Our first HOA meeting with the new board of directors happens Tuesday at River of Life Christian Church on Krycul Ave. The address and a map appear below if you're not familiar with the location.
The primary topic of discussion figures to be the planned development of the land adjacent to our community between US-301 and Dartmouth Hill Rd. As we've mentioned before, the developer has submitted an application to Hillsborough County Commissioners to waive the development rules. It wants basically a blank slate to build anything it wants there, regardless of its injurious impacts to the 268 homes in our community.
The board opposes the waiver application and the board is trying to organize a group of people to attend the application hearing January 15 in Tampa. The developer will have a group of people on its side, and a crowd opposing its application that shows up in person could carry a lot of weight with county commissioners who must decided whether to grant the waiver.
If you're on Facebook, board president David Hey created an event there where you can sign up to go.
Yes, emails and letters sent help our cause, too. But the strongest statement we can make is to appear in person. The hearing happens at 9 a.m. on a Tuesday, which makes it difficult for many people who must work, but considering the damage to our property values if a 24/7 gas station goes in right next to us, please consider making every effort to attend.
If you need a refresher on the issue, this page offers some background about what the development rules are, and why the developer wants relief from them.
And this page has more details, and a copy of the letter that I wrote in support of the current rules and against the waiver application.
River of Life Christian Center
6605 Krycul Avenue
Riverview, FL 33569
View Larger Map
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
Your Opinions Needed
As we get ready for 2013, the HOA board wants your opinion about issues facing the community. Board President David Hey has created an online survey that offers you an easy -- and anonymous -- way for you to offer feedback on some of the major questions before us.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2YK6C6P
Please take a few minutes to fill it out.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2YK6C6P
Please take a few minutes to fill it out.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
New HOA Board, Same HOA Fees
First, the news everyone wants: The 2013 budget passed last night and monthly fees will stay at $213 per month. The fees have stayed flat since the turnover to the owner-controlled board of directors, and the that level will allow us to continue to run the association and make some needed investments in the community.
Thanks to people returning their proxy forms, we met the quorum for our annual meeting and elected the new board. Treasurer Dustin Kerr and At-Large member Lori Meneely decided not to run again, and the board welcomes back two of its original owners. Here are the St. Charles Place HOA Board of Directors:
David Hey, President
Jason Mirabella, Vice President
Melissa Cosby, Treasurer
Lauren Brusa, Secretary
John McQuiston, Director At-Large
The board@stcharlesplace.us email distribution list should be updated soon so that emails to that address, as always, reach all of the board members.
The next "big" thing on the horizon is the Hillsborough County Commissioners hearing at which developers of the plot of land between US-301 and Dartmouth Hill Road ask for a waiver from the county planning rules. The board plans to urge the commissioners to deny the application. The hearing has been pushed back and will now happen January 15th at 9 a.m. on the second floor of the County Administration building in Tampa.
We intend to organize a group of people to appear in person, which will have the greatest impact on influencing commissioners, we're told. We will also continue the letter and email writing campaign. Details to come.
Thanks to people returning their proxy forms, we met the quorum for our annual meeting and elected the new board. Treasurer Dustin Kerr and At-Large member Lori Meneely decided not to run again, and the board welcomes back two of its original owners. Here are the St. Charles Place HOA Board of Directors:
David Hey, President
Jason Mirabella, Vice President
Melissa Cosby, Treasurer
Lauren Brusa, Secretary
John McQuiston, Director At-Large
The board@stcharlesplace.us email distribution list should be updated soon so that emails to that address, as always, reach all of the board members.
The next "big" thing on the horizon is the Hillsborough County Commissioners hearing at which developers of the plot of land between US-301 and Dartmouth Hill Road ask for a waiver from the county planning rules. The board plans to urge the commissioners to deny the application. The hearing has been pushed back and will now happen January 15th at 9 a.m. on the second floor of the County Administration building in Tampa.
We intend to organize a group of people to appear in person, which will have the greatest impact on influencing commissioners, we're told. We will also continue the letter and email writing campaign. Details to come.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Annual Meeting Update
Our annual HOA meeting is next Monday, November 26. I know this sounds like the proverbial broken record, which is about the only kinds of records that exist any more, but this is the one time a year that an HOA meeting needs your attention. It's where we elect the board of directors for the next year, and we need 30% of the unit owners either to attend the meeting in person or to return a proxy form for the meeting to count.
With 268 units, we'd need about 90 to make the meeting official. The actual number is less because owners more than 90 days overdue on their HOA fees are ineligible, but you get he idea. So far, between those mailed in and collected at the mailboxes, we have 45.
As mentioned, if we don't reach a quorum of members and we can't elect a board, the HOA could go into receivership and we'd have to pay lawyers to do what our fellow homeowners currently do for free. As you may know, lawyers don't work cheap.
In addition, all five positions are up for election this year, and one board who is moving soon says she intends not to run again. So even if you're happy with the current regime, we need one more person to run for the board.
At this point, if you have not mailed your proxy form back, it might not make it in time for the meeting because of the Thanksgiving holiday. But you can scan it and email the PDF to board@stcharlesplace.us and we'll make sure it gets to the meeting. If you don't have a scanner, email the board and one of us can come pick up the form from you.
Even if you plan to attend the meeting, it's good to get the form in, just as a safety back-up, and you do not forfeit your right to vote at the meeting by returing a proxy form.
With 268 units, we'd need about 90 to make the meeting official. The actual number is less because owners more than 90 days overdue on their HOA fees are ineligible, but you get he idea. So far, between those mailed in and collected at the mailboxes, we have 45.
As mentioned, if we don't reach a quorum of members and we can't elect a board, the HOA could go into receivership and we'd have to pay lawyers to do what our fellow homeowners currently do for free. As you may know, lawyers don't work cheap.
In addition, all five positions are up for election this year, and one board who is moving soon says she intends not to run again. So even if you're happy with the current regime, we need one more person to run for the board.
