Griers Fork News 2003 to 2005
 
 
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Select from the headlines below to link to Griers Fork stories from January 2003 through February 2006: 

Speed Humps Coming in June (February 24, 2006)
Annual Meeting Held February 23 (February 24, 2006)
Annual Homeowners Association Meeting for 2006 is January 12 (December 31, 2005)
Homeowners Association Dues Lowered to $90 for 2006 (December 31, 2005)
Speed Hump Petition being Circulated (December 31, 2005)
Griers Fork Greenway Trail Committee Formed (December 31, 2005)
Two Retail Centers Planned on Corners of Arrowood Road and Sandy Porter Road (November 21, 2005)
Greenway Trail to be Tight through Griers Fork (October 13, 2005)
Speed Humps Have Been Installed in Cedar Brook (October 13, 2005)
Speed Hump Petitions Coming in November (October 13, 2005)
Hardy Souls Brave July Heat to Enjoy Griers Fork Cookout (October 13, 2005)
Parents Should Control Children from Playing in the Streets (June 28, 2005)
GY'all Come! Griers Fork Community Cookout at Winget Park July 23 - Planning Meeting July 12 (June 28/July 9, 2005)
Planning Meeting for Community Cookout is June 9 - Please Come! (June 5, 2005)
Speed Humps on Griers Fork Drive on Hold until Fall (April 17, 2005)
White Elephants on Parade in Griers Fork April 30! (April 22, 2005)
Drivers Continue to Speed along Griers Fork Streets (April 22, 2005)
Trails and Speed Humps were Major Topics at Annual Meeting (April 22, 2005)
A Speed Hump is not the Same as a Speed Bump (April 22, 2005)
It’s Time for Spring House Cleaning! (April 22, 2005)
Association Dues Remain at $100 for 2005 (January 18, 2005)
2005 Annual Meeting (January 18, 2005)
Steele Creek Greenway Trail to Follow Griers Fork (the stream) (January 18, 2005)
Griers Fork Drive Eligible for Speed Humps from Charlotte DOT (January 18, 2005)
Hospitality Committee Holds Easter Egg Hunt and Pumpkin Carving Party (January 18, 2005)
Local Group Works to Establish Trail System in Steele Creek (September 29, 2004)
NC Law Allows Homeowners Associations to Impose Fines for Violations of Neighborhood Covenants (September 29, 2004)
Green Thumb Committee to Plant Winter Pansies at the Front Entrance October 2 (September 29, 2004)
Front Entrance; Good News and Bad News (September 29, 2004)
April 3 - Easter Egg Hunt (March 28, 2004)
April 17 - Community Yard Sale (March 28, 2004)
April 24-25 - Front Entrance Spruce-Up (March 28, 2004)
Board Elections Held at 2nd Annual Meeting (February 20, 2004)
2nd HOA Meeting Scheduled for February 18 (February 3, 2004)
Homeowners Association Meeting Fails to Get a Quorum (January 12, 2004)
Association Expenses for 12/02 through 11/03 (December 27, 2003)
2004 Association Dues Remain at $100 per Property (December 27, 2003)
2004 Annual Homeowners Association Meeting is January 12 (December 27, 2003)
Griers Fork Properties in Floodplain (December 6, 2003)
Local Kids Clean Up "Little House" (November 11, 2003)
Child Hit by Car! (October 21, 2003)
Charlotte DOT Changes Petition Requirements (September 28, 2003)
Street Lights are Here! (September 1, 2003)
Welcome Back! School Starts August 18 (August 9, 2003)
No Parking for Boats and Trucks in Griers Fork -- And Stay off the Grass (August 9, 2003)
All Property Owners are Required to Pay Association Dues (August 9, 2003)
WE GOT THE GRANT! (June 6 and May 4, 2003)
Would You Like to See Education Articles? (June 6, 2003)
Summer Vacation? Next School Year Starts on August 18 (June 6, 2003)
CMS Changes Telephone Area Code (June 6, 2003)
Fund Drive Planned for New Library (June 6, 2003)
Easter Egg Hunt a Success (June 6, 2003)
CUT YOUR GRASS! (June 6, 2003)
Front Entrance Flowers - Something New (May 4, 2003)
Goat Herder Fails to Show (April 4, 2003)
From the President - I Wonder...... (March 29, 2003)
Hunt for Easter Eggs on April 13 at Steele Creek Park (March 29, 2003)
Join the 2nd Annual Griers Fork Community Yard Sale on April 12 (March 29, 2003)
Association Hires Goat Herder to Help with Tall Grass Problem (March 29, 2003)
Spring Flower Planting Set for April 26 (March 29, 2003)
Street Light Petition Effort is Complete - Next Comes the Money (March 16, 2003)
Join the Griers Fork News Alert Email List (March 2, 2003)
Digging at Front Entrance to Last a Few Days (March 2, 2003)
Speed Limit Now 25 MPH on Griers Fork Drive (March 2, 2003)
Association Covenants Now Online (February 16, 2003)
Board Members Reelected at Annual Meeting (February 10, 2003)
The Street Light Petition is Ready for YOUR Signature (February 10, 2003)
When do I Call 911? (February 2, 2003)
Steele Creek Residents Association to Meet January 28 (January 13, 2003)


Other News Stories

This page contains all posted Griers Fork  news stories from January 2003 through February 2006.

For stories posted from September 2007 to February 2011 see the 2007-2011 News page.

For stories from July through December 2002 see the 2002 News page.

For all other posted Griers Fork stories see the Old Griers Fork News page.

For current Steele Creek Community news, visit the Steele Creek Residents Association web site.

For Steele Creek news from 2001 and earlier, see the Old Steele Creek News page.


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Speed Humps Coming in June

(February 24, 2006) Griers Fork has met the requirements for the City of Charlotte to install two speed humps on Griers Fork Drive. Petition signatures and a letter of support have been delivered to the Charlotte Department of Transportation and accepted. The city installs speed humps for free, but the association has requested decorative brick patterned tops at an additional cost.

The city installs speed humps during spring and summer. Expect to see the speed humps in Griers Fork in June.

Special thanks to Barry Henry for coordinating the petition effort. .

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Annual Meeting Held February 23

(February 24, 2006) The Griers Fork Homeowners Association held its meeting for 2006 on February 23 at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church. A quorum was not achieved at the first meeting on January 12, necessitating the second one. Lewis Melton was elected to the board for a two year term, and Barry Henry was reelected for another two year term. LeBraun Evans, Richard Merrell, and Kevin Smith each have one year remaining in their terms.

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Annual Homeowners Association Meeting for 2006 is January 12

(December 31, 2005) The 2006 Griers Fork Homeowners Association meeting will be held at 7:30 on Thursday, January 12 at the Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. (Jazzercise finishes up at 7:30, so the meeting may not start promptly due to a short transition period.)

Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church is located at the corner of South Tryon Street and Westinghouse Boulevard. From the Griers Fork area, head south on Sandy Porter Road toward Food Lion. Turn right on South Tryon Street. Continue through the blinker at the fire station. Make a U-Turn at the next light and immediately turn right into the church parking lot. The Fellowship Hall is the building behind the parking lot.

Discussion will cover updates on association finances and community issues, including the effort to install speed humps on Griers Fork Drive.

Terms for two members of the Board of Directors are up, and there will be an election to fill those. If you are interested in serving on the Board, please contact Prism Realty (704-535-8558) or come to the meeting prepared to present your name.

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Homeowners Association Dues Lowered to $90 for 2006

(December 31, 2005) The Griers Fork Homeowners Association annual dues have been lowered from $100 to $90 for 2006. Payments are due on January 1 and past due on February 1. Prism Real Estate Services sent notices out to all homeowners in early December. Please make payments promptly to Prism at the address on the Contacts Page.

The Association struggled a bit in its early years, especially when it had to come up with $18,000 for street lights, but expenses have remained manageable in recent years.

The Association’s checking account balance was $2,154.34 at the end of November, but the Association has managed to set aside $15,000 for reserves in two accounts ($7,500 each in a CD and a Money Market account). The one major expense expected for 2006 is $1,920 for brick speed hump inserts.

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Speed Hump Petition being Circulated

(December 31, 2005) Two speed humps are planned for Griers Fork Drive at the locations marked by white asterisks in the street. When they are installed this spring, the stop signs at McGloughlin Way Court will be removed. The petition is now being circulated. Signatures are required from all owners of at least 60% of the properties along Griers Fork Drive and adjacent streets. The Association plans to request attractive brick inserts at an additional cost.

If you haven’t been contacted about signing the petition, please contact Barry Henry at 704-504-5859.

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Griers Fork Greenway Trail Committee Formed

(December 31, 2005) The Board of Directors has formed a committee to work with the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department staff and local community leaders during the planning and development of the greenway trail along the creek next to the neighborhood. If you are interested in serving on this committee or would like more information, please contact Dave Wiggins at 704-504-5403.

Keep up with greenway trail news on the web at www.steelecreektrail.org.

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Two Retail Centers Planned on Corners of Arrowood Road and Sandy Porter Road

(November 21, 2005) Two developers have submitted rezoning petitions for land on the eastern corners of Arrowood Road and Sandy Porter Road. Both corners currently are zoned residential (R-3). Developers are requesting changes to allow development of office and retail centers. Both plans call for a 100 foot woodland landscaping strip with walking trails along Sandy Porter Road to buffer the area from adjacent residential areas.

