News And Events
Updated December 31, 2011
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Happy New Year!
Special Meeting to Ratify 2012 Budget Sunday January 8
A special meeting will be held Sunday January 8th, 7:00 p.m. at the Jackson Drive Clubhouse. This meeting is required by the bank as part of the loan process. Owners are not required to attend (that is, there is no quorum required for this meeting). Owners should look through the materials delivered the last week of December.
Unit Owner / Resident Contact Information
All owners need to fill out the "Owner Information" form that was distributed with the meeting letter. This form is not related to the meeting but rather ensures that the property management has the current and correct information about each household. This information is kept private is is to provide better service. If there is an emergency this information is essential. It is in each owner's and / or resident's interest that this form is properly filled out and sent to our property manager. If anyone needs a form, please contact any board member and another one can be provided.
Change in Recycling Pickup to Every Tuesday
Longmeadow Association has switched to a different rubbish removal company. The switch to TrashMasters was based on cost savings, no one should infer that there was any problem with the prior carting company. The new contract will save the association about $300 a month.
With this change comes a change in the recycle pickup. The new recycle pickup day is Tuesday. The interval is every week. Now that the recycle pickup is every Tuesday, it will be easier for residents to recycle more things. Remember recycling should include clean cardboard. (Small cardboard boxes, such as from empty cereal boxes and the like can be flattened and stacked in a paper bag and put out with recycling.). As always, check out the "Information and FAQ" section of this web site for detailed information about recycling.
Holiday 2011 Wishes From Old Friends
Holiday wishes from Kim and Rick Rolfe, former Salem Walk residents (but always friends )of Longmeadow. Kim and Rick and their doggie reside in Arizona.
Fall / Early Winter Print Newsletter
The Fall / Early Winter Newsletter was distributed to unit mailboxes On or about December 12. You can view it here.
November 2011 Special Finance Meeting Minutes PDF.
Special Meeting OKs Financing
The Association owners voted in favor of getting a $500,000 loan for the essential, time-critical work to be done to improve drainage and make repairs to many Greenwich Way and Jackson Drive area buildings and grounds, most of which are near the marsh. The loan will start off as a 15-month line of credit and convert to a fixed loan (likely 7-year term). The collateral for such a loan is the assignment of common fees. The line of credit is offered by Milford Bank at prime + 1%. (The current prime rate is about 4.4%. )
The motion passed with 51% of the total Association population voting in favor. 109 votes were in favor, fewer than ten of the votes cast were "no" votes or abstentions.
Click to see the Special Meeting Minutes and all other meeting minutes in the Documents and Forms section.
During the regular November board meeting the 2012 Association budget was approved. The common fees will increase by 5% for 2012 and, like with 2011, there will also be a special assessment equal to two months common charges.
Mid-November News Updates
- It is essential that every owner either attend the meeting Sunday or sign and give the proxy to a board member or someone e else that will positively attend. The meeting is to vote on financing, as detailed in the letter sent to unit owners. If a "yes" vote is not obtained by at least 51% of the ownership a very high special assessment would be needed to meet the 2012 maintenance and repair needs.
- Good News, the State of Connecticut Department of Revenue has exempted residential condominium associations from paying CT state sales tax on many items. Big ticket items that Longmeadow can save on state sales tax include: rubbish removal and property management fees. Roofing and other materials are also exempt. For more information, you can Google "Connecticut CERT-103". This may save Longmeadow a few thousand dollars each year.
- Our property management team will be sending the package of materials required for HUD / FHA recertification by November 17th.
- If you are renting a unit in Longmeadow or are an owner renting a unit in Longmeadow please contact the property management or a board member to let the Association know (if you have not done so already). The Association must have accurate count of units being rented out.
- Thanks go out to Arin Hayden at Levey Miller Maretz Property Management for all your hard work!
2011-2012 Snow Removal Contract: Understanding Expectations
The snow removal contract has been signed: the snow removal contractor is (again) D & D Services LLC. The contract season starts November 1, 2011 and concludes April 30, 2012. The contract is essentially a fixed price.
The Board would like to let Longmeadow residents know what they can expect from the snow removal contractor this winter. D&D is contracted to remove snow when it is 1" or more. (Under 1" is treated with salt/sand mixture only). D&D will come out to Longmeadow once the snow has stopped falling and will clear all the roadways first. Then they will clear the walks and parking spots, including between cars. Once they clear between the cars, residents will be asked to move their cars briefly so that the lot can be fully cleared of snow. (If you will be out of town in the winter months, please consider leaving keys to your vehicle(s) with a neighbor so that your car will not get plowed in in your absence.) D&D is contracted to finish all touch up and parking areas within 6 hours of the storm's end.D&D will pre-treat walkways before any known ice storm and also after the storm's end.
D&D will also provide sand barrels around Longmeadow property so that as ice and snow melts and re-freezes in the days after a storm, residents can put down sand/salt mixture on their steps and walkways as needed for safety. Residents may also want to look out for their elderly or infirm neighbors and put sand down on their steps and walkways as well.
If you have any questions or concerns about the snow removal process or the contractor, please contact Arin Hayden at Levey Miller Maretz Property Management at 203-387-9700.
Late October News Updates
- If you are mailing your common charges, please mail them to the new company and address (see article below). It does not make sense to mail the common charge to the clubhouse.
- If you are paying your common fees online, remember to update the information with that of our new property management company. See the updated FAQ which has an example of what to fill out to set up or edit the online bill-paying information It is easy to set up the automatic payment of the monthly fees!
