Portside Condominium HOA Newsletter
November 2024
Latest News
Happy Thanksgiving!
May your stuffing be tasty, your turkey be plump, and the pies take you straight to a nap.
Fire!!
Thanks to Karen and Ken Jefferies (Unit 632) for organizing the marshmallow roast down at the fire pit on the beach on Tuesday night, November 19th. Well done! Let's do it again soon.
Photo of the Month
Another perfect sunset - photo by Al Mattia (Unit 611).
HOA Board Highlights
Special Assessment
The HOA Board has proposed a Special Assessment in the amount of $1,300,000 to be used for needed repairs and general maintenance. A summary can be found here (click here for a copy of the plan) that includes descriptions, the plan of work, and the amount due from each Owner. To vote, one must review and fill out a ballot (click here for a copy of the ballot) and return it to our property manager (in person, by regular mail, or as an email attachment) or give to one of the HOA Board members (who will turn it in for you). For your vote to count, it must be received by our property manager by 12:00 PM, Monday, December 16th.
Your HOA Board members will try to contact each of you to help answer questions or provide clarification. In addition, an optional meeting/discussion will be held at the Portside pool regarding the Special Assessment from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Sunday, December 1st. Per our Declaration (governing document) and confirmed by our attorneys, the Special Assesment will be approved with the affirmative vote of Unit Owners representing at least 51% of the Common Interest.
Brief Overview of the Special Assessment
The Portside Condominium Association Board has proposed a $1.3 million Special Assessment to address critical maintenance needs and ensure the property retains its premier status in Davidson Landing. The collected funds will focus on essential repairs and improvements, enhancing both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Payments are due by January 31, 2025, and work is scheduled for completion by mid-2025.
- Roofs and Flashing: While the shingles are in good condition, targeted repairs will address leaks, particularly around flat roofs, chimneys and improperly maintained flashing.
- Trim Replacement: Leaks from rotted trim will be repaired using durable materials. Unit owners planning window replacements are encouraged to coordinate for a group discount.
- Stucco Maintenance: Minimal damage has been identified, primarily near roof edges and improperly maintained trim. Repairs will follow engineering recommendations to maintain stucco's longevity.
- Decks: Damaged second and third-story decks will be replaced with Trex systems to prevent water pooling and leaks.
- Painting: Once repairs are complete, one or more fresh coats of high-quality paint will added to improve the property’s appearance.
- Parking Lot (Optional): If budget allows, the parking lot will be resurfaced and restriped.
- Process and Voting:Owners must vote on the Special Assessment by December 16, 2024. Approval requires support from owners representing at least 51% of common interest. If passed, payments will be due by January 31, 2025. This initiative reflects the Board's commitment to proactive maintenance and long-term value preservation. Further details and instructions are available in the full proposal.
Unit Renovations
We have several Units undergoing renovations. Thank you for adhering to the HOA rules by completing an ARC (Architectural Review Form) and agreeing to follow county and HOA rules.
Trim Repairs have started
Charlotte based constuction firm Southern Home Services began exterior maintenance work on the trim in our property on Thursday, November 21st. The project will start with the exterior of Building 1, followed by Building 2 .... The work may cause some noise and minor disruptions around the affected areas. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this time.