Both petitions have public hearings scheduled for January 17, 2006.

For more information on these petitions, see the Steele Creek Residents Association web site.

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Greenway Trail to be Tight through Griers Fork

(October 13, 2005) Gwen Cook, Greenway Planner with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department, walked along the Steele Creek greenway route adjacent to Griers Fork a few weeks ago to see where the trail might go, but she came up with more questions than answers.

Because of stream buffer requirements, the trail can’t be built too close to the bank, and much of the greenway property is very narrow. This presents numerous challenges.

At the south end of Griers Fork Drive, the trail will have to go behind the houses on the Griers Fork side because there is no land available on the other side. But for the remainder of the trail park planners will explore using the other side of the creek. That will necessitate more bridges and increase the cost.

No decisions have been made on the specific trail route and won’t be until the community has had an opportunity for input. Trail construction still is at least a year away from happening, but progress is being made.

See the Steele Creek Community Trail web site for more information on efforts to develop trails in the community.

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Speed Humps Have Been Installed in Cedar Brook

(October 13, 2005) This summer, Cedar Brook, the next neighborhood to the west of Griers Fork, had four speed humps installed along its main through street, Cedar Hill Drive.

If you are concerned about speed humps in Griers Fork, please go over to Cedar Brook and drive down Cedar Hill Drive at 25 mph. You should just glide over the speed humps with no adverse consequences.

It is not recommended, but you might try driving over one of them at 35 or 40 mph to see what speeders will experience. If you do, you might not want to drive much over 25 mph over a speed hump again.

Which, of course, is the whole point……

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Speed Hump Petitions Coming in November

October 13, 2005) Charlotte Department of Transportation will provide the association with petitions to request speed humps along Griers Fork Drive this November. Signatures will be needed from all property owners of at least 60% of the properties along Griers Fork Drive.

If you would like to help collect signatures, please send an e-mail to contact@griersfork.org or call Dave Wiggins at 704-504-5403.

Remember, the issue here is not speed humps, it’s safety.

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Hardy Souls Brave July Heat to Enjoy Griers Fork Cookout

(October 13, 2005) About 40 people attended the Griers Fork cookout at Winget Park on July 23. Although it was a hot day, there was plenty of fun, good food, neighborly socializing, and door prizes. Special thanks to Dawn Robertson for heading up the organizing committee. Also thanks to Latasha Lawrence and Monique Birds for heading the kids’ games and to Mike Carlin and Malcolm Lawrence for cooking the food.

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Letter to the Webmaster
Parents Should Control Children from Playing in the Streets
(Posted June 28, 2005)

My husband and myself have been living here since 1999. We have seen speeding increase though out the neighborhood. I realized everyone needs to slow down, but you can only take responsibility for yourself and your driving. The problem that I am having is some parent do not make their children stay out of the streets. I have seen cars literally slam on brakes because children will not move out of the way. I was outside today washing my car and noticed children who would not move when the cars came by them. I had to tell the children to get out of the road. One child even fell in front of the car before he got out of the road and for the record these cars were not speeding. Parents need to take responsibility of their children when they are playing outside. We should not blame the drivers even if they are speeding because we all know everyone speeds, but we can control our children from playing in the streets.

                                                                     Sincerely,
                                                                     Concerned Resident in Griers Fork
                                                                     June 5, 2005

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Y’all Come!
Griers Fork Community Cookout at Winget Park July 23
Planning Meeting July 12

(June 28, 2005; Revised July 9, 2005) Please join your neighbors at the 2005 Griers Fork Community Cookout on Saturday afternoon July 23 from 1:00 to 4:00 at Shelter #1 at Winget Park. This will be a great opportunity to have a great time and to get to know your neighbors.

Volunteers are needed to help with the setup, grilling, and clean up. We also need people to help with games and activities, for both children and grownups.

A meeting to work out the final arrangements is scheduled for Tuesday July 12 at 7:30 pm at Dawn Robertson’s house (13970 Dingess Rd).

Please RSVP to Dawn at 704-583-2880 or by e-mail to dawnr3@vol.com how many in your family plan to attend the cookout so we can prepare an appropriate amount of food. Also contact Dawn if you plan to attend the planning meeting or otherwise can help out.

We hope you can come to the cookout--and help with the planning as well. There must be a lot of talents and skills out there! The community needs more social events. This is a chance for folks in the neighborhood to get to know each other better and also have a great time!

Griers Fork can be a lively, vibrant community if the residents commit to participating in activities such as the cookout. Please plan on attending the planning meeting on July 12 and the cookout on July 23. We guarantee it will be an enjoyable and rewarding experience! And it will help make Griers Fork a true COMMUNITY OF NEIGHBORS!!

Directions to Winget Park
Winget Park is about 5 miles from Griers Fork. From the Griers Fork main entrance, turn left and go .6 miles to Steele Creek Road (Hwy 160). Turn left and go 2.8 miles to Sledge Road. (You’ll go through the light at Westinghouse Boulevard. Sledge Road is about a half mile before you get to the Steele Creek Library.) Go about a half mile on Sledge Road to the first turn on your right at Winget Road. Continue on Winget Road past Planters Walk and Withers Cove subdivisions to the Winget Park entrance. Once in Winget Park, bear to the right. Park in the parking lot next to the big construction site (new Winget Park Elementary School). The cookout is at picnic shelter #1, which is next to the parking lot.

Can You Contribute a Door Prize?
If you or your business can contribute a door prize, please contact Dave Wiggins at 704-504-5403. We’ll give you credit at the cookout and in the next issue of this newsletter. Thanks!

Please bring a dessert or salad!
The Homeowners Association will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, condiments, drinks, plates, napkins, cups, and other essentials. Attendees are requested to bring a salad (tossed salad, coleslaw, potato salad, etc), a dessert, chips, or other side dish.

Also consider bringing a Frisbee, football, or other diversion.
 

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Planning Meeting for Community Cookout is June 9 - Please Come!

(June 5, 2005) The Griers Fork Homeowners Association is planning a cookout on Saturday afternoon July 23 at Winget Park, which is located off South Hwy 160 near the new library.

Right now help is needed to plan and organize the event. Dawn Robertson and other members of the Hospitality Committee have been working on this but can use more help, not only with food but also games and activities.

If you're able to help, please attend a planning meeting this Thursday evening (June 9) at 7:30 pm at Dawn's house - 13970 Dingess Rd. (Look for a brick front with bow window and a Jack Russell Terrier's hind-end sticking up in the flowerbed.)

Details will be distributed to all residents later in a newsletter and flyer.

Direct questions to Dawn at 704-583-2880 or by e-mail at dawnr3@vol.com.

We hope you can come to the cookout--and help with the planning as well. There must be a lot of talents and skills out there! The community needs more social events. This is a chance for the neighborhood to get to know each other better and also have a great time!

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Speed Humps on Griers Fork Drive on Hold until Fall

(April 17, 2005) The Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) has evaluated Griers Fork Drive and Dingess Road and determined that Griers Fork Drive (but not Dingess Road) meets their standards for installation of speed humps. We were not able to get on the 2005 schedule and will have to wait until next spring to get them installed.

CDOT requires residents along the affected street to display support for speed humps through petition signatures. CDOT will prepare and provide the petitions in November. The petitions will include the names of all owners as listed in current property records. All owners of at least 60% of the properties must sign. (All owners whose names appear on the deed for a property must sign for that property to coun-t.)

CDOT also requires a letter of support from the association. The Griers Fork Board of Directors has voted unanimously to support the speed hump effort and will provide the required letter to CDOT this fall. At the annual Griers Fork Homeowners Association meeting, a motion was made for the Board to take no action on speed humps. This motion was defeated by a vote of 17 to 2.

Basic asphalt speed humps can be installed at no cost to the association. However, for an extra fee, we might be able to have more attractive humps with brick surfaces.

Attendees at the annual association meeting questioned that Dingess Road did not qualify. CDOT set out traffic counters again and again found that Dingess Road did not meet the minimum volume requirements.

Further information will be forthcoming when the petition effort begins in November.

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White Elephants on Parade in Griers Fork April 30!
Community Yard Sale Planned

(April 22, 2005) It’s time to scour your garages and attics and pull out all those old white elephants you no longer need. Griers Fork is having a community yard sale. Your castoffs may be someone else’s treasures!

Organizers will place an ad in the Charlotte Observer and put up signs announcing a community yard sale. This is a good opportunity to join your neighbors to take advantage of customers who would be more attracted to a community sale rather than individual ones.

Experienced bargain hunters start out at the crack of dawn, so plan on having your stuff out early. Customers generally fade away by early afternoon.

The City of Charlotte requires residents to acquire a permit to have a yard sale. The cost is $5, and these are available at the Tax Collections Offices at the Hal Marshall Center on N Tryon Street or the Bob Walton Plaza on Stonewall Street. Visit the Charlotte-Mecklenburg web site at www.charmeck.org and search on “Garage Sale” or “Yard Sale” or call 704-336-6315 for more information.

For more information on the Griers Fork Yard Sale, contact Chessa Hunt at 704-588-0602.