At this point, if you have not mailed your proxy form back, it might not make it in time for the meeting because of the Thanksgiving holiday. But you can scan it and email the PDF to board@stcharlesplace.us and we'll make sure it gets to the meeting. If you don't have a scanner, email the board and one of us can come pick up the form from you.
Even if you plan to attend the meeting, it's good to get the form in, just as a safety back-up, and you do not forfeit your right to vote at the meeting by returing a proxy form.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Collecting Proxy Forms
Notice of the HOA annual meeting arrived in your mailbox yesterday. Please take a moment to fill out and return the enclosed proxy form -- even if you plan to attend the meeting.
This is important because we need 30% of the 268 unit owners either to attend the meeting or to return a proxy form for the meeting to be official. This must happen because we need that quorum to elect the HOA board members. If we don't reach a quorum, the board could go into receivership and we'd have to pay lawyers big money to do what our fellow owners currently do for free.
If it's more convenient, you can even scan your signed form and e-mail it in PDF format to board@stcharlesplace.us and it will count. And, as mentioned, returning the proxy does NOT forfeit your right to attend the meeting and vote in person. It's merely a back-up in case you can't make it.
You might see some board members sitting out at the mailboxes in late afternoons collecting signed proxy forms. I collected 10 forms last night and plan to sit out there again next Monday and Tuesday. Board member Lori Meneely says she will be there tomorrow (Nov. 15).
This is important because we need 30% of the 268 unit owners either to attend the meeting or to return a proxy form for the meeting to be official. This must happen because we need that quorum to elect the HOA board members. If we don't reach a quorum, the board could go into receivership and we'd have to pay lawyers big money to do what our fellow owners currently do for free.
If it's more convenient, you can even scan your signed form and e-mail it in PDF format to board@stcharlesplace.us and it will count. And, as mentioned, returning the proxy does NOT forfeit your right to attend the meeting and vote in person. It's merely a back-up in case you can't make it.
You might see some board members sitting out at the mailboxes in late afternoons collecting signed proxy forms. I collected 10 forms last night and plan to sit out there again next Monday and Tuesday. Board member Lori Meneely says she will be there tomorrow (Nov. 15).
Friday, November 2, 2012
Annual Meeting November 26
It took longer than hoped to secure the meeting room for our annual meeting, but it will happen at the usual meeting location November 26 at 7 p.m. The address and a map are below, if you're new to us.
This is the one meeting a year that needs your attention. so check your mailbox for the notice, which includes a proxy form. Thirty percent of the eligible owners must either attend in person or return a proxy form for us to reach a quorum for the meeting to become official.
This is important because if we don't reach quorum, and can't elect a new HOA board, it could go into receivership and we would pay lawyers boatloads of money to do what our fellow owners currently do for free.
That's why you might see your humble blog author sitting at the mailbox one evening asking you to sign a proxy form to ensure that we have a quorum. Note that if you return a proxy form, you DO NOT forfeit your rights to attend the meeting in person. If you show up, your proxy gets tossed, and you participate in the meeting.
Terms expire for all five board members. If you have ideas on how better to run this community, this is your chance to put them into action. Most of our budget goes into fixed costs which the HOA does not control, such as insurance on the buildings, the water bill, mowing and maintaining our landscaping, and electricity for the street lights. But there are funds that the board controls that it uses to try to better the community.
Of course, you do not have to serve on the board to have a voice. All you need to do is show up. The board listens.
River of Life Christian Center
6605 Krycul Avenue
Riverview, FL 33569
View Larger Map
This is the one meeting a year that needs your attention. so check your mailbox for the notice, which includes a proxy form. Thirty percent of the eligible owners must either attend in person or return a proxy form for us to reach a quorum for the meeting to become official.
This is important because if we don't reach quorum, and can't elect a new HOA board, it could go into receivership and we would pay lawyers boatloads of money to do what our fellow owners currently do for free.
That's why you might see your humble blog author sitting at the mailbox one evening asking you to sign a proxy form to ensure that we have a quorum. Note that if you return a proxy form, you DO NOT forfeit your rights to attend the meeting in person. If you show up, your proxy gets tossed, and you participate in the meeting.
Terms expire for all five board members. If you have ideas on how better to run this community, this is your chance to put them into action. Most of our budget goes into fixed costs which the HOA does not control, such as insurance on the buildings, the water bill, mowing and maintaining our landscaping, and electricity for the street lights. But there are funds that the board controls that it uses to try to better the community.
Of course, you do not have to serve on the board to have a voice. All you need to do is show up. The board listens.
River of Life Christian Center
6605 Krycul Avenue
Riverview, FL 33569
View Larger Map
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Trying to Unscramble Eggs
The headline overstates the problem, but the board had to postpone tonight's scheduled HOA meeting because it was not sure that we had secured the usual meeting place. The venue has had a change in its administration and the person who used to approve our use of the room has left, and we're trying to arrange either another date at River of Life, or find a new place to meet.
Of course this happens right when we're coming up on the most important meetings of the year -- our budget meeting, and our annual meeting. We've been lucky that a former board member and present fellow owner goes to River of Life and had arranged for us to use one of its meeting rooms at a deep discount.
She's checking to see if we can meet there one day next week. We're also looking at the Riverview Civic Center, a county-owned facility that is farther away (about 1.5 mi. from us), but also inexpensive to rent. If we have to go elsewhere, it will cost a lot more.
The efforts to sort this out and find a meeting place have begun. As soon as we have something set, I'll let you know.
Of course this happens right when we're coming up on the most important meetings of the year -- our budget meeting, and our annual meeting. We've been lucky that a former board member and present fellow owner goes to River of Life and had arranged for us to use one of its meeting rooms at a deep discount.
She's checking to see if we can meet there one day next week. We're also looking at the Riverview Civic Center, a county-owned facility that is farther away (about 1.5 mi. from us), but also inexpensive to rent. If we have to go elsewhere, it will cost a lot more.
The efforts to sort this out and find a meeting place have begun. As soon as we have something set, I'll let you know.
