Pond Issue Update
For those of you that could not make it to the July 31st special meeting, this is an informational update concerning the pond issue facing our community.
The meeting was called to order and after a few questions were answered, a count of members present and proxies revealed that there was not enough to constitute a quorum as required by covenants of this community association. Therefore, no vote was taken to assess each household $500.00 as stated in the communication sent to everyone back in June of this year.
It was also revealed at this meeting that Councilman Gardina had introduced a bill which was endorsed by four other council members that would allow Baltimore County to repair our stormwater management pond and an equal portion of the cost would be passed along to each homeowner over a three year period with 6% interest.
There was a work session held concerning bill 84-08 on July 29th and it was attended by board members of this community association who spoke on behalf of its passage. On August 4th a vote was taken during the Baltimore County Session and this bill passed unanimously. Finally, the bill was signed in to law on August 15, 2008.
Your board of directors realizes that there are many questions which you will have concerning this bill and the logistics that go along with it. At this point quite frankly, we don’t have all the answers. However, as quick as we find out information we will pass it to you via our website and USPS for those who have requested it.
To read bill 84-08 in its entirety please click here.
In other news, although the following has been noted in several prior newsletters, it has been brought to the attention of the board of directors that this community rule must be reemphasized.
Common Land and Easements
Although this topic has been addressed in several past issues of the Northgate Newsletter, property owners have asked that this be explained once again.
Common land (ground) areas are in fact the responsibility of the community association to maintain. A few that come to mind are the large open area near the pond and Kahl Avenue and the wooded area at the end of Variation Road that borders the Tremper Farms community. These areas are set aside for your convenience to use for playing ball and other games. It is only requested you leave these areas free of trash and to clean up after your pet.
Utility easements are the area that border end of group townhouses and the street. These grass areas which are located between the sidewalk and the street that boarder these homes are the property of the homeowner. Easement simply means that companies such as Baltimore County, BGE, Verizon and Comcast etc. have the right of way. However, it is the sole responsibility of the homeowner to maintain and they are by and large doing a good job of it.
Please respect the rights of these homeowners by using the common land (ground) for recreational activities and not their lawns or adjoining easements.