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Drivers Continue to Speed along Griers Fork Streets
Children’s Safety is Primary Concern of Parent
Letter to the Editor

(April 22, 2005) Speeding on Griers Fork Drive has been a problem since I moved into a new home here in 1999. The speed limit was reduced to 25mph and a stop sign was added at McGloughlin Way Ct. Years later people are still speeding through the stop sign and on down the road. I remember playing ball in the street when I was a child. People looked out for us then (by the way, I grew up in the suburbs of DC with a lot more people and traffic than we have here in Charlotte). I have accepted the fact that my child cannot do that. In fact, at 5 years old, he is not allowed to play in the front yard, much less in the street.

Having said that, I find it hard to describe the feeling that I get when I watch a car round the corner of Griers fork and McGloughlin Way, running the stop sign and squealing tires, with my son and eight or nine other elementary school children standing on that corner waiting for their school bus. My point is that if posted speed limit signs, a stop sign and a group of our children standing beside the street won’t slow some people down, only speed humps or some other physical impediment will.

A petition will be coming sometime this fall, for the people living on Griers Fork Drive and the adjacent corner houses to sign in order to get two speed humps installed on this street. Please, for your children’s sake (if you don’t have children, for my child’s sake) please sign this petition when you see it.

Your concerned neighbor,
Barry Henry

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Trails and Speed Humps were Major Topics at Annual Meeting

(April 22, 2005) A couple of dozen residents attended the 2005 Griers Fork Annual Homeowners Association Meeting at the Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church on January 25.

Shirlee Dillard, Engineering Services Investigator with the Charlotte Department of Transportation discussed the requirements for speed humps. She left before a resident asked about excessive parking on the streets. Since the streets are public, the Association cannot regulate parking. Contact Shirlee at 704-336-3890 with questions about parking and other issues involving the streets.

Karl Froelich, Chairman of the Steele Creek Community Trail Committee, is passionate about the development of a system of bicycle and walking trails throughout the Steele Creek community. He discussed plans for a greenway trail along Steele Creek that will run adjacent to Griers Fork. This trail will provide a major amenity for the Griers Fork neighborhood. Work continues on identifying and acquiring sufficient right-of-way to provide a route from Brown-Grier Road to Westinghouse Boulevard and beyond—all the way to South Carolina. Keep up with trail news at the Trail Committee web site at www.steelecreektrail.org.

Members elected Richard Merrell, LeBraun Evans, and Kevin Smith to the Board of Directors for two-year terms. Barry Henry and Dave Wiggins each have one year remaining on their terms.

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A Speed Hump is not the Same as a Speed Bump
Editorial

(April 22, 2005) A speed hump is a raised, rounded area of pavement approximately 22 feet in length and no more than 4 inches in height. They typically have signage and pavement markings to alert motorists. They are placed on residential streets where they are needed to reduce traffic speeds, decrease cut-through traffic volume, and reduce accidents. Their use on public streets in Charlotte is controlled by the Charlotte Department of Transportation.

They are not the same thing as smaller speed bumps, which are common at shopping centers and on other private properties.

A typical car traveling at 20 to 25 miles per hour easily glides over a speed hump with no adverse consequences. Cars traveling faster could have problems, which is why they slow down. If you are concerned about your car or personal comfort and convenience, I have to wonder, how fast do you plan to drive over these things?

No one likes speed humps. But that’s not the issue. The issue is that we have a speeding problem and we need to make the streets safer, especially for our children.

Multi-way stops and 25 mph speed limit signs have not slowed traffic down enough for parents to feel safe for their children. Speed humps will not totally solve the problem, but they can help.

If you are concerned about speeders and safety in Griers Fork, please support the petition effort this fall.

Dave Wiggins
President
Griers Fork Homeowners Association

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It’s Time for Spring House Cleaning!

(April 22, 2005) The once new houses in Griers Fork aren’t so new anymore. Many have accumulated dust, cobwebs, and, as several residents have noticed, green algae, especially on houses in the moister areas near the creeks. A good pressure washing can get your house sparkling like new on the outside. If your house is showing its age, consider contacting a pressure wash service of your choice and having the accumulated layers of dust and grime cleaned off.

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Association Dues Remain at $100 for 2005

Griers Fork Homeowners Association annual assessments are now due. Payments received after February 1 will incur late fees. Homeowners may pay the entire amount of $100 now or pay half now and the other half in June. Please make prompt payment to the following address:

                       Griers Fork HOA
                       c/o Prism Realty
                       PO Box 18712
                       Charlotte, NC 28218

If you miss the due date, DO NOT IGNORE late notices. Failure to pay will result in additional legal and other fees. However, you may avoid subsequent fees by making payment arrangements with Prism. Call them at 704-535-8558 to discuss options.

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2005 Annual Meeting

(January 18, 2005) Griers Fork Homeowners Association - Tuesday January 25

The 2005 meeting will be held next Tuesday evening (January 25) at 7:00 pm at the Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church (9401 S Tryon Street, at the corner of Westinghouse Boulevard). This is your opportunity to be involved in your community. If you care about the quality of life and property values in Griers Fork, please come. Your participation and continued involvement in the neighborhood can make a difference.

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Steele Creek Greenway Trail to Follow Griers Fork (the stream)

(January 18, 2005) The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department’s Master Greenway plan includes a trail along the streams beside the Griers Fork community. The developer of Griers Fork donated a strip of land to the county for this purpose in 1999. Land used by the homeowners association as common area actually is owned by the county and used by the association with their permission.

The Steele Creek Community Trail Committee has been promoting the development of the trail, especially by soliciting donations of land along the trail’s route, which runs from Brown-Grier Road south along Steele Creek to the South Carolina state line.

The Griers Fork portion of the trail will begin near the entrance monument and continue behind the houses along the west side of Griers Fork Drive. At the south end of the development, the trail will continue into the Braddock Green/Steele Oaks and Twelve Oaks neighborhoods.

The standard design for greenway trails is a 10-foot asphalt path. This allows bicyclists and pedestrians to pass easily and also permits access by emergency vehicles. An additional 5-foot asphalt path likely would be built through county property at the cul-du-sac end of Griers Fork Drive. This will provide access from the south end of Griers Fork Drive.

Karl Froelich, Chairman of the Trail Committee, plans to attend the association meeting to discuss the trail through Griers Fork as well as planned trails throughout the Steele Creek community.

For more information, visit www.steelecreektrail.org.

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Griers Fork Drive Eligible for Speed Humps from Charlotte DOT

(January 18, 2005) Shirlee Dillard, Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) Services Investigator for this area, will be at the annual meeting to discuss department programs and services, as well as the status of previous requests from Griers Fork.

The Griers Fork Homeowners Association installed multi-way stop signs before we were annexed by the city and later requested 25 mph speed limits on Griers Fork Drive and Dingess Road through CDOT. However, cars continue to speed through the neighborhood. Speeders include not only residents but also cut-through drivers from Twelve Oaks and Taragate. Many of these come through in the morning to avoid traffic backups on Brown-Grier Road due to the schools on Gallant Lane.

At least one child has been hit by a speeding car on Dingess Road.

CDOT will install speed humps where traffic conditions meet minimum requirements and residents display support for them through petition signatures.

CDOT has conducted a study of Griers Fork Drive and Dingess Road and has approved installation of speed humps on Griers Fork Drive only. That street had 1200 vehicles a day and average speeds of 35.3 in 25 mph limit. Dingess Road had only 500 vehicles a day and thus did not meet the 1000 per day minimum.

CDOT requires support from property owners of at least 60% of the 45 lots along Griers Fork Drive--including the 8 corner lots that face side streets. They require all persons whose names appear on a lot’s deed to sign a petition for that lot to count. It will be the responsibility of the association to collect the signatures. We can begin collecting these at the association meeting, but success ultimately will require volunteers to knock on doors.

Mike Eads, Field Services Manager with CDOT, has informed us that they can install two speed humps in April or May of this year if the association provides the required petition signatures by March 1 and agrees to pay the $3000 cost. The association can receive city funded speed humps at no cost if we are willing to wait until spring 2006 for installation. Mr. Eads has not yet marked the locations of the two speed humps.

Ms. Dillard will be able to answer questions about other street and traffic issues, such as on-street parking, basketball goals, sidewalks, and a planned addition of a left turn lane on Brown-Grier Road at Gallant Lane.

If you are concerned about speeders and other traffic issues in Griers Fork, please plan to attend the meeting for this discussion.

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Hospitality Committee Holds Easter Egg Hunt and Pumpkin Carving Party

(January 18, 2005) The Griers Fork Hospitality Committee held an Easter Egg Hunt last spring at the Steele Creek Neighborhood Park. A couple dozen kids searched for eggs and prizes while their parents looked on.

Sunday afternoon, October 17th was a beautiful day for a pumpkin carving at Griers Fork.
Members of the community were invited to carve a pumpkin provided by Griers Fork HOA in the grassy area at the front entrance. Each family was given their own pumpkin to carve and baby pumpkins were given to the little children to color a face on. Candy, coloring books, and Halloween decorations added to the festivities. This was a great opportunity for everyone to meet each other in the neighborhood and for the children to play together.

Special thanks to Dawn Robertson, Elizabeth Phillips, Robin Pratt, and other members of the Hospitality Committee for arranging these events. Anyone interested in helping to organize or provide ideas for future events should contact Dawn Robertson at dawnr3@vol.com.

