HAWKES HAPPENINGS
The Newsletter of the Hawkes Bluff Homeowners' Association
Volume 10 Number 4 April, 2001
The next quarterly meeting will be held at 7.'30pm on Tuesday April 24th at the Ivanhoe FireStation community room -please p/an to attend
I-75 - WHAT NEXT?
WILL WE GET A SOUND BARRIER? TRAIN AND/OR NEW EXPRESS LANES??
Residents who live next to 1-75 have long been aware of the noise and increased traffic there. About 6 months ago, as part of a mandate to eradicate non-native species on DOT property state-wide, the stand of melaluca trees along I-75 behind homes in our development was removed. Since then considerably more of our residents have become aware of the noise and sight of traffic on I-75 as well as the associated dirt.
At this point over half our homes are impacted and the ideal solution to the situation would be a sound barrier such as we all see along other highways locally. DOT has rules about erecting sound barriers and have indicated that we do not qualify. However, they have caused a unique situation by removing trees that provided to some degree a natural sight/sound barrier. Other areas of Ivanhoe are impacted too and we have been working with representatives from other Ivanhoe associations on a solution. The now highly noticeable presence of I-75 is having a negative impact on our property values. In an on-going effort to get us a sound barrier, a meeting took place in early April in Tallahassee between Ivanhoe representatives and the Secretary of Transportion and we are awaiting feed-back from that meeting to share with our residents.
Meanwhile, we would like to make residents aware of a NEW CONCERN involving future plans for I-75.
An I-75 Master Plan study is under way at present which identifies a potential new on-ramp at Stirling Road providing access to express lanes in the I-75 median. Another future transportation suggestion is for a bullet train or maybe Tri-Rail in the median of I-75. Obviously neither of these ideas would be acceptable to the majority of our homeowners. Residents with access to the Internet are encouraged to learn more about his study which is being conducted on behalf of DOT by a private company. Please see http://www.vhb.com for more information and follow the links to transportation, projects, I-75, etc.
The Town of Davie is aware of our concerns as are some of our legislative representatives. However, we all need to work together to help prevent some of the existing proposals from becoming reality. The best way is for us all to be very vocal as soon as possible.
David Rivera is the person in charge of the study - remember he is NOT part of DOT but is performing this study for them - he really needs your input. He can be reached as follows:
David Rivera, PE
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
6843 Main Street, Suite 300
Miami Lakes, Florida 33014
Drivera@VHB.com or (305)821-8424
Your association Vice President Mo Christie is working with Waterford and other Ivanhoe associations to get as many homeowners' signatures as possible on a petition so do contact her right away at 434-8287 so you can come by and sign the petition - thanks.
We hope to have more details and perhaps some useful links on our web site by newsletter press time so please check on that too. Also, please, please, talk to your neighbors about this, maybe they don't read this newsletter so do make sure they are aware of what is being proposed. All our residents need to take action and to do so RIGHT NOW - thank you.
ANNUAL PICNIC SUNDAY April 22nd
WATERING RESTRICTIONS
(extract from http://www.sfwmd.com)
Despite recent rainfall, severe drought conditions continue throughout most of the South Florida Water Management District. Modified Phase II water use restrictions in effect since April 2nd are designed to promote water conservation during this ongoing, serious water shortage. The restrictions are just one of six action items of the District's Comprehensive Drought Management Initiative plan passed March 27th at its special Governing Board meeting. The modified lawn watering restrictions are specifically designed to discourage homeowners from operating their sprinkler systems on non-watering days for the sake of saving a few plants or a small patch of dry grass and wasting thousands of gallons of water. In addition to the two allowed irrigation days, the modified restrictions allow low-volume, spot-watering using a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle from 5-7 p.m. any day except Fridays. It is not permissible to use the low-volume, spot watering time for extensive irrigation purposes. Enforcement officers are instructed to ticket violators who abuse this privilege.
For a typical homeowner, the modified Phase 2 restrictions limit LAWN WATERING to 2 days per week:
odd-number addresses - Wednesdays and Saturdays - 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.
even-number addresses - Thursdays and Sundays - 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.
LOW VOLUME, SPOT-WATERING -- hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle -- is allowed from 5pm to 7pm daily except Fridays for all addresses to provide a limited amount of irrigation water to isolated sections of landscapes such as brown patches in lawns and/or individual wilting plants. It is NOT permissible to use this allotted time for extensive irrigation purposes.
VEHICLE/BOAT WASHING is limited to two days per week based on homeowner address:
Odd-number addresses: Wednesdays and Saturdays - .4 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Even-number addresses :Thursdays and Sundays - 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For do-it-yourself homeowners, using a low-volume PRESSURE CLEANER to clean roofs, sidewalks or other structures is allowed only during the designated lawn irrigation/spot watering hours (the 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. odd/even address schedule and the daily except Friday 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. limited water-use time slot). Pressure cleaning by commercial / licensed individuals and companies is permitted any time.
If you observe anyone disregarding the restrictions, you may call the Town's Code Enforcement Department anonymously to report them (797-1111) or the local Police Department (693-8320). For more information on restrictions, call the South Florida Water Management District at 1-800 662 8876 (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or check their web site at HTTP://www.sfwmd.gov.
Please make sure that you re-adjusted your sprinkler timer after the recent change to daylight savings time and please check the timer clock regularly. In the past few weeks, many residents have been spotted NOT complying with the above watering regulations which we urge you to follow to avoid possible arrest or hefty fines. Once a week is often enough for lawn watering whether naturally or by sprinkler / watering.
NEWS FROM YOUR BOARD
As most residents are aware your board members are always busy taking care of our community. Making sure that our three entranceways always look good is an on-going task and board members work constantly with the landscaping service and our electrical contractor to ensure nice landscaping, sprinklers on at correct times and working lights. Please contact the board with issues regarding landscaping or to report any non-working entranceway lights. To report non-working street lights residents should contact FPL directly.
