Springdale Estates Newsletter Fall 2008
Springdale Estates Newsletter
Volume 5 Issue 3 Fall 2008
President's Corner...... 2
Money Matters...... 2
Architectural Committee...... 2
NEW ROAD SIGN IN SPRINGDALE...... 2-3
Do You KnowYour Property Ownership Rightsand Limits Along OurRoads? 3
SEA SPOT...... 3
SPRINGDALE HALLOWEEN PARTY...... 4
SOCIAL CLUB UPDATE...... 4
GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS...... 4
OUR COMMUNITY REMEMBERS LUKE JOHNSTON...... 4
IN REMEMBRANCE...... 5
SPRINGDALE ESTATES LONG-RANGE PLANING COMMITTEE SURVEY..5-6
neighborhood Watch blotter...... 6
Welcome to the Neighborhood...... 6
SEA Newsletter Notes...... 7
Submitting Articles & Ads...... 7
Springdale Classifieds...... 7
Newsletter Committee...... 7
Springdale Estates Association Officers...... 8
Contacts for Committees...... 8
SEA 2008 Budget...... 9-10
Newsletter 1
Springdale Estates Newsletter Fall 2008
President’s Corner
Fall 2008
Welcome to another great season in Springdale. 2009 promises to be another year of progress and beautification within the neighborhood. At our annual meeting on November 11th, we will review the results of the recent Springdale survey and vote on new improvements and changes in our neighborhood. Please plan on attending and sharing your interests.
I would like to say a special thank you to our Secretary, Lisa Evans. Lisa is stepping down from the board after several years of service. Lisa is also a member of the Garden Club, and has done a fantastic job for Springdale. Please thank Lisa for her service when you see her in the neighborhood.
Thanks to all our volunteers and neighbor’swho make this community special, and I look forward to working with you again in 2009.
Bill McCrorie
SEA President
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
What: ANNUAL BOARD MEETING
When: November 11th at 7pm
Where: TabernacleBaptistChurch.
Money Matters
John Donofrio, Treasurer
A special thanks to all Homeowners that paid their 2008 dues in a timely manner! We have collected 100% of our budget, $28,500 and we have a few more Homeowners that have committed to pay.
Please find attached financial statements through September. If you have any neighborhood expenses that need to be reimbursed, please provide the invoices to me and I will get a check issued. Thanks again and please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Architectural Committee
Don Mullins, Architectural Committee Chair
Springdale Estates' covenants require that any new construction (new house, addition, remodeling,detached garage, out building, deck, pool, fence, etc.) be reviewed and approved by the SEA Architectural Committee prior tobeginning construction.The purposes of this requirementare (1)to maintain the architectural design integrity of our community as a whole, and (2) to assure that our residentsdo not incur unnecessary costs or delays by beginningprojects that might ultimately have to be altered, modified, relocated, reconstructed, or abandoned due to failure to comply with construction regulations, setback requirements, code specifications, or related criteria.
The Architectural Committeeis composed of: Don Mullins (Chair), Marya Torrence, and Paul MacDougal. Don is a retired mechanical engineer, Marya is a realtor, andPaul is a computer graphics 3D architect. Contact Don at 848-6603 or email him at to obtain a Request for Approval form which will guide you regarding documentation to be submitted to the Architectural Committee with your application (site plans, floor plans, elevations, materials, color schemes, etc.).
The Architectural Committee will review your project promptly and provide formal approval in writing within 30 days of receiving yoursubmittal.
Our purpose is to assist and protect you. Thank you for yoursupport in complying withSpringdale Estates' covenant requirements.
New Road Sign in Springdale
By, Beth Lawrence
If you live on Trailing Cedar Drive, Woody Hill Road, or on Sawyer Drive, you may have experienced trouble using the internet mapping systems, like Google, MapQuest, Rand McNally, or any GPS system, when you are giving directions to friends, family and delivery or service people.