Monday, October 22, 2012
POSTPONED
Apologies for the late notice on this, but tomorrow's planned HOA meeting is postponed. We had a problem securing our usual meeting place in time.
We will reschedule because the board needs to settle on the budget for next year.
Also, our annual meeting comes up soon. We had originally planned that for November 13, but may need to push that back too.
All five board positions come up for re-election, and the annual meeting is the one for which we need 30% of the eligible HOA members either to show up in person or return a proxy form for the meeting to be official.
Don't worry, you'll hear plenty about that, and you'll also see your humble blog author camping at the mail kiosk collecting signed proxy forms as the annual meeting approaches.
We will reschedule because the board needs to settle on the budget for next year.
Also, our annual meeting comes up soon. We had originally planned that for November 13, but may need to push that back too.
All five board positions come up for re-election, and the annual meeting is the one for which we need 30% of the eligible HOA members either to show up in person or return a proxy form for the meeting to be official.
Don't worry, you'll hear plenty about that, and you'll also see your humble blog author camping at the mail kiosk collecting signed proxy forms as the annual meeting approaches.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Clarification
Feedback from fellow board members about my post below alerted me to a need to make clear whose voice this blog represents. While I created it for the benefit of our community, I did so on my own.
Over time, as people looking for news and information about our community found this site, it grew into the de facto web site for the community. I'm glad it became a useful resource for people, and I've taken time to upgrade its functionality to make it a better tool for us.
But this blog has never been officially approved, sanctioned or controlled by the St. Charles Place HOA board of directors. I have written every word of this blog, and I am solely responsible for its content. I have always had the disclaimer on the site that says it includes opinions independent of the board's, and I have moved it up higher on the right-hand column of the page to make it more prominent.
I usually avoid mentioning my name, not for the sake of anonymity, but only because I want Google searches for me to take people to my professional web site instead of here. But come to any HOA board meeting (I've never missed one) and you'll find me, happy to discuss anything you read here, or any issue confronting our community.
John
Over time, as people looking for news and information about our community found this site, it grew into the de facto web site for the community. I'm glad it became a useful resource for people, and I've taken time to upgrade its functionality to make it a better tool for us.
But this blog has never been officially approved, sanctioned or controlled by the St. Charles Place HOA board of directors. I have written every word of this blog, and I am solely responsible for its content. I have always had the disclaimer on the site that says it includes opinions independent of the board's, and I have moved it up higher on the right-hand column of the page to make it more prominent.
I usually avoid mentioning my name, not for the sake of anonymity, but only because I want Google searches for me to take people to my professional web site instead of here. But come to any HOA board meeting (I've never missed one) and you'll find me, happy to discuss anything you read here, or any issue confronting our community.
John
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
They Want a Gas Station
They want a gas station in the commercial plot next to our community. That's the takeaway from a presentation representatives from Barclay made to the HOA last night. That's why they want us not to contest their request for a waiver from the guidelines in Hillsborough County's Riverview Uptown Overlay District.
Boiled down to it simplest terms, the Uptown Overlay District plan calls for buildings to sit up against US-301 road with parking behind them. This would virtually eliminate the possibility of a gas station going in that parcel. There are a tiny number of gas stations in the entire country where the pumps are behind the building, not visible from the road. While the developer could still put one in while conforming to the Overlay District plans, it is highly unlikely.
The reps from Barclay didn't explicitly say they intend to put a gas station there, but they want the option, since that maximizes their profit from the property, not to have the buildings up against the road, and have the parking between them and US-301, like every other strip mall.
The very thing the Uptown Overlay District plan hoped to prevent. (Read the plan's details here.)
Among residents at the meeting, the opinion not to support the waiver request was unanimous. The board did not seem to like the idea, either. But the board did not decide. It wants feedback on whether we can mount enough protest — either in person, or by email and letter — to persuade the Hillsborough County Commissioners to stick with their plans and reject the waiver request.
Some board members fear that the commissioners will side with the developer and want to explore negotiating with Barclay. Their thought is that it's better to get a gas station with nice landscaping as a buffer between it and us, than getting one with only a fence or a wall separating us.
Your humble blog author believes that a gas station going in that space is our worst-case scenario. Whether it has nice landscaping or not matters little, and thinks we should rally residents and unit owners to urge the commissioners to refuse the waiver request.
Let your board members know your thoughts. Do you want a gas station in that plot, or not? Are you willing to fight to keep it out? Your effort could be as simple as writing a letter of protest, but you also need to write to your board members at board@stcharlesplace.us.
Boiled down to it simplest terms, the Uptown Overlay District plan calls for buildings to sit up against US-301 road with parking behind them. This would virtually eliminate the possibility of a gas station going in that parcel. There are a tiny number of gas stations in the entire country where the pumps are behind the building, not visible from the road. While the developer could still put one in while conforming to the Overlay District plans, it is highly unlikely.
The reps from Barclay didn't explicitly say they intend to put a gas station there, but they want the option, since that maximizes their profit from the property, not to have the buildings up against the road, and have the parking between them and US-301, like every other strip mall.
The very thing the Uptown Overlay District plan hoped to prevent. (Read the plan's details here.)
Among residents at the meeting, the opinion not to support the waiver request was unanimous. The board did not seem to like the idea, either. But the board did not decide. It wants feedback on whether we can mount enough protest — either in person, or by email and letter — to persuade the Hillsborough County Commissioners to stick with their plans and reject the waiver request.
Some board members fear that the commissioners will side with the developer and want to explore negotiating with Barclay. Their thought is that it's better to get a gas station with nice landscaping as a buffer between it and us, than getting one with only a fence or a wall separating us.
Your humble blog author believes that a gas station going in that space is our worst-case scenario. Whether it has nice landscaping or not matters little, and thinks we should rally residents and unit owners to urge the commissioners to refuse the waiver request.
Let your board members know your thoughts. Do you want a gas station in that plot, or not? Are you willing to fight to keep it out? Your effort could be as simple as writing a letter of protest, but you also need to write to your board members at board@stcharlesplace.us.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Developments in Development
Our next HOA meeting is next Tuesday, September 25. A representative from the developer that wants the county to waive its planning rules for the parcel next to us (between US-301 and Dartmouth Hill Road) wants to speak to the board.