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Local Group Works to Establish Trail System in Steele Creek

(September 29, 2004) A group of Steele Creek residents has been meeting since last summer to promote the creation of a trail system throughout the community. They’re placing their initial emphasis on the Steele Creek Greenway trail, which follows Steele Creek north from the South Carolina State line to Griers Fork. It then follows Griers Fork to Brown-Grier Road. Griers Fork is the name of the stream that flows behind the houses along the west side of Griers Fork Drive. Many details need to be worked out—including the actual trail location along the creek. Mecklenburg County already owns a strip of land along the creek where the trail will go.

The group envisions a system of 50 miles of trails following creeks, utility rights of way, and other routes throughout Steele Creek. The development of a trail system will take years, but the community must become proactive now and have plans in place while potential trail routes are still available.

The group is the Steele Creek Community Trail Committee of the Steele Creek Residents Association. It meets monthly at 7:00 pm on the third Thursday at the Steele Creek Athletic Association meeting house at 13350 Choate Circle. Meetings are open to all interested persons.

For more information, visit the committee’s web page at www.steelecreektrail.org or e-mail them at CommunityTrail@steelecreekresidents.org.

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NC Law Allows Homeowners Associations to Impose Fines for Violations of Neighborhood Covenants

(September 29, 2004) The North Carolina Planned Community Act (NC General Statutes Chapter 47F) gives homeowners associations the power “to impose reasonable fines or suspend privileges or services provided by the association for reasonable periods for violations of the declaration, bylaws, and rules and regulations of the association” after notice and an opportunity to be heard.

The North Carolina Supreme Court had ruled that the wording of the law only allowed associations formed after the initial adoption of the law in 1999 to impose fines. The General Assembly amended the Act in July 2004 to clarify the intent of the initial law to apply to all planned communities.

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Green Thumb Committee to Plant Winter Pansies at the Front Entrance October 2

(September 29, 2004) The Griers Fork Green Thumb Committee plans to pull out the summer marigolds and plant pansies for the winter at the entrance monument on Saturday, October 2. If you’d like to help, join them around 8:30 am. There’ll be a run to the plant store to buy the pansies soon after 9:00. Contact Dave Wiggins for details at 704-504-5403 or contact@griersfork.org. Last spring, the committee stained the background of the monument sign to make the gold letters more visible and kept on going to stain the gazebo as well.

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Front Entrance; Good News and Bad News

(April 28, 2004) Last weekend, the Griers Fork Green Thumb Committee worked on two projects to spruce up the front entrance. The first was to stain the wood on the entrance sign and gazebo. The new sequoia color creates a more distinct contrast with the gold letters, making them stand out and be more visible. The second was to replace the winter pansies with new spring flowers. This year's crop are yellow and orange marigolds.

The bad news is that the two year old Japanese maple that had stood along the wall between the sign and gazebo was stolen Friday night. Nothing was left but a hole and a few sprigs with red leaves. The thieves had placed some real estate signs in front of the light to block it while they did their digging. The other bad news is that the electric box was pulled from the back of the monument the next night, leaving the light dark until it can be repaired.

See the picture on the top on the home page to see the sign and gazebo before staining and to see the purloined Japanese maple. Coming soon: A new picture of our new entrance sign.

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April 3 - Easter Egg Hunt

(March 28, 2004) Join your neighbors for the 2nd annual Griers Fork Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 3 at the Steele Creek Neighborhood Park (next to Steele Creek Elementary School). The festivities will be geared towards children 10 and younger but all residents are invited to come to meet your neighbors. Eggs will be hidden throughout the park, and plenty of candy, prizes, and snacks will be available. The only things you need to bring are your egg basket and the desire to find the hidden eggs. The hunt should provide a hopping good time for all of the children involved.

If you have any questions about the Easter Egg Hunt or the Hospitality Committee, call Bill or Robin Pratt at 704-587-0870 or contact them by e-mail at prattonline@hotmail.com.

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April 17 - Community Yard Sale

(March 28, 2004) If enough folks are interested, the association will sponsor a 3rd community yard sale on April 17. The association will pay for a newspaper ad and signs—you just need to haul your stuff outside. But we have to know if there will be enough participants to make the effort worthwhile. If you’re interested, please let Gwen DeWaele know so she can get the works in motion. Contact her at 704-504-3114 or Grin22@aol.com.

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April 24-25 - Front Entrance Spruce-Up

(March 28, 2004) The Green Thumb Committee plans to stain and repaint the Griers Fork monument sign on Saturday, April 24 and plant spring flowers the next day. If you’d like to help, join them at 8:30 Saturday morning. Contact Dave Wiggins (704-504-5403 or contact@griersfork.org) for details.

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Board Election Held at 2nd Annual Meeting

(February 20, 2004) Nine Griers Fork residents representing eight households attended the makeup association meeting on
February 18. Sufficient proxies were present to meet the quorum requirement. Members elected Barry Henry and Dave Wiggins to fill the two expired terms on the Board of Directors.

Members also approved an amendment to the Bylaws changing the requirement for a quorum at a meeting of members to five percent (10 properties represented in person or by proxy) from the current 10%. The new quorum requirement will apply to all actions except for approval of special assessments or increasing annual dues by more than the maximum allowed by the Griers Fork covenants. The Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions specifies a quorum as at least 30% of the members for those two actions.

In a separate action, the board elected the following officers for the upcoming year: Kevin Smith-President, LeBraun Evans-Vice President, Dave Wiggins-Secretary/Treasurer. The other two board members are Mike Byers and Barry Henry.

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2nd HOA Meeting Scheduled for February 18

(February 3, 2004) Because of low attendance and lack of a quorum at the initial Griers Fork Homeowners Association meeting on January 12, a second meeting has been scheduled on February 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Steele Creek Branch Library (9124 S Tryon St) near the Food Lion. Please provide your proxy to Prism or any board member if you will be unable to attend.

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2004 Homeowners Association Meeting Fails to Get a Quorum

(January 12, 2004) Only 11 homeowners attended the 2004 Griers Fork Homeowners Association Annual Meeting. With proxies, a total of 16 properties were represented--an insufficient number to achieve the 10% quorum of 19 properties. Thus no board election was held. Two of the staggered board terms have expired, leaving a board of three members: Mike Byers, LeBraun Evans, and Kevin Smith.

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Association Expenses for December 1, 2002 through November 30, 2003

(December 27, 2003) The homeowners association expenses for the twelve month period from December 1, 2002 to November 30, 2003 totaled $24,891.69, which was $6,691.69 more than the expected $18,200 annual income from assessments (182 properties X $100). However, this included a huge one-time expense of $9,397.14 for street lights and about $650 for unplanned maintenance and repairs at the entrance monument (including resetting some stones and repairing the irrigation system).

The city still has not charged the association the $1,760 that it owes for the Tree Co-op Program, and some additional unexpected maintenance expenses are likely again. Otherwise, expenses for 2004 generally should be consistent with 2003 expenses.

The association had built up a small cushion in its bank account during the last few years, but the street lights wiped most of that out. There should be enough income from assessments to begin building it back up again.

Several residents have promoted the idea of having several speed humps installed on the main through streets to slow down traffic. That ultimately would need support from the homeowners and may or may not ever happen, but if it does, the humps will cost the association at least $6,000. So the association needs to set aside some money to be prepared for that possibility.

The association could afford to have more social events, holiday decorations, or special enhancements to the entrance sign and gazebo, if residents will come forward to help plan and organize these.

Administrative Expenses
Tax Preparation
Postage
Newsletter and other copies
Bank Charges

Association Events
Easter Egg Hunt
Yard Sale
Meeting space

Front Entrance
Landscaping services
Spring/fall flowers
City water
Electricity
Sprinkler repairs/maintenance
Gazebo repairs
Other repairs
Christmas decorations

Insurance

Legals/Collections

Management

Sub-Total

Street Lights

Grand Total
 

543.19
175.00
232.82
125.37
10.00

248.59
67.63
105.96
75.00

4,642.69
3,300.00
250.81
64.31
163.04
520.00
255.00
25.00
64.53

1,096.00

2,412.08

6,552.00

$15,494.55

9,397.14

$24,891.69

 

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2004 Association Dues Remain at $100 Per Property

(December 27, 2003) These are due on January 1 and past due on February 1. Please send payment to the following address:

Griers Fork HOA
c/o Prism Realty
PO Box 18712
Charlotte, NC 28218

Direct questions to Devi Hunter or other Prism staff at 704-535-8558.

Please Pay Homeowners Association Dues Promptly

The 2004 Griers Fork Homeowners Association dues of $100 are due on January 1 and past due on February 1. Homeowners who do not pay by February 1 will be assessed a $25 late fee. Those who do not respond to additional notices may accrue additional legal and other fees. Ultimately the association may place a lien on the property or foreclose on it. If you have any questions about your account or need to arrange a special schedule for payments, please contact Devi Hunter of Prism Reality at 704-535-8558. She will be glad to work with you.

DO NOT IGNORE payment notices from Prism. This will only cause your charges to mount up! You are liable for legal fees paid by the association, and the association must recover these from you. Accumulated fees will not be forgiven.