- Unit owners will be getting an official notice in the mail shortly regarding a special meeting Sunday November 20th at 7:00 pm. This is the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss and vote on a bank loan. The funds of which will be used for many extensive repairs to crawl spaces, foundations, water draniage systems, etc.
- The Board has been working with the new property manager Arin (of Levey Miller Maretz) on gathering and submitting the long list of materials for HUD / FHA recertification. We expect to have the items submitted by November 1st. The HUD FHA certificatiosn process can take up to 30 days from its receipt of the materials.
- Reminder: When a unit at Longmeadow is rented out, a copy of the lease should be given to the property manager along with contact information.. The tenant should be given a copy of the Longmeadow rules and regulations and acknowledge them.
Roofing Reconstruction Work on Building 14 kicks Off
Roofing reconstruction work kicked off for Building #14 comprising 150 - 168 Penn Common. For this project, this is the 26th building in sequence out of 28 total in the complex. The remaining two buildings, plus the clubhouse, are projected to be completed next year..
The first phase of roofing construction is performed by Bob Austin (standing on ladder) and his team of Joe (climbing ladder) and Dave (in foreground walking away). They start roofing reconstruction on a building with removal of the gutters. The eaves are extended and vented soffits are installed. When they finish one side of the building, Seal-Tite can start their phase with removing the old shingles. In other work around the complex, the painting of trim is being done on building 15.
And Now a Word, and Happy Autumn wishes, from Our Sponsor
Our sponsor, REALTOR (R) Andrea Brower. has an updated message for you.
Local listings from April to September 2011
Address
List Price
Sold Price
21 Greenwich Way
$219,900
160 Penn Common
$218,400
35 Greenwich Way
$229,900
50 Greenwich Way
$198,000
1 Greenwich Way
$229,900
On Deposit
31 Greenwich Way
$228,000
On deposit
169 Penn Common
$195,000
On Deposit
39 Salem Walk
$198,900
On Deposit
31 Greenwich Way
$228,000
$197,000
32 Jackson Drive
$224,000
$215,000
26 Salem Walk
$188,900
$178,500
63 Jackson Dr
$179,900
$165,000
Rolar Management being Acquired by Levey Miller Maretz
Posted Sept. 24, 2011
Rolar Management Group Inc, our property management company for
over a decade, is merging with the real estate / property
management firm of Levey Miller Maretz. Robert Shelnitz will stay on with the
new firm in a consultant capacity for about a year as he transitions
to retirement A smooth transition is expected. Bob Sheltitz and the newly-assigned property manager,
Arin Hayden, from Levey Miller
Maretz have visited and studied Longmeadow.
Effective October 1st common charge payments that normally would be
mailed to Rolar should be mailed to :
Levey Miller Maretz
1768 Litchfield Turnpike
Woodbridge, CT 06525
Rolar’s West Haven office will be consolidating with the Woodbridge
office soon. Mail directed to Rolar will be forwarded for a period
of time.
For those who pay common charges through online banking, such as
People’s, remember to change the company name and address for the
bill payments soon.
The existing telephone number for Rolar has been transferred to the
Woodbridge office. Continue to use (203) 387-9700. The fax
number remains the same.
The Longmeadow Association board of directors has met with Shelnitz
and expects this to be a smooth transition. An increased level of
service is expected facilitated with newer technology.
Summer Recap of Work, WIP, at Longmeadow
- Bob Austin's team is continuing inspecting crawl spaces. They have been also working on units. Some repairs have included replacing rotten framing, replacing pitched patios, etc.
- Also over the summer, well before the storm, some trees were removed near GW building A6. They have also done a lot of tree trimming with a bucket truck. Additional tree removal and trimming had been done after tropical storm Irene.
- Austin team refurbished three park-style benches around the complex. These are near the marsh and playground area. (Maybe bring a book or magazine and check out one of the benches.)
- The clubhouse exterior windows, doors, garage door and small deck have been sanded and painted.
- Back in July, our playground has new fresh special 'playground mulch" laid down by the landscaper.
Hurricane Irene Slaps Longmeadow with Wind and Rain
Longmeadow fared well, certainly better than expected, against hurricane Irene's wind and rain. A big tree in back of Penn Common split with half of the tree falling on the back of 176 Penn Common. Mid-size red maple tree in front of 56 - 60 Salem Walk tipped over and was also pulled back and cut up Sunday. The stream feeding into the marsh overflowed and Merwin Avenue and the Greenwich Way entrance to Longmeadow was flooded and closed for a few hours Sunday. Broken branches weigh down electrical wires between the 'telephone' poles along the south east side of the property, in back of Salem Walk building 7. Work started hours after the storm and continued Monday.
Association President Ruth Nappe and contractor Bob Austin survey the damage Sunday morning just as 'hurricane' Irene's winds begin to wane.
Hurricane Highlights
The big tree in back of Penn Common split with half of the tree falling on the back of 176 Penn Common. There was no damage to the unit. The tree was pulled off the unit and cut up within hours after Irene departed. Ron's Tree service came Sunday / Monday, the 29th, to cut up the damaged trees in the complex and feed the wood into their wood chipper. With speed and precision, the damaged trees and branches are reduced to compact wood chips and are carted away.
The stream feeding into the marsh overflowed and Merwin Avenue along with the Greenwich Way entrance to Longmeadow was flooded and closed for a few hours Sunday.
Prepare for Hurricane Irene's Wind and Rain (posted Aug. 25)
Remember to bring in or otherwise secure objects outside your unit. Patio furniture etc. is best brought inside where it can't be damaged or damage other people or property. Unless the forecast changes, it would be safest to bring in pretty much everything.
Labor Day “Pizza and…” Party! Let’s join together and bid farewell to Summer!
