President's Message

President's Message August 2008
By Orhan Omer, President

It has been quite a busy summer this year for the Community Association. Issues with common grounds, maintenance of the community clubhouse, the middle school revitalization, in addition to the more mundane annual work associated with administering the Community Association. For an all volunteer Board, times like this highlights the need for more volunteers to join us in trying to address the many issues that impact our residents.

The sinkhole that has formed off of St. Andrews road was the primary subject of our last general membership meeting. While articles addressing the general nature of this issue appear in this Compass, I would remind residents that the sinkhole presents a safety hazard. The chain link fence placed around the perimeter of the area, as well as the road closure signs, should serve as clear indicators that residents should stay away from the vicinity. Please be mindful of this warning and help us minimize the danger posed by the sinkhole to all of our residents.

On a less somber note, renovations to the clubhouse building on the grounds of the St. Andrews Swim and Tennis Club are scheduled to begin this year. Involving re-pointing some of the masonry and replacement of the windows, the Chartwell Community Association and SASTC will be splitting these expenses. Additionally, I hope that our new residents will take advantage of the ability to join this private club without the necessity of being waitlisted (as is the case for non-residents). More information on joining can be found at www.sastc.com. We are hopeful that these projects will not conflict with the children’s Halloween party which will be held in October (residents should look for an e-mail alert and possibly a Compass announcement closer to the time of the party for details).

The middle school revitalization began on schedule this summer. While we have posted the most recent site plan on the home page and sent out an alert with a contact number, the extent to which the contractors for the County have cleared the trees (sometimes all the way to the property line) has alarmed a great many residents. We need volunteers to actively participate in contacting other impacted residents and facilitate discussions with both the project manager for the contractor Eric Schuster (410-562-9653) and with the project manager for the schools Greg Stewart (443-770-5960). I have had a volunteer from the far west side nearest to Jumpers Hole Road, but we would like a resident from near the cut through on Sheffield Road and at the end of South Putney Way. Remember, while we are currently dealing with the latest construction issues, this is just phase one of a three phase, three year project and construction associated with the later phases may also impact the lands adjoining our community.

In case the aforementioned pleas may have been too subtle and nuanced to be noticed, we are in need of volunteers. We have Board of Director elections coming up in the fall and need residents who own property within the community to join us. It is a great way to make a direct impact on the community in which you live. Being on the Board also allows your opinions and views to help shape the policies and actions of the Board of Directors. While the August meeting of the Board has been cancelled due to attendance issues, please contact me or another board member if you are interested in giving back to your community.