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2004 Annual Homeowners Association Meeting is January 12

(December 27, 2003) The 2004 Griers Fork Homeowners Association meeting will be held at the Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church on Monday, January 12 at 7:00 pm.

Terms for two board seats expire this year and candidates are needed. The last two meetings had poor attendance and required proxies to achieve quorums.

If you care about your community, please plan to attend. If not, please provide your proxy to Prism Realty, any board member, or another resident who plans to attend.

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Griers Fork Properties in Floodplain

(December 6, 2003) The following information was included with December water bills:

Will you need Flood Insurance? Check out the flood map for your property at
www.stormwaterservices.com. If you are in a floodplain, you will likely be required to carry flood
insurance come this spring. Buying insurance now could save you big bucks later.

In a few months the Federal Emeregency Management Agency (FEMA) will adopt new flood
maps for all of Mecklenburg County. Flood maps are used to set floos insurance rates. If it's
determined that you live in a floodplain, flood insurance will be required by your mortgage
company. Call your insurance agent or 1-888-FLOOD29 to find out more.

All of the properties on the west side of Griers Fork Drive, plus the three properties at the
end of the cul-de-sac are in the floodplain of the adjacent creek. They apparently were all
within the floodplain on the old maps as well. To view a map of your property and the
floodplain, go to the Storm Water Services web site (www.stormwaterservices.com) and
follow these steps:

1. Click on the picture of the flooded house.
2, Click on the picture of the flodded house in the next screen. You should see a map of
Mecklenburg County.
3. Near the middle of the page, under "SEARCH OPTIONS," click on the magnifying
glass icon. A smaller window will pop up.
4. Enter your house number and street name, without the street type (Road, Drive, etc.), in
the boxes provided, and click on "Submit." You should see the property owner's name and
the address.
5. Click on the number under "PID."The map should zoom in to your property. The box
under the FLUM (Future Land Use Map) box will tell you if your property is in a
floodplain.

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Local Kids Clean Up "Little House"

Dylan Grogan and Patrick Weaver

Jan Weaver and Jake Grogan

(November 11, 2003) Jan (8) and Patrick (6) Weaver joined with the three Grogan boys from Tara Gate to clean up the "little house" at Griers Fork's front entrance. They sanded off the graffiti, scraped up gum and candle wax, picked up beer bottles and cigarette butts, and scrubbed down the woodwork.

Fortunately, the graffiti was pretty tame and the damage fairly minor. The kids were so happy to be a part of cleaning up their neighborhood and the beloved "little house."

The next week Leo and Dennes Garcia helped plant winter pansies in the bed at the entrance monument.

All these kids are to be commended for their community spirit and their contributions to the betterment of the neighborhood.

See more photos HERE.

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Child hit by Car!

(October 21, 2003) On September 21 a 3-year old boy was struck by a car when he rode his bicycle through a stop sign in front of an oncoming vehicle. The vehicle's estimated speed was 40 mph. The driver slammed on his brakes but could not stop in time and skidded into the child. Neither the child nor the driver are residents of Griers Fork. The child was taken to the hospital, but the injuries were not serious (road rash and a bump on the head). The child had just begun riding his bicycle without its training wheels and was not wearing a helmet.

Two Problems:

Children Playing in the Streets-Parents MUST warn their children about the dangers of  playing in the street. It is a common sight in Griers Fork to see children dart out on bicycles, skates, or skate boards without looking
to see if cars are coming. Too many children are just not paying attention. Parents must properly instruct children on the dangers of playing in the streets and supervise smaller children who are too young to be responsible for their own safety.

Note that North Carolina law requires that all bicyclists under 16 years of age wear a helmet on public roads and trails.

Speeders-Residents have been concerned about speeders almost since Griers Fork has had streets. Multi-way stops and 25 mph speed limits have not solved the problem. An additional remedy available is speed humps. Also remember that speeders can be reported to the police non-emergency number at 704-353-1000.

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Charlotte DOT Changes Petition Requirements

(September 28, 2003) According to the Charlotte Observer, the Charlotte Department of Transportation has revised its requirements for neighborhoods to petition for lower speed limits, street lights, 4-way stops, and traffic humps. Previously they required a signature from one adult resident in at least 75 of the households. This resident could be a renter or other non-owner resident. New rules require signatures from ALL property owners, meaning each person whose name is on the deed for a property must sign in order for that property to count. However, the percentage of properties supporting the change is now only 60%.

Griers Fork has had successful petition efforts for street lights throughout the neighborhood and for 25 mph speed limits on Dingess Road and Griers Fork Drive under the old rules. (The association paid for installation of the 4-way and 3-way stop signs before Charlotte annexed Griers Fork and while the streets were still private.) If the neighborhood pursues future efforts, including speed humps or 25 mph speed limit on McGloughlin Way Court, the new rules will apply.

According to the Observer, the new rules take effect on October 1, 2003.

Speed Humps are approximately 22-foot-wide, raised sections of roadways that are constructed to reduce vehicular speeds in residential neighborhoods. Requirements for installation by the Charlotte Department of Transportation include petition signatures from property owners on affected streets and a traffic volume of at least 1000 cars per day (24 hour period). The association would have to pay the $1500 per hump cost. Four humps would appear to be appropriate for Griers Fork.

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Street Lights are Here!

(September 1, 2003) The first Griers Fork street lights showed up along the east end of Dingess Road last week. The rest should be in shortly.

This has been a long, long process. It began in June 2000 when residents met to learn about Mecklenburg County's street light program. That effort got off to a slow start and eventually fizzled when volunteers didn't come forth to collect petition signatures.

A second effort began in March 2002 after Charlotte had annexed Griers Fork. This time, the association decided to go with the city street light program and quickly submitted a request for a plan from Duke Power through the Charlotte Department of Transportation. At this point things bogged down, and Duke Power didn't provide the plan until January 2003.

The next step was to collect petition signatures. This went surprisingly well as a small but determined corps of volunteers combed the neighborhood until they found enough people home and got the required signatures. Step one was accomplished!

The second objective was to come with $18,794.88 to pay for the lights. The association had enough funds to pay about half, but needed a way to raise the rest. The board decided to apply for a loan because this would be easier to accomplish than a special assessment. A special assessment would require approval of at least 2/3 of property owners at a meeting. Getting a 30% quorum to show up was not a strong possibility, and proxies would be required, which meant more signatures.

The bank approved the loan, but it was put on hold until the outcome of a third alternative was decided. The association applied for a Neighborhood Matching Grant on March 15 through the Charlotte Department of Neighborhood Development. In a mild surprise, the city notified the association at the first of May that the grant was approved. It took another month for them to provide the grant, but $9,397.44 was worth waiting for.

Duke Power finally received both halves of their payment on June 12. It took another few weeks for the city to review and review the plans and for Duke Power to order materials. But the end in almost near. The lights are going up!

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Welcome Back! School Starts August 18
By Bill Pratt, Resident and Middle School Assistant Principal

(August 9, 2003) That message will be posted in school after school and classroom after classroom within the next couple of weeks. Those two simple words can bring out every emotion under the sun from happiness to sadness. If you have a child going back to school, or just starting this year, you are probably on the emotion roller coaster right now. If your child is like me, I couldn’t wait until the first day of school. Even now, I can’t resist walking through
the back to school aisle at Wal-mart. I don’t need anything, but the feelings it gives me make me…well, speechless.

As a middle school assistant principal, I unfortunately see just the opposite too many times—a child terrified to enter another school year. It’s not that their entire education has been bad but they probably had one bad year or one bad experience. Hopefully, the tips I list below can change that for your child and will offer you and your children a successful and happy school year that can be looked back upon as a joyful time in their lives.

1) Remember, every year and every teacher are different. If you think this year will be good, that is the first and best start you can give yourself.

2) Set up a routine early and stick to it. The most successful people in the world follow a routine that they find works for them. Once you get yours down, keep it, follow it, and don’t give it up.

3) Stay organized. The biggest “excuse” students give for doing poorly in class is that they can’t find their work, book, notebook, or pencils. Using a three-ring binder with dividers and a pencil pouch will improve a student’s grade immediately.

4) Stay informed. Parents and students alike need to stay informed about what is going on in the school and specifically in their classrooms. Parents should keep in touch with their child’s teachers on a regular basis. Don’t let the school year fall into the usual trap—you only hear from
the school when something bad is happening. Force the teachers to accentuate the positive by calling them up or just showing up at school. Know when events are taking place and plan accordingly.

5) Support your child’s teachers and school. I have often told parents that there are three faces their children have—one they show their parents, one they show their friends, and one they show at school. Yes, teachers can be wrong and do make mistakes, but hear them out and work with them, even if it doesn’t sound like your child. Support the school too. Either in words or in actions. Be involved in the PTA, volunteer, visit, attend meetings, etc. It’s your school too mom and dad.

6) Understand what is expected at your child’s school. If you don’t know, ask. The schools would rather explain something to a few hundred parents than have to deal with a situation that could have been avoided.

I have personally seen the best and worst situations at school. The best was from a single parent family where the students’ knew what was expected at school and at home and the mom held her children to those expectations. The children were very successful and enjoyed school. The worst situation was a parent who said, “…I don’t even know where the school is.” This is not an exaggeration. This child did horribly in school and was always in trouble. They knew their parents were not going to be involved and they decided not to be involved themselves.