It is not set in stone that he will attend, but if he does, you might want to hear it, with the understanding that nothing he tells us is legally binding, and that any plans he might share with us will likely bear little resemblance to what actually gets built there.
A board member has unearthed a signed agreement between our home builder, KB Home, and the owner of the parcel that appears to grant easement rights to our roads. This would grant the developer the right to build entrances into the commercial development from Lake St. Charles Blvd. and Johanna Ave.
This adds urgency to our campaign to press Hillsborough County commissioners not to grant a waiver to its planning rules for the Riverview Uptown Overlay District.
You can help. As I wrote back in June, you can write a letter to the Board of County Commissioners asking it to reject the application. Send it to the planner with Hillsborough County Development Services that is leading the review of this application. Her name is Isabelle Albert. And her email is AlbertI@hillsboroughcounty.org. The application number is PRS 12-0600.
You can also send comments or testimony to either Hearings@HillsboroughCounty.org or by regular mail to:
Here is the letter I'm going to send. You're welcome to use that as a template for what you write. It will mean more if you use your own words, rather than simply copying and pasting this.
It is not set in stone that he will attend, but if he does, you might want to hear it, with the understanding that nothing he tells us is legally binding, and that any plans he might share with us will likely bear little resemblance to what actually gets built there.
A board member has unearthed a signed agreement between our home builder, KB Home, and the owner of the parcel that appears to grant easement rights to our roads. This would grant the developer the right to build entrances into the commercial development from Lake St. Charles Blvd. and Johanna Ave.
This adds urgency to our campaign to press Hillsborough County commissioners not to grant a waiver to its planning rules for the Riverview Uptown Overlay District.
You can help. As I wrote back in June, you can write a letter to the Board of County Commissioners asking it to reject the application. Send it to the planner with Hillsborough County Development Services that is leading the review of this application. Her name is Isabelle Albert. And her email is AlbertI@hillsboroughcounty.org. The application number is PRS 12-0600.
You can also send comments or testimony to either Hearings@HillsboroughCounty.org or by regular mail to:
PGM - ZONING HEARING SECTIONYou do not need to be a homeowner to do this. If you live here, this is your community, too.
PO BOX 1110
TAMPA, FL 33601
Here is the letter I'm going to send. You're welcome to use that as a template for what you write. It will mean more if you use your own words, rather than simply copying and pasting this.
Board of County CommissionersAt the last HOA meeting, someone mentioned that one of the e-mail addresses above did not work. I sent my letter to both of them and neither of them bounced. If I can verify that either one does not work, I'll update this page to include only the one that does.
c/o Ms. Isabelle Albert
Hillsborough County
Development Services Department
20th Floor
601 East Kennedy Blvd
Tampa, FL 33601
RE: PRS 12-0600
Dear Commissioners:
I own a home in the St. Charles Place townhome community in Riverview, and I ask that you reject the application PRS 12-0600 to waive the development standards within Section 03.20.00 (the Riverview Downtown - Uptown Overlay District) of the Land Development Code. Our tightly-packed community of 268 homes sits next to the planned development site and I fear that approving the developer's request will damage the quality of life and community, as well as home values, of my neighbors and me.
When I bought my home, it was explained that development would happen in that spot, so I understand that. But I also understand that county planners worked with citizens for more than a year to create a long-term development plan to help distinguish the Riverview Community from the miles of suburban development that line US-301 to its north and south. County Commissioners approved the rules. If we couldn't keep the green space in that parcel, being part of a downtown offered the next best thing.
Now someone, probably for the sake of another gas station, wants to erase not only the hard work of county planners and Riverview residents, but the unspoken agreement all of us in St. Charles Place made when we bought our homes. If you approve this waiver, we could lose the chance to make Riverview a distinctive community, built with thoughtful plans and original charm, that will bring higher quality development, and ultimately more tax revenue for the county.
I urge you to stand for the county's long-term plan for the Overlay District, and reject PRS 12-0600.
Sincerely,
John McQuiston
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Plumbing Emergency
Update: The plumbers did not shut water off today. They could not find the proper valve to stop water flow to do their needed fix. They will try again tomorrow (Thursday), again from 12-2 p.m. Apologies for the inconvenience. They are trying to minimize the impact on us as much as possible.
Apologies for the short notice. We just learned about this. A plumbing emergency will require that water to the entire community shut off between 12-2 p.m. today. If you can, please alert neighbors who might be affected.
Apologies for the short notice. We just learned about this. A plumbing emergency will require that water to the entire community shut off between 12-2 p.m. today. If you can, please alert neighbors who might be affected.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Keep Going West, Isaac!
This is the 11 a.m. forecast track from the National Hurricane Center. It shows Tropical Storm Isaac going a little bit west of us. Remember that all of Florida still remains within the forecast "cone of probability" of where the storm could go. Also, storms can be hundreds of miles across so even if it stays on its current track, we will see strong winds.
Here are some tips from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) on things to do to get ready.
Prepare Your Family
- Review your family emergency plan. Be sure to review and update any evacuation plans.
- Ensure your family emergency kit is complete. Your kit should include, at a minimum:
- Enough food and water for all members of the family, including pets, to last at least 72 hours
- Extra cash on hand since an extended power outage may prevent you from withdrawing money from automatic teller machines or banks
- A battery powered and NOAA weather radio
- First aid kit and toiletries
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Blankets, pillows, extra clothes, toys and games to keep the family comfortable and occupied
- Special needs items for babies, family members with special medical needs and pets
- Fill your gas tank; gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
- Gather and store important paperwork like insurance papers, mortgage documents, marriage certificates, etc. in waterproof containers.
If the Power Goes Out
- Do not run a generator inside a home or garage. Use gas-powered generators only in well-ventilated areas.
- Connect only individual appliances to portable generators.