Date: Sunday, September 4, 2011
Place: Longmeadow Clubhouse
Time: 4 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $5.00 per person ($7.00 guest)
The Social Committee will purchase pizza and focachia sandwiches,
soda, ice, salad, and paper goods. No lugging of grills, no messy
cleanup, no shopping at Costco – more time to socialize and/or swim
for everyone.
You need to bring an appetizer or a dessert. Please let us know what
you will bring when you fill out the form below so we can avoid too
much duplication of food – thank you!
A flyer with a sign-up sheet will be distributed to each mailbox.
You can
see and print the same flyer and sign-up form here.
Free Workshop open to Longmeadow Residents!
We’ve all heard of “IQ” – brain smarts and ”book smarts”.
But there is another “intelligence” that affects one’s happiness,
personal relationships, business relationships, career,
negotiations, etc.
It is called “Emotional Intelligence”.
It takes more than IQ to be successful in business and with friends,
family and co-workers – it takes Emotional Intelligence, or “EI” for
short.
So come and attend this free class! You may bring a guest!
Emotional Intelligence involves such things (which we will cover):
• Learning to critique instead of criticize.
• Learning to listen deeply and ask the right questions
• Who Can You Control? Who Can You Change?
• Developing Listening Skills
• Communications: Verbal and Non-Verbal
• Conflict Management: the 5 Conflict Styles and Holding Your Tongue
• Developing empathy for others, understanding yourself, and other
tools for successful relationships at home
and at work.
We’ll have “coffee and” – it’ll be fun and interesting!
Hosted by: Monica Foran
DATE: Thursday, September 1st
TIME: 7 p.m.
PLACE: Longmeadow Clubhouse, 75 Jackson Drive.
RSVP: Please register by sending an email to
monicaforan@optonline.net. Thank you!
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Mid-August Update
- Our playground has new fresh special 'playground mulch" laid down.
- Scrubs and hedges will be trimmed soon, mid-to-late August, by the landscaper. We have had some good rain and some break from the extreme heat. Hopefully the lawns will be perking up a bit.
- Six teenagers were spotted swimming in the pool last week after midnight. They apparently jumped the fence to get in. They were confronted by a vigilant resident walking his or her dog and they all ran away. It is important for residents to keep an eye out. It is not known if these teenagers lived at Longmeadow or not.
- A tree went down in swampy brook area and took out a power line last week. As a result, UI is inspecting all trees where there are power lines along the swamp area and doing some major tree trimming/tree removal. This work and costs are borne by UI, not the Association.
- In some cases we have had too much of a good thing - rain. It is a good habit to check out your crawlspace periodically.
How Will Milford's New Single Stream Recycling Program Impact Longmeadow?
The City of Milford does not collect garbage and recycling from
Longmeadow and other Milford condominiums. Longmeadow
contracts with private companies for both the recycling and garbage
pickup.
Longmeadow has had single stream recycling for a while. We have been
recycling such things as clean cardboard and paper in addition to
newspaper and we have not needed to separate glass from plastics and
metals, for example, in our bins. All items may be placed together
into the bin. There is no need to sort the materials. All items must
be free of food and garbage.
Continue to recycle clean cardboard, such as from cereal boxes
(without any liner) ad the like. Flattening the boxes and
putting them in paper bags is a good way to present such materials.
Large cardboard boxes should be 'broken down' and flattened and tied
together to form a neat stack.
Residents of Longmeadow will continue to use the current blue bins.
There are no immediate plans to obtain larger bins. The City
will not be giving the large green bins to condominium units.
The recycling changes affecting Longmeadow are primarily that we can recycle more items.
- All plastics #1 through #7
- Printed matter: Recycling includes Corrugated and chipboard paper, cereal and juice boxes, tissue boxes, paper egg cartons, pasta boxes, shoe boxes, packing boxes, newspapers, magazines, junk mail, catalogs, paper bags, school and office papers.
Keep checking Longmeadow06460.com for updates.
Stay posted for more details as we get them..
2011 Annual Association Meeting Held
Sunday June 26
The Association’s annual meeting , held Sunday June 26th, covered the financial highlights of fiscal 2010 as well as the notable items and issues from what has transpired over the past 12 months. (Most of which has been reported in detail here at Longemadow06460.com. )
Association President Ruth Nappe called the meeting to order at 7:15
after a quorum had been confirmed.
Some of the highlights of the past 12 months discussed included:
We got a consolidation loan for the four separate roofing reconstruction
project loans we had through Milford Bank. About $300K has
been paid toward the principal on the roofing loans so far, the
Association is about half way towards refunding the reserve account.
Ruth Nappe also discussed the inspection program initiated after the extensive moisture damage remediation required on building A-12 Greenwich Way last year. The largest scope of the inspections are the Jackson Drive and Greenwich Way units (all) with crawl spaces. About two-thirds of the units have been inspected and there are significant repairs needed.
Needed repairs include such things as:
Unclogging and repairing storm drains / Catch basins.
Replacing two un-repairable catch basins and pipes from them.
Installation of two new catch basins and drain pipes
Crawl space / basement repairs include (not all units with problems
require all of these repairs: foundation repairs and related cement
work; replacement of deteriorated lolly columns, sill plates, sump
pumps, etc.
Issues requiring immediate attention will be fixed right away. Much
of the work will go out to bid. The extent of the repairs to several
JD and GW building could cost around $300,000. Ruth asked for a
"show of hands", all attendees were in favor of going to the bank
for a loan for these repairs (versus special assessments).
Penn Common 158 – 168 will be the next building to undergo roofing
reconstruction. The reaming two buildings and the clubhouse maybe
put off until next year.