School, along with everything else in life, is what you make it. Don’t settle for any excuses and don’t provide any excuses. As parents, do what you must do in order to make this year a successful one.

If you have any questions this year about your children’s education, send me an e-mail at b.pratt@cms.k12.nc.us and identify yourself as a Griers Fork Resident. I may not be able to answer all questions but I will try my best or find someone who can. If it is a personal issue, let me know whether you want your name (or that of your child) mentioned. For those of you who attend my school, I will see you on August 18.

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No Parking for Boats and Trucks in Griers Fork -- And Stay off the Grass

Question: Why can’t I park my boat, truck, or trailer at my house?

(August 9, 2003) This is a residential community. Boats, trucks, trailers, and commercial vehicles detract from the residential character of the community. They also take up parking space and force cars into the street. The association covenants prohibit such nuisance vehicles anywhere in Griers Fork except in enclosed garages. This is one of the most common complaints residents have about their neighbors. Please find other places to store your boats, trucks, and trailers. Your neighbors will appreciate your cooperation. (Parking a boat overnight to clean it or get it ready for an outing is not a problem if it is removed promptly the next day.)

Do Not Park on the Grass

(August 9, 2003) That means don’t park on grass anywhere in Griers Fork, but it especially means not at the front entrance. Cars parked on grass tend to kill it and make muddy ruts. This is unattractive and hurts the community’s appearance. Additionally, tires can damage sprinkler heads that are located along the curb near the entrance monument.

The association recently had a car towed that was parked for about a week at the front entrance and will have others towed if they are parked off the street where they can damage the lawn area that the association pays to maintain.

The Griers Fork Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions prohibits parking on grass areas (Article VI Section 6.18). The Charlotte City Council also is considering an ordinance prohibiting parking in front yards other than on driveways or parking pads.

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All Property Owners are Required to Pay Association Dues

(August 9, 2003) I’ve always been puzzled why people don’t pay their homeowners association dues. I was always taught to pay what I owe, but I guess some people don’t think that way. Not only do some people not pay the initial $100, but many continue to hold off until they owe hundreds of dollars in late fees and legal fees.

Before the first house was built at Griers Fork, the developer created the Homeowners Association and registered all the legal documents with the North Carolina Secretary of State and the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds. The Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions state that the association has the authority to collect homeowners assessments for every property covered by the declaration. This means that the dues are not optional. They are required by law, and the association has the right to take full legal action to collect all unpaid dues and additional fees. (The Declaration is available on the Griers Fork web site, or you may request a copy from me.)

The dues are only $100 a year. This is less than a lot of folks spend each month on premium TV channels and high-tech cell phones. Anyone who is able to afford a $120,000 or more house should be able to afford $100 a year. Yet many don’t pay.

Assessments are due on January 1 each year and past due on February 1. Homeowners are assessed a $25 late fee if they don’t pay by February 1. Half this fee will go to the association and half to Prism Realty to help offset collection time and expenses.

If the property owner doesn’t pay by July 1, another $25 late fee is tacked on and the account is turned over to an attorney. At this point, the legal fees start to mount. After doing a title search, the attorney will place a lien on the property. This means that the owner cannot sell the property until the debt is paid off. The original $100 assessment has now risen to about $525.

Currently about 20 homeowners have not paid their 2003 association dues, and the association is filing liens on their houses.

If the homeowners still do not pay, additional charges will to accrue. Prism Realty will no longer accept payment or discuss accounts. Homeowners will be referred to the attorney. The attorney will confirm the ownership and status of the property and eventually begin foreclosure proceedings.

This year a homeowner repeatedly ignored notices that his house would be foreclosed for unpaid 2002 dues and did not accept certified letters. Eventually the account reached over $1,600, and the association foreclosed on July 3. When the homeowner received a notice that his house had been sold at auction on the courthouse steps, he finally decided to respond and offered a counter bid.

After numerous reminders and warnings that unpaid dues will accrue additional charges, some people still do not pay. This irresponsibility doesn’t just puzzle me, it totally baffles me.

Of course most homeowners are responsible and pay their share on time, which is very much appreciated. So, to be fair to those who do pay, the association will continue to use all means at its disposal to collect from those who do not.

Dave Wiggins
President

What to do when that Homeowners Association Assessment notice arrives

1. Pay it promptly! That’s the best thing.

2. Don’t ignore it. It won’t go away. It’ll just get bigger. In addition to the assessment, you will be responsible for paying the late fees and legal fees. These will mount up.

3. If you cannot pay right away, CALL PRISM!! They are more than willing to work with you to set up a payment plan. If you and the association come to an agreement on payments, no further late fees or legal fees will be imposed as long as you stick to the agreement.

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WE GOT THE GRANT!

(June 6, 2003) Charlotte’s Department of Neighborhood Development has approved Griers Fork’s application for a Neighborhood Matching Grant for $9,397.44. The matching grant will pay for half of the $18,794.88 total cost to install 41 traditional street lights throughout the neighborhood.

The other half of the cost will come from current assets in the Griers Fork bank account. The association now will not have to take out a loan and make payments for the next three years, which was the alternate plan for supplementing available funds from the bank account.

The association should receive the grant funds and deliver payment to Duke Power this week. This is a major step in the long process to get street lights in Griers Fork, but the process is far from over. The Charlotte Department of Transportation must review and approve the Duke Power plan. Then Duke Power must order materials and install the lights. All this might take anywhere from 4 to 7 months.

Thanks again to Kerry and Richard Merrell, who have been the coordinators for the petition effort and with Duke Power, and to Charmie Gomaa, who collected many of the signatures.

The end is not here but it is closer.

(May 4, 2002) Charlotte Neighborhood Services has notified the homeowners association that its application for a matching grant of $9,397.44 was approved. The association will sign a contract at a ceremony on May 12. The association will contribute the other half of the $18,794.88 total cost. Payment will be made to Duke Power once the association receives the grant, and Duke Power will install the lights in 60 to 90 days.

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Would You Like to See Education Articles?
By Bill Pratt, Resident and Middle School Assistant Principal

Would you like to see an article about education in each Griers Fork newsletter? Let Dave Wiggins know and we will include it in every newsletter. Have a specific question, email me at b.pratt@cms.k12.nc.us. Specific school issues won’t be able to be addressed but general topics can be and I might even be able to direct you where to find more information. Be sure to mention that you are a Griers Fork Resident though so I know how to respond to your email request.

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Summer Vacation? Next School Year Starts On August 18
By Bill Pratt, Resident and Middle School Assistant Principal

(June 6, 2003) Hard to believe huh? Here, school gets out in a couple of weeks and we are already thinking about next school year. For some of us, next year started being discussed in December of 2002.

Not to take away from anyone’s summer vacation, but the hardest thing teachers face in August is “re-teaching” the students the skills that were just taught a couple of months before. You as parents can help start your child off on the right foot next school year now with just a few simple things.

Give your children some math problems. Ask them to add up some grocery prices in their heads. Ask them to round the price or estimate the total grocery bill. For young children, teach adding and subtracting with seashells at the beach or while climbing the ladder at the park. For older kids, ask them to explain how to do something; such as figuring out how many bags of mulch to buy to cover the area or show them your Duke Power or Piedmont Natural Gas bill and ask them to explain how to get the total for the month. These are great multi-step problems that will keep their brains tick-tick-ticking all summer.

To help with reading—READ to them. READ yourself. READ the signs going down the road. READ the program at the baseball game. READ the directions on how to fly a kite or put together a model. The key is to keep READING. The more kids are exposed to READING, the better they become at it. To extend it further, have them READ an article in the paper after you do and discuss it or ask them to tell you about the article. The point is, READ, READ, READ.

Try crazy experiments for science. Practice cooking in the kitchen. Ask questions like: What happens if you add this to that? Why is the soap so slippery when you wash the car? (Hint, Hint) What makes the grass grow so tall? (Hint, Hint) Why is this storm so powerful? And so on.

The key is to keep making them think. Go to the library. Go to a museum. Explore the world. Allow the kids to have fun but keep them actively engaged in the school frame of mind. You will find that the next school year starts off a lot different.

And just a tip: don’t spend a lot of money on school supplies before the new school year starts. Wait until you go to the open house or get a letter from the school stating what supplies to get. Many teachers request certain supplies and this will save you money in the long run. Don’t want to miss out on the sales? Put stuff on lay-a-way. That way, if you don’t need it, you can return it or cancel the lay-a-way. If you do need it, you got the bargain.

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CMS Changes Telephone Area Code

Beginning June 30, all Charlotte-Mecklenburg School phone numbers will change to the 980-area code. None of the school numbers will change, just the area code. For example: Sedgefield Middle School is now 704-343-5840. It will change to 980-343-5840. For some of the departments who currently use 444 as their prefix (704-444-5322 for example) they will also change to a 343 number 980-343-5322). Please mark your telephone books and change your speed dial numbers.

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Fund Drive Planned for New Library

(June 6, 2003) Supporters of the Steele Creek Branch Library have begun organizing an effort to raise funds for enhancements to the new branch that is under construction on Steele Creek Road in front of the new Southwest Middle School. The new library is expected to open in summer 2004 and will replace the current branch in Steele Creek Commons Shopping Center.