The issue was that these mapping systems instruct drivers to turn from O’Neal Road to Trailing Cedar Drive, however, these two roads do not intersect. The correct directions should instruct one to turn from O’Neal Road onto Woody Hill Road, then onto Trailing Cedar Drive. To help the internet mapping systems work better with the actual road signs and physical street locations, we have added a new sign at the corner of O’Neal and Woody Hill roads. This new street sign has a directional arrow pointing towards Trailing Cedar Drive, so the internet directions can be followed more easily.
This new street sign is a great addition to this part of the neighborhood!
Do You KnowYour Property Ownership Rightsand Limits Along OurRoads?
Homeowners often maketheassumption that theirpropertylines along our roadsgo right up to thepavement edge. Guess what? That assumptionisWRONG!!!! And it could lead toa visit from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, informing you that you must remove those beautifulshrubs youplantedat the corner of your driveway, or that your basketball goallocated nearthe street must come down.
There is a popular misconception that you own the land all the way tothe edge of the pavement. The truth is that the state actually owns a fairly significant strip of your front yard. This strip is known as the "right-of-way", and anything placed on that land (other than mail boxes, utility boxes, street signs, fire hydrants, etc.) is consideredillegal.The DOT canrequire you to remove any non-complying plantings, structures, or equipment.
The state owned right-of-way on roads in Springdale Estates is typically 60 feet wide,or 30 feet to each side of the pavement's centerline. Our pavementis typically 20 feet wide, so this means that, measured from the pavement's centerline, the state owns the 10 feet of asphalt over to the edge of your lawn PLUS approximately the next 20 feet into yourlawn. Note that in cul de sacs, due to wider pavement, the right-of-way may not extend nearly so far into your lawn.(DOTor a registered land surveyor should be contacted for accurateright-of-way measurements in these unique cul de sac situations.)
So before you plant those new shrubs, construct a wall,buildentry markers at the end of your driveway, place stones along the road'sedge, or do most anything near the pavement,takea few minutes and measure 30 feet from the center of the road tobe sure your new project is located behind that state owned right-of-way.
Questions or concerns? Contact theArchitectural Committee.
Don Mullins, Chairman,
SEA Architectural Committee
848-6603 or
SEA SPOT
John Rhoades, SPOT Coordinator
The SPOT purpose is “To establish a good working relationship with the NCDOT which leads to support and proper repair for our neighborhood streets”.
The SPOT folks will work with each Neighborhood Director, Block Captain or the SEA Board to maintain a repair priority list. When you see a needed repair, we’ll make sure it is on the list. Please report items to your Neighborhood Director or Block Captain in this easy manner: On a piece of paper or email; write down the closest mail box street address and how many yards from the mail box. Example: “8905 Wood Vine a pothole 75 yards down hill on left side”. This will help everyone locate and confirm we have the item on the list and with proper priority.
Thank you.
The Springdale Estates
Halloween Party
October 25th
Look for a flyer in your mailbox!
Social Club Update…
Springdale Family Day & Fun Run
This year’s Springdale Family Day and Fun Run is planned for October 18th. This year’s event will be at the lake. There will be a parade, fishing contest, and cookout. We’ll be sending out an update soon with all the details. If you have ideas for the event or would like to volunteer, please contact Sharon Waidler at or 846-2621.
Get to Know Your Neighbors
Join an SEA Committee!
Springdale Estates is a very desirable North Raleigh residence with its large lots, proximity to good schools and convenient location. One of the best ways to maintain a strong neighborhood is involvement of its residents in neighborhood activities. To promote participation of neighbors in the activities of Springdale Estates, we encourage you to consider joining one of the committees. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors!
Here’s a list of the committees/activities you might want to join: Welcoming, Social, Publicity, Garden Club, Special Projects, Executive Board, and Block Captains.
If you are interested in becoming a part of one of these Springdale Estates Committees, please contact Lisa Evans at 841-5554.
BOARD POSITIONS …
SEA is proud to announce that Kellie McDonald will take over the Secretary position immediately. Please contact Kellie if you have any questions for her. In addition, President, Vice President and Treasurer are available if you are interested. Please nominate a neighbor and contact Bill McCrorie @ . The current board members are willing and proud to serve the neighborhood, but would also like to invite more neighbors to get involved.