- Don't plug emergency generators into electric outlets or hook them directly to your home's electrical system - as they can feed electricity back into the power lines, putting you and line workers in danger.
- When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary, "surges" or "spikes" that can damage equipment such as computers and motors in appliances like the air conditioner, refrigerator, washer or furnace.
- When power is restored, wait a few minutes before turning on major appliances to help eliminate further problems caused by a sharp increase in demand.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Isaac Taking Aim
Click on image to enlarge
It looks increasingly less likely that we're going to dodge Isaac. It could be a hurricane when it reaches our latitude Monday. If the current track holds, and the eye stays to our west, it will impact us more as the storm continues to draw power from the Gulf waters.
If we take even a glancing blow from this system, it could knock out power for days. Widespread power loss could also mean that water stops running too. This happened during your humble bog author's previous hurricane experience. No air conditioning was one thing. No flushing toilets was another.
I do not know that that's what would happen. But I will prepare for the possibility, and I hope you will too.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Storm Warning
Tropical Storm Isaac has formed in the Atlantic Ocean and its forecast track takes it toward Florida. One computer model puts the storm smack dab in the middle of Florida in the early part of next week.
It's obviously early, and the storm could change course, but you should take precautions in case it doesn't. Bottled water, canned food, a NON-electric can opener, batteries and a radio are among the things you should stock up on, if you haven't already.
Also, check your front and rear patio areas for any loose items that could become projectiles in high winds. With any luck, this is just a drill, but we did see effects from Tropical Storm Debby earlier this summer, even though that one struck Florida well north of us.
Stay safe.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
HOA Meeting Report
First, an update on the land slated for development between US-301 and Dartmouth Hill Road. The public hearing at which a developer will ask the county to modify the planned development will now happen December 11.
Don't worry if you already sent an email opposing the change, as discussed in this blog post. It still goes into the record. That link will bring you up to speed if you aren't familiar with what's going on and how the development could impact our community.
In addition to the email and mailing address listed there, you can send comments or testimony to either Hearings@HillsboroughCounty.org or by regular mail to:
In other news, the board approved fines for two units that have satellite dishes installed on building roofs that never submitted applications for them. You should know that for any modification to the exterior of your home, you need to fill out and submit an Architectural Review Application. You can download one on the Architecture Review Committee Guidelines page.
In the case of these units, the residents installed the dishes on the roof in a way not permitted by our guidelines, mainly because they could compromise the integrity of the roof. The unit owners of the units now face fines of $25 a day (up to a maximum of $1,000) until they remove the dishes.
The board approved plans to replace the coping around the edge of the pool as well as the fence surrounding the pool. Some of the stone has broken and our vendor recommended replacing all of it. The new fence will be made of steel instead of aluminum, to secure the pool area better. Too many people can simply jump over or simply pry the bars apart on the current one.
Work will begin either late August or September and will require the pool to close for the week or so it will take to complete the jobs.
The board has discussed adding a key fob system to replace simple key locks for entering the pool. That would do two things: It would help ensure that people did not make copies of pool keys that they should not. It would also enable the community to deny use of the pool to residents of units more than 90 days behind in their HOA dues. The board did not vote on this.
The pool furniture needs replacement. Our property manager recommended waiting until November when we can find better deals. The board agreed.
The board explored looking for other ways to recoup missed HOA dues. Some of that money we will never see because of foreclosures and bankruptcies. But the HOA can recover at least some of the outstanding balance through a number of means, which it has become more determined to pursue.
The next board meeting, open to all unit owners, happens August 28 at 7 p.m.
Don't worry if you already sent an email opposing the change, as discussed in this blog post. It still goes into the record. That link will bring you up to speed if you aren't familiar with what's going on and how the development could impact our community.
In addition to the email and mailing address listed there, you can send comments or testimony to either Hearings@HillsboroughCounty.org or by regular mail to:
PGM - ZONING HEARING SECTIONThe board approved retaining an attorney to verify what the community's property rights are for our entrances. The best information we have now, including that from a former HOA board member who works in the county planning department, is that we own the roads that enter the community at Lake St. Charles Blvd. and Johanna Ave. We want to learn definitively whether that means we can prevent a developer from cutting into those roads to create entrances into the commercial property.
PO BOX 1110
TAMPA, FL 33601
In other news, the board approved fines for two units that have satellite dishes installed on building roofs that never submitted applications for them. You should know that for any modification to the exterior of your home, you need to fill out and submit an Architectural Review Application. You can download one on the Architecture Review Committee Guidelines page.
In the case of these units, the residents installed the dishes on the roof in a way not permitted by our guidelines, mainly because they could compromise the integrity of the roof. The unit owners of the units now face fines of $25 a day (up to a maximum of $1,000) until they remove the dishes.
The board approved plans to replace the coping around the edge of the pool as well as the fence surrounding the pool. Some of the stone has broken and our vendor recommended replacing all of it. The new fence will be made of steel instead of aluminum, to secure the pool area better. Too many people can simply jump over or simply pry the bars apart on the current one.
Work will begin either late August or September and will require the pool to close for the week or so it will take to complete the jobs.
The board has discussed adding a key fob system to replace simple key locks for entering the pool. That would do two things: It would help ensure that people did not make copies of pool keys that they should not. It would also enable the community to deny use of the pool to residents of units more than 90 days behind in their HOA dues. The board did not vote on this.
The pool furniture needs replacement. Our property manager recommended waiting until November when we can find better deals. The board agreed.
The board explored looking for other ways to recoup missed HOA dues. Some of that money we will never see because of foreclosures and bankruptcies. But the HOA can recover at least some of the outstanding balance through a number of means, which it has become more determined to pursue.
The next board meeting, open to all unit owners, happens August 28 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Fireworks Blow Man's Thumb Off
Oops. A Riverview man says the fuse burned faster than he expected. Now he hopes surgeons can reassemble him after a firework exploded in his hands early on July 4.
Tampa police say Matthew Lewandowski of Riverview loaded a firework mortar into a fiberglass tube at a party in Tampa. When he lit the fuse, the firework exploded before he could get away from it.