The added expenditure in this year's budget for security is already having good results. Random patrols will continue as will radar checking for speeding. We must remind you again that the majority of speeders ticketed in this development are our own residents.
Many thanks to the majority of our homeowners who paid their association dues on time. Non-payers can expect liens to be filed against their property soon.
Your board looks forward to seeing residents at the April quarterly meeting to be held Tuesday April 24th where, as usual, refreshments will be served.
Other meeting dates for 2001 are
- Quarterly meeting July 24th
- Nomination meeting September 25th
-Annual election meeting October 23rd
COMMUNITY-WIDE YARD SALE
The last community wide yard-sale was held in mid-March and many if the residents who participated were very happy to turn their "stuff" into cash. Another sale will be scheduled later in the year, again on a weekend prior to bulk pick-up. Tentative plans are for September 15th / 16th. However, if we hear from lots of residents who would like one sooner we will certainly try to have one before then.
COMPLIANCE
Some homes AND WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE, are choosing to ignore the informal reminders about items that need attention. So - no more Mr. Nice Guy! The NEW REGIME will be involving the association attorneys to get these items attended to promptly. Again, please do not ignore notices, if you cannot deal with an item please at least contact the board to let them know. Thank you and again we remind you that our intentions are to keep our neighborhood looking good and therefore keep up the value of our biggest investments - our homes.
HIGH SCHOOL
The "HHH" boundary discussions are on hold for a short while. It seems the School District is reevaluating the process, since it created so much controversy last year. As a Homeowners Association, we still have many obstacles and concerns with this process. This effort is especially important being that a new high school in Miramar "III", slated to be open in 2003, Charter schools and changes in the City of Weston political landscape will all affect these decisions. We need people involved in this process, especially the parents whose children are going to be directly affected so much.
FENCE ON I-75
Some areas of our fence were damaged when the foliage was removed by DOT contractors and other areas were in need of repair anyway. We have come to an agreement with DOT about who will repair what so residents alongside the I-75 wood fence can expect repairs to take place in the next few weeks.
ANNUAL PICNIC
Sunday April 22nd
The annual association picnic is scheduled to take place at Tree Tops Park on Sunday April 22nd. The grill will be fired up early and barbecue meats should be ready from noon onwards. Don't forget to let us know you are coming and to bring a dish. Please contact Mo Christie (434-8287) with any questions or to volunteer to help with planning, preparation or on the day - thanks. We look forward to seeing you there.
WEB SITE
The association web-site at www.hawkesbluff.com is constantly changing and all residents with internet access are encouraged to visit it on a regular basis. Look for updates on various issues mentioned in this newsletter, for useful links to other sites and for comments, suggestions, complaints, etc. from residents.
TREES ON 1-75
The recent landscape plantings on I-75 have been the subject of many complaints from homeowners. Yes, many of the trees are dead and others are dormant. DOT will have their contractors replace dead trees and shrubs.
PEOPLE NEWS
One of your Homeowner Association Board Members, JOHN PICKETT was selected by Vice Mayor Judy Paul to be a member of the 10 member DAVIE SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD. This board is to advise the Davie Town Council concerning all educational issues impacting the residents of the Town of Davie. John's term on this advisory board ends March 2002. Congratulations John - we know you have the best interests of our children at heart.
A milestone birthday is coming up in early May for a board member - our Recording Secretary GRETCHEN FARMER -- Happy Birthday Gretchen.
(Please share details of occasions, achievements, milestones birthdays, anniversaries, etc -thanks)
TOWN OF DAVlE
Following the recent elections in the Town of Davie the council members are: Harry Venis (Mayor); Judy Paul (Vice Mayor); Geri Clark; Tom Truex; Susan Starkey. Judy Paul is the council member for our district and has worked with us on several issues in the past.
SELLING YOUR HOME?
If you are selling your home please make sure your realtor contacts the board in plenty of time to obtain an estoppel letter. Your VOLUNTEER board members cannot realistically respond to day-of-closing demands.
If you need a copy of the bylaws please read them on the web-site or contact your board for a copy, which will be provided at a nominal charge of 25¢ per page.
REMINDERS
Bulk pick-ups for 2001 scheduled
Monday May 14th
Monday July 16th
Monday September 17th
Monday November 12th
NEWSLETTER
The aim of the newsletter is to keep our community informed. Produced every few weeks it is normally hand-delivered by volunteers. If you are not receiving newsletters regularly please contact the association (see below) or phone Mo Christie at 434-8287 - thank you. The next newsletter is planned for late May. Please submit articles, advertisements, people news, or other items by May 20th. As always all iterns will be handled on a first-come, space-permitting basis. Thank you.
CONTACTING YOUR BOARD
The board encourages homeowners to put any queries or concerns in writing (indicating topic) either to the address below OR by sending e-mail. Since your board members are volunteers if you do phone please pick a considerate lime, identify yourself as a Hawkes Bluff resident, be brief and keep to the point. Thanks.
President Howard Neu 434-4006
Vice President Mo Christie 434-8287
Corresponding Secretary Jay Stahl 680-8686
Treasurer Jeff Stoller 680-1965
Recording Secretary Gretchen Farmer 434-8337
Director at Large John Pickett 680-3835
Director at Large Chester Gladue 434-9277
Please send any correspondence (comments, requests for construction approval, etc) via e-mail or to the mail box (located in the Regency Square Pak'n'Ship)
HAWKES BLUFF HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
4839 SW 148th Ave PMB 400
E-mail: hawkesbluff@hotmail.com
Fax phone number: 680-8650
Please check out our website for
plenty of useful info and links at: