Buckingham Greene Maintenance Corporation

Spring/Summer, 2007 Newsletter

May 02, 2007

Is Spring Really Here???
After a long, cold March and April, we are hopeful that the warmer weather of spring and summer is finally upon us. We?’ve had a lot going on over the past few months here in Buckingham Greene. Following is a quick recap of some of the happenings within the development and the surrounding community.

Community Meeting Held
Residents met at the Brandywine Hundred Library on March 27th for our annual community meeting. Paul Zoppi, President, brought the meeting to order

First on the agenda were guest speakers Lynn Linscott and Susan Gleich from the Brandywine School district, who spoke about the upcoming Operating Referendum to be voted on Tuesday, April 24th. The ballot consists of two items: 1) operations and strategic plan and 2) maintenance, safety and high school auditorium upgrades. This referendum would create an average tax increase of $251 in year one and an additional $22 in year two, bringing the total average homeowner increase to $273. There is relief for seniors and disabled persons. For information call the County Assessment Division at 395-5520.

Next, Jorge Pizarro, from the New Castle County Office of Community Governing, presented statistics on Buckingham Greene code violations and criminal activity reported during the 2006 calendar year. There has been one code violation reported since January 2006, and fifteen 911 calls during the same time period. With the new budget proposed by County Executive Christopher Coons, this office could potentially be eliminated. You can call Mr. Coons?’ office at 395-5101 to voice your concerns over the elimination of this office. The Office of Community Governing has been instrumental over the years in assisting our community with numerous issues, and the Buckingham Greene Board of Directors is asking all residents to contact Christopher Coons (email: chriscoons@nccde.org) and/or Councilman Bob Weiner (email: bob@bobweiner.com) expressing your concerns. Thank you!

Next, Jim Bowers (R) and Bryon Short (D), both campaigning for the 7th district seat recently vacated by Wayne Smith, each spoke briefly on their personal experience and views. Both will be in the neighborhood in the next few weeks to speak with residents and answer questions.

The originally proposed 2007 annual assessment amount of $100 per lot was determined to be inadequate, due to some potentially dangerous dead trees in the community that must be removed. A revised assessment of $135 per household was voted on and unanimously approved by those in attendance. While the $135 is more than was originally anticipated, it is still very much in line with previous years?’ assessment amounts. Checks should be made payable to ?“Buckingham Greene Maintenance Corporation?” and delivered to Alan Herring at 113 Scotts Way. Invoices have previously been circulated throughout the community. Please do pay your assessment promptly. Thank you.

Arden Litigation: Ever since the case went to trial in the spring of 2004, the judge hearing the case (Chancellor Noble) has asked that the experts representing the builder and Arden work together on a mutually agreeable plan to help divert water runoff into the Arden woods. The expert for Arden is recommending that water be redirected to the large retention pond in our community, and that the existing pond be enlarged to accommodate the increased water flow. In order to make the pond large enough, the Arden expert is suggesting that half of the playground be removed to allow for the pond to be expanded. Paul Zoppi is recommending that the community send a letter to Chancellor Noble asking him not to consider such an alternative. We do not want our streets excavated, nor do we want to lose our playground. Once the letter is drafted, it will be circulated throughout the community for signatures. Please stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.

As always, we are looking for residents to get involved within the development. Whether it?’s helping with the Social Committee, the Landscape Committee, or any other aspect of Buckingham Greene, please contact a member of the Board of Directors. We aren?’t asking for a lot of time, and it?’s a wonderful way to meet your neighbors.

The landscape committee is looking for help. Contact Lani Gibson 529-7476.

Remember, as a courtesy to all of our neighbors, please be sure to clean up after your pets.

With the warmer weather fast approaching, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE drive safely within the community. Be sure to observe the speed limit and all posted stop signs. We have many young children playing in our streets every day. It?’s just not worth picking up a few seconds by speeding through the development and/or not observing stop signs. Thank you for your cooperation!

Email addresses wanted: If you are not on our email distribution list, please send your email address to Paul Zoppi at pzoppi109@cs.com. We love communicating via email as it saves time and paper. It?’s a great way to stay connected to the community.

Special Thanks to all Volunteers:
The Board of Directors would like to publicly recognize and thank those residents who have been generous enough to volunteer and help within the community. A few individuals consistently go above and beyond the call of duty, and are deserving of some special recognition.

