What is a Homeowners Association?
It is a not-for-profit corporation in which the owners of lots are members. The Association is 'governed' by a Board of Directors and was formed to handle the maintenance of the common areas and to enforce the deed restrictions.
How Does the Association Work?
Concord Square Homeowners Association, Inc. is administered by a Board of Directors appointed by the Homeowners. The votes of the Association are controlled by the Homeowners. The Board of Directors of Concord Square Homeowners Association, Inc. are self managed, meaning there is no professional third party management firm to provide services to the Association. The Board of Directors prepare the annual budget, facilitate and supervise service contracts (such as the landscape maintenance contract), collect Association assessments (dues), follow up on delinquent assessments, organize the annual meeting, maintain bank accounts and carry out business of the Association. To Contact the Association, call 402-345-4681 or email: info@csho.org
I don't have a problem in my neighborhood why should I join the association?
It is true that most association have been formed because of various concerns that neighbors have. It is also true that if a neighborhood has an association already in place when concerns arise, that it is easier to address them by contacting members rather than trying to get them. Many neighborhoods already do things that an association does, they just don't realize it! An association is a good way to coordinate block parties neighborhood garage sales, holiday get-togethers and many other things that people work very hard to get done.
Common Area Maintenance?
The Association maintains the common property areas for your benefit; starting with the negotiation of the contract for landscape maintenance "currently maintained by volunteer members", then routinely monitoring the performance to assure conformity in service and effect. At Concord Square "common area" includes the Islands and round-about"
Use Restrictions
There are a number of restrictions regarding what you may or may not do with your property, all of which are intended to enhance the integrity of your neighborhood and assist in maintaining your property value. For example, antennae and satellite dishes must be screened from public view. Also, campers, vans, trucks, boats, boat trailers, recreational vehicles and other types of non-passenger vehicles and equipment must be kept in the garage or screened from view by a screening structure. In order to maintain high aesthetic standards, no detached accessory building may be erected, placed or constructed upon any lot without prior written consent of the Association. A complete listing of the Use Restrictions is included in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CCR's).
** Please read the CCR's
carefully; living in an Association has many
benefits as well as
responsibilities.
The Assessment
Since the Association is in effect a quasi-governmental organization, there are costs associated with its operation. For example, there are expenses for the landscape maintenance, utilities, and postage. In addition, the Association is required to carry various forms of insurance. These expenses are paid through the collection of a regular assessment charged to each homeowner in the association. Your assessment is in addition to and not a part of your mortgage payment. These regular assessments are collected bi-annually and are billed by the treasurer of the Board of Directors. The current assessment is $50.00 per year, billed in January. Late fees, finance charges and fines may be added to any unpaid assessment.
Annual Meeting
This is a yearly meeting of the members
at which a summary of the year's activities is given and annual reports
are distributed. Notices will be sent prior to the meeting to notify you
of the time and location of the meeting.