The Annual meeting includes elections of officers. This year two
positions were up for election, those currently held by Elizabeth
“Liza” Sivek and Ruth Nappe. There were no additional nominees for
the two positions, other than the two for the incumbents. A motion
was made and passed to waive voting. The Board member positions
remain unchanged: President: Ruth Nappe; Vice President: Bette
Carlson; Secretary: Kit Kaolian; Treasurer: Jackie Steiner; Member
At Large: Elizabeth Sivek.
Some of items brought up or suggested under Old / New Business by
unit owners included:
Publishing a breakdown of what gets spent on individual projects
parts of projects.
Making repairs to the playground and basketball courts.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:15 pm.
Meeting Minutes Posted to the 'Documents and Forms" zone of Longmeadow96460.com
Online PDFs of Association meeting minutes and most other documents
are posted online. Check the "Documents
and Forms" zone often.
Happy Summer! Mid-June News (posted June 20, 2011)
- It's summer and the pool season is off to a great start!
- The annual bulk item pickup and the tag sale went off without a hitch.
- Roofing Reconstruction: Building #14 comprising 150 - 168 Penn Common is next in line for a new roof. The work will start later this summer. The exact date has not yet been determined. Building 14 residents will get notices before work is about to begin.
- Work on the back of Salem Walk building 7 is wrapping up. Some units needed basement / foundation / patio work.
- Extensive work needs to be done to several units along Greenwich Way and some on Jackson Drive. Units with crawl spaces have a cinder-block type foundation construction. Many of these aforementioned units need extensive repairs to their respective foundations, lally columns, framing, etc. More details to follow.
- A unit on Salem Walk's building 5 will have its rear brick wall replaced. The brick has "bowed out" and is leaning away from the frame.
Annual Meeting this Sunday - June 26, at 7:00 p.m.
The Annual Meeting of the Association will be held on Sunday, June
26, at 7:00 p.m. in the clubhouse. Prior to the meeting, all
using owners will receive via US mail a proxy and agenda from Rolar
Management. A copy of the 2010 financial audit will be
available at the meeting. Due to the change in the Bylaws
adopted at the 2006 meeting, we need an even higher number of
attendees or proxies returned than we have had in the past. If
you plan on being away or know you can’t make it to the meeting,
please be sure to sign your proxy and drop it in the mail slot at
the clubhouse, give it to a Board member before the meeting,
or give it to someone you know for sure will be attending. If
you are not sure you will be able to attend, it is best to sign and
turn in your proxy. If you do attend, you can get your proxy
back and vote at the meeting. If you sign and turn in your
proxy to someone else, you can still provide voting instructions on
the proxy if desired.
For new owners or people who have never attended, the Annual Meeting
is where all business not of a personal nature is conducted. The
meeting includes a review of Association finances, President’s
address outlining current and future projects, election to the Board
of Directors, and an open question and answer period for old and new
business. Check our website
www.longmeadow06460.com
for election results and the meeting summary.
2011 Board of Directors Position Elections
One important part of the Annual Meeting is the voting and election of Board of Director positions. There are five board member positions, each with two-year terms. This year two (2) positions are up for election, those currently held by Ruth Nappe and Elizabeth "Liza" Sivek. It is important to note that owners (or their proxies) vote for their choice of candidates to have a position on the board; the elections do not decide specific positions, rather just a seat on the board. Immediately after the meeting, the board will meet privately and determine who will fill each specific position (such as President, Vice President, Treasurer, etc.)A person must be an owner and must be nominated and seconded by owners during the meeting to officially be running for a position and to have votes officially tally for him or her. Every person nominated will have an opportunity to speak at the meeting to introduce him or herself to other owners. Any number of owners can be nominated and be candidates. The two with the highest number of votes (weighed by unit owner percentage) will be elected to the open positions on the board. If there are not more candidates than positions open, then typically a unit owner will make a motion to waive voting.
Inspections of Unit Crawl Spaces and Storm Drains to continue in 2011
Starting in the fall of 2010, given the age of the complex and prior water issues, the Board decided to be proactive and began a program of crawl space and storm drain (catch basin) inspections on Jackson Drive, Greenwich Way, and areas of Penn Common. These inspections will be continuing this spring and summer. Bob Austin or one of his workers will be doing inspections and may contact you to gain access to your crawl space at some point during this spring or summer.
2011 Pool Season Starts June 11
The Longmeadow pool will be open in mid-June with the following
hours of operation:
June 11 & 12: 11 am – 7 pm
June 13-17: 11 am – 3 pm
June 18-September 11: 11 am – 7 pm
September 12-16: 11 am – 3 pm
Please review the attached pool rules & regulations with your
children before sending them to the pool. Please note: it is at the
discretion of the pool attendant whether a child is allowed access
to the pool – or if he or she is allowed back in to the pool
following improper behavior. Please be respectful of the pool
attendants. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Properties Link
The following link will list some of the area properties believed to be currently for sale. This is not an offer, anyone interested in purchasing a property at Longmeadow can contact a real estate agent, such as our web site sponsor REALTOR (R) Andrea Brower. Click here to view area listings.
Second Special Assessment Payment Due June 1st
Special Assessment coupon books have been mailed out. Recall this year the special assessment is equal to two months' common charges and has been divided into four payments, each equaling half of one month's common charge. The payments are due March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1, 2011.
Note: Payments can be made early and / or combined if your finances permit.
Spring Cleanup and Work Around Longmeadow
The sidewalks and parking lots have nicely been cleaned up.