First, Lani Gibson continues to lead the landscape committee, taking such wonderful care of the landscaping around the entrance to the development, as well as the areas near the retention ponds. Lani has been caring for the flowers and plants for a number of years now, and we all are grateful for her efforts. Thanks again Lani!

Loren Kahlbaugh has been doing an outstanding job of chairing the Architectural Review Committee. Please remember to submit plans to Loren (66 Weilers Bend) when planning any exterior projects/improvements. Thank you Loren and all the Committee members for your participation.

Blair Nowland, Rita McCann, Tammy Zoppi, and Lani Gibson continue to do an wonderful job leading our Social Committee. From spring egg hunts, to Halloween parades, to adult socials, this group is always looking for fun and interesting ways to bring our residents together. As always, we all look forward to more community events/outings in the near future.

Shelli McGrory has done an exceptional job as Secretary for the past five years. Shelli consistently prepares and distributes all meeting minutes in a timely fashion, and she has been instrumental in helping with the Buckingham Greene phone directory.

And finally, thank you Alan Herring for all your hard work as Treasurer. Alan is responsible for ensuring our bills are paid and the dues collected. He?’s done a wonderful job in that role for more than a decade now, and we as a community appreciate all of his efforts.

And remember, it?’s never too late to volunteer if you are interested in helping. Simply contact any member of the Board of Directors, or any of the committee members to participate. You can make a difference by giving just an hour of your time a month! Together, let?’s continue to make Buckingham Greene the best development in New Castle County.

Spring Egg Hunt
Speaking of fun events, in March, the Social Committee organized our Spring Egg Hunt for members of the community and their friends and relatives. The event was a tremendous success with more than 20 children participating. The day was filled with fun prizes and candy for all of the participants. The entire community owes a great big thank you to Blair Nowland for planning and organizing such a terrific event. Keep an eye out for more fun events in the near future. And if you have any ideas for an outing, or would like to get more involved with the Social Committee, please contact Blair, Rita McCann, Lani Gibson, or Tammy Zoppi directly. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

2007 Assessment:
Thanks once again for your prompt attention to the 2007 annual assessment. If you have not had a chance to send in your payment, please make every effort to do so as soon as possible (payments are due by May 15th). As we have previously communicated, the Maintenance Corporation is in need of raising funds for grass cutting, playground maintenance, insurance, snow removal, etc. Please make checks payable to ?“Buckingham Greene Maintenance Corp.?” and send to our Treasurer, Alan Herring, at 113 Scotts Way. Thanks to all for your cooperation

Community Services
Are you in need of professional painting services? If so, give Laszlo Benak a call at 302-798-5419. No job is too small, and Laszlo performs excellent work that will be beyond your expectations. He has already painted for several residents within the community, and everyone has been completely satisfied. If you are interested in learning more, be sure to give Laszlo a call for a complimentary estimate.

Announcements
Buckingham Greene would like to welcome some of our newest neighbors to the development. First, Sherman Tribbitt and Wendy Ash recently moved into 61 Weilers Bend. In addition, Igor Yaroshenko and Irina Romanova recently moved into 21 Weilers Bend. Please be sure to say hello and introduce yourself to all of them. We all wish you and your families much joy and happiness in your new homes.

Vicki McCann, daughter of Rich and Rita at 75 Weilers Bend, will be getting married on May 12th. In addition, Robert Agarwal and Melinda Wyckoff at 40 Weilers Bend will be getting married in June. Congratulations to all. The entire community wishes you much happiness in your new lives together.

Don?’t forget, if you have anything you would like to announce to your fellow neighbors (i.e., birth announcements, anniversaries, birthdays, business advertising) please contact Paul Zoppi at 109 Scotts Way (feel free to email Paul with the specifics at pzoppi109@cs.com.). Thank you.

Upcoming Local Events
Winterthur?’s Point-to-Point (May 6th)
Enjoy the excitement of this annual steeplechase race. Activities include tailgating, horse racing, a spectacular parade of antique carriages, and more. Tickets sold in advance only. Winterthur, Route 52.
?• For information: (800) 448-3883 or visit www.winterthur.org

Wilmington Flower Market (May 10th - 12th)
Carnival rides, entertainment, crafts, plants, food, 5K run, art. Rockford Park, Wilmington.
?• Admission: Free. Parking, $
?• For information: 995-5699

St. Anthony?’s Italian Festival (June 10th-17th) Annual event of food and music features outdoor cafes, live entertainment, rides and more. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and school grounds, Ninth and DuPont streets, Wilmington.
?· Admission is free, fees for activities
?· Visit www.stanthonynet.org for more information