Portside Committees
| Committee Name | Members | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Internet Fiber | Mark Richmond Click here if you want to join. |
Some of us want all the Internet we can get, no matter the cost. Others want faster service at the same or lower cost. The answer is fiber. Take the plunge and try to coordinate this please with one or more of the nine other condo associations and businesses in Davidson Landing. Make sure to get cost and time estimates, permits if needed, etc. and prepare a clear summary for review. |
| 2. Larger Mailboxes | Ken Jeffries Click here if you want to join. |
Tired of seeing all your mail jammed into that tiny mailbox? Do your USPS boxes even fit? Can we install bigger mailboxes? The good news is - yes. We've already spoken to the Davidson postmaster, and if we pay for it, and it meets their specs, go for it. Note as in the committee above, do all the legwork required and propose a clear summary and proposal with costs, timing, etc. |
| 3. Electric Car Chargers | Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Electric Car Chargers Committee. |
Plan on buying a Tesla? EV cars (and hybrids) are here to stay. We hear several Owners have an interest in purchasing an electric car and would like to charge it using on-site permanent chargers. Do the research, think about who should pay, find out the city's permitting needs, vet the best electricians, and make sure it works with all EVs, and try to future proof it so the models coming in five years will be compatible. Also, make sure you don't violate ADA rules with cables. |
| 4. Reclad the Exterior of the Entire Complex | Mark Richmond Click here if you want to join. |
Want to kiss the Stucco bye-bye? An anonymous Portside Owner on Facebook recently posted their desire to reclad all of the Portside buildings and retaining walls with a stone laminate/foam. Here are some numbers to help you get started: We have about 100,000 sq ft of exterior, 50,000 sq ft of roof, 5,000 to 10,000 linear ft each of flashing, trim, and corners. Don't forget installation labor costs and future maintenance costs. We suspect there will be strong opinions on both sides of such a proposal (aesthetics and costs). |
| 5. Gate/Perimeter Fences | Rick Keene Click here if you want to join. |
Do you not like seeing random people you don't know walking through the property? Would you prefer a more secure entry requirement for the complex? Here's your chance. Do the research for what it takes to build a gate and/or a fence. Lots of rules here to consider including county and city laws, what to do about invited guests, deliveries, etc. Don't forget to include upfront and on-going costs as well. |
| 6. A Guard | Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Guard Committee. |
Want to take the above idea a step higher? How about an actual human guard, temporary or permanent? To do this, you might need a building too (see below). |
| 7. Office/Storage Building | Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Office/Storage Committee. |
We have a little bit of room to store equipment in the Pool House, but we do not have room to store wood, ladders, tools, garden supplies, or other equipment which would likely lower our maintenance costs, particularly if we had a part-time or full-time handyman, on-site manager, or guard working for Portside directly. There are lots of points to consider here, mostly regarding the construction planning and costs for something like a 300-500 sq foot building that would not block the views. |
| 8. Update Portside Rules and Regulations | Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Update Portside Rules and Regulations Committee. |
Don't like the Portside Rules and Regulations? Want to change, add, or remove a rule? Here's your chance. Take our current Rules and Regulations and draft a newer version. Make sure you don't make a change that violates state, county, or city law or that conflicts with either our Declaration or By-Laws. Be prepared to spend a lot of time on this, and before suggesting big changes, please take a straw poll of many members to see if they'll support the new ideas. This is one we will submit at our annual meeting this summer for a vote by all members. |
| 9. Garages | Lynn Claunch Click here if you want to join. |
Have you noticed that some of the other Davidson Landing associations have garages? Why not here at Portside too? Now you can have a place to work on your cars or just keep it out of the hot sun. As with any building, you will need to learn about permits and rules, architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe just a handful of Owners want a garage? Think about where you would put this (and make sure you don't block anyone's views). Plus, consider how one small group (the garage enthusiasts) might need to compensate those who don't want a garage or don't want to pay for it either. |
| 10. Beach Improvements | Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Beach Improvements Committee. |
Should we rake the beach more often? Do we need more sand? How about a semi-permanent floating island one could swim out to and bask in the sun. Would it be nice to have a small beach cabana down at the beach? Perhaps we make it look like a Jimmy Buffet resort? Do we want the basics, or do we need running water, sewage, or electricity at the beach? Think about what we have versus what we might want. You might need to consider insurance, building permits, designs, and more. Plus, make sure we don't block the view and keep it all on Portside property. |
| 11. Beach Foot Showers | Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Beach Foot Shower Committee. |
This could be a part of the above, but it's a small distinct project: do you wish we had foot showers at the base of each cement path on the main beach so we don't track sand into a Unit or into the pool? This one is mostly about plumbing and cost. But don't forget about the folks in buildings one, two, and seven who don't use the cement paths (unless they are walking to the pool). |
| 12. Putting Green | Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Putting Green Committee. |
Any golfers? It's been suggested that we consider a putting green on the Portside property. Do some research and then make a proposal. Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Putting Green Committee. |
| 13. Architectural Review Committee |
Melanie Poteat Click here if you want to volunteer to be a part of the Architectural Review Committee. |
This committee is one of the few permanent committees in our association. In the absence from other interested members, the HOA board members will fill this role. This committee meets whenever a Unit Owner submits an ARC, the document describing their Unit renovation plans. The purpose is to ensure that repairs, improvements, and renovations to Units align with the architectural and legal requirements of such. The committee must respond to new requests and provide feedback promptly to the requestor and make a recommendation to the HOA Board for the approval for each request. |
Portside Members Spotlight: Meet Jon Kubricht
Portside is thrilled to welcome Jon Kubricht (Unit 669) to our community! After a three-year search, Jon found his perfect slice of paradise right here in Davidson, settling into Unit 669 at the end of October. And let’s just say, after 46 years in Chicago, Jon knows a thing or two about city living — but he’s ready to trade blaring horns for a relaxing beach and chirping crickets.