Many repairs are underway or scheduled. A JD patio has just
been removed and replaced. A couple others are scheduled also
for removal and replacement due to extreme uneven settling. At
times patios sag and water can seep into the crawlspace creating
additional problems. Two JD units need to have their front
porches replaced: Each of these has cinderblock bases and when
originally constructed, the porch was made without an overhang,
allowing water to land directly on the cinderblock making it
crumble. These have been patched numerous times in the past,
and it appears these are beyond patching.
What's Up With All Those Flags?
April 20, 2011
Orange flags mark communications lines, which can be phone or cable. In the above photo, orange flags mark Cable TV lines which are in the process of being repaired. This past winter was tough on a many things, including the gas lines. The Gas Company has been making needed repairs to sections of natural gas lines. There was a small leak on Salem Walk repaired, one can see the sidewalk repairs made with cold patch where sections where dug up to fix the gas line below.
The standard color markings are:
- Orange flags or markings: Communications (such as telephone or cable TV)
- Red flags or markings: Electric
- Yellow flags or markings: Natural Gas
- Blue flags or markings: Water
- Green flags or markings: Sewer, storm drain
Spring Could Not Have Come Soon Enough
The winter of 2010 -11 is finally behind us. We do have to be thankful that the seeming endless rounds of snowstorms just surprisingly stopped. We were able to coast through February and March. There is a lot of sand on the sidewalks, roads and lawns that will need to be cleaned up.
Pretty soon it will be time for Spring plantings and such. It's probably a good idea to re-read the Longmeadow Garden Rules and Regulations now, before you do any gardening work.
Properties Link
The following link will list some of the area properties believed to be currently for sale. This is not an offer, anyone interested in purchasing a property at Longmeadow can contact a real estate agent, such as our web site sponsor REALTOR (R) Andrea Brower. Click here to view area listings.
Longmeadow's Become a Winter Wonderland
We have had cumulatively over three feet of snow this year, or least it seems so.
Our snow contractor has been giving us white glow treatment (pardon the pun). They have been shoveling in between the cars and do not always require residents to move their cars. With all the snow this January we have lost a few spots. Always use extreme caution when venturing out in the snow and ice. Avoid any unsafe conditions. This has been a tough winter!
Happy New Year - 2011... and a Longmeadow06460.com "Thank You" to REALTOR® Andrea Bower for her support.
Longmeadow thanks Andrea Brower for continuing on as a Longmeadow06460.com sponsor! Now more than ever it is important for everyone buying or selling a home to have a real estate agent you can trust to know the community, know the market, to get to know you, and serve your real estate needs with competence and passion.
Click on the link to see a brief note from Andrea, a recap of Longmeadow Condominium unit listings and closing prices this past year, and to find out more.
The following link will list some of the area properties believed to be currently for sale. This is not an offer, anyone interested in purchasing a property at Longmeadow can contact a real estate agent, such as our web site sponsor REALTOR (R) Andrea Brower. Click here to view area listings.
Boxing Day Blizzard Blankets Longmeadow
While Longmeadow did not get a "White Christmas"; Sunday December 26th brought us our first snowstorm. Plenty of snow and wind made this a "Boxing Day Blizzard".
In the photo below, our snow removal contractor, D & D Services, working during the blizzard. This plow was actually making its second pass of Penn Common, not letting the blizzard get too much ahead of him.
By 9:00 pm Sunday the Boxing Day Blizzard dropped six inches of snow, which the high winds kept moving around. Photo below taken at Jackson Drive.
Special Meeting Outcome... 2011 Fees Announced
Sunday December 12, 2010,at the Clubhouse, the Board of Directors will held a special meeting of the Longmeadow Condominium Association to vote on refinancing our existing four roofing loans and combining them into one loan at a significantly lower interest rate. The meeting was well attended by interested owners.
There was a vote and unanimous approval of the consolidation loan. The outstanding roofing loans were consolidated / refinanced into a 7-year loan at a lower 4.89% rate. There was a question & answer period regarding the 2011 budget and the building issues on GW.
The 2011 common fees were announced. There will be a 6% increase in common charges and there will be special assessments equal to two months common charges and these will be payable in 4 monthly installments on March 1, June 1, Sept. 1 and Dec. 1, 2011.
In addition to the vote on refinancing the loans, the Board will give a brief rundown of the 2011 budget, common fees and assessments.
Winter Newsletter Online
Visit the Documents and Forms area of Longmeadow06460.com to see the Fall 2010 / Winter 2011 Newsletter, the printed copy of which is distributed to unit mailboxes. All printed matter is also online, often a little earlier, in the Documents and Forms section.
Properties Listed For Sale at Longmeadow
The following link will list some of the area properties believed to be currently for sale. This is not an offer, anyone interested in purchasing a property at Longmeadow can contact a real estate agent, such as our web site sponsor REALTOR (R) Andrea Brower. Click here to view area listings.
Link to 2011 letter in MS Word format from Real Estate Agent Andrea Brower.
Properties Listed For Sale at Longmeadow
The following link will list some of the area properties believed to be currently for sale. This is not an offer, anyone interested in purchasing a property at Longmeadow can contact a real estate agent, such as our web site sponsor REALTOR (R) Andrea Brower. Click here to view area listings.
Filtering Your Water, 15% Discount from Water Solutions! Smart Holiday Gift Idea
Many of us have realized the health benefits of drinking plenty of water. But the high cost, environmental issues, and overall inefficiencies of bottling, trucking and buying bottled water can be frustrating. Who knows what is exactly in the bottled water? We see tons of empty water bottles in our recycle bins, and sadly in the dumpster too, all of which illustrates the additional cost of disposing all of these water bottles.
