October 20th, 2011

Dear Homeowners and Residents,

Thank you for participating in National Night Out 2011. The attendance this year far exceeded the numbers in previous years. The BBQ was great. The kids really enjoyed the new red flashlights and the presence of our Precinct 4 Constables. The pool being open was a “big splash”, too.

One common thread in the conversations that night was the pride that the Oaks residents have exhibited throughout the years. Many have called “The Oaks” home for more than twenty years. I wish to address an area of concern by some who attended regarding the neglect by a few of our residents.

Through the years, a number of homes have become investment properties. While we welcome all residents, the Board of Directors wish to remind every resident of the DEED RESTRICTIONS that have been in place since the inception of the Oaks of Atascocita.

Listed below are a few restrictions that have become constant violations because of the “if they can do it, we can do it” approach.

1.)Parking on the grass. This violation is becoming more common place. The board realizes that many driveways may not be adequate for households that have numerous vehicles; however, parking on the grass is not allowed. In my 30 years in the Oaks, I can recall a numbers of years playing musical cars when my sons lived at home and owned their own vehicles. Parking on the grass was not an option then and is not an option now.

2.)Trash and debris in sight. The Oaks has arranged trash pickup on Mondays and Thursdays for our residents. The storage of trash and debris and the collections of bags and wood is becoming very unsightly. As per our deed restrictions, trash containers must be out of sight except for a reasonable period before and after trash pickup. Please place these containers in your garage or behind your fence.

3.)Lot Maintenance. Undoubtedly, the drought of 2011 has taken a toll on all of our lawns. The association itself has seen our esplanades and park area suffer because of the lack of water. Unfortunately, we are now in the process of having to remove trees and plants that have succumbed to the stress of the high temperatures and the drought. Individual homeowners and residents must remove dead trees from properties as a safety concern for other homeowners and nearby residents. During this drought and certainly the fact that frequent mowing may not be necessary, flower beds have become beds of weeds and edging has been neglected. Please be a responsible resident and clean-up these areas of your yard.

4.)Storage of Trailers and Boats. Trailers and boats may be stored in your garage. Otherwise the storage of such units is not allowed in plain view. Please make other arrangements for these items by taking advantage of the many storage facilities that are available in our area. You may have received a letter regarding these or other violations of our Deeds and Restrictions. And in reflection, you may look out and say “my neighbor's yard looks worse than mine, send them a letter!” In fact, we probably have sent them a letter or perhaps the board has turned your neighbor's matter over to our attorney for further action.

The board recognizes the gravity of allowing residents to continue to ignore the rules that have been put into place. To continue to be or to become an irresponsible homeowner or resident detracts from the premise on which the association was founded: to insure the preservation of the uniformed plan for the purpose of enhancing and protecting the value, desirability and attractiveness of the land for the benefit of both the present and future owners.

The 2012 Oaks of Atascocita Maintenance Fee Statements will be mailed in the very near future. Reflected in the amount of $399.55 for this year's fee is an increase of 3%. This percentage is the maximum allowed by our by-laws and covenants. The board has prepared our 2012 budget and will be available on line shortly.

Our meetings are the 2nd Tuesday evening of every month except December. We meet at Fire Station #3 (on Oak Timber) at 7pm. We welcome all residents and homeowners. At the beginning of every meeting agenda is “Homeowner Input”.

We hope to see you at one of our meetings!

Sincerely,

Nancy A. Frank

President Oaks of Atascocita Community Improvement Association