What are the key documents I should be aware of as a homeowner in Saybrook?
There are three primary documents with which you should be familiar.They are:
The Bylaws of Saybrook Property Owners Association (the “Bylaws”);
The Master Declaration of Protective Covenants and the First Amendment thereto (collectively, the “Protective Covenants”); and
The Declaration of Restrictive Covenants, Reservations, and Easements (the “Restrictive Covenants”).
The Bylaws are the rules of the Saybrook Property Owners Association for its internal governance.The Bylaws define the rights and obligations of various officers and provide rules for routine matters, such as calling meetings and executing documents.
The Protective Covenants generally obligate you (as an owner of a lot in Saybrook) to take some affirmative action, such as paying your annual dues.
The Restrictive Covenants place limits on the use of property in Saybrook.Common restrictions found in the Restrictive Covenants include limitations on how you can use your property, what you can place on your property, and architectural review, all of which are designed to maintain and enhance the value of the property in our community.
Dues
As a Saybrook homeowner, am I required to pay dues?
The annual dues are used for improvements to Saybrook’s Common Areas, including, but not limited to, the payment of taxes and insurance, and repair, maintenance, upkeep, replacement, and additions to the Common Areas, and for the cost of labor, equipment, materials, management and supervision for such.See Protective Covenants, Art. V (Covenant for Maintenance Assessments), Sec. 2 (Purpose of Assessment).
What is the penalty if I don’t pay my dues on time?
The Saybrook Property Owners Association and Board
What is the purpose of the Saybrook Property Owners Association?
The purpose of the Saybrook Property Owners Association is to receive and maintain funds of real or personal property (or both) and to use and apply the income and principal from these funds for the preservation of the Common Areas of Saybrook, including, but not limited to, (a) the entryway and entryway landscaping; (b) landscaping in the center of cul-de-sacs; (c) landscaping of the median strip at the entryway; (d) landscaping mounding including vegetation, grasses, and trees on mounding; (e) bikeways; (f) sidewalks; (g) open spaces; (h) signage; (i) street signs; (j) recreational use; (k) passage and right of way within Saybrook; or (l) for stormwater management purposes including detention basins, easements and rights-of-way.See Bylaws, Art. I (Definitions), Sec. 1.04.
Who are the members of the Saybrook Property Owners Association?
I have a question for the Board.How do I get in touch with them?
If you have a question for the Board, please send an email to Continental Real Estate Management, Inc. (“Continental Real Estate”), the Saybrook Property Owners Association third-party agent, through https://continentalre.appfolio.com/.Continental Real Estate will then forward your email to the Board.All official communication with the Board must be made through mgmt@continentalrealestate.net.
Improvements to Home / Lot
I would like to make some improvements to my home / property.Do I need approval before starting work?
Yes.The general rule is that each homeowner needs prior approval before making certain improvements that impact the outside of your home / lot.
Do I need prior Board approval for any internal improvements?
No.
Why do I need prior approval before making certain external improvements to my home / lot?
The Saybrook Property Owners Association and its Board supports and encourages each homeowner to make improvements to one’s home and property to keep Saybrook one of the premier neighborhoods in this region.The purpose for prior review before making certain external improvements to one’s home / lot is to ensure that overall high standards of our community are continued to be met and to ensure the overall beauty, setting, and safety of Saybrook.
What needs to be submitted to the Board for approval?
[Example and details coming soon]
So, what do I need to do to submit my plans for prior approval?
Please complete the Improvement Approval Application, along with two copies of your plans, and submit it to https://continentalre.appfolio.com.Continental Real Estate will forward your completed application to the Board for review.Please be sure that you have familiarized yourself with all guidelines relating to such improvements or additions and kindly follow them.Finally, to the extent any permits are needed for such improvements, please note it is the responsibility of each homeowner to secure such permits from the appropriate governmental authority.
How long should I expect to wait before I hear back about my plans?
After you submit your plans via email to https://continentalre.appfolio.com/, you will hear back from the Board within thirty (30) days, either approving or disapproving your plans.The Board also may approve in part or disapprove in part your plans, or otherwise qualify such approval, and may take into consideration aesthetic or other considerations as the Board deems suitable.Restrictive Covenants, Para. 6.
Driveways
I want to apply a sealer to my existing driveway. Do I need Saybrook HOA Board approval prior to doing so?
No. So long as you only are applying a sealer to your existing driveway (and not expanding the physical size of your driveway in the process), you do not need approval by the Board to seal your driveway.
My driveway is a bit tight, so I want to expand it. Do I need Saybrook HOA Board approval prior to lengthening, widening, or otherwise expanding my driveway?
Yes. In light of the fact that you are proposing to increase the size of your driveway (thereby reducing the amount of permeable surface on your lot and changing the physical appearance of your driveway), you must seek Saybrook HOA Board approval before proceeding with expanding your driveway. Please note that in addition to Saybrook HOA Board approval, Ferguson Township requires all residents to obtain a permit before commencing work on a driveway expansion.