Longmeadow06460.com has arranged a unique, exclusive discount for residents of Longmeadow with Dale Abbott and his company A-Water Solutions of West Haven. Longmeadow residents gat a 15% discount on products from A-Water Solutions.
By filtering your tap water, you can have the taste and health benefits of drinking water, but without the high cost and inconvenience. You (your family, your pets, your home) can have purified water for just a few pennies a gallon. You can have Filtered purified water for more than just drinking: Pure water for rinsing fruits and vegetables, making coffee and other beverages, cooking and baking, boiling pasta, drinking water for your pets, and more.
A-Water Solutions, offers better quality micro-filtration systems that will run circles around what you could buy in a store. One of their offerings is a small counter-top unit that you can easily install yourself. For Longmeadow residents it is now just $127.50. Anyone who is interested can call Dale Abbott’s office: he can answer your questions, and if you’d like place your order at the discounted price. 1-800-291-3533 or 203-937-1466. You can visit www.filters2000.com for plenty more information.
Longmeadow06460.com arranged this exclusive discount as a service to Longmeadow residents. There has been no exchange of payment or consideration for this. If other companies wish to offer Longmeadow residents a discount and be mentioned on this web site, they may contact the Kit Kaolian or any board member for review. Disclaimer.
What's in a Number?
Thanks to Gary Houston for his efforts. Gary volunteered to repaint the parking space numbers. He has painted most of Salem Walk's numbers and will continue throughout the complex as time permits. The numbers have faded and his efforts will help out both residents and visitors, and save the association money.
Swans in the Meadow
Longmeadow06460.com photo by Michelle D'Aiuto
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Your Tap Water
You are not alone in noticing that the tap water in our area tastes lousy and smells... of chlorine and who knows exactly what else. A good quality water filter will remove all the chlorine and most of the other chemicals that get into the tap water supply.
Longmeadow06460.com has arranged with A-Water Solutions of West Haven to provide an exclusive 15% discount to Longmeadow owners, residents and their families. Dale Abbott's company provides water filtration system for your home. A small counter-top unit that you can install yourself is less than $150.00 and pays for itself quickly. There are also under-the counter filters systems that ensure all for the tap water is safe, clean and fresh. A shower head filter ensures you shower with chlorine removed.
If the quality of the tap water has been bothering you, or if you want to save money and time by not having to buy water bottles, give Dale Abbott of A-Water Solutions a call at 1-800-291-3533 or 203-937-1466. Mention you are from Longmeadow Condominiums to receive your 15% discount on your entire purchase. Catalog
Updated Garden Rules and Regulations
The Garden Area supplement to the Longmeadow Condominium Rules and Regulations has been updated by the Board and distributed to each mailbox. A copy is also online in the "Documents and Forms" section of the website. The approved shrubbery list is also posted online.
Recycling: It's Mandatory
Recycling is mandatory. There seems to be the impression that it is optional. So much of what is seen in the dumpsters, which at times are full, belongs in resident's recycling bins. In addition to consumer glass, #1 #2 plastics, aluminum and tin cans, and newsprint - Let's not forget cardboard and "junk mail". Clean cardboard, from such things as empty cereal or laundry soap boxes, can be flattened, placed in a paper bag or tied with twine, and put out with the recycle bins. Check out our recycling information page. Check out the recycling FAQ too.
[Aug. 7] Work Heats Up on Building 16, 26 - 46 Salem Walk
n the above photos, Seal-Tite's Mike nails down the vapor barrier
material which is installed over the eave area. Steve is finishing
up removing the old shingles; John (yellow shirt) is the crew chief.
They are overhead 46 and 44 Salem Walk.
Work on Building #16, comprising 26 - 46 Salem Walk, .began Thursday
July 30th. The first phase of roofing construction is
performed by Bob Austin and his team of Joe and Dave. They
start roofing reconstruction on a building with removal of the
gutters. The eaves are extended and vented soffits are
installed. (See photo below) When they finish one side
of the building, Seal-Tite can start their phase with removing
the old shingles.
Above, Bob Austin's David (foreground) and Joe start the east
side, the second side, of building 16. The gutters have
been removed and Dave and Joe are about to extend the eaves
and install vented soffits. Seal-Tite is simultaneously working
on the opposite side of the building.
Building #A3, comprising Units 30 - 38 Jackson Drive has been
completed.
Section III Item D.
In our Longmeadow Rules and Regulations:
There shall be no ball playing of any kind by adults or
children, residents or guests, in the common areas. All ball playing
[and the like] shall take place in the playground area.
Based on the notes that sometimes get left on people's car
windshields, it is still apparent that some do not understand the
parking rules. Unnumbered sports are for residents.
Those unnumbered spots in a particular area an not dedicated
exclusively to residents in that area. Just as an example, a
resident from Penn Common may legally park in an unnumbered
spot in a Salem Walk lot Any resident may park a car in the Visitors'
parking spaces near the pool on Salem Walk or in the Visitors'
spaces on Jackson Drive.
Let's remember to use the playground for ball playing and the like and be courteous to our neighbors. Let's ask our kids to use the playground and not be disruptive or damage any resident's property by playing sports in the common areas near people's units.
If you have any news, photos, stories or information of interest for longmeadow06460.com, your website, email longmeadowweb@prodigy.net
Egret Enjoying the Solitude of Longmeadow's Marsh
In this photo taken this June by Michele D'Aiuto, this egret
seems to enjoy the peace and solitude.
Work-Order Forms
Just a reminder that work order forms can be faxed to our property manager, Bob Shelnitz (Rolar Management). The form is always just a click away in the Longmeadow06460.com Documents and Forms zone.
