Newsletter: Spring 2009

ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
Each year, the Woodscape Homeowners Association members (homeowners/ renters) gather to discuss the business of the association. This year, the annual meeting will be held from 7- 9 PM on Tuesday, June 9th, at the Holiday Inn Express located at 1442 Western Ave. All Woodscape homeowners are asked and encouraged to attend and voice their support, concerns, and suggestions. Time is limited, so please plan to arrive promptly.

 CALL FOR BOARD MEMBERS
Please consider being a part of the community by nominating yourself or a neighbor to serve on the board. Please do so by emailing board@woodscape.info or writing a letter to the above address.

 SPRING CLEAN-UP
Now that the tough winter cold has subsided and the snow is gone, we as homeowners have the task of cleaning-up our yards and homes. While doing so, please remember these points:

 CHANGING HOME EXTERIOR
Remember that you need to have written permission from the HOA Board for any exterior changes you wish to make to your home. A “Change Request Sheet” can be had from our website www.woodscape.info or from any board member.

 STREET PARKING
Aspects of our common-areas and cul-de-sacs are being destroyed by habitual parking and drive over. Please refrain from parking on this grass. Please ask all visitors and guests to do the same.

 RVs, BOATS, and COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
Long term storing of RV’s, Boats, Commercial Vehicles, and Commercial Equipment in plain street view on homeowner properties is prohibited per the Covenant/ Rules and Regulations. Failure to comply with this rule can result in fines/ liens imposed on the properties whose owners ignore these rules.

 LIENS ON HOMES
There are a handful of homeowners who have refused to pay dues for multiple years. In each case, they have ignored pleas from board members both in writing and in person to pay their share. There are also some home-owners who have abandoned their properties leaving them to the banks, which have not been taken care of the properties. The board has been left with the task to pay to have these properties maintained.  In both cases, the board is left with no alternative other than placing liens on the homes in an attempt to get restitution. These liens will be updated periodically with greater dollar amounts as fees and charges continue to mount. If you are one of the property owners, I again ask you to contact the board immediately.                                                             

ABANDONED HOMES
INFORMATION REMOVED FROM NEWSLETTER FOR NEIGHBORHOOD SECURITY REASONS                                               

VENDOR SIGN POSTING
The HOA Board reminds everyone not to allow your vendors to post signs advertising their services on your lawns. Our Rules and Regulations state “No signs are allowed within Woodscape except as follows: official town, state, or HOA; ‘For Sale’; small political signs during election time; and Garage/ Yard sale signs”. Signs posted on properties that do not match these criteria will be removed.

 SECOND DISCOUNT TRASH OPTION via COUNTY WASTE
County Waste Management is offering discount pricing on trash pick up for all Woodscape residents. Pricing is as follows: 65 gallon is $18 per month and a 95 gallon is $21, both prices include recycling and trash pick up. As a bonus, they are giving anyone who converts from other trash haulers to County Waste, two months free, (the 7th and 12th month).  If you are interested, please contact Magda at County Waste: 866-919-6499 x331.

 DOG CURBING
It’s been brought to the board’s attention that some resident do not care for resident dogs relieving themselves on their lawns. Please be mindful of your neighbors and curb your dogs.

 DOG WALKING SERVICE
A new dog walking service is being offered in our area by resident Anne Malone. Her charge for Woodscape residents is $10 per each 1 hour walk. You can contact Anne at 489-2093.

 OUTSIDE LIGHTS
Please remember to turn on your outside lights each night. This is a security precaution for all homeowners.

 STAR TAX RELIEF PROGRAM
Homeowners new and old should know that there is a generous school tax relief program available for most NY State residents. For more info, please contact the Guilderland Town Tax Department at 518-356-1980.

 BUYING/ SELLING HOMES in WOODSCAPE
Residents buying or selling homes in Woodscape should contact the board for a “Status Letter”. This official letter will indicate that either your dues and fees owed to the Association are paid in full or the balance to date owed/ the dollar amount of the lien placed on the home. The letter can also state whether there are any other infractions such as changes made without approval. Contact the Board President or Treasurer for a letter.

 COPIES OF COVENANT/ RULES AND REGULATIONS
Copies of the Original Covenant as well as the Rules and Regulations are available for any resident who needs them. Please write, call, or email via the contact information above to request a copy for yourself. Board member Lois Berry has made electronic PDF copies of each document. These can be sent in place of paper copies at your request.

 SPECIAL THANKS
A special thank you is sent out to this year’s Woodscape Board Members who have each sacrificed their personal time in an effort to make the Woodscape community a wonderful place to live. Every one of them has had an active role in the many different issues and topics that came up in 2008/ 2009. Specifically and in no certain order: Lois Berry, Anne Malone, Carol-Ann Watson, Mary Riek, Barbara Kearney, and Bill Taylor.