Spring Clean-Up Landscaping
It’s finally spring after another long State College winter, and I want to spruce up my lawn and get ready for summer by installing fresh mulch and planting some new flowers. Do I need Saybrook HOA Board approval prior to doing so?
No. The Saybrook Homeowners’ Association encourages all neighbors to engage in “spring cleaning” of your lawn and existing landscape. If you only are applying fresh mulch to existing beds, installing new flowers or plants, or simply “cleaning up” your existing landscaping from the long winter, you do not need approval from the Board to do so.
Outdoor Playsets
We are new to the Saybrook neighbor and have seen many wonderful outdoor playsets in the backyards of many homes. We would like to get an outdoor playset for our kids, too. Do we need Saybrook HOA Board approval prior to installing an outdoor playset?
No. An outdoor playset does not constitute a “building” pursuant to paragraph six of the Restrictive Covenants that otherwise would require Board approval. Rather, children’s playsets of the type typically appearing in the Saybrook neighborhood do not require Board approval. The Board, however, does recommend that homeowners place all outdoor playsets in one’s backyard.
Yard Signs
I want to put a sign in my yard.Can I do so?
No.Pursuant to Section 18 of the Restrictive Covenants, “[n]o sign of any kind shall be displayed to the public view on any lot except when the house or lot is for sale; in which case, one sign having an area of not more than five (5) square feet advertising the property for sale may be displayed.”We thank you for your careful attention to this recognized limitation on the use of your property in the Restrictive Covenants that is designed to ensure the overall beauty, setting, and safety of Saybrook.
It is election season.I certainly can put up a political sign in my yard, correct?
No.Pursuant to Section 18 of the Restrictive Covenants, “[n]o sign of any kind shall be displayed to the public view on any lot except when the house or lot is for sale; in which case, one sign having an area of not more than five (5) square feet advertising the property for sale may be displayed.”As a private entity, the Saybrook Property Owners Association can – and does – restrict the placement and display of any sign, including, but not limited to, political signs, on one’s property pursuant to the Restrictive Covenants to which all homeowners are bound by contract.
Mailboxes
Am I responsible for upkeep and repair for my mailbox after I move in?
Yes.Pursuant to Section 21 of the Restrictive Covenants, the developer “shall provide and install all mailboxes and posts for each lot so as to insure conformity in the appearance and location of mailboxes.”Once the initial mailbox has been installed, it is the responsibility of each homeowner in Saybrook to maintain and/or repair your mailbox, as needed, in conformity with the appearance of the initial mailbox.
I want to repaint my mailbox.What paint should I use?
The colors for the mailboxes are as follows:
Maroon Paper-box
Valspar, DURAMAX, Semi-Gloss Exterior, price: $18.48 (circa April 2018)
29 Fl Oz, 336711 Base 4, UPC #: 42397 59572
Tints: 105-1Y21, 109-1.5, 113-35.5, 217-39
Green Post
Valspar, DURAMAX, Semi-Gloss Exterior, price: $18.48 (circa April 2018)
29 Fl Oz, 336711 Base 4, UPC #: 42397 59572
Tints: 102-41, 105-1Y25.5, 107-21, 113-7
To ensure conformity with the appearance of the mailboxes, please only use these colors.
I want to replace the numbers on my mailbox.What numbers should I use? Where can I get the numbers?
Hillman 4” plastic reflective numbers may be purchased at Lowe’s (# and SKU):
08415965841606
18415986841608
28416007841610
38416028841612
48416049841614
To ensure conformity with the appearance of the mailboxes, please only use these numbers.
Where can I get the paint for my mailbox?
The paint for the mailboxes is available for purchase at Lowe’s. To encourage residents to maintain their mailboxes, the HOA has purchased both colors and offers its use for free as a courtesy. To request courtesy paint, contact Jane Adams at janeadams22@gmail.com or Continental Real Estate Management athttps://continentalre.appfolio.com/. Some residents (neighbors) may choose to purchase the paint collectively for convenience.
Replacing Your Mailbox
If you would need to replace any part of or your complete mailbox and post, please contact Continental Real Estate Management at https://continentalre.appfolio.com . Pricing is as follows:
Post only $32
Newspaper Box only $20
Complete painted set including post and newspaper box $55
Mailbox only: :$20.00
Stormwater Basins
What is a stormwater management basin?
A stormwater management basin is a type of Best Management Practice, or BMP, that is designed to manage stormwater runoff. A stormwater management basin is a depression or earthen berm that will temporarily store runoff after rain or snow melt. These basins, typically, have a primary outlet structure, which is most commonly a concrete box which most of the runoff flows through. Basins also have a secondary outlet which usually is an earthen or stone spillway. This spillway is usually only used during extreme runoff events or if the primary outlet becomes clogged.
