade by the sidewalk, a windbreak from the winter blast off the street. No more.

Outside number 70.

If you didn’t bother to look at the larger render of that image I’ll save you the trouble.

A closer look at the area near number 70.

See that trash? That’s not ordinary trash. Do you know what it is? I do.

It’s dog excrement, that’s what it is.

A quick count – and it’s not like I tried to be especially precise about it or anything – yielded no less than TWENTY-TWO plastic bags of the stuff!

So. There’s someone around here that walks their little practice dog (judging by the size of the well-preserved poop in those bags) that meticulously picks up the crap, ties the top of the bag in a little knot, and throws it in the bushes outside number 70. Well, what used to be bushes, anyway.

Again,it’s not like I conducted a detailed study but it sure looks like the same dope doing it, again and again. Same kind of bag. Same size crap. Tied off the same way.

Well, dog walker, the rest of this message is directed to you. When I see you performing this disgusting, unhealthy, disrespectful and unlawful act, I will photograph you and file a formal complaint. And y’know what? I will see you, too, because old habits die hard and you won’t stop. Once a slob, always a slob and you’re no exception. You’ll pick it up, you’ll tie it off, you’ll wander and you’ll look around until you think no one’s looking and then you’ll throw it in the bushes. You will keep doing that in my neighborhood, and I will see you, and I will make that complaint. Have a nice day.

WEBSITE:
The web site www.riverbenddrive.org has been launched. This site will be the primary source of information for the community and where announcements will be made. If any homeowner does not have web access, they need to make this known to Executive Property Management. You MUST let EPM know if you want information mailed to you. If we do not hear from you requesting this mail, we will NOT send it and the web site will serve as the newsletter.

The site is in its infancy and we are in the midst of loading some basic information. There will be a good deal of public information. There will also be password protected data that will be restricted to only homeowners. This will be of a more sensitive nature.

We need VOLUNTEERS to act as administrators for the site. If anyone with a background in web site construction/administration is available for an hour each month to update the site, contribute to its improvement and participate in the community is encouraged to let EPM know of your interest.

LANDSCAPING
We are always looking to improve the look of Riverbend. Because of our limited resources this year, we will be removing overgrown plantings along Riverbend Drive to refresh the “curb” value of our community. As our budget allows we will address the overgrowth along each of the walkways.

Homeowners will be getting notified shortly about dealing with the jungle like private areas near your homes. The recent March storms showed the danger of having oversized trees/plants within the private areas. There were a number of trees blown down and against the houses. Major damage was largely avoided this time but we saw what might happen if we don’t remove these trees as they outgrow the spaces. You can contact our landscaper, Growing Concern about removal.

New Mulch has been added to the playground.

PAINTING/REPAIRS
Letters will be going out in the next few weeks to homes where there is an obvious need for maintenance. Now is a great time to contact local painters and handymen to book the work that needs to get done.

Be courteous to your neighbors. Please pick up after your pets. When you see a loose piece of paper, cups, bottles, etc., please pick it up and throw it away.

LIGHTING
The walkway lights have been installed since the community opened in 1981. These bulbs/fixtures are outdated and inefficient and the state has told us that we have to deal with replacement. We are working with a lighting engineer to negotiate the purchase and installation of low maintenance and cost efficient fixtures that will enhance the walkway lighting and improve safety.

CABLE INSTALLATION
Contractors for P S E & G have been working in Hidden Lake for nearly six months. They are installing tubes and cables that will improve electricity delivery among other things. They are completing their work that will allow us to finish our landscaping and mulching.

Enjoy the Spring!

Board of Trustees
Riverbend Townhouse Owners Association

As you are well aware, we have experienced a severe snow season. It is a relief to know that Spring is finally here, however, our budget has been severely impacted from this winter.

The snow budget for the year was $45,000. We have incurred costs in excess of $50,000. This does not include any potential snowfall that may occur in November or December 2010, which is estimated to be $15,000. In addition, the 10″ snowstorm in December 2009 cost an additional unbudgeted $5,000. Based on the above our snow expense has negatively affected our budget by approximately $25,000 and another $4,000 of resultant damage to landscaping and trees.