The Tampa Bay Times reports that the 24-year-old might lose his left thumb and ring finger. Lewandowsky also suffered burns to his arms, stomach and right leg.
I know you can't swing a used bottle rocket without hitting one of those tents that sells fireworks. If it explodes or shoots into the air, it's still illegal to set off. Never mind consideration for neighbors, consider your own safety, when deciding a homemade fireworks show is a good idea, especially in a community as tightly packed as ours.
Tampa police say Matthew Lewandowski of Riverview loaded a firework mortar into a fiberglass tube at a party in Tampa. When he lit the fuse, the firework exploded before he could get away from it.
The Tampa Bay Times reports that the 24-year-old might lose his left thumb and ring finger. Lewandowsky also suffered burns to his arms, stomach and right leg.
I know you can't swing a used bottle rocket without hitting one of those tents that sells fireworks. If it explodes or shoots into the air, it's still illegal to set off. Never mind consideration for neighbors, consider your own safety, when deciding a homemade fireworks show is a good idea, especially in a community as tightly packed as ours.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Your Action Needed
Your community needs your help. The parcel of land that sits between US-301 and Dartmouth Hill Road has an interested developer, who is asking Hillsborough County to waive its planning rules so that it can do something else with the property other than what the county thought would work there when it envisioned how Riverview would grow.
The county has a meeting July 24th, at which it will consider the developer's request. We need to have a presence at that meeting, either in person, or by petition.
The county made its plans for a reason. It envisioned a "downtown Riverview," for which we would be part of its uptown district. It wanted buildings built near the road with parking in the back to create a more community feel. This is especially important for St. Charles Place because we have 268 units in very close proximity to the parcel.
If the developer gets its waiver, it could not only tear down the trees that make our beautiful entrance along Lake St. Charles Blvd., it could build a mega-gas station like a Race-Trac basically on top of us. Or any number of things that we would hate. Who knows? And while we have planted trees on our side of Dartmouth Hill Road, they would not be able to shut out all the light from such a giant store, operating 24/7.
Don't misunderstand: That parcel is zoned for commercial development. Something will go in there at some point. But county planners worked for more than a year to create a comprehensive plan designed to make Riverview and its US-301 corridor more than another strip mall way station on the way to the next major shopping center.
So what can you do? Write a letter to the Board of County Commissioners asking it to reject the application. Send it to the planner with Hillsborough Countyu Development Services that is leading the review of this application. Her name is Isabelle Albert. And her email is AlbertI@hillsboroughcounty.org. The application number is PRS 12-0600.
In addition to the email and mailing address listed above, you can send comments or testimony to either Hearings@HillsboroughCounty.org or by regular mail to:
Here is the letter I'm going to send. You're welcome to use that as a template for what you write. It will mean more if you use your own words, rather than simply copying and pasting this.
The county has a meeting July 24th, at which it will consider the developer's request. We need to have a presence at that meeting, either in person, or by petition.
The county made its plans for a reason. It envisioned a "downtown Riverview," for which we would be part of its uptown district. It wanted buildings built near the road with parking in the back to create a more community feel. This is especially important for St. Charles Place because we have 268 units in very close proximity to the parcel.
If the developer gets its waiver, it could not only tear down the trees that make our beautiful entrance along Lake St. Charles Blvd., it could build a mega-gas station like a Race-Trac basically on top of us. Or any number of things that we would hate. Who knows? And while we have planted trees on our side of Dartmouth Hill Road, they would not be able to shut out all the light from such a giant store, operating 24/7.
Don't misunderstand: That parcel is zoned for commercial development. Something will go in there at some point. But county planners worked for more than a year to create a comprehensive plan designed to make Riverview and its US-301 corridor more than another strip mall way station on the way to the next major shopping center.
So what can you do? Write a letter to the Board of County Commissioners asking it to reject the application. Send it to the planner with Hillsborough Countyu Development Services that is leading the review of this application. Her name is Isabelle Albert. And her email is AlbertI@hillsboroughcounty.org. The application number is PRS 12-0600.
In addition to the email and mailing address listed above, you can send comments or testimony to either Hearings@HillsboroughCounty.org or by regular mail to:
PGM - ZONING HEARING SECTIONYou do not need to be a homeowner to do this. If you live here, this is your community, too.
PO BOX 1110
TAMPA, FL 33601
Here is the letter I'm going to send. You're welcome to use that as a template for what you write. It will mean more if you use your own words, rather than simply copying and pasting this.
Board of County Commissioners
c/o Ms. Isabelle Albert
Hillsborough County
Development Services Department
20th Floor
601 East Kennedy Blvd
Tampa, FL 33601
RE: PRS 12-0600
Dear Commissioners:
I own a home in the St. Charles Place townhome community in Riverview, and I ask that you reject the application PRS 12-0600 to waive the development standards within Section 03.20.00 (the Riverview Downtown - Uptown Overlay District) of the Land Development Code. Our tightly-packed community of 268 homes sits next to the planned development site and I fear that approving the developer's request will damage the quality of life and community, as well as home values, of my neighbors and me.
When I bought my home, it was explained that development would happen in that spot, so I understand that. But I also understand that county planners worked with citizens for more than a year to create a long-term development plan to help distinguish the Riverview Community from the miles of suburban development that line US-301 to its north and south. County Commissioners approved the rules. If we couldn't keep the green space in that parcel, being part of a downtown offered the next best thing.
Now someone, probably for the sake of another gas station, wants to erase not only the hard work of county planners and Riverview residents, but the unspoken agreement all of us in St. Charles Place made when we bought our homes. If you approve this waiver, we could lose the chance to make Riverview a distinctive community, built with thoughtful plans and original charm, that will bring higher quality development, and ultimately more tax revenue for the county.
I urge you to stand for the county's long-term plan for the Overlay District, and reject PRS 12-0600.
