Testing and Deeding of Basins

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September 28, 2021

Sweetland Engineering (“Sweetland”) submitted its final report, Saybrook Basin Inspection Summary, dated June 28, 2018, to the Board of the Saybrook Homeowners Association relating to its testing of the stormwater basins at issue. The Board has since shared the final Sweetland report with S&A, and the Board currently is engaged in discussions with S&A on what improvements, if any, may be made to the stormwater basins at issue.

June 28, 2018

May 9, 2017

The Saybrook HOA Board is in the process of interviewing and awarding an independent engineering firm a contract to represent the Saybrook HOA Board in the Saybrook basin testing and deeding effort with S&A. Presently S&A owns and is responsible for the basins. Transferring ownership, responsibility, and maintenance of the basins is mandated as the Saybrook development nears completion. The process of transferring the basins has been slower than all parties would like. Nonetheless, the HOA board wishes to keep the HOA membership informed of all important events and progress as the effort unfolds.

To begin, the HOA board generated two RFPs (requests for proposals) from local engineering firms. Two proposals were received and reviewed; interviews were held; and follow up information requested. The board will hold an urgent meeting this week or next to vote on the contract which will best serve the HOA’s present and future interests. Testing will essentially consist of verifying construction of the basins and percolation tests.

Some HOA members have noticed and commented that grass mowing practices have changed in the last year. S&A states that the change is in keeping with the basin designs and explicitly states the recommended height for the grass to be between 9” – 18”. S&A will not be mowing until the grass in the bottom of the basin reaches at least the minimum height.

Basin 2 (N Foxpointe Drive), Basin 3 (along bike path), and Basin 4 (Longfellow Lane – rear of Lot 44) were constructed over many years during the phased development of Saybrook. Their appearance varies, i.e. Basin 3 landscaping is more plentiful than Basins 2 and 4 combined. A recent status check performed on 5/8/17 at 5:30 PM revealed the following:

Basin 2 (N Foxpointe Drive)
- Basin grass height: 17-21”
- Standing water (area estimate): 0 %
- Basin border grass: Neatly cut by EcoLawn

Basin 3 (along bike path)
- Basin grass height: 11-21”
- Standing water (area estimate): 30 %
- Standing water depth: 4-6”
- Yellow flowers height: 20”
- Basin border grass: Neatly cut by EcoLawn

Basin 4 (Longfellow Lane – rear of lot 48)
- Grass height: 19”
- Standing water (area estimate): 90 %
- Standing water depth: 4-6”
- Basin border grass: Neatly cut by EcoLawn

Looking down the road after testing and deeding have successfully been completed, the board envisions improving the landscaping of Basin 2. This effort is thought to include a professionally designed landscape plan to increase Saybrook’s curb appeal as well as make it more family friendly without sacrificing functionality.

May 19, 2017

The HOA board meet May 16^th to select an engineering firm to represent the Saybrook HOA Board in the Saybrook basin testing and deeding effort with S&A. After proper review of the proposals and additional follow up information, the HOA board voted to award the contract to Sweetland Engineering & Associates (SE&A) of State College, PA. Both engineering firms have been notified of the vote.

Moving forward, The HOA board plans to hold a kick-off meeting with SE&A the week of May 22^nd to start the effort.

The HOA board just recently received a notification from S&A of issues with two of the basins. S&A will resolve the basin issues in preparation of testing.