Bentwood Farms - Mallard Pond Homeowners Association

September, 2000

Nov 18, 2000

(as delivered to all residents during Sept, 2000)

Notes from the President
By Jim McGrath

We've had a lot going on recently in our neighborhood. Yes, we are aware that there are problems. As the neighborhood matures, and time goes on, we will continue to have issues that we never even considered! One such issue is that a homeowner would think of a drastic change to the color of their home. Yes, there are restrictions that provide for approvals. No, we had not been watching for this because most homeowners had been reasonable in their change, if they changed at all. Most, if a change was made, went to some other neutral color, in keeping with the nature of the rest of the homes around them.

One homeowner recently decided to change his color, and failed to obtain the necessary approval. Once contacted, he decided that he was not going to get approval, and after being notified that we would enforce our restrictions, he decided to finish the painting anyway.
Unfortunately, in a situation where the restrictions or regulations are ignored, we are forced to sue to maintain our restrictions, and we did sue this homeowner, a cost that the Association doesn't really want to incur. We have many more pressing issues on which to spend your hard-earned dues. Hopefully, we will only have to have a few of these "test" lawsuits before the homeowners realize that we will enforce restrictions, and we will pursue every legal action if necessary. Remember, we are here to serve the Association; and if you own a house, you are a member of the Association. We had over 40 members show up at the monthly meeting after the house was painted, and by then, the lawsuit was already in place.

We want your feedback, good or bad. We're not perfect, we volunteer our time and we need your help to make this a better neighborhood, so please help out. Don't forget to visit our webpage at: "www.neighborhoodlink.com /pickerington/bfmpassoc"



School is back in session, and kids are walking to the new Middle School on Harmon Rd. As you can tell, they are still installing sidewalks and other paths to get to the school. Please watch out for the children as you drive to and from home. There are still many speeding cars along our main streets. We will continue to seek help from the Sheriff's office to help enforce speed (and safety). Please feel free to call any trustee if you need assistance with anything, or have any questions.


Communications Committee

Trustee Sharon Lach has been trying diligently to pull our community together. She has formed a Communication Committee to help improve the lines of communication between the board of trustees and the homeowners. Please thank the following people for volunteering to walk or ride the various newsletters, flyers, and phone directories to your door or mailbox: Carla Searfoss, Jim & Jennifer Hellmich, Billy Kelly, Lori Goddard and Kim Wright. Sharon is also our grounds trustee. She is responsible for ensuring the grass is cut and the flowerbeds maintained. Recently, there have been some concerns over the dandelions in the common areas. Every effort is being made to kill them. The weather must be favorable for the weed killer to work. A more aggressive approach will be taken next year on the weeds. If you notice any vacant houses where the grass is not being cut, please call Sharon at 861-0325. If you have any questions or concerns, please call. Sharon's ongoing projects include updating the community map and phone directory. There has been substantial growth in the community since the last social committee 4 years ago. We can always use more helpers to make these activities happen.

Welcome Wagon
If you have new neighbors, contact Sharon at 861-0325 to receive the "Welcome Folder".

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 1st annual summer picnic. The weather was wonderful and everyone had a good time. It would not have been possible if it weren't for the following volunteers: Craig Turner, Sharon and John Lach, Denise Denunzio, Lynn and Jerry Foltz, and Curt Anderson. Thank you also to the following businesses for their donations: Montana Mining, Cracker Barrel, Mazatlan, Sears Hardware, Meijer, Kroger, Wal-Mart, Ross Nutrition, Lenox Inn, Dance Works, and Donna Breitinger as "Doozy " the clown. A big thank you goes out to the Truro Township Fire Department for bringing out the "safety house" for the kids to learn about fire safety. The kids enjoyed going through it over and over again.

I would like to welcome Holly Amos and Donna Breitinger on board our social committee. I am, however, sorry to see Brenda Blaize leave. As always, if you are interested in helping us out, please call Andrea Turner at 577-9311.

We are in need of volunteers ages 14 and up to decorate the hall from 2 until 4pm for our neighborhood Halloween Party. It is set for Saturday Oct 28th, from 4 to 6pm at the
American Legion Hall. Cost is $1 per child. Please RSVP at the decorated mailbox at the corner of Steeplechase and Winners Circle. Flyer and reservation form to follow.
Please call Andrea Turner at 577-9311 if you are interested. Hope to see you there?…

From the Architectural Control Committee

Our neighborhood was professionally designed. That is, the layout of lots, architecture of the homes, building materials, and common areas were carefully planned and coordinated by the developers to create an attractive community. For most of us, the "look" of this neighborhood was an important factor in our decision to buy here.

As in most suburban subdivisions, we have restrictions. Their purpose is to help us preserve the integrity of our neighborhood's architectural design and overall appearance, which makes our neighborhood a more desirable place to live, and hopefully increases our property values.
Our neighborhood's "Declaration of Covenants, Restrictions, and Conditions of Ownership" is often called simply "the deed restrictions". The document was written by the original developers and made official by the Fairfield County Recorder's Office in 1991, before any homes were built. The same deed restrictions apply to all sections of the subdivision, and are an integral part of every deed in Bentwood Farms and Mallard Pond. All homeowners, by signing the documents to purchase their homes, agree to accept the deed restrictions and are legally bound to honor them. Changing the deed restrictions is a difficult process because it requires 75% of homeowners to vote their approval for any revisions.

Recent events in our neighborhood serve to underscore the importance of deed restrictions. To the many homeowners who honor the deed restrictions (by getting the appropriate approvals) as they add features such as decks, landscaping, and other exterior changes to their homes, we say "Thanks" for cooperating with your neighbors and your Homeowners' Association. You're doing your part to preserve our property values and the architectural integrity of our neighborhood.

Please take a few minutes to review the deed restrictions that came with your home. You should have received a copy with your deed from the Title Company when you purchased your home. Any Homeowners' Association Trustee or member of the Architectural Control Committee can help you get a copy, or answer questions about your responsibilities as a homeowner.

Please attend our monthly meetings; watch for the informational signs placed at all entrances a few days before each meeting. After all, it's your Homeowners' Association.

Thanks for your cooperation.