The group's goal is to raise $75,000 to supplement purchases of books, computer equipment, and other enhancements to the children's area; media equipment for meeting rooms; business references; garden walls for the courtyards on the two ends of the library; and other improvements. They also hope to raise enough additional funds to establish an ongoing endowment fund.

The group needs volunteers to help with the fund drive. If you have any questions or would like to help, please contact Doug Youngblood at 704-588-1610. or visit the Library Association web site at www.steelecreekresidents.org/LibraryAssociation.htm.

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Easter Egg Hunt A Success

(June 6, 2003) On Sunday, April 13, the homeowner’s association sponsored an Easter Egg Hunt at the Steele Creek Neighborhood Park next to Steele Creek Elementary School. It was a blast. There were about 15 kids and they were divided into three age categories: 3 and under, 4-6, and 7-10. All three groups found over 60 eggs each.

Prizes were awarded for special eggs that were found and candy filled the baskets. For many, the temptation to eat the candy overshadowed the rush to find the eggs and some found few eggs. Over all though, everyone had a great time and hope to do it again next year.

One remarkable coincidence had to do with two boys who showed up after the eggs had been found. There were two prizes that hadn’t been claimed (because no one found those eggs) so we held a drawing for the remaining prizes. In true Easter spirit, the two boys won the prizes in the random drawing—yes, it was random and witnessed by other people. Even though they didn’t get any candy, they still walked away winners.

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CUT YOUR GRASS!

(June 6, 2003) The rainy spring we’ve been having has made it hard for folks to keep up with their yard work. Since grass is growing so fast now, it sometimes needs mowing as often as twice a week. There also have been few days when grass wasn’t too wet to mow recently. But please don’t let your yard become the blight of the neighborhood.

1. Cut your grass before it gets to be an eyesore. If you’re thinking about cutting it now or later, check the weather report. If rain is in the forecast, cut it now.

2. Keep weeds cut. If you can’t treat weeds with weed preventer, at least keep them cut back to the height of the grass. Bermuda grass yards in particular have an abundance of weeds popping above the short grass. Trim tall grass in flower beds and along the edges of houses and at utility boxes.

3. Replant bare spots. New grass grows best in the fall. Plan a major reseeding effort for the fall.

4. If you consistently drive off the driveway and create ruts in your yard, widen your driveway with additional concrete or paving stones. Remember to submit an architectural application for this.

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Front Entrance Flowers - Something New 

(May 4, 2003) The Griers Fork Green Thumb Committee spruced up the flower bed at the entrance monument for spring a few weeks ago. But rather than planting the usual begonias, they tried some new things.

The purple plant around the sides and back is Purple Heart, or Setcreasea. This is a low growing ground cover with striking darf purple foliage and small pink flowers. It is a perennial in warm, dry areas, especially in the southwest, but is an annual in Plant Hardiness Zone 7, which is where Charlotte is. It is a native of eastern Mexico.

The yellow flower in the middle and front is Melampodium. It has large, bright green leaves and many perky little yellow daisylike flowers that will peer forth all summer long. It should grow profusely and fill in the whole bed.

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Goat Herder Fails to Show 

(April 4, 2003) Residents who showed up at the Griers Fork front entrance on April 1 to pick up GOATS to trim their lawns were disappointed when Swiss goat herder Bernhard Betrüger failed to show. 

It was later discovered that Betrüger actually is the German word for fraud. Further investigation revealed that Herr Betrüger actually owns no goats at all and is a compulsive April Fools prankster. Fortunately, the association had not paid him up front. (Whew!) 

So it looks like there's no way around it, folks. You're going to have to mow your own 
grass.

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From the President - I Wonder...... 

(March 29, 2003) Here are some things I've wondered about during the four years I've lived at Griers Fork and the three years I've been on the Board of Directors. 

First, the biggie: 

I Wonder why people don't take more interest in the neighborhood and participate more in association activities. The newsletter always has invitations and other opportunities for Griers Fork residents to contribute to the neighborhood and meet with their neighbors. But participation has been less than overwhelming in most cases and can be discouraging to the few who do show up. We even have difficulty getting quorums for the annual meetings. 

The neighborhood has 182 properties. Every owner is a member of the association and has equal responsibility, but many are content to leave all the work to somebody else. 

I Wonder why so many people choose not to pay their association dues promptly, or even at all! The dues aren't optional. All property owners are members of the association and are required to pay them. 

I also wonder why some people continue to ignore payment notices and let the late fees and legal fees to pile up. Rather than pay the $100 up front, many owners let the amount owed build up to hundreds of dollars, even to the point where their house can be foreclosed on and sold by the association to obtain the amounts owed. 

If any property owner is unable to pay the full amount owed right away, they are encouraged to contact Prism to arrange for a payment schedule. The association will not take any further legal action if owners make a good faith effort to meet the agreed arrangement for payment. 

I Wonder why some people don't take better care of their yards. Now that spring is here, the grass will be growing. Please keep yours neatly mowed. Some yards (especially those with bermuda grass) have an abundance of weeds. If folks don't treat their yards with weed preventer, they could at least chop them off once in a while. And don't forget those bare spots. 

I Wonder if residents realize how important Architectural Review is. Without controls, our neighborhood could look like nearby Twelve Oaks, with chain link fences and corrugated carports everywhere. As the Architectural Review sidebar states in every newsletter, improvements that enhance the neighborhood are encouraged. Those that detract from the neighborhood are not. Residents who install fences and other exterior changes that violate restrictions will be asked to remove them. In particular, solid fences are not allowed. 

I Wonder why people let their pets poop in other people's yards. People probably complain more about pets than anything else. Don't people know how offensive pets can be? I Wonder why people put their tacky signs at the front entrance. I believe for sale or for rent signs are eyesores and I regularly call phone numbers on the signs to ask that they be removed. The association does not pay the landscaper to trim around them. The signs not only violate association restrictions but also city ordinances. The association will put up signs to announce community events, like the yard sale, however. 

I Wonder why some people leave their ugly garbage cans out where other people have to look at them 

I Wonder why I don't get more suggestions, ideas, and other contributions for the newsletter or web site. Certainly folks have ideas and news that they could share with their neighbors. I'm starting to run out of ideas. The newsletter comes out every two months, so mid-May would be a good time to send me something. 

I Wonder why some people claim that they weren't notified about meetings or association dues. Property owners get notices in the mail and residents get newsletters delivered in their newspaper tubes. They usually get reminder announcements dropped off as well. If that's not enough, just about everything you'd always want to know about Griers Fork is on the web site. I wouldn't be surprised if you people weren't the most informed homeowners in Charlotte! 

I Wonder why some people complain about things and then don't show up when they're invited to help find a solution. 

I Wonder why some people agree to do things and then don't follow through. I Wonder if people will think this is too negative. I try to keep the newsletter positive and not have too many scoldings, but sometimes my frustration gets the better of me. 

Of course, we've had some victories, not the least of which is the recent street light effort. Most people keep do their yards and houses up and some even have showplaces. People do talk to their neighbors, although mostly to those who live nearby. 

Griers Fork is a great neighborhood but it could be greater. When I moved here and put my name forward for the board at the first association meeting, I'd hoped to be part of something more vibrant and exciting than it's turned out to be. 

But I'm still looking forward to a great new year and a big turnout for the three activities planned for April. 

Dave Wiggins 

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Hunt for Easter Eggs on April 13 at Steele Creek Park 

(March 29) On Sunday, April 13 at 3:00, the Griers Fork Hospitality Committee will be sponsoring an Easter Egg Hunt at the Steele Creek Neighborhood Park (located right next door to Steele Creek Elementary School). 

The Easter Egg Hunt is geared towards children 10 and younger but all residents are invited to come to meet your neighbors. There will be nearly 200 eggs hidden throughout the park with plenty of candy and prizes available. The only things you need to bring are your egg basket and the desire to find the hidden eggs. The hunt should provide a hopping good time for all of the children involved. 

The rain date will be Sunday, April 27 at 3:00. This will be after Easter but we can still have a great time! 

If you have any questions about the Easter Egg Hunt or the Hospitality Committee, contact Bill or Robin Pratt at 704-587-0870 or prattonline@hotmail.com

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Join the 2nd Annual Griers Fork Community Yard Sale on April 12

(March 29, 2002) If you've been thinking about having a Yard Sale, plan on joining your neighbors on April 12. The Association will put an ad in the Charlotte Observer and place a sign at the front entrance. These should help generate plenty of customers for your treasures.

Be sure to put your stuff out early to catch the folks who start out at daybreak looking for the best bargains. 

If you have any questions, please call Gwen DeWaele at 704-504-3114. 

(Charlotte requires persons having yard sales to purchase permits. These cost $5 and are available at tax collections offices at 700 N Tryon St and 700 E Stonewall St. Call 704-336-6315 with questions about permits.)

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Association Hires Goat Herder to Help with Tall Grass Problem 

(March 29) Spring has arrived, and the grass is starting to grow again. Many residents will have a hard time digging their mowers out from among all the stuff in their garages to get them ready for the mowing season and will let their grass and weeds grow for a while before they get around to cutting it. 

To help alleviate the problem, the association has hired Swiss goat herder Bernhard Betrüger to provide goats for any interested residents to let loose in their yards and trim their grass. 

