Editorial Help Keep the Progress Moving Forward in 2012
Since last year's Annual Meeting, the community has witnessed progress, significant changes, and the accomplishment of the goals set forth last May. Among these have been improvements to the Clubhouse with numerous property owners making donation, offering assistance, and strongly support the undertaking.
More events have been held at the Clubhouse in the past six months than ever before. Attendance has been incredible as residents share in the camaraderie and excitement.
As we look ahead to the 2012 Annual Meeting and the next fiscal year, there is more to accomplish. Our primary responsibility is always the management of FFHA — the taking care of the necessary business side of things.
There will be board and committee vacancies that need to be filled in the coming year. While some moan at the prospect of serving on the board or on a committee, the Association comes first in the list of priorities. A well-managed Association protects each of our personal investments in the community and allows us to then enjoy the accomplishments we make.
Consider volunteering in 2012. Let's keep the forward momentum going and keep Fairview Forest a shining example among homeowners' associations.
Updated Architectural Requirements
Ensure Community Integrity
Sections of the Fairview forest Restrictive Covenants and regulations include updated architectural requirements. The guidelines deal with new construction and home improvements.
For example, if a property owner changes the paint color of the residence, an application must be submitted to the Architectural committee for approval. The new color must comply with established guidelines. These guidelines also apply to out-buildings such as gazebos, storage sheds or detached garages.
The Architectural Committee, chaired by Pam Tellock, is responsible for enforcing the covenants and regulations concerning architectural issues. The committee also aims to ensure building requirements are met and integrity of the neighborhood is maintained. Click here to review the architectural regulations.
What Is Fairview Forest, Anyway?
Well, first, what is Fairview Forest not?
It's not a city or town. Cities are authorized by the State. A city has a democratically elected counsel, laws, a police force and a jail. Not us.
It's not a club. A club is a group of people who come together for a common interest (model railroads, quilting). Also not us.
Fairview Forest is a corporation, registered with the state as a not-for-profit business. As with most corporations, it has a "charter" (Covenants), and is run by a board of directors. And, as with most corporations, the board holds much of the power. But the power it holds is limited by the specifics of the Covenants. If something is not based in the Covenants, it's none of the board's business.
The officers (president, vice president, etc.) are appointed by the board. The only element of "democracy" in a corporation is the election of a rotating minority of directors each year.
Who owns property in Fairview Forest?
Well, here's a reasonably accurate breakdown of the owners in our community:
Of All 174 Properties:
• 69 are full-time residences (40%)
• 55 are part-time/rental residences (31%)
• 50 are unimproved (vacant) lots (29%)
Of the 124 Residential Properties:
• 69 are full-time residences (56%)
• 55 are part-time or rental residences (44%)
What size houses are in Fairview Forest?
In its forty-some years in existence, the community had been largely controlled by five developers under four sets of restrictive covenants. So the rules for home size have changed over time. Currently, the smallest house is 576 square feet and the largest is more than 7,000 square feet. The average house size is a little over 2,000 square feet.
Here's a breakdown of the sizes of 124 houses:
• 107 houses are less than 3,000 sq. ft. (86%)
• 17 houses are over 3,000 sq. ft. (14%)
A more detailed breakdown of house size shows:
• 9 houses are less than 1,000 sq. ft. (7%)
• 59 houses are 1,000 - 2,000 sq. ft. (48%)
• 12 houses are 3,000 - 4,000 sq. ft. (10%)
• 5 houses are more than 4,000 sq. ft. (4%)
Then and Now
In comparison, about 15 years ago there were a total of 153 lots. 75 lots had houses on them with 72 full-time residences, two part-time residences and one rental house.
As to the size of the 75 houses, four were more than 3,000 square feet. The smallest house was about 400 square feet and the largest was about 4,800 square feet.
NOTES: 1) The "number of residences" info is taken from the Association databases of property owners who pay assessments. 2) The "square footage" info is taken from Buncombe County records.
