Portside Condominium HOA Newsletter
October 2024
Latest News
Happy Halloween!
[Editor's note: if you know someone who wants to receive this newsletter
but is not receiving it, please click here, tell us their name and email address,
and we will add them to the list.]
It was a Party!
Corey and Annette's (Units 623 & 624) annual Octoberfest party was a hit! Music, beer, laughter, beer, a bonfire, beer, and more. OK, we know you want to hear the juicy gossip, but you'll have to ask someone else.
High Speed Chase
Yes, a few weeks back, police chased a car with four teenage boys from Mooresville to the Portside parking lot, ending when they hit a post at the south end of our property. It's quite possible that post saved them from driving their car into the lake. As of today, we know they caught three, but we have no further news about the fourth.
Car Stolen
We don't know if it's a coincidence, but one of our residents reported that their car was stolen within 24 hours of the above chase. This is at least three cars we know have been stolen within the past three years from the Portside parking lot. Best to make sure your keys or valuables aren't left in your car. PS - We do have security cameras on our property and will be adding a few more.
Packages and Open Doors
Many of us leave our front doors open for most of the year (usually with a glass screen door in place). This creates a nice and welcoming neighborly feel. Also, packages (usually from Amazon), are left at our front doors. It would be nice to get some feedback and data about how safe this practice is. If you think you have had a package stolen, and want to let others know, click here to send an email and we will share that information with the rest of the community. It will be nice to know what the real rate of crime is so we can act accordingly (hoping it is very low).
Update about our next-door neighbors' construction
Here is the
link again for those who want to see their plans. Those loud noises you heard earlier this month were the sound of very large trees crashing to the ground.
Photo of the Month
Alien, Meteor, or Harvest Moon? - photo by Sandy Short-Steiss (Unit 657).
HOA Board Highlights
Portside is a Shared Living Community
Living in a condo with an HOA is like being part of a quirky family. You've got shared walls, a shared pool, and sometimes even shared opinions you didn’t ask for! The HOA helps keep things looking nice, fixing what’s broken (hopefully), and making sure everyone sticks to the rules — like no purple front doors or pet alligators. It's cozy and convenient, and you get to know your neighbors a bit more than you would in a regular house. Of course, that also means might occasionally debate and disagree over things like noise, paint colors, or proper beach attire. If you like structure (with a sprinkle of drama), it's a solid choice. But hey, it’s not for everyone — some folks prefer their freedom without anyone telling them they can't have a propane grill on their balcony.
Governing Documents
This is where our governing documents come in. The first thing to know is you cannot be a Portside Owner (or renter) here without having given your consent to follow the rules we all live by. These rules are Portside's "governing documents":
| Document Name | Brief Description |
|---|---|
| North Carolina Unit Ownership Act - Chapter 47A | The applicable law to Condos in North Carolina that were formed before 1986 (Portside was formed in December, 1985). |
| Chapter 47C - North Carolina Condominium Act | A newer North Carolina law created in 1986, after Portside was formed, but ten to twelve sections of this newer law retroactively apply to Portside. |
| Portside Declaration | This is the document that describes the initial formation of our HOA and the basic rules of Portside. The state laws above have precedence - the Declaration provides some structure. |
| Portside By-Laws | This document provides much more detail about the legal basis for our HOA's operations and processes. |
| Portside Rules and Regulations | Finally, we have the document with more specific do's and don'ts with respect to many aspects of living in our shared community. |
Role of the Portside HOA Board
An HOA board manages its community’s common areas, enforces rules, and oversees the finances. Board members are responsible for maintaining property values, organizing repairs, and ensuring compliance with the community’s covenants, conditions, and rules. We also work with our property and/or site managers and make decisions that reflect the interests and well-being of the community. Essentially, we aim to create a safe, pleasant living environment for all of us.
Being the local handyman or a full-time on-site property manager is not the role of a Portside HOA Board member - we have hired others that are paid to help perform these tasks. Sometimes one of us may volunteer to help, but that's mostly when we think we can do something faster or cheaper. It's often a thankless job that previous board members may likely nod their heads up and down in agreement, remembering when they served. It can also be a forty hour per week role at times.
