2018 Issue 2

WWW.NORTHDALE.ORG

MARCH • APRIL 2018

NORTHDALE CIVIC ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

The NCA will hold the spring Communitywide Garage Sale on March 10th. Hours are 8 AM to 1 P.M. We hope many residents will take advantage of this opportunity to reduce clutter in their closets, garage, attic, cupboards and drawers of accumulations of unused possessions and turn them into cash.

The NCA handles advertising the sale in several newspapers and charges only $5 to include your address in the Treasure Map on the community website www.northdale.org.

On March 24th, the NCA partners with Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Dept. and Northdale Park, for the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Northdale Park. The event is free for children 10 and under. At 9:00 A.M., volunteers will be manning a table where each participating child will be given a raffle ticket for a prize drawing of gifts donated by local businesses and organizations. The drawing will take place at 10:00 A.M. with the egg hunt

immediately following. Please bring a basket for the little ones to carry their eggs.

I’ve heard that the Easter Bunny will be stopping by for pictures with the children. If you, or your business, would be interested in donating a basket for the raffle, please contact NCA Board Member, Martha Hughes, at 813-477-0924.

The 16th annual Northdale Family Fun Festival & Parade will be held on April 14th. The parade begins at 10:00 A.M. Get your place along Northdale Boulevard, from Mapledale Drive to Spring Pine Drive, to give the participants a warm welcome.

Many local youth groups, organizations and businesses will be participating. Please come to Northdale Park and enjoy the fun and festivities from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. The NCA is proud to offer all food, bottled water, games, inflatables, parking, and entertainment free to the public. This is only possible due to the generosity and commitment of our many supportive table

sponsors, participating restaurants and food vendors. The NCA is proud to sponsor this award-winning neighborhood festival in partnership with Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Dept., Northdale Park, and the assistance of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, members of Fire Fighters Local 2294, as well as many community volunteers and members of the Northdale OWLS senior group. I hope you’ll come and join us. It’s a great day to meet your neighbors.

If you would be willing to volunteer an hour or two at either the Family Fun Festival or Easter Egg Hunt, it would be most appreciated. Community service hours are available for students. Students need to bring their paper work with them to the event for sign off by Northdale Park staff.

If you are interested, please contact me for instructions.

Sincerely, Ann Frisbie Email: Frisbie_annv@verizon.net (813) 968-8460 Northdale website at www.northdale.org

Make check payable to the Northdale Civic Association.

Mail Payment to: Northdale Civic Association, Or, pay online at WWW.NORTHDALE.ORG 3853 Northdale Blvd. Box 374, Tampa, FL 33624

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Just the Facts

High Sale Price $449,190.00 Low Sale Price $152,500.00 Average Sale Price $263,183.00 Average Price per sqft $ 138.32 Average Days on Market 31 Homes Sold 30 Pending 15 Currently on the Market 13

What Stands Out In a vacuum, the loss of $7.00 per sq. ft. average less than last period would be the number that stands out the most. However, inventory in Northdale is low with only 13 homes currently listed on the market. A deeper dive into the numbers revealed that one home sold at $108 per sq. ft. for almost half a million dollars. This particular home is an outlier in the neighborhood and obscured the numbers a bit. The real story is that only a baker’s dozen homes are for sale. While the period between the holidays and Super Bowl Sunday are typically slower, this is a very low number for such a large neighborhood. The good news is, that lower inventory typically translates to higher value. So, if you have considered listing at any time, call me today. I have buyers lined up, but not a lot of inventory to sell. (Data was comprised from ND homes sold over the last 90 days ending on 2/5)

Bonus Have you ever wondered why your home is worth less per square foot than your neighbors? You have a 5-bedroom 3 bath 3,000sf home and your agent just told you it’s worth $5 per sq. ft less than the little three-bedroom next door and they don’t even have the brand-new kitchen you just put in. So, what’s going on here? Unfortunately, you have fallen victim to the real estate principle of conformity. The belief that a dwelling will draw a fair market price if it is located with similar dwellings of the same size, style, and condition. The truth is that you want the smallest house in the neighborhood when it comes time to sell. Most buyers pay little conscious attention to the price per square foot. However, they do notice the overall price. Therefore, a buyer may offer less on a larger property due to smaller home competition in the same neighborhood. That’s why your home may have all the space in the world, but fetch a lower selling price per square foot. A general rule of thumb is that the larger the home, the smaller the price per square foot in any given neighborhood. (All data is courtesy of Realtor Multiple Listing Service. Mortgage data was taken from the Florida Realtors website. Opinions included are not meant to be taken as facts, but are the professional opinion of the below agent. If you are working with a Realtor, please disregard any advertisements. All requests for business are meant solely for those not currently represented. Joe Benson is both a resident of Country Place and a licensed Real Estate agent).

WHAT IS THE NCA? The Northdale Civic Association is a volunteer organization whose mission is to make Northdale a better place to live and increase property values by enforcing the deed restrictions to which each homeowner is legally subject.

The NCA is also the organized voice of Northdale, and represents residents when issues affecting Northdale are raised by Hillsborough County, the State of Florida and other governing bodies.

The NCA issues this Newsletter and organizes the following events and programs: Welcome Wagon; Easter Egg Hunt: Community Garage Sales: Family Fun Festival: Northdale Pumpkin Run; Holiday Decorating Contest; Meet the Candidates and the Northdale OWLS (Older, Wiser, Lively, Seniors). Board meetings are open to the public.

HOW TO JOIN THE NCA Forms are available in each edition of the Northdale Newsletter. There are forms online at www.northdale.org.

HOW TO JOIN THE BOARD ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP IS ONLY $35.00. All members are eligible to run for NCA Board positions in elections held each May. Elections for those positions are made by the sitting board at the monthly board meetings. The dates of those meetings are posted in the Community Calendar.

NCA BOARD OFFICERS President: Ann Frisbie – Golf Club I - 968-8460 Vice President: Tom Murray -Bay/Levitt – 781-760-7959 Secretary: Jan Marshburn – Golf Club II – 285-3199 Treasurer: Bill Castens – The Woodlands – 340-9436 NCA BOARD DIRECTORS Robert Demeo – Golf Club III -546-0873 Frank Giordano- Gables I -961-9259 Martha Hughes – Fox Hollow -477-0924 Robert Mantler – Claywell - 843-2137 Bruce Poli – The Hammocks -727-424-1785 Raymond Powell – Silverhill – 264-6157 Claude Siler-Nixon – Gables III -362-4667 Nancy Stearns – Country Mill, Brentwood Park, Fairway Villas -961-4438 Jessica Watterson -Gables II -630-569-2479 DEED RESTRICTION VIOLATIONS Residents can request an investigation of deed restriction violations. Complaints need to be in writing or submitted online. The NCA conducts periodic neighborhood inspections and will act on their findings when necessary.

To request an investigation of a possible deed restriction, follow the instructions at www.northdale.org or, if you prefer, mail us a complaint. Print out an online form and mail to NCA Deed Restrictions at 3853 Northdale Blvd. #374, Tampa, Fl. 33624.

When a violation occurs, a letter will be sent to the violating homeowner with a request to correct the problem. After a reasonable amount of time passes, and the problem persists, the coordinator may contact you with the available options. Some of these options could include legal action against the homeowners.

The NCA will not become involved in conflicts between neighbors, animal problems or landscape issues due to drought.

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March 6 OWLS Monthly Luncheon $5 Corned Beef & Cabbage 11:00 