Our Community Remembers Luke Johnston…
Our community recently suffered a terribly sad loss. Luke Johnston, 19, son of David and Susan Johnston (8708 Cliff Top Ct.) passed away September 20th following a tragic accident at FallsLake. Luke was playing Frisbee with the youngest of his 3 siblings when his spinal cord was gravely injured.
Luke had just finished flight training and was to begin his second year ofcollege. He was an accomplished student, pianist, artist, and athlete. Hewill be remembered as a fun-loving young man of remarkably strong faith.
Luke served on a mission trip to Haiti and was active in numerous ministries at ChristCoventryChurch. It was Luke's desire to be an organ donor. Helping to save the lives of at least 4 other families in North Carolina has been of comfort to his family and friends.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Johnston family, David, Susan, Tegan, Ian and Brock.
In Remembrance…
This is a column to acknowledge the passing of residents and former residents of Springdale Estates.
Phil Pitney (March 21, 2008)...... husband of Katherine
resident of 8509 Valley Brook Drive
Charles Underwood (April 26, 2008)...... husband of Clara
resident of 8917 Hunting Trail
Luke Johnston (August 23, 2008)....son of David and Susan
resident of 8708 Cliff Top Court
Andreina Bastianello (August 31, 2008)....widow of George
resident of 8600 Evergreen Court
SPRINGDALE ESTATES LONG-RANGE PLANING COMMITTEE SURVEY
By Brian Gilger
The Springdale Estates Long-Range Planning committee (LRPC) developed an online survey to assist the Springdale Homeowners Association board in determining priorities in long-range planning for the Springdale area.
To develop a survey, the LRPC solicited input from the community on ideas and suggestions regarding priorities and projects. This initial information was collected in April and May 2008. Input on five general areas were solicited: 1. Infrastructure/maintenance (lake, dam, common areas, entrances, fence, etc.); 2. Springdale safety; 3. Aesthetics of community (signs, trees, lake, entrance, etc.); 4.Health/recreation (community events, common areas, etc.); and 5. Communication (neighborhood information, community watch, news, postings). Based on ideas presented to the LRPC, an on-line survey (via Survey Monkey) was created and the community was asked to provide feedback regarding their support of these ideas by completing the on-line survey or, if they did not have access to the internet, to complete a paper survey. The survey was open for completion during the month of June 2008.
A total of 180 people started the survey and 167 (92.8%) completed the survey. The complete results of the survey and LRPC report can be downloaded and reviewed from the Springdale Estates website.
In summary of the results, here are the responses to the final survey question: “What should be the SEA’s TOP PRIORITY to investigate regarding community projects? The responses (n=141) are summarized in this table:
Response / Number of responses / % of responsesRoad repaving / 18 / 12.8%
Traffic safety /speeding / 17 / 12.1%
Update/maintain entrances / 16 / 11.3%
Crosswalks on Leesville / 13 / 9.2%
Keep Lake healthy / natural / 10 / 7.1%
Add street lights / 8 / 5.7%
Bike paths along roads / 5 / 3.5%
Protect trees / 5 / 3.5%
Oneal speed bumps / 5 / 3.5%
Add Sewer / 5 / 3.5%
Based on the results of the survey and discussions by the Springdale Estates LRPC, the following recommendations were made to the Springdale Homeowners Association board on August 25, 2008:
1. Infrastructure/ maintenance (lake, dam, common areas, entrances, fence, etc.)
- Lobby to have roads resurfaced (number 1 priority)
- Maintain the front entrances, white fence, and common areas of the lakes
- Have professional landscaping done on entrances (see more below in aesthetics section)
- Plan modern new entrance after widening of Leesville Road
2. Springdale safety
- Investigate the feasibility of crosswalks on Leesville Road
- Have a comprehensive study performed on safety and traffic control on Oneal road, including methods to control speeding.
3. Aesthetics of community (signs, trees, lake, entrance, etc.)
- Investigate the feasibility of lighting the front entrances
- Plant barrier trees / bushes along or behind Springdale entrances to block view of houses / chain-link fences, etc (this was considered a high priority by the committee)
- Update lettering and look of entrances (see above)
- Straighten street signs
4. Health/recreation (community events, common areas, etc.)
- Investigate feasibility of improved trash service for the community
5. Communication (neighborhood information, community watch, news, postings
- Improve SEA website to include directory, postings, community watch, etc.
