"NEWS YOU CAN USE"
Stratford Manor Association's Newsletter
(July 2024)
Abbitt Management has completed the annual home inspections, and some homeowners may have letters indicating the outcome of the inspections. The most common issues noted were gutters need to be cleaned out, trim boards need painting, rear fencing needs repairing, removal of sheets from windows, repair/replace blinds/mullions; repair sheds, front door and shutter colors do not match, power wash sheds, gable vents in need of repair, and mow/trim/weed front yard.
As a reminder, if you anticipate making any exterior improvements, you must complete an architectural request form and submit it to Abbitt Management for approval BEFORE THE IMPROVEMENTS ARE DONE. An architectural request form can be found on the HOA’s website at stratfordmanornn@blogspot.com under the architectural tab.
Common areas are for the common use and enjoyment of our community. Any homeowners which are planning work which may impact the common area (laydown or work area) requires the approval of the Board. If a contractor trailer or dumpster is to be utilized, these also require the Board to approve, even when they are in your assigned spaces as our rules allow vehicle parking only. It is always best to ask the Board, send email to: board@stradfordmanor.net.
One homeowner cannot do it alone – it takes a “community”! Let’s all do our part to continue improving our homes.
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Neighborhood Safety Concerns -
Recently, there has been an
increase in packages being stolen from porches.
Did you know that almost 50% of all Americans have had a package stolen
from their porch or know someone who has?
Although these statistics are worrisome, the good news is that there are things you can do to prevent porch pirates from making off with your valuable packages.
2. Install a video doorbell: Video doorbells are becoming an increasingly popular way of protecting homes. Brands like Ring, Arlo and Nest sell doorbells that double as home security cameras. When someone rings the doorbell, you can see a live video feed and the camera allow for a two-way audio. Burglars and thieves tend to be discouraged by security alarms.
3. Get your
packages delivered to Amazon lockers:
You can’t always control when a package will be delivered or whether
you’ll be home to retrieve it. Amazon
offers a delivery option called AMAZON LOCKER.
The company has lockers at various locations, from pharmacies to
convenience stores where you can choose to have your package delivered. You’ll receive notification when your package
is delivered, just as you normally would.
When you get to the locker, you’ll use the code that Amazon sends you,
which will trigger the opening of the locker.
No one can get the package without your code, so you know it’s safe
until you can pick it up.
4. Ask your neighbors for help: Making friends with your neighbors is a great way to build community, but it also can bestow personal benefits, including potential prevention of package theft. If you aren’t going to be home when a package is expected to be delivered, contact a neighbor friend and let them grab it for you.
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No soliciting within the community: Homeowners’ associations are particularly attractive communities for commercial, religious, and political solicitors. The close proximity of homes and accessible sidewalks lend appeal to neighborhood canvassers.
Recently, it has been noted that a group of children have
been “going around” knocking on doors and stopping cars asking for money. Stratford Manor has a “No Solicitation”
policy with signs stating such and are posted throughout the community.
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With school being out for the summer, more children are
playing outdoors. Please be careful when
driving in our community.
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A Friendly Reminder - - When you are cleaning up your yards, please be sure to properly dispose of the leaves, clippings, etc., and not place them in the common areas or behind your home. The city will only pick up debris in “clear” bags. Atlantic Landscaping is not responsible for cleaning up debris from private property. The landscaping is looking so pretty, and we all want to do our part to continue making Stratford Manor a beautiful community.
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DO YOU WANT TO KNOW THE 411? The best way to be in the “know” is to receive a copy of the newsletter by email. To update your contact information, email it to the board at the following email address: board@stratfordmanor.net.
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Be A Good Neighbor – With summertime here, please be a good neighbor and promptly pick up dog waste from your pet. If you are walking your dog, please feel free to use the two dog stations found within our community. Do not place dog waste in other people’s trash can. Remember to clean off your patio frequently as no one enjoys sitting on their patio smelling dog waste.
As a reminder, the City of Newport News requires that your dog MUST BE LEASHED when you take them for a walk. Please do not let your dog “potty” in someone else’s yard.
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TRASH PICK UP DATES:
July 2 (bulk), July 9, July 16 (bulk), July 23, and July 30 (bulk)
Please be mindful when placing “bulk” items out for
pickup. Guidelines can be found at the
City’s website: nnva.gov.
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