Jon’s path to Portside wasn’t just a move — it was an adventure. Having traveled to more than fifty countries while running a craft supply import business, Jon has tasted life around the globe (and yes, he means “tasted” quite literally). His culinary bravery reached new heights in Peru, where he unknowingly sampled horse heart—a delicacy that, according to Jon, is as rubbery as it sounds. But despite his world travels, seafood is still a no-go. We’re guessing there’s not enough spicy sauces in the world to change his mind on that.
Jon’s entrepreneurial career has taken him from his own business’s warehouses stocked with 35,000 unique items to leading educational tours in the Czech Republic (because who doesn’t love crystals, diamonds, gold, and pearls?). He hasn’t completely retired — in a few months, he will be leading a group touring the largest gem and jewelry show in Hong Kong. Yes, these days, he’s easing into a slower pace, devoting just ten hours a week to a few large clients with custom orders. The rest of his time? It’s split between unpacking boxes, painting walls, and figuring out why Davidson feels like a ghost town after 9 PM. Given Dave and Susan’s (Unit 652) knack for friendly late-night chats over a drink, we think Jon might make an excellent new recruit for their evening gatherings.
A self-proclaimed pickleball enthusiast and die-hard Cubs fan (we won’t hold that against him), Jon has a knack for staying active. He’s already scoping out NASCAR, thanks to a good friend in the memorabilia biz, and promises to snag tickets for the next race. If you see Jon wielding a pickleball paddle or cheering for the Cubs, be sure to say hello — he’ll gladly swap sports stories (though don’t bring up the Bulls unless you’re ready for a dissertation on team loyalty). Jon’s alma mater, Wheaton College, is famous for two things: its connection to Billy Graham and teaching students how to endure long winters with nothing but theology textbooks and cafeteria coffee. It’s safe to say Jon is well-prepared for any challenge life throws his way — even unpacking all those boxes!
Jon’s life has been full of firsts, from running for political office three times (and to use the politically correct term, he was an “un-winner” each time) to noticing how beautifully dark and quiet Davidson nights can be at night. And while he may not be a fan of seafood, he’s a fan of the slower, friendlier lifestyle here in Portside. This Thanksgiving, he’s heading to Jackson, Michigan, to spend time with old friends — but he’s equally excited to get to know his new neighbors once he returns.
So, welcome, Jon! Portside is lucky to have you. And if you ever need an extra hand unpacking (or just someone to share stories about rubbery delicacies), you know where to find us.
Other Information
| Property Manager Details | Previous Newsletters | Governing Documents |
|---|---|---|
Company: Main Stree Management, 18115 W Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031 |
North Carolina Unit Ownership Act - Chapter 47A | |
Portside Property Manager: Ann Marie Creavin |
Chapter 47C - North Carolina Condominium Act | |
Phone: (704) 255-1266 |
Portside Declaration | |
| Portside By-Laws | ||
Portside Document Website and Work Order / Repair Requests: Click here |
Portside Rules and Regulations |