Sincerely,
John McQuiston
Monday, June 25, 2012
HOA Meeting Tomorrow and Storm Update
First, the HOA monthly meeting is still on as scheduled for tomorrow night. If that changes because of bad weather, we'll update the blog and post to Facebook. If you check Facebook regularly, that could be the fastest way for to get notice about community news. Find us at facebook.com/StCharlesPlaceHOA.
Speaking of weather, Tropical Storm Debby's forecast track has turned again, this time bringing it into Florida. It could even come back south and strike us. WE ARE UNDER A TROPICAL STORM WARNING. That means we can expect to see tropical storm conditions within the next 48 hours.
Low lying and coastal areas have already seen flooding, and even our community had a tree fall and block part of one of our entrances. With luck, we'll get no more than some soaking rains and high winds. Without luck, we could get much worse.
Speaking of weather, Tropical Storm Debby's forecast track has turned again, this time bringing it into Florida. It could even come back south and strike us. WE ARE UNDER A TROPICAL STORM WARNING. That means we can expect to see tropical storm conditions within the next 48 hours.
Low lying and coastal areas have already seen flooding, and even our community had a tree fall and block part of one of our entrances. With luck, we'll get no more than some soaking rains and high winds. Without luck, we could get much worse.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Storm Update -- Stay Alert
Originally thought destined for Texas, Tropical Storm Debby will prove a slow-moving rain maker that could still strike Florida. The image above from the National Hurricane Center shows its likely forecast track as of Sunday afternoon.
Here in our community, we already had to clear a tree that fell across part of our entrance at Lake St. Charles Blvd. If you see damage, please contact the board and our property manager, Brian Wade, at Leland Management. His contact info is in the right-hand column of this page.
Stay safe.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Storm Warning
We have enjoyed extraordinary luck with weather since our community began in 2006. A current mass of developing weather in the Gulf of Mexico has some potential to change that.
It will also serve as a good reminder to make storm preparations.
The National Hurricane Center says that the disturbance shown in the image above has a 70% chance of becoming a tropical system, and weather forecasters say that most computer models show the storm moving east toward Florida over the weekend.
Even if it does not grow into a hurricane or strong tropical storm, forecasts call for anywhere from 4-7" of rain over the weekend. High winds could come, too.
If you have patio furniture or decorations on patios or porches that could blow away, you might want to secure them or bring them inside. Rains will test the capacity of our storm drains and retention ponds. We've had rains here, but nothing close to what forecasts call for now.
We have no reason to expect problems but you should beware of the weather, and make plans in case we lose water and electric service. Although the community has a property manager paid to help us, it manages other communities, and if those suffer damage and outages, too, it will take a while for us to get attention. Same with other emergency services.
Some tips: Stock up on bottled water, non-perishable food, a NON-electric can opener, batteries, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio. They also make radios with hand cranks that recharge them so you don't need batteries. These radios can even charge other devices like cell phones.
You probably won't need them, but better to keep them handy, and know where they are, then to presume that our good luck will continue, and face real problems when you haven't prepared if the luck turns bad.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Garbage
It appears that normal Monday garbage pickup did not happen because of the holiday, and the dumpsters are close to full. If you can wait until Wednesday to throw out your trash, that will keep it from overflowing. Waste Management normally empties the dumpsters on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
HOA Meeting Recap
Three main discussions came out of a meeting with light attendance and a short agenda.
First, the board did not fill its vacancy. Board member Starr Reed has resigned. The board needs to appoint a replacement. No one present offered to serve. If you would like to play a role in governing your community -- even if it's to keep the rest of the board in line! -- email the board at board@stcharlesplace.us. The board will also take nominations from the floor at its next meeting June 26.
Second, the board continued to explore ways of better securing the pool area. This has been a persistent issue for the community because of people who don't even live in the community using our pool, vandalizing or abusing the pool deck furniture, cabana amenities or the exterior fence.
The current aluminum fence is easy for people to breach either by jumping over it or simply pulling the bars apart. The board is considering buying a steel fence with narrowed tips at the top to thwart people who try to enter without a key. The board uniformly likes the idea. The questions are how tall should the fence be, and how high do the vertical bars need to extend above the uppermost horizontal bar to ensure difficulty climbing over it is not worth the effort.
Other ideas offered included planting thorny bushes around the fence that would make it difficult to get to the fence to climb over it. This would leave gaps at the entrance gates. The board got a proposal to install a motion-activated light that would shine on anyone who entered the pool area after hours. It would cost about $500 to extend wiring to the west side of the pool so that the light shone back toward the cabana and not into the windows of residents' units adjacent to the pool. The board reckoned that the cabana would block light shining eastward.
Finally, the board voted to hire a real estate attorney to look at the property lines around the future commercial development bordered by US-301 and Dartmouth Hill Road on the west and east and Johanna Ave. and Lake St. Charles Blvd. to the north and south.
The board is trying to get a definitive opinion about what rights our community has when it comes to how that property is developed. Will they be allowed to cut entrances into the property from either Lake St. Charles or Johanna? From Dartmouth Hill? Will they be allowed to cut down the trees that line Lake St. Charles or the south side of Johanna?
A few months ago, a developer contacted the board indicating interest in working with the board as it made its plans for the property. However the board has heard nothing recently and new "For Sale" signs have appeared.
If that delays development, no one here will complain, but at some point someone will build something on that land. The board wanted to clarify what our rights are when that happens.
First, the board did not fill its vacancy. Board member Starr Reed has resigned. The board needs to appoint a replacement. No one present offered to serve. If you would like to play a role in governing your community -- even if it's to keep the rest of the board in line! -- email the board at board@stcharlesplace.us. The board will also take nominations from the floor at its next meeting June 26.
Second, the board continued to explore ways of better securing the pool area. This has been a persistent issue for the community because of people who don't even live in the community using our pool, vandalizing or abusing the pool deck furniture, cabana amenities or the exterior fence.
The current aluminum fence is easy for people to breach either by jumping over it or simply pulling the bars apart. The board is considering buying a steel fence with narrowed tips at the top to thwart people who try to enter without a key. The board uniformly likes the idea. The questions are how tall should the fence be, and how high do the vertical bars need to extend above the uppermost horizontal bar to ensure difficulty climbing over it is not worth the effort.