The Board of Trustees has carefully reviewed the impact of this budget shortfall and has passed a snow assessment on March 16, 2010 requiring each homeowner to pay an additional $200.00 to make up the budget deficit. This amount is payable in eight installments of $25.00 each commencing May 1, 2010 through December 1, 2010.

Enclosed please find eight (8) coupons to be used each month starting May 1st with the revised monthly payment through the end of this year in the amount of $210.00 ($185.00 monthly fee plus $25.00 snow deficit).

Non-payment of this assessment will result in the Association following the normal collection procedures that are followed for any other outstanding dues to the Association. If you are selling your home during this period, you are required to make the purchasers aware of this assessment that is due each month from May through December 2010.

Feel free to contact our management office should you have any questions in this regard.

Very truly yours,

Board of Trustees
Riverbend Townhouse Owner’s Association

Enclosures

Note from the Administrator: The mentioned coupon book is omitted from this posting for obvious reasons.

RE: An update on recent activities and the impact on the community

Dear Riverbend Homeowner:

Like everyone else in the Northeast, we have suffered through an historic winter. February saw more than three feet of snow in central New Jersey. By contrast, last year we got less than two feet of snow for the entire winter. Like most municipalities, our snow removal expenses have exceeded our budget. And we still have more weather to get through before we see Springtime.

In short, there will be a need for a “Special Assessment” in order to cover our excessive snow removal costs. Historically, our snow budget has always been very close to our expenses, but this has been an extraordinary year. The exact amount of the assessment will be determined once we receive the final billing from our vendor.

Once the snow melts away, we will be able to do an evaluation of the damage done to our landscaping and lighting. There are sections of walkway lights that are out now. They will be fixed as soon as our contractor can dig up the lines and make the necessary repairs.

EPA guidelines on lighting are changing. The Board has met with an engineering firm to work with us to install new sidewalk lighting fixtures. The current lights are costly to maintain and not efficient in delivering adequate lighting. We are evaluating fixtures that are inexpensive to maintain, deliver greater amounts of light and attractively fit into the “Riverbend look”.

The Board has contracted with a vendor to produce a Riverbend web site. Very shortly, the web site www.riverbenddrive.org will be the primary location for ALL community announcements. Communication and awareness is critical and this is the most timely and cost effective way to immediately get messages out to each resident. More detailed information will come shortly. The offerings and data on the site will expand as we get feedback and move forward.

Let’s all hope for an early Spring!

Very truly yours,

Board of Trustees
Riverbend Townhouse Owners Association

Before you get your shorts in a twist, rest assured that our Board is taking this action for the most noble and time-honored purpose: to cut the association’s operational costs. And I think that’s something we can all get behind.

The vendor that’s presently being considered – I won’t name them here – appears to have a great deal of experience providing Web sites to homeowner’s associations across the country. Whether they’ll actually become Riverbend’s service provider remains to be seen; I’ve added to the list of questions and considerations our Board will bring to them. Project startup costs are minimal and ongoing costs seem, well, reasonable.

One important step, no matter who actually ends up providing hosting services, is the choice of a domain name. If you’re thinking that the obvious choices (like riverbend.org, for example) are taken, you’d be absolutely correct. (Believe me when I tell you that each passing week it becomes increasingly difficult to come up with a good domain name.)

You can help. Get your creative juices flowing and make some suggestions. Make as many suggestions as you like. Either add them to this article as comments or email them directly to riverbend@timeoff.org if you’re shy. (It’d be nice if you only suggest domain names that are actually available, but if you don’t know how to do that I’ll check ‘em.) I’ll be sure that the Board hears your suggestions. Of course, you could contact them in the usual way – through the EPM office – yourself! Too late! A domain name has been selected.

I’m sure you’ll be hearing more about the project in the coming days or weeks. I hope you’ll join me in supporting the Board’s efforts to drag our community into the 90s!