The LRPC would like to thank all of you who sent suggestions to us and completed the survey. Please do not hesitate to contact me, Brian Gilger (; phone: 845-9287) if you have suggestions or comments.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH BLOTTER…
Jon Ehret, Community Watch Coordinator
HELPFUL TIPS:
- Our neighborhood falls under the jurisdiction of the county sheriff’s office and they can be contacted at 856-6900. Make note of this number and put it on speed dial or where you can find it easily, and then USE IT when you have a concern.
- Watch for unusual activity as you walk or drive through the neighborhood and make note of specific details such as the time and type of vehicle, license plate, etc. This information is especially useful in identifying patterns of behavior and (if necessary) providing the sheriff’s office with the detail they need to do their job.
- If you feel safe in doing so, it is a good idea to politely ask kids what they are doing if they appear to be lingering when they should be in school or if it is late at night. It is unfair to assume that all teens seen ‘hanging out’ are up to no good, but any who are behaving appropriately should have no problem with a resident politely confirming that. Even if their response is clearly a lie, you will have made the point that as a neighborhood we are watching.
WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD!
Marya Torrence, Chair - Welcome Committee
Since our Spring newsletter, several families have chosen Springdale Estates as their new home. The SEA Welcome Committee, along with all Springdale residents, recognize and welcome these following new neighbors:
Awat & Stace Ilkhanizadeh...... 8709 O'Neal Road
Kenneth & Paula Mullins...... 8809 Katharina Court
Paul & Allison Nani...... 8520 Wood Lawn Drive
Karl & Emily Wegmann...... 8700 W. Lake Court
Benjamin & Heather Habets...... 8508 Sawyer Drive
Travis Crane & Jelynn Kaplan...... 8708 O'Neal Road
David & Jennifer Maldonado...... 8917 Hunting Trail
David & Angela McNeill...... 8501 O'Neal Road
Josh & Katrina Bell...... 8600 Caswell Place
Please feel free to contact any committee member with questions, comments and/or new neighbor information. Your Springdale Estates WELCOME COMMITTEE members are:
Marya Torrence, Chair at 848-6790 or email
Barbara Cumbo at 845-3335 or email
Pam Hixson at 848-2159 or email
Suzanne Montgomery at 844-0967 or email
Springdale Estates Newsletter Page 1
Springdale Estates Newsletter Fall 2008
Springdale Estates Newsletter Page 1
Springdale Estates Newsletter Fall 2008
SEA Newsletter Notes
Submitting Articles & Ads
We are always looking for interesting articles or information to share with our neighbors. If you are interested in writing articles for our newsletter or if you have ideas for information you would like included in future editions, please contact Kellie McDonald at 676-8472 or email her at . The Springdale Estates newsletter is scheduled to be published three times annually. The cut-off date for submissions to the next issue of our newsletter is January 15, 2009.
If you have a personal service to advertise (examples: pet-sitting, baby-sitting, tutoring, photography, sewing, etc.) or personal item for sale and would like to advertise it in our newsletter, please send your submission to Kellie McDonald at 8904 Hunting Trail or email her at o later than January 15, 2009.
Springdale Classifieds
This section provides classified ads for residents of Springdale Estates.
Swim Instructor
My name is Marie Schoening. I am a swimming coach with my certified stroke tech and will be offering swim lessons-private or group/ Adult or child. If anyone is interested they can contact me at .
Siesta Stitches
Monogramming and Personalized Gifts
Baby Gifts, Key Chains, Towel Wraps
Kellie McDonald
or 676-8472
Babysitting
Emily McCrorie-14 year old Springdale Resident
CPR certified and references available.
or 847-6817
Babysitting & Pet-sitting Services!
Justine and Jillian are 16 and 14 years old. They both took the American Red Cross baby sitting class. Contact Marie Schoening
Newsletter Committee
Coordinator and Publisher: Kellie McDonald
Editors: Lisa Evans, Beth Lawrence, Paul MacDougal