2009 Roofing Reconstruction Season Kickoff
The 2009 Roofing Reconstruction season will kick off soon. Bob Austin, roofing reconstruction project manager, in conjunction with Seal-Tite, has selected the first four buildings to undergo work this year.
The end of the 2008 roofing project season marked a milestone: All of the buildings which had roofs in noticeably poor shape have been completed. Seven buildings were completed during 2008.
You can see the big picture right here on your Longmeadow06460.com.
The latest Board of Directors meeting minutes are added to the Documents and Forms section of Longmeadow06460.com.
The Clubhouse is a Great Venue...
The freshly-decorated clubhouse can be a great place for your to host your Holiday events. Contact Bob Shelnitz, our property manager at ROLAR management to book your date! Telephone (203) 387-9700.
About Web Site Sponsorships
The Longmeadow06460.com
Sponsor Directory is an ideal way for businesses and
professionals to reach over 200 households, their friends and
families, as well as past and potential future residents.
Sponsorships are available at different price levels to match your
budget and goals. Advertising in the Directory is great not
only for local merchants and professionals, but also local residents
who may offer services such as sitting or tutoring. Please
email Bob Fiore and Kit Kaolian at
LongmeadowWeb@prodigy.net
for more information and sponsorship pricing information.
Longmeadow Association Inc. does not and can not endorse any
particular sponsor.
All consumers,
residents, and potential
sponsor-advertisers and should read the legal disclaimer.
Original Longmeadow Brochure Added to "Photo Gallery"
Last month we showed you the original Longmeadow Logo. We have
recently added pages from an original Longmeadow sales brochure.
Click on the "Photo Gallery" tab on the left-side navigation bar.
Check often as we add
new memorabilia from the 1969 materials we received from Salem
Walk's Jim Moore, on original owner.
News Archive Page and (New!) Roofing Project Archive Page
Visit the news archive page to view recent articles and photos you may have missed.
Visit the new Roofing Project
Archive age. Pictures and updates from our multi-year roofing
project.
In the above photo, a Seal-Tite roofer removing old shingles from Building 17.
Longmeadow06460.com Welcomes Donna Marino, a Reverse Mortgage Specialist with Campbell Mortgage of West Haven as New Sponsor
Donna Marino is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of
experience in the residential mortgage industry.
Longemadow06460.com welcomes Donna Marino of Campbell Mortgage
of West haven as a web site sponsor. We look forward to
sharing her information and expertise with our community. Marino has
a strong background in conventional, FHA and CFHA financing; her
experience allows her to fully understand and evaluate the
implications of current industry trends.
She is employed by Campbell Mortgage specializing in Reverse
Mortgages. This product provides a financing program that
enables seniors to convert some of their home’s equity into tax-free
cash for any personal need without making any monthly payment while
living in their home. Marino has received extensive training
in the origination and processing of the Reverse Mortgage loan
product. She understands the importance of providing
relevant information to seniors and allowing them the time and space
to make a decision that has an impact on their life and assets.
As a dedicated, licensed, mortgage professional with a commitment to
customer service, Donna provides education, counseling and trust to
meet the expectations of her clients. Look for more
information in the sponsor directory in the near future.
Donna Marino's Campbell Mortgage office is located at 535 Campbell
Avenue, West Haven. She can be reached at (203) 937-3339 or
(cell) (203) 430-6702.
Donna Marino is a colleague of Roberta Decarli-Sekas who introduced
her to Longmeadow06460.com. Roberta Decarli-Sekas is our
sponsor who specializes in serving the
insurance needs of
condominium homeowners. We thank Roberta and also look forward
to providing more content about her services in the near future
also.
About Web Site Sponsorships
The Longmeadow06460.com Sponsor Directory is an ideal way for businesses and professionals to reach over 200 households, their friends and families, as well as past and potential future residents. Sponsorships are available at different price levels to match your budget and goals. Advertising in the Directory is great not only for local merchants and professionals, but also local residents who may offer services such as sitting or tutoring. Please email Bob Fiore and Kit Kaolian at LongmeadowWeb@prodigy.net (new address updated Sept 15, 2009) for more information and sponsorship pricing information. Longmeadow Association Inc. does not and can not endorse any particular sponsor. All consumers, residents, and potential sponsor-advertisers and should read the legal disclaimer.
Longmeadow06460.com Welcomes Insurance Agent Roberta Sekas as New Sponsor
Roberta Sekas is an independent insurance agent with Summit Insurance in downtown Milord. Roberta Sekas has come aboard as a platinum sponsor for our web site and we can look forward to seeing more information about her services in the very near future.
Homeowners insurance for condominium owners can be a gray area. Determining the right amount of insurance can be confusing. It is easy to be over insured or under insured if one does not understand what is covered in the association's master policy and what products best suit one's needs. That is where Roberta Sekas comes in.
She is a licensed professional who can help Longmeadow residents with all their insurance needs. In addition to homeowner's insurance, her agency offers renter's insurance, auto, motorcycle and boat insurance, and more. Business insurance programs are offered too. As an independent insurance agent, she can offer the best price and policy for your needs.
Roberta can be reached at her Summit Insurance Agency office: (203) 877-1645, located in downtown Milford at 288 Broad Street. (It's the gray two-story building where Seaside and Broad Street meet, directly across from the new entrance to Milford Hospital) One can also reach Roberta via email: roberta@insurewithsummit.com
Make Longmeadow News your Default Home Page
You can easily stay on top of news and events at Longmeadow by making longmeadow06460.com your browser's default page. When you launch your browser, IE or Netscape, you can have it go directly to Longmeadow06460.com. Click to see the simple steps.
