Neighborhood Thrives in 25th Year: Annual Report, May 1, 2016 – April 30, 2017

During the last year, the County undertook several large capital projects in the open space. Repairs and improvements to stormwater management facilities were made in the areas of Velvet Path, Golden Star Place, and Fairest Dream Lane. The County also conducted stormwater facility maintenance such as the work performed behind Wild Orange Gate and Hidden Waters Way.

River Hill residents serve on the Association’s Architectural Committee (AC) and Resident Architectural Committee (RAC) to ensure the covenant process runs smoothly and changes made to residential properties are in keeping with the community. During FY17, the following River Hill residents put in many hours on behalf of the community: Mohammad Saleem (AC Chair), Karen Jespersen (AC), Karen Smith (AC), Debbie Trapuzzano (AC) Ilona Mallon (AC), Syed Ahmad (RAC), Roy C. Brown II (RAC), Lacey Cohen (RAC Chair), Thomas D. Johnson (RAC), Gary Sauers (RAC), S. Jennifer Zhai (RAC). The RAC and AC reviewed 197 exterior alterations and in-home business applications in FY17. This represents a 0.5% increase from the number of applications reviewed in FY16. The AC is responsible for hearing and making decisions on all appeal requests. There was 1 appeal hearing in FY17. The AC also reviews all covenant enforcement actions reaching the 15-Day Violation Notice stage and evaluates the need for further action on the part of the Village Association and CA. To aid in maintaining property values and the aesthetics of the community, one goal is to have properties in compliance with the Covenants when homes go up for sale prior to transferring ownership. The Covenant Advisor is responsible for conducting the letter of compliance inspections and coordinating with the property owner, RAC, and AC as needed. The Association received 124 requests for letter of compliance inspections in FY17, a 10% increase in the number of requests over FY16. Of these properties, 39 were non-compliant on the first inspection and had to be reinspected to receive a letter of compliance. No properties were sold in noncompliance. One property sold with a contingent letter of compliance and has since been made compliant. The Association processed 112 complaints during FY17, a 60% increase over the number of complaints received in the prior year. Covenant complaints are processed by the Covenant Advisor on behalf of the AC. All other complaints are referred by staff to the appropriate departments within Howard County Government, CA, Kimco Realty (the owners of the Village Center) or the State Highway Administration. When a property owner does not resolve a covenant violation, the Association can proceed with further action. This action may include restricting residents from using CA facilities and programs, flagging CA’s assessment files to identify a covenant violation should the property transfer ownership, and/or proceeding with legal action. During FY17, no properties were referred by the Association to CA for further action. At the end of FY17 there were 2 active cases with the CA’s Architectural Resource Committee (ARC). These cases are expected to be closed shortly. From time to time, the Association incurs costs for legal fees associated with the operation of the Association and covenant enforcement.

Development-related matters continue to be a focus for the community. The Association’s Development Advisory Committee (DAC) monitored and reviewed development plans, attended meetings, and advised the RHBOD on a variety of matters. Harjeet Singh Jandu, Will McCullough, Tony Miceli, Jack Sacchetti, Mavourene Robinson (Chair), Cleveland Wilson, and Julie Wilson served on the DAC.

During FY17, the Association:

•Continued to monitor development plans for properties along Clarksville Pike and near the village;

•Testified before the Zoning Board regarding changes to the plans for the Simpson Oaks residential development;

•Provided feedback to the developer of the River Hill Square (former River Hill Garden Center property) project;

•Provided written input to the County’s Design Advisory Panel regarding the River Hill Square project;

•Advocated on behalf of residents to relocate a cell tower proposed on WR Grace property; and

•Submitted written input to the County regarding transportation priorities for FY18.

Under an agreement with CA, the Association manages Claret Hall and the Meeting Room. The Association is responsible for administering all facility rentals and ensuring that the buildings as well as furniture and fixtures are maintained and updated as needed. Both facilities are used by the Association for community meetings and events. In FY17, free usage of space was given to the following organizations: Pointers Run Piranhas Swim Team, Pheasant Ridge Rapids Swim Team, CA Aquatics, Girl Scout Troop 10318, and Boy Scout Troop 618. By renting space at both buildings, the Association generates revenue to fund operations, programs, and services. The Association maintains an online presence to promote the rental of the facilities: www.ClaretHall.org and www.Facebook.com/ClaretHallMD. During FY17, both buildings continued to be well utilized. Revenue from social, business, and class rentals increased 20% over the prior year. The following classes were offered at the facilities and provided an opportunity for members of the community to be active and to connect with one another: Adult Ballroom Dance, Chinese Wushu, Music Together, Tien Shan Kung Fu, Triathlean, Yoga, and Zumba. The Church of God and the Church of Christ leased space at Claret Hall for services and programs. The Association’s inability to secure a long-term tenant at the Meeting Room as anticipated and budgeted, did negatively impact the Association’s total lease and revenue income which in turn constrained some operating and capital expenditures.

We know that there will be more residential and commercial growth in the Clarksville/River Hill area in the coming years. As we move forward, enhancing the quality of life for River Hill residents will continue to be the Association’s priority.