Happy New Year to All,
So, I opened my last update by saying that winter had officially arrived. One week ago, today the high temperature was 26 and today we were over 70. Go figure…
The ice and snow have finally left us, and the paving crews have been working on the fine grading and rolling of White Cliffs. They will likely start paving the following week, once the water dissipates and the rock has an opportunity to dry out. The whole thing about putting asphalt down is that you only want to do it once, so the conditions must be right to avoid failures in the pavement down the road. Curbing has been installed along portions of the Chair Road extension on the other side of the power line easement and rock has been laid on a good part of it. We will be bringing back the tree spade truck sometime this month or next to move some more trees as the response was great.
While the harsh weather last week had an impact on our sales traffic, we have seen a number people come out this week and even a few in the bitter cold of last weekend. Sales in 2017 were strong with forty-five Lots sold, and we expect an even better 2018.
The annual HOA meeting will be held next Wednesday evening at 6:00 at Porches and we encourage all of you to attend. In addition to reports from the management company, development team and others, there will be ample opportunity to discuss the budget, work done by the Advisory Committee and the various sub-committees and a chance for questions. While the Developer retains control of the HOA, these committees have been formed to get constructive input from the residents and help communication. We consider it another step in working towards creating a community and more importantly your desired neighborhood. Don’t forget that prior to the meeting, starting at 5:00 pm, residents will have a chance to come to Porches and get instruction on the portal.
The Resident Advisory Committee wanted to share that the four committees formed a couple weeks ago (Greeter Hours, Multi-Purpose Room, Community Farm and Amenities Committee) have launched themselves. Residents received a report/survey from the Greeter Hours Committee today and can expect updates from some committees during the January 17th HOA meeting. Thanks to all the residents who volunteered to be on one or more committee, for either your work on a committee or your understanding that keeping the committees an efficient size. Many volunteers could not become members at this time but, there will be ample opportunities to participate in the future.
Amenities Update
Work will be starting early next week on both the Multi-Use room and the tennis/pickleball areas. The permits with the CFPUA have taken quite a while to obtain but they were released yesterday, and things will be getting ramped up. We have been working diligently on getting contractors lined up for the completion of the Riverwalk and the floating dock sections are under construction now. We are also looking at additional window treatments in the fitness center. One request is to please make sure you turn the equipment off once you have finished using it as this will help extend its life.
Neighborhood Safety
The only thing we have to mention regarding neighborhood safety this week is how communication during the weather event of last week really helped. As everyone saw first-hand, our region is not built to respond to an ice/snow event such as we had. One of your neighbors was kind enough to call Ron at the gate during the ice Wednesday evening and let him know about multiple accidents on I-140 and Ron was able to let people know (including me) on their way out of the property. Hopefully our share of ice and snow was used up last week.
Community Activities
USS North Carolina Tour – response to this has been great and we have the required number of people to insure the discount but please sign up if you are still interested in attending. The tour will be on January 25th from 1:00 to 4:00. More details to follow later next week as to when and where to meet. Be on the lookout with more details later next week for an email from Tara. Carpooling has been mentioned by several attendees so if interested email Tara. After you’re done, come on back to Porches for free wings night!
Free Chicken Wings – We will have free chicken wings at Porches on Thursday, January 25th beginning at 5:00. As we’ve mentioned before, if it continues to be well attended, we will make it a monthly event.
Super Bowl Party – The NFL Super Bowl is on Sunday, February 4th and we will be having a party at Porches. We will get additional information out to you next week, but the plan is to have a flat charge which will cover chili, other food as well as a couple of drinks. The NFL playoffs continue this weekend on both Saturday and Sunday and you’re welcome to come to Porches to watch. As many of you know, AT&T is in a dispute with the local FOX affiliate and is not broadcasting. We are working on getting reception to the TVs in Porches for Sunday afternoon’s game (which is the only of the four games being broadcast on FOX).
Farmer’s Market – Farmer Steve won’t be at Porches tomorrow but Feast for the Gods will be making a return visit so plan on stopping by to see what wonderful things they have from 10:00 to 3:00.
Dry Cleaning Pickup/Delivery – Nature’s Way Dry Cleaning has started pickup and delivery at River Bluffs and if you are interested in signing up with them you can e-mail Tara for more information.
Thank you again for making River Bluffs your home and we look forward to a productive annual meeting next week. As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions. Have a great weekend!