Other ideas offered included planting thorny bushes around the fence that would make it difficult to get to the fence to climb over it. This would leave gaps at the entrance gates. The board got a proposal to install a motion-activated light that would shine on anyone who entered the pool area after hours. It would cost about $500 to extend wiring to the west side of the pool so that the light shone back toward the cabana and not into the windows of residents' units adjacent to the pool. The board reckoned that the cabana would block light shining eastward.
Finally, the board voted to hire a real estate attorney to look at the property lines around the future commercial development bordered by US-301 and Dartmouth Hill Road on the west and east and Johanna Ave. and Lake St. Charles Blvd. to the north and south.
The board is trying to get a definitive opinion about what rights our community has when it comes to how that property is developed. Will they be allowed to cut entrances into the property from either Lake St. Charles or Johanna? From Dartmouth Hill? Will they be allowed to cut down the trees that line Lake St. Charles or the south side of Johanna?
A few months ago, a developer contacted the board indicating interest in working with the board as it made its plans for the property. However the board has heard nothing recently and new "For Sale" signs have appeared.
If that delays development, no one here will complain, but at some point someone will build something on that land. The board wanted to clarify what our rights are when that happens.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
HOA Board Opening
One of the HOA's directors has resigned. That creates an opening which the board fills by appointing someone to fill the position until the next election.
If you have interest in helping chart the course of your community, in simply helping your fellow homeowners and neighbors, or changing the board's direction, you can do that. The board creates the HOA's annual budget, including the monthly dues we pay, and enforces the provisions of the community's governing documents.
It's not a huge job, but there is occasional homework, plus the monthly board meeting. We have one tonight at 7 p.m. at the usual location. The board will take nominations to fill its vacancy.
Monday, May 21, 2012
HOA Meeting Tomorrow
The St. Charles Place HOA monthly board of directors meeeting happens tomorrow night, May 22, at 7 p.m. Location is the River of Life Christian Church on Krycul Ave.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Pit Bulls Loose
Someone in the community says she has seen two large pit bulls loose on our streets in the last week. If you see them, or any threatening animal, do not hesitate to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200, or 911 if you face immediate danger.
Also contact the HOA board (board@stcharlesplace.us) and our property manager, Brian Wade (bwade@lelandmanagement.com) so that they know if this continues to be a problem and they can look for solutions.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Apologies
Your humble blogger has been laid up recovering from surgery and completely forgot that our April HOA meeting was tonight until earlier today. It happens at 7 pm at its usual location — River of Life Christian Center on Krycul Ave.
There were no major issues on the agenda but I will try to summarize what happens there if you can't make it.
Friday, March 23, 2012
HOA Meeting Next Tuesday
Our next HOA meeting is next Tuesday, March 27 at 7 p.m. The address and map for the location is below.
Among topics, the board will discuss the coming development in the currently empty tract of land that sits between Dartmouth Hill Rd. and US-301. A developer has contracted to buy the land and has contacted the board. When development begins, it will impact the entrances to the community. How, the board does not yet know.
Even if you can't make meetings, you can offer feedback or help by emailing the board at board@stcharlesplace.us.
River of Life Christian Center
6605 Krycul Avenue
Riverview, FL 33569
View Larger Map
Among topics, the board will discuss the coming development in the currently empty tract of land that sits between Dartmouth Hill Rd. and US-301. A developer has contracted to buy the land and has contacted the board. When development begins, it will impact the entrances to the community. How, the board does not yet know.
Even if you can't make meetings, you can offer feedback or help by emailing the board at board@stcharlesplace.us.
River of Life Christian Center
6605 Krycul Avenue
Riverview, FL 33569
View Larger Map
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Commercial Development Coming
The parcel of land in front of our community, sandwiched between US-301 and Dartmouth Hill Road, is under contract to a developer. A representative of the Barclay Group has asked to meet with the HOA board "to discuss how we can work together to ensure the harmony and success of the development," he wrote in an email.
The board is not yet sure what that means. It is trying to learn what the community's rights are based on the property lines and previous plans for the parcel filed with Hillsborough County. It is zoned commercial, and original plans included a bank and a gas station, but a developer could put any kind of commercial business in the space.
To be clear: The HOA cannot stop the development from happening. But we might have some leverage in how it impacts our community. This will certainly top the agenda at the HOA's next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, March 27.
If you own a unit in the community and have thoughts to share, bring them to the meeting.
The board is not yet sure what that means. It is trying to learn what the community's rights are based on the property lines and previous plans for the parcel filed with Hillsborough County. It is zoned commercial, and original plans included a bank and a gas station, but a developer could put any kind of commercial business in the space.
To be clear: The HOA cannot stop the development from happening. But we might have some leverage in how it impacts our community. This will certainly top the agenda at the HOA's next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, March 27.
If you own a unit in the community and have thoughts to share, bring them to the meeting.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Architectural Review Forms
We had an incorrect link to the Architectural Review Application that has now been repaired on our Architecture Review Committee Guidelines page.
Apologies for the inconvenience.
Apologies for the inconvenience.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
No February HOA Meeting
Because our normal meeting room is not available on the scheduled date and a lack of urgent business, the HOA board has cancelled the February meeting.
You can always reach the board with concerns at board@stcharlesplace.us or contact our property manager, Brian Wade, whose contact information is in the right-hand column of this page.
Monthly meetings will resume as usual in March.
You can always reach the board with concerns at board@stcharlesplace.us or contact our property manager, Brian Wade, whose contact information is in the right-hand column of this page.
Monthly meetings will resume as usual in March.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
First Meeting of 2012
The HOA has its first meeting of the new year next Tuesday. It begins at 7 p.m. at River of Life Church on Krycul Ave. It will be the first meeting with the newly-elected board of directors.
If you have issues that affect the community, this is the time and place to air them.
If you have issues that affect the community, this is the time and place to air them.
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