What is the purpose of a stormwater management basin?
The purpose of a stormwater management basin is to hold back stormwater runoff, allowing it to infiltrate into the soil or drain slowly. The vegetation in basins helps the water to infiltrate into the soil and also help filter and clean the water, catching road sediment and pollutants, keeping them out of our streams.
Where are the applicable stormwater basins located?
There are 5 stormwater management basins that service the Saybrook development. Please see the map below for the locations of these basins.
Saybrook Map
Who originally installed the stormwatermanagement basins in the Saybrook community?
The stormwater management basins were originally installed by the community developers (WPSH Associates and S&A Custom Home Builders, Inc.). The engineering plans were developed by PennTerra Engineering, Inc., which were approved by Ferguson Township and the PA Department of Environmental Protection.
Who owns the stormwater managementbasins in the Saybrook community?
WPSH Associates currently own Basins 2, 3, and 4 in Saybrook. Pursuant to Article IV (Property Rights in the Common Areas), Section 2 (Title to Common Areas), “[e]ither prior to conveyance of the first Lot or at some time thereafter, [WPSH Associates] will convey by special warranty deed, fee title to or an easement in the Common Areas to the [Saybrook Homeowners] Association.”
Who is responsible for the upkeep and repair of the stormwater managementbasins?
A stormwater management basin must be maintained by the owner of the land parcel on which the stormwater basin is located. As to the Saybrook community, because WPSH Associates currently owns the basins at issue, WPSH Associates is responsible for upkeep and repairs of the basins. After the basins are conveyed by WPSH Associates to the Saybrook Homeowners Association (HOA), the HOA will then be responsible for the upkeep of the basins and any repairs that need to be made. Ferguson Township and/or the PA DEP can fine the owner of the basins in the Saybrook community if the basins are not properly maintained.
Why do we need stormwater managementbasins?
State regulations and Township ordinances is the shortest answer to a question about why stormwater management is needed.
Regulations and ordinances are in place to minimize flooding, reduce erosions, and protect water quality that can be degraded as a result of development. Storm water runoff happens in natural, undeveloped areas, but typically only for larger storms. Prior to site development, stormwater runoff drains off the land surface slowly because of the denser plants which promotes more of the water to infiltrate into the uncompacted soils. For most areas in Pennsylvania that are wooded or natural meadows, it takes about an inch or more of rain to produce runoff.
After development, the natural wooded or meadow areas are replaced with roofs, driveways, sidewalks, and streets. These hard surfaces are called impervious surfaces, and they do not allow water to drain through them, unlike how rain can drain into soil (which is called a pervious surface). When rain falls on an impervious surface, it runs off rather than infiltrating into the soil or used by vegetation. Negative impacts of stormwater runoff can include flooding, erosion of streams, sediment build up in lakes, and pollution of streams and lakes. Stormwater flows much faster along a road than it does in the woods. The faster moving water is able to pick up more pollutants like sediment, fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria (from pet waste), and other contaminants, and carry the pollutants to streams and lakes. An increase in the amount of water that runs off after development and how quickly it runs off can cause erosion and instability in streams. Stormwater runoff can cause streams to become wider, deeper, and straighter, losing their natural bends (or meanders) and decreasing habitat for fish and other animals that live in streams. Stormwater from developed areas can also be hotter than natural stream sources. Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, so stormwater can be harmful to fish like trout that need more oxygen.
Stormwater management basins, are designed to control stormwater runoff after development to match what the runoff was like before development.
BMPs, such as stormwater management basins, are needed to reduce the impact of development on downstream streams and lakes by:
minimizing the amount of runoff,
slowing down the runoff,
infiltrating runoff,
evapotranspiring runoff, or
filtering runoff.
The grass looks rather high in the stormwater managementbasin. Why is the grass so long?
Vegetation plays a very important role in the functioning of a stormwater management basin. The plant material that you see in the basin acts as a filter, slowing down water as it flows through the basin and helps catch pollutants. Healthy vegetation also helps prevent the floor of the basin from getting clogged with fine sediment that the runoff picks up from roads, sidewalks, and driveways.
Just as important as what you see above ground, is what’s going on underground. A dense root system creates a complex soil structure that allows water to infiltrate faster and deeper. Water in the soil can be used by the grasses and put back into the atmosphere through transpiration.
I see a lot of water sitting in a particular stormwater management basin after it rains. Is this normal? Does this mean that the stormwater management basin is not working?
One of the purposes of a stormwater management basin is to detain stormwater runoff and allow it to drain more slowly or infiltrate into the soil like it did before the community was constructed. Water sitting in the basin after a rain storm shows that the basin is functioning correctly. The basin should be close to drained within 72 hours of the last rain event. If water is seen standing in the basin a day or two after a rain storm, the basin is doing its job and releasing that stormwater runoff at a slow rate.
