The Lamppost Vol. 2006/4

April 2006

The Official Newsletter of the Walden Pond Homeowners' Association

Regularly Scheduled HOA Board Meeting—NEW TIME!

Wednesday, April 5, 2006, 7:00pm

McMannen United Methodist Church

4102 Neal Road, Durham

All Walden Pond owners and residents welcome

HOA Moves Meetings to McMannen, 1st Wednesdays

Starting April 5, the board of the Walden Pond HOA will hold its regular monthly meeting on the first Wednesday of each month, with a starting time of 7:00pm.

In an effort to make the regular board meetings more accessible to all Walden Pond owners and residents, the meetings will be held at the social hall of McMannen United Methodist Church, 4102 Neal Road, just across from the main entrance to Walden Pond at Wildberry Lane.

The directors of the HOA voted in their March 14 meeting to make the change to an evening meeting at a location close to the community.

Previously, monthly board meetings were held at the offices of Cone Properties, Inc., the property agent for the HOA, at 5:00pm on second Tuesdays.

Some residents had complained that 5:00pm meetings made for conflicts with work schedules of most HOA members. The board hopes that the new evening hours, at a location nearer the community, will encourage more owners and residents to take an active role in the business of the HOA.

The first Wednesday of the month was chosen because it was the one weeknight early in the month when the McMannen space would be available to the HOA through the end of calendar 2006.

The HOA has used the same space in recent years for annual and special membership meetings, at a charge of $50.00 per night. However, church officials said the nightly rental rate is likely to increase by the end of the year.

Police Investigate Burglaries in Three Astor Court Units

Durham police detectives continue to seek information about recent daylight break-ins in three adjoining Astor Court units.

5 Astor was hit on Feb. 27, 4 Astor on March 2, and 6 Astor on March 16, according to Sgt. Duane Hampton of the Durham Police Department. The three units are on the end of the north side of Astor Court.

The burglar or burglars made off with several portable electronic items, such as DVD players and VCRs, cameras and camcorders. Jewelry also was taken from one apartment.

In all three break-ins, entry was probably gained through the back door of the townhouse, Hampton said. At least one door had been left unlocked. Two of the townhomes have rear fences that would have protected the burglar or burglars from view.

Hampton suggested that all Walden Pond residents be vigilant, especially during daylight hours when many are at work, for suspicious looking persons and vehicles.

He also recommended that residents be sure to have deadbolts on their doors – double-cylinder deadbolts are highly desirable, he added – and to be sure to lock them and take the key before leaving home.

Hampton also suggested that residents should inventory their small valuables, including electronic devices, and record their serial numbers.

Anyone with information regarding the break-ins should contact Sgt. Hampton at 560-1029, x.229.

Location, Location, Location …

Appearance, Appearance, Appearance …

We all know that Walden Pond is an attractive location for the Triangle's potential homebuyers, but as the national market for housing sales begins to cool down, the appearance of our community and of your townhome becomes an even more important component of its value and sales appeal. With spring cleaning season just around the corner, it's time to consider some relatively simple ways you can improve the appearance of your property -- and ours.

•  Trash cans should be stored behind your unit. After Thursday's trash pickup, please get your container off the street within 24 hours.

•  Is your house number visible to the pizza delivery guy, or to an EMT? Make sure the numbers are black, and easily seen on your front door. Check out your neighbor's.

•  Front storm doors are optional – but if you have one, Walden Pond appearance standards require a full glass front. Keep your doors clean and well-painted.

•  You don't have to have “mullions” (pane dividers) in your windows – but if you have them in one, you should put them in all your windows. They're easy to find at hardware stores.

•  Mulch can improve the appearance of the areas around townhouses. It discourages weeds and keeps soil from losing moisture. Buy a few bags of mulch to cover bare ground directly around your unit.

•  Walden Pond is pet friendly – but letting your dog leave its business just anywhere is definitely not neighborly. Keep your dog(s) leashed when outside and pick up the waste from common areas and private yards.

•  Please – no graffiti on sidewalks or streets.

Powerwashing On Hold

Plans for exterior powerwashing of all Walden Pond units are on hold.

Late last year, the HOA board had approved plans to pay for a free powerwashing for all 206 townhomes in the community, to be paid out of HOA funds at a rate of $40.00 per unit.

However, before the contract was finalized and any money paid by the HOA, the power-washing firm backed out of the deal.

The board currently is seeking another firm to undertake the project and begin the power-washings later this spring. Homeowners will be notified by letter before any washing is done.

•  Each townhome is allotted 1½ parking spaces. Be respectful of your neighbors' parking needs, and park your “extra” or visiting vehicles safely on the street.

•  Before you plant the shrubs, waterproof the deck, replace the roof, or do any major exterior maintenance or improvement – check out the HOA's Aesthetics Covenants and Restrictions. Your roof color should be consistent with the original roof; porches and decks should be waterproofed and stained in natural wood color, not painted.

•  Remember: The HOA maintains common property and mows private lawns. As a homeowner, you are responsible for the landscaping immediately around your unit as well as the exterior (windows, siding, doors, roofs, porches, decks) and interior maintenance .

Entrance Signs Refurbished

Thanks to HOA director Laura Atkinson, the Walden Pond entrance signs at Finley Street and Wildberry Lane are being sanded and repainted. Atkinson, 7 Prestwick, is donating her time to redo the signs, using materials paid for by the HOA.

Thanks, Laura!

New Property Manager To Be Named in April

A new property management agent for the Walden Pond community will be named within the next few weeks to replace Cone Properties, Inc.

The HOA board of directors has interviewed two prospective agents and expects to make a decision within the next several days, possibly by its next regular meeting on April 5.

Cone Properties, Inc., the longtime Walden Pond management agent, will cease its management of the community effective April 30. Make your April homeowner's fee payment to Cone, as usual. New payment arrangements will be announced within the next few weeks.