52nd Annual DFRC Blue-Gold All Star Football Game (June 23rd)
Fund-raiser for DFRC, a nonprofit organization that strives to raise awareness of the abilities and talents of individuals with cognitive disabilities. University of Delaware Football Stadium, South College Avenue, Newark.
?· Admission is $8
?· For information call 454-2730

Procedures for applying for Architectural Review Committee Approval
We have a good number of relatively new residents within Buckingham Greene, so the Board of Directors thought this would be a good time to review our procedures for applying for Architectural Review Committee approval. These procedures are relevant to any of our neighbors who are planning on adding to an existing deck, putting up a fence, doing an addition, etc. Please keep in mind that any exterior building additions, change in exterior walls, color changes, changes in grade of lot, installation of fences or decks, or other exterior construction improvements require written approval from the Maintenance Corporation. This written approval is in accordance with the Declaration of Restrictions dated August 4th, 1994. Plans and specifications, with illustrations, showing the nature, kind, shape, color, height, materials and proposed location should be submitted to the Architectural Review Committee for review and approval. The following are the procedures for securing approval:

1) Submit plans directly to the Architectural Review Committee Chair (Loren Kahlbaugh at 66 Weilers Bend).
2) Plans must be submitted no later than 2 months prior to any proposed alteration in order to provide ample review time.
3) The Committee will review the plans and approve, disapprove, or recommend modifications in writing within 60 days (the Committee will do its best to turn plans around as quickly as possible, however).
4) No modifications should be made until the signed plans are returned.
5) If you would like some advice, input, or discussion prior to submitting plans, please feel free to contact Loren Kahlbaugh (475-0935) or Paul Zoppi (529-7760).

While this review and approval process may seem cumbersome, it is important to remember that what affects one property in the development affects us all. Perhaps more importantly, if the Maintenance Corporation needs to enforce non-compliant alterations, this must me done through the court system, and court costs will be borne by the Corporation which can impact each member?’s annual assessment. If we are all patient and respectful of each other?’s property, we shouldn?’t have any problems with deed restrictions. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Tip of the Month
We wanted to share some information with everyone in the development from two of our neighbors. Please feel free to contact any member of the Board of Directors with questions.

Termites:
Two of our residents (Lisa and Scott Breyer) recently had their home treated for termites. It turned out that two of their neighbors had them on the one side. They informed the neighbor on the other side, as well. They found the evidence in their garage (what looked like little dirt tunnels). They used Pro-Spray Pest Control, Inc. to treat their home (the man's name is Larry Lynch). Lisa and Scott found him to be very honest, as did their other neighbors that used his same service. In case anyone else finds termites, his phone number for this area is 368-4880.

Blue Rocks Outing
The Buckingham Greene Social Committee is organizing our annual ?“Night of Wilmington Blue Rocks Baseball?” at Frawley Stadium once again this summer. Please join us for an evening of baseball, food, and fun for the entire family. The current plan is to attend Fireworks Night on June 22nd. If you are interested in attending, please contact Lani Gibson at 71 Weilers Bend via phone (529-7476) or email (lanijay@comcast.net).

Waste Management of Delaware Discount
Did you know that Buckingham Greene has made special arrangements with Waste Management of Delaware for garbage pickup? They will pick up your garbage twice per week (Monday and Thursday) for just $61.50 per quarter (not including any fuel surcharges). Give them a call at 1-800-345-7932 and mention that you live in Buckingham Greene to receive the discounted price. You may need to refer to the special code of ?“BG?” when calling.

Community Yard Sale
There has been some interest expressed by several neighbors in holding our community yard sale once again. The general consensus thus far is to have the yard sale in late spring. This will give everyone ample opportunity to prepare, and hopefully the warmer weather will help to increase the turnout. If you are interested in participating, please contact Paul Zoppi at 529-7760. In addition, any assistance with organizing the yard sale would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Contact us with Ideas
If you have anything you would like to see published in our next newsletter, please drop off a note at 109 Scotts Way, or send an email to pzoppi109@cs.com. Your input and feedback is greatly appreciated. As always, we are looking for volunteers to help with putting the newsletter together on a quarterly basis. It doesn?’t have to take up a lot of your time, and it should be a lot of fun. Please feel free to contact any of the Board Members if you are interested in participating.

Next community meeting TBD