Unit Renovations
One of the rules we all must follow is with respect to Unit renovations. It is a requirement of our governing documents that an Owner notify the Board/Property Management company when planning improvements to a Unit that involve electrical, plumbing, hvac, exterior cosmetics, or changes to load bearing walls. Why? Because we all live together in a shared community, and when you purchased your Unit, you agreed to follow the rules.
To comply, simply fill out an ARC (Architectural Review Form) from our HOA website and submit it. You'll likely receive a response within a few days. The ARC is a request for approval, not an automatic approval. Amongst other things, the committee focuses on exterior changes, if any, and the structural integrity of the building. Once approved, you will need to follow some commonsense rules with respect to noise, clean up, etc. In addition, remember that our By-Laws and/or the county may require you to have significant work performed by licensed and/or bonded contractors, and in some cases, may require permits.
The Portside HOA board is not responsible for a Unit Owner's lack of knowledge with respect to the rules pertaining to renovations. If you are planning improvements, you need to consult your own contractors, engineers, lawyers, and/or the county to determine the lawful requirements of your work.
Dogs
This is simple: if you have a dog and it stays on your deck or in your Unit, all is good, but when you take it for a walk on the Portside property, it needs to be on a leash. If you have a registered service dog, then other rules may apply, so please provide the HOA with a copy of that service agreement if this applies to you. As an aside, there is a pending lawsuit at another association in Davidson Landing with respect to an Owner and a dog that was not leashed.
Special Assessment Proposal - Coming Soon
We'll aim to distribute the new Special Assessment packet with details about our planned community repairs and reserve fund around Friday, Nov 15th. We plan to hold an Owners meeting and vote at 7:00PM on Wednesday, Dec 4th at the Davidson town hall (the same place we did the annual meeting in August). Mark your calendars and stay tuned.
Sidewalks
By the time this newsletter is sent, we should be finished with most of our sidewalk repairs. We had to "shave" more than 130 sections. Why did we do this? Because our insurance company demanded it (they were one step ahead of the county inspectors). The biggest question we have had is "when will the new look like the old", and the answer is "in about 18 months".
Propane Tanks
If you still have a propane tank on the second or third floor, you are likely to get fined. If the Fire Marshall (who has told us he is coming back to inspect) finds a propane grill on your deck, he will likely levy a very large fine. If your apathy causes our HOA to lose its property insurance, that would be a bad day for you. It's so much easier to just follow the rules.
Water Leaks
We are repairing leaks in the pipes that supply water to buildings one, two, and three. Also, the plumbers will continue looking for a wastewater leak that exits buildings three and four.
This is a quick reminder that: (1) if your appliances leak (including but not limited to water heaters, dishwashers, refrigerators, garbage disposals, washing machines, toilets, showers, and sinks) and cause damage to another Unit, it is your responsibility to pay for those damages; and (2) if you are going to be away from your Unit for an extended period of time, it might be a good idea to turn off your water while you are away.
Pumping Station (Sewers)
All sewage flows out via a pumping station located between Building Six and Seven, where we also have an emergency generator and a large propane tank that powers that pump in case we lose power (we don't ever want sewage to back up). The city is now requiring us to move the propane tank (new regulations) away from the generator ... just another unexpected regulatory charge we have recently encountered.
Volunteers Wanted and Greatly Appreciated!
Many of you ask how you can help (ok, not many, but a few). Well, here's your chance. We have many potential Portside projects which could use a strong committee leader. Pick one of the topics below, do it by yourself, or form a committee. You'll need to do the research, meet with vendors to get quotes, poll the community to see if there is support (there usually is until you disclose the cost), and prepare a nice, easy to understand proposal for the board's review (or in a few cases we might need a community vote).
Here's the best part - you won't get paid to do any of this! And some of the items below will take tens of hours (or maybe hundreds) over many weeks or months. Make sure you get a feel in advance as to whether or not others want this (it almost always comes down to cost in the end). Each Committee should provide timely updates to the HOA Board until a proposal is made, the work is completed, or the committee is dissolved.
