mowing?

I'm not exactly sure what you are saying here: move every two weeks, instead of every week ??


Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

no, she means that there isn't as much grass to mow now compared to a year ago I think

 

boomertsfx, yes, thanks for interpreting

I was wondering why the courtyards HOA landscaper would complain about the increase in flower beds when in fact there is much less lawn for them to mow this year.

 

I fail to see how there is less work involved. If there is less to mow, there is more to mulch. Plus they have to provide the mulch$$. Mowing and mulching both require labor.

 

I agree, but I think their argument is based on the premise that mulching is only done once or twice a year, while mowing is done every other week.

Thus, even if it takes a little more labor (and cost) to do some extra mulching twice a year, it will be more than offset by the decrease in labor costs as a result of having less grass to mow every other week. This argument makes a lot of sense to me. Personally, I don't think this is a very good argument by the lawn contractor, if this is what they are saying.

 

FWIW ... I really don't see much of an offset. The contractor still has to get a man to do the yard, he may not have to do an extra pass or two, but he still needs to unload the mower, cut the grass, trim the borders (including that extra mulched area), then move on. It may actually take him more time, there may be more border to trim.

Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

Why dont you guys just hire some kids from the neighborhood to help cut grass?

=D Yeah....COUNTER STRIKE SOURCE!!!

 

FYI - There is a list of Lawn Helpers in the Broadlands newsletter along with the babysitters & pet sitters.

 

Personally I enjoy the fact that I know my grass is going to get cut and the bed mulched twice a year. One less thing for me to worry about and fit into my already hectic schedule.

 

Isn't there a provision for people increasing the size of their flower beds in the contract? It would only seem fair that if you increased the amount of mulch needed you either pay for it yourself or forfeit the HOA mulching.

 

Since these locations were setup to be low maintenance, there was no provision for size increases as it was assumed that the reason people bought was that they didn't want to do yard work.

And there's no good way to monitor if a bed was increased in size, so there's no way to judge whether a bed was increased or not, since in many cases, we have no idea what the size was in the first place.


Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

I live in a courtyard home, just wondering when the grass will be mowed. Is it like trashday where u know when there coming? Also for the hoa fee hikes. For Openband possibly going from 150 to 30 dollars more next year. Is there any way to "opt out" of Openband. I like lawn care but for cable, phone and internet, is there a choice?

 

They will sweep through an area on a rotating basis. Wes in on vacation, so I'll see if Maureen knows the schedule. If nothing else, you'll have an answer by Monday evening.

As far as 'opt-ing out', the only option you have is for video. You can go with a different satellite provider. Even then, you pay the Southern Walk HOA (Openband) fees. Its one of those things you signed when you bought the house ... pay the fee, firstborn male child, etc ..



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

Neil: If the fees are going to go up, as a homeowner is there any say? Like if enough people complain, can we get a more competitive quote w a different company, or are we in a long term contract w Openband. Just wondering... And i know i signed up for it, but would like to have some stability in monthly charges. Seems like HOA fees double every 2 years. Any comment on this?

 

See

http://hoa.broadlands.org/

Look at the second paragraph called "Candidates for Board" - but hurry, candidate profile forms are due by April 25th.

 

Thu-
My comment on your last post:
The Broadlands HOA fees for a single family detached house have risen from $50 in 1997 to $58.50 in 2005. That's a 17% increase over 9 years, nowhere near "doubling every two years".
Regarding OpenBand, you're stuck with them. I do believe there are some safeguards in the contract that require them to be less expensive than what you could get their services for in the open market. Getting that equal comparison may be the tricky part.
I despise monopolies and believe that open and fair competition is what keeps prices down and competitive. Southernwalk residents are stuck with a monopoly.
Good luck.
Cliff

 

The Courtyard Single Family Homes price went from $85.00 (2002)to $88.00 (2004)to $104.50 (2005) and next year it is anticipated to go up another $15.00+ due to the extras that we have with the landscaping, mowing, etc. And I assume that due to the cost in oil/gas there is the potential for a larger increase next year. That is a 23% increase in 4 years and if it increases next year another $15.00... that is a 40% increase in 5 years.

I spoke with Wes and they do want to work with the Courtyard home owners to determine if we, as a community, want to continue with the services provided. At the time we spoke, he stated that a committee was going to be formed of the Courtyard home owners. I'm not sure what step they are on in regard to forming to committee, but I would say that it should be soon, due to upcoming rebids.

As for Openband, the Openband Action Committee is still working with the HOA and Openband regarding the increase in fees. As many of you know, VanMetre (I'm pretty sure this is correct) picked up the increase for 2005.

Belinda

 

Broadlands, Lansdowne, Brambleton, and Belmont CC. Those are the places where HOA fees are $$$$. Just hoping for no increases for a longer period of time. Does anyone every lay awake at night wondering if there HOA dues are going to be $300 next yr? Well i guess if u dont like it, u Move, but still does it have to be that harsh? Well thats Northern Virginia for u, put out or get out!


I was definitely making a generization about HOA dues. I have lived in condos before and townhouses and fees always seem to go up 50 percent each year.. Not in broadlands but other places i've lived.


I pay 104 for Broadlands and 150 for Openband. I'd say thats alot. $104 includes lawn maintenance, but my lawn is looking kinda tired. Neil if u find out, Let me know when the scheduled mowing is to occur in the Courtyard homes. I'm off Park Brooke Ct.

 

According to the landscaping company there is no set schedule. Alot of what they do is based on the weather. So if it rains a lot and the grass grows faster they try to be there more then if it is dryer and the grass is not growing as fast. Right now they are working on mulching edging and mowing and are trying to hit the whole community at least once a week for mowing weather. Of course if it rains the rest of the week as they are calling for they may cram more stuff later then normal and some stuff earlier so it can all be done.

Staci Kapinos