Dues payment grace period
Some homeowners have expressed concern that the dues letter didn’t indicate that the 30 days grace period for dues payment was still in effect. The board wants to assure you that it is! We regret that the letter was not clear and will endeavor to include that information in future letters. Please know that dues should be paid by July 1. However, there will be no late charge unless dues are paid after July 31.
Addressing drainage problems
There are some areas of Stratford Manor that are experiencing drainage issues when there is heavy or frequent rainfall. A survey of those areas has been done and an engineer will be on the property very soon to determine the cause of these issues and what improvements could be made. The board has struggled with this issue for many months and is very pleased that our property management is able to help us finally make some real progress. Updates will be posted on our website as soon as they are available and will be included in the monthly newsletter.
New street lights on Kenilworth
Three new street lights are in the process of being installed on Kenilworth Drive. Electrical wiring has been put in and one pole is already in place and working. The other two poles are on backorder and will be installed as soon as they are available.
Pet waste bag stations
Three pet waste bag stations will be installed in common areas soon. If you’re out with your pooch and are in need of a bag to pick up after him or her, we hope you’ll avail yourself of one of these stations. We want to make it easy to keep Stratford Manor’s common areas clean and enjoyable for all residents. Once the stations are installed, you can help us maintain them by alerting the board if a station needs refilling by emailing stratfordnn@gmail.com.
Shrub removal
Some of the new shrubs planted along Kenilworth Drive have failed to thrive. They will be removed very soon, but we will not replace them until this fall, after the heat of summer has passed. They will be replaced with something a bit hardier.
Architectural inspections
A few homeowners received 2nd notice letters regarding required repairs and maintenance that were sent in error. Board members performed the initial inspections and follow up was done by the property management company. Moving forward, property management will perform all inspections, avoiding any confusion. If you received a 2nd notice that you believe is in error, please contact the board at stratfordnn@gmail.com.
New: Architectural Modification Request form
Please remember that all owners must get approval prior to making any exterior structural, color, or other decorative change in appearance. If you are planning to do any work on the exterior of your home, you must complete an Architectural Modification Request form. The form will be available soon on our website, or you may request a copy be mailed or delivered to you by emailing stratfordnn@gmail.com.
Prettiest Yard Contest
We’re on the lookout for the next winner in the Prettiest Yard Contest! Each quarter, one hard-working homeowner will win a $25 gift card for Anderson’s. You can nominate a yard by emailing the board at stratfordnn@gmail.com. Our next winner will be announced in September.
Board elections in October
Three board seats will be up for election at our Annual Meeting in October. If you would like to know more about serving on the board, please contact Betty Snyder, chair of the Nominating Committee, 757-599-3163 or betty@snydertax.hrcoxmail.com. The nomination form is available for download on the “Board Members” page of our website or by emailing stratfordnn@gmail.com.
Switching to email newsletters
Stratford Manor wants to save trees and save money! Beginning in 2018, we plan to switch from printed newsletters to email. If you need to continue receiving the newsletter in print, please email Ann Turner, stratfordnn@gmail.com.