Bernhard will be at the Griers Fork front entrance on April 1st at 7:00 a.m. to distribute the goats. He should have a couple dozen available. He'll also have yard stakes, rope, buckets, and feed. Residents simply would take a goat home, secure the stake in their yard and let the goat roam. Be sure to leave one bucket of feed and one of water for your goat. 

One goat should clear either a front or back yard of tall grass and weeds in about four hours. The goat would then need to be moved to the other half of the yard for another four hours. Bernhard will circulate through the neighborhood at about 5:00 to collect the goats.

Not only will the goats trim the tacky grass and weeds but they'll also leave fertilizer behind. Residents are advised to spread it around, however.

Some people might feel pretty FOOLISH having goats grazing in their yards. If so, then April 1st would be the APPROPRIATE DAY to have them there. 

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Spring Flower Planting Set for April 26

(March 29) Help plant spring annuals and spruce up the front entrance on Saturday, April 26. Groundbreaking will start at about 8:00 and whoever's there by 9:00 can join the trip to the garden shop to pick out the flowers. 

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Street Light Petition Effort is Complete - Next Comes the Money

(March 16, 2003) Step 1of the Street Light Project is complete. We have met the petition requirement! Thanks to coordinators Kerry and Richard Merrell and to Charmie Gomaa and others, who hit the pavement and knocked on doors until they collected 138 signatures. This exceeds the city's requirement of collecting signatures from residents of at least 75% of the residences in the community. 

A major obstacle was finding people home, but once they found people, participation was almost unanimous. Thanks to all of those who supported the effort with their signatures. 

Now for Step 2: Finding the Money... 

Duke Power is charging the association $18,794.88 for the 41 street lights in the plan. We have enough in our bank account to pay at least half. The other half will come either from a Neighborhood Matching Grant or from a loan. 

Charlotte's Neighborhood Development Department awards matching grants to neighborhood organizations for improvements and other projects that will make them better places. Organizations must compete for grants with other neighborhoods that apply. The homeowners association had to include copies of the signatures in the application, so prompt collection of the signatures was essential. The application deadline in the latest cycle was March 17. The Neighborhood Development Department will notify the association once the review board has made a decision, which will be within 45 to 60 days. 

If the matching grant is not approved, the association is prepared to acquire a 3-year loan to cover the balance needed. Current income from annual dues is expected to cover the payments without requiring any dues increases or additional assessments.

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Join the Griers Fork News Alert Email List

(March 2, 2003) Send an email to contact@griersfork.org if you want to join the Griers Fork Homeowners Association News Alert Email List. (A subscription form had been set up with Server.com, but it has been purged due to inactivity.)

This list will be used to send news alerts when timing prevents notification through the newsletter or to send out reminders for meetings or other events. An example of a news alert would be the utility construction at the front entrance scheduled for the week of March 3, which the Board of Directors only learned about the week before.

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Digging at Front Entrance to Last a Few Days

(March 2, 2003) Contractors working for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Department will be digging up the Griers Fork front entrance during the week of March 3 to connect a residence on Brown-Grier Road to the line at the manhole cover near the Griers Fork monument. They must maintain access on Griers Fork Drive but half the street may be blocked during the week. The city is required to restore the landscaping, pavement, and sidewalks to their original condition. CMUD did not notify the association of this project. Board members learned of the project after several calls to city offices and contractors. Additional tree planting by the Charlotte City Arborist will be delayed. 

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Speed Limit Now 25 MPH on Griers Fork Drive

(March 2, 2003) The Charlotte Department of Transportation installed 25 MPH speed limit signs on Griers Fork Drive a week ago. Thanks to Charmie Gomaa for collecting the last needed petition signatures. 

If you see a driver breaking a traffic law, note the tag number, make, and color of the vehicle plus the time of day and location. Call the police non-emergency number (704-353-1000). Choose the menu option to file a report (press 2). Be prepared for a long hold, though you may get lucky. The police chief then sends a warning letter to the vehicle's registered owner.

The speed limit on Dingess Road also is 25 mph. The speed limit on all other Griers Fork streets is 35 mph.

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Association Covenants Now Online

(February 16, 2003) The Griers Fork Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions are now available online through this web site by clicking on the link above. This document sets forth certain restrictions concerning the use and occupancy of properties within Griers Fork and are binding on all properties. It also grants the association powers to maintain the common area, to enforce the restrictions, and to collect and disburse assessments. The Declaration was recorded with the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds on October 13, 1998.

Every property owner should have received a copy of the Declaration from their closing attorney. To request a copy send an email message to contact@griersfork.org.

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Board Members Reelected at Annual Meeting

(February 10, 2003) The number of residents attending the 2003 annual meeting on January 16, along with proxies, was sufficient to achieve a quorum, and the current board was reelected without opposition. Kerry Merrell and Dave Wiggins still have 1 year left in their 2-year terms. Mike Byers, LeBraun Evans, and Kevin Smith were reelected to new 2-year terms. 

The board selected the following officers for 2003: Dave Wiggins - President, LeBraun Evans - Vice President, Kerry Merrell - Secretary, and Mike Byers - Treasurer. Kevin Smith will continue to chair the Architectural Review Committee. 

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The Street Light Petition is Ready for YOUR Signature 

(February 10, 2003) The association received the street light plan from Duke Power in January, and volunteers are circulating through the neighborhood to collect signatures. Charlotte requires signatures by residents of at least 75% of the properties in Griers Fork before they will approve installation by Duke Power. The association plans to pay for the lights without increasing dues or having a special assessment. 

The lights will have low-watt bulbs on 12-foot poles, and thus will not be too intrusive. Visit Cedar Brook, the next subdivision to the west, to see what the lights look like. Lights will enhance the community by increasing visibility at night and will deter crimes such as vandalism and car break-ins. 

If you have any question about the Griers Fork street light plan and petition effort, 
contact Richard or Kerry Merrell at 704-583-5486.

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When Do I Call 911?

(February 2, 2003) Four Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers who patrol Griers Fork and surrounding 
areas of Zone 3 in the Adam 1 District attended the association meeting at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church in January. 

They said that residents should call 911 if a crime is in progress or has just happened and you believe the person responsible may still be in the area or you can identify the person. 

Certainly dial 911 if someone is in imminent danger, but you also can call for instances of vandalism, public disturbances, or other crimes. 

Charlotte and Mecklenburg County have noise ordinances that specify what noise levels are permissible, but if a loud party or other noise is disturbing to you, you should call 911, especially if the noise has continued for an unreasonable length of time or has occurred on several different occasions. Usually an officer can resolve the problem by talking to the residents. 

Remember though that dispatchers prioritize calls, and officers might not respond to yours before other, more urgent ones, but calling 911 is appropriate when events are occurring that police can help resolve. 

When you call 911 the dispatcher will ask if you want to talk to the police when they come, and you may ask that they not come to your house. However, the more information you give the police, the better they will be able to help. Be sure to have information such as descriptions and car tag numbers ready for the 911 dispatcher or the officers when they arrive. 

Call 704-353-1000 for Non-emergencies 

Call the police non-emergency number and file a report if you discover a theft, damage from vandalism, or similar crime, and no one is in the area and you don't know who was responsible. These would be situations where the presence of an officer would not benefit the outcome of the case. You may need a report for an insurance claim, and police use statistics from the reports to assess patterns and tendencies. If you dial 911 and your request isn't urgent, you will be redirected to the non-emergency number, anyway. 

Call the Local Community Coordinator for Ongoing Problems 

Contact Travis Pardue, Community Coordinator for our area, to report and discuss ongoing problems in the community. Officer Pardue reviews repeat offences and quality of life issues. He also works with other local agencies, such as codes enforcement, to coordinate efforts to review and resolve problems. Officer Pardue may be reached at 704-336-7800 or by email at tpardue@cmpd.org

The officers who attended the Griers Fork meeting clearly care about the area that they patrol and about its residents. They are dedicated to maintaining it as a safe and peaceful place in which to live and are eager to help in situations that are appropriate for police involvement. 

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Steele Creek Residents Association to Meet January 28

(January 13,  2003) The annual meeting of the Steele Creek Residents Association will be held in the Kennedy Middle School Multi-purpose Room on Tuesday January 28 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The featured speaker will be Wayne Weston, Director of the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department.  He will speak and answer questions on current status and plans for parks in the Steele Creek Area. Future area parks and facilities include the Upper Steele Creek District Park and greenways for Steele Creek and Coffey Creek. Completion of final phases of major parks, including the Thomas McAllister Winget Park is one of the department's priorities.

Also speaking will be representatives of the developers for three large projects that are coming to Steele Creek: Berewick, Palisades, and Island Pointe. 

The Steele Creek Residents Association was formed in 1980 to protect the community, to ensure quality development, and to maintain Steele Creek community as a great place to live, work, and play. The association  actively participates in the review of rezoning requests within southwest Mecklenburg County and provides feedback to developers, the Planning Commission, and the Charlotte City Council. More iformation is available at the Steele Creek Residents Association web site.

Kennedy Middle School is located up the hill from Griers Fork. Come through the main front door. The Multi-purpose room is straight ahead, but you'll probably have to go around to one side or the other to enter.

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