Your board is focused until the end of 2024 on the Special Assessment, so any volunteers for the items below will help. Again, this is just a list of ideas that need to be assessed - the decisions to implement come once the ideas are fully fleshed out and discussed:
| Committee Name | Brief Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Internet Fiber | 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. Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Internet Fiber Committee. |
| 2. Larger Mailboxes | 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. Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Larger Mailboxes Committee. |
| 3. Electric Car Chargers | 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. Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Electric Car Chargers Committee. |
| 4. Reclad the Exterior of the Entire Complex | 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). Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Reclad the Exterior of the Entire Complex Committee. |
| 5. Gate/Perimeter Fences | Do you not like seeing random people you don't know walking through our 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. Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Gate / Fences Committee. |
| 6. A Guard | 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). Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Guard Committee. |
| 7. Office/Storage Building | 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. Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Office/Storage Committee. |
| 8. Update our Rules and Regulations | 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. Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Update our Rules and Regulations Committee. |
| 9. Garages | 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. Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Garages Committee. |
| 10. Beach Improvements | 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. Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Beach Improvements Committee. |
| 11. Beach Foot Showers | 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). Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Beach Foot Shower Committee. |
| 12. Putting Green | 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 | 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. Click here if you want to volunteer to chair or just be a part of the Architectural Review Committee. |
Portside Members Spotlight: Meet Ken and Karen Jeffries!
Last month we re-introduced many of you to Kimm and Ray Jolly, one of the first families to call Portside home. This month we’re excited to introduce one of our newest additions. Let’s shine the spotlight on Ken and Karen Jeffries (Unit 632), two new faces at Portside who are already settling in like pros. The Jeffries joined us in March 2024, relocating from Austin, Texas. As Air Force brats, they’ve lived all over, but they’re thrilled to now call Davidson Landing their home. And yes, they bought their condo sight unseen — talk about taking the plunge! But don’t worry, they’ve fallen in love with the place (phew!).
Ken and Karen’s story goes all the way back to junior high school when Ken gazed across the cul-de-sac, they both lived on and saw the girl of his dreams. But they didn’t start dating until they met again in college - maybe Ken just needed some time to build up the courage! After they married, Ken began a career in the semiconductor industry, starting as an engineer but ending up on the business side, saying he enjoyed working with his customers the most. Karen, on the other hand, is a critical care nurse and has worked in many hospitals eventually spending more time in a leadership role as a nurse trainer, helping future generations of nurses save lives. They both retired recently, and if you see them around, you’ll likely find them enjoying a game of pickleball, relaxing by the pool, or strolling along the lakeshore.
The Jeffries originally looked for a house on the lake but decided on Davidson Landing for its unbeatable combo of town proximity, airport convenience, and of course, the lake. Now, they’re here full-time, soaking up the views, hitting the pool and beach, and diving into the community vibe. Karen’s already found the time to volunteer in a local kindergarten class and both volunteer at a local soup kitchen too. They have a son who still lives in Texas and a daughter who calls Ashville home. And guess what? They’re about to become grandparents for the first time with a due date of December 25 — what a Christmas gift! They’re open to name suggestions, so if you’ve got some creative juices (we're looking at you, Sue!), let them know.
When it comes to sports, Ken and Karen both have their eyes on the Kansas City Chiefs, so if you’re a Kelce or Mahomes fan, you’ve found some game-day buddies. But if you’re not, well, you can always try to win them over. If you spot Ken and Karen around Portside, be sure to say hello — they’re all about meeting neighbors and getting involved. Welcome, Jeffries! We’re lucky to have you in the Portside family!
---
Last Month's Spotlight
Still curious about the answer to last month's quiz? Ray Jolly won't ever turn down a ... Black Cherry ... ice cream cone.
Contact Information
Portside Document Website and Work Order / Repair Requests: Click here
Portside Property Manager: Ann Marie Creavin
Phone: (704) 255-1266 - Email: annmarie@mainstreetmanagers.com
Ann Marie works for our property management company, Main Street Management, and helps oversee our many needs at Portside. Not only does she track and follow up on all requests, but she can also route the requests to the right person to help.
Previous Newsletters
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
November 2024
December 2024