News Articles

Dear Applewood Homeowners,

 

I would like to thank those who attended the recent special meeting.  It was a record turnout with over 100 homeowners present which shows the commitment of our neighbors.  The meeting got off to an unusual start with a motion to refund the $150 special assessment that was voted for in March, but it failed by a wide margin.  Most homeowners understood that assessment was for the general fund in the event the HOA continued litigation with the Wolff Company at the Supreme Court level.  Plus, the special assessment brought up our HOA reserve funds back to normal.  After this assessment, the HOA was in a position to negotiate a settlement.  The negotiated settlement did find the HOA in a wonderful position to improve Applewood Estates.

 

The first project presented was for sidewalk repairs.  Board member Dave Ballard’s tireless effort proved the city was partially responsible for the sinking sidewalks and successfully negotiated a 50% split cost share to repair a total of 96 locations.  It was clear that the cost savings was significant while increasing curb appeal, eliminating the safety hazards on our sidewalks and liability to homeowners.  A motion was made to spend $12,500 out of the general fund for the current repairs as well as homeowner-initiated repairs (past and present).  This motion carried by a wide margin.  We can all breath a little easier knowing that our sidewalks will soon be safe for all.

 

The second project presented was for improvements along Westcliffe Blvd.  Board member Dave Kobus used his natural skills as a project manager to develop a proposal using the settlement money for an eight-foot block wall and landscaping.  Without this money, the project would have been near impossible to complete.  Dave was able to show the homeowners that the proposal would mitigate the impact of the apartments while enhancing curb appeal and Applewood’s upscale character.  Failing to complete the project would have had an overall detrimental impact to all home values by lowering home sale values and the desirability to buy in Applewood; which could lower comparable sale values resulting in an average loss of $17,500 to each homeowner, or worse.  A motion was made to spend up to $130,000 by allocating $81,865 from the settlement fund and $48,135 from a one-time special assessment of $240.  This motion also carried by a wide margin.  We are currently working with companies for bids and hope to be under budget.  However, the HOA still continues to seek in-kind and monetary donations to the project from any homeowner in Applewood or their extended family.  Please click HERE to view and print the form.

 

If you did not attend the meeting, please know that the board is made up of representatives who experience and have a full understanding of the financial impact that these special assessments have on a family budget, the unemployed and folks on a fixed income, and they were all in agreement that we should move forward for the good of the community.  These votes were not from just a small group of homeowners as they passed by a wide margin conducted in accordance with our bylaws.  The showing of support for both projects should reassure everyone that the board and the majority of homeowners in Applewood do care about their neighbors and everyone’s home value; from the border to the interior.  You may read the meeting minutes and check out the project presentations by visiting the website.  You can find them under the meeting minutes.

 

The board is fully aware that this will be the second special assessment in 2012 now totaling $390.  The HOA does not plan on any future annual due increases or big projects and felt that Applewood should take full advantage of this opportunity to let the homeowners vote on moving forward and improving our development while preserving, or perhaps increasing your home value.  The board is sensitive to the few homeowners who may have a hardship with the special assessment.  The block wall will begin soon and payment will be due at the completion.  We are asking that homeowners submit their payment in within 45 days.

 

Personally, my wife and I did not plan or budget for extra HOA expenditures this year but, we know it is the right thing to do at the right time.  We will also be donating extra to improve the project.  We hope you feel the same as us and encourage you to look at a possible extra donation if you can.  I would personally like to thank all the homeowners who have recently contacted me giving support and thanking the HOA for being informative, transparent and caring enough for the neighborhood to improve it for all.  Please know that there have been many homeowners working behind the scenes (past and present) who have contributed to making Applewood Estates the best it can be.  From neighbor to neighbor this is a team effort and we should all thank one another.

 

Respectfully,

 

Tony Valdez, President
Applewood Estates Homeowner Association