Locking Your Vehicle
We strongly recommend that you lock your vehicle. It is also a good idea to keep valuables in your trunk, if they need to be in your vehicle at all. A couple of unlocked vehicles which were parked in our lots have had items stolen recently. Please keep an eye out for suspicious activity, such as people walking around and tugging at door handles to see if the cars are locked.
It Pays to Read the Bylaws!
Please note: Owners or tenants are not to
change the exterior of any Longmeadow unit in any way without prior
approval of the Longmeadow Association Board of Directors.
This includes, but is not limited to: windows, front or back doors,
patio sliders, siding, extension of the patio slab, trees, bushes,
etc. These items are common elements under control of the
Association, not any individual unit owner. Some interior items,
such as some of plumbing, are also common elements.
Unit owners and residents are encouraged to read and understand the
Longmeadow Association bylaws and keep abreast of updates to the
bylaws. It is a good idea to periodically review the bylaws and
regulations of the association. Unit owners may be held liable for
intentional or accidental damage or unauthorized modifications to
common elements. Unit owners may be held responsible for any legal
fees incurred by the Association to remedy damage or unauthorized
modifications to common events by unit owner or tenant.
If you need a copy of the Bylaws, please contact Rolar Management.
If you have questions, you are welcome to contact members of the
association board of directors.
You may be pleasantly surprised to find that
the property manager will effect the repair, or replacement you were
going to make! For example, if you have an old front
door that lets air or water leak in, turn in a work order. The
property management company, under the auspices of the Association,
will, in most cases, replace or repair the door at no direct cost to
the unit owner.
Please contact the board in writing for an official approval of any
modifications you wish to make inside or outside. This can save you
time, trouble and money. This can improve your safety and the safety
of all residents of Longmeadow. This can increase the resale value
of Longmeadow units.
Planning on remodeling, such as your kitchen or bathroom?
Notify and request authorization from the Board of directors in
writing before you start your project!
Want to plant a shrub yourself? Notify and request authorization
from the board of directs in writing.
Think you need a new front door or slider? Submit a work order.
Need a copy of the Longmeadow Association Bylaws? Contact Rolar
Management.
New work request form Online under 'Documents and Forms' zone
Longmeadow residents and owners now have another option for submitting work request forms to our property manager. We now have an online form that you can conveniently and quickly fill out online in your browser and print, and even fax, if desired, to Rolar Management. The form is always just a click away in the Longmeadow06460.com Documents and Forms zone. You fill out the form in your browser, so both you and Rolar Management have a neat, legible work order. You'll have more space for you to describe your issue. The form can be faxed to Rolar using the fax number on the form. You stall can choose to print and mail and mail the form to Rolar, or drop it off at the clubhouse. If you are at work, or otherwise far away from the clubhouse, you can have your work request in Rolar's office in just a few minutes, instead of up to a few days. Blank forms can be printed out ahead of time and neatly filled out longhand for when a computer is not accessible. The original three-part forms will still be available at the clubhouse mailbox. Whatever method you choose, keep a copy of your submitted request for your records. If you have questions, problems, or any feedback about the new form, or any facet of Longmeado06460.com, you can email web site feedback to longmeadowweb@Prodigy.net (new address updated Sept. 15, 2009)
Visitor Parking
There are two visitor parking areas at Longmeadow. One is at the end of Salem Walk, the unnumbered spaces facing the pool. One would enter from the Salem Walk (westernmost) driveway. The other parking area is at the end of Jackson Drive. One would enter the Greenwich Way (easternmost) driveway and continue to the end. The visitor spaces are the unnumbered spaces around the island. Both visitor parking areas are in back near the clubhouse and pool. Residents of households with more than one car may wish to park the vehicle that is used less frequently in the visitor's parking area as a courtesy to help alleviate the shortage of unnumbered spots in areas where parking is tight. A map of Longmeadow is presented in the Information and FAQ section of our web site.
News Archive Page and (New!) Roofing Project Archive Page
Visit the news archive page to view recent articles and photos you may have missed.
Visit the new Roofing Project Archive age. Pictures and updates from our multi-year roofing project.
Map of Longmeadow
A line drawing map of Longmeadow is online. Click on the "Information And FAQ" tab. You can also download a 8 x 11" printable copy.
New Rules and Regulations in Effect
Due to some recent events and problems, the Board of Directors
has revised the Rules and Regulations regarding dogs on leashes and
roaming. The fines for violations has been
increased. The majority of our community members obey the rules and
has respect for others and other's pets. If you observe any
violations of the following rules, PLEASE write a letter and put it
in the clubhouse mail slot; without documentation we cannot assess a
fine.
The revised Rules and Regulations has been mailed to
owners
and is available online.
New: "News Archive Page" Saves Past Articles for your viewing
Visit the news archive page to view recent articles (2010) and photos you may have missed.
New web new archive page added for 2009, 2008 and 2007 selected items.
Clubhouse Rental
Unit owners can rent our clubhouse on 75 Jackson Drive for
private events. Kitchen facilities and restrooms are on the
lower level. Rolar Management should be contacted to book the
clubhouse. Go to
"Information
and FAQ" for pricing information.
Recycling Update:
Recycling is something we all must do. See our Information
and FAQ pages to find out more about recycling at Longmeadow. Please
don't discard recyclable materials in the dumpster. Find out answers
to popular questions: "What do I do with old Phone Books?"
"All those numbers... what plastics should I recycle?"
Go to our
Information and FAQ pages.
News Archive Page and (New!) Roofing Project Archive Page
Visit the news archive page to view recent articles and photos you may have missed.
Visit the new Roofing Project Archive age. Pictures and updates from our multi-year roofing project.