Yaktrax May Be Your Best Winter Friend
As discussed at the September Snow Committee's Snow Seminar, not only is it important to have your vehicle winter-ready, but it is essential to have good footgear if you live on the Mountain and plan to step outside during wintry weather events.
One product recommended by several residents for consideration to keep you upright on the mountain terrain is something called Yaktrax. The product is a lightweight and easy-to-use ice traction device that fits securely around your shoes, is easy to take on and off, and allows you to walk naturally on slick surfaces. Yaktrax provides greater stability while walking on snow and ice, bites into snow and ice with each step you take and reduces the risk of falls and injuries.
Yaktrax is sold locally in hiking and outdoor shops or online at www.yaktrax.com.
Critter Cam Catches Animals in Motion
Using remote cameras with motion sensors, residents Al Petteway and Amy White have captured stunning video of the wild animals that share this mountain with us humans. This summer the couple set up three cameras on private property at the top of the Mountain by a stream, spring and den. The cameras — one of them takes stills — record images during the day and night whenever they sense movement.
[Read all about Al & Amy's FairviewCritterCams in the upcoming printed On The Mountain newsletter and in our Spotlights & Features section online.]
Clubhouse Receives Needed Facelift
Improvements to the community clubhouse facility are nearly complete. New flooring has been installed and measures on the outside of the builing to control the moisture problem have been taken. Additional improvements have been made to the back area creating a kitchen area, correcting problems with the water, adding HVAC and upgrading the bathroom.
Donations from dozens of property owners included a refrigerator, gas range, light fixture, microwave, money for a dishwasher and two picnic tables. Several small items were also been given to the Clubhouse in addition to contributions of time and labor.
Spotlights, Features... Read Their Stories!
In most editions of the printed On The Mountain newsletter mailed to property owners, a special feature article is included on a resident of Fairview Forest — their travels, hobbies, or careers. You can find these features here at FairviewForest.com by going to the menu tab "Spotlights, Features" where lengthier versions of these special stories are posted along with additional photos. There more coming in the months ahead so watch the website and your On The Mountain newsletter! And if you or someone you know here in the community has a story to share, send us an email.
FairviewForest.com Goes Mobile
Residents and property owners can now stay in touch with Fairview Forest easier on their cell phones and mobile devices. Joining the regular varieties of FairviewForest.com and FFHA - Facebook is a new flavor — Fairview Forest Mobile. It can be accessed by those with mobile devices by going to www.FairviewForest.com/mobile and is formatted for mobile devices with condensed news briefs and information pertaining to the community. Minutes from Recent Meetings
Registration desk at the Annual Meeting. Volunteers Guillo Rodriguez, Jeff Crawford, and Gary Bolick.
FFHA Clubhouse, built 1976
Volunteer road work... nothin' to it! Julian Brinson, Rock Springs Road, and Larry Peters, Dogwood Forest Road, posed for this picture during the Volunteer Work Day in May, 2010.
Making us look good... Fred Aberle and his mowing crew! The vendor mows the clubhouse grounds, main road and side roads frequently during the spring and summer.
Annual Meeting, 2003... residents enjoy the buffet and getting reacquainted with neighbors and friends.
The Goodyear blimp passes over the Mountain in this photo dated June, 2004
Amy White and Al Petteway, resident musicians, perform at the FFHA Annual Meeting, circa 2003.
More events have been held at the Clubhouse in the past six months than ever before. Attendance has been incredible as residents share in the camaraderie and excitement.
As discussed at the September Snow Committee's Snow Seminar, not only is it important to have your vehicle winter-ready, but it is essential to have good footgear if you live on the Mountain and plan to step outside during wintry weather events.
Improvements to the community clubhouse facility are nearly complete. New flooring has been installed and measures on the outside of the builing to control the moisture problem have been taken. Additional improvements have been made to the back area creating a kitchen area, correcting problems with the water, adding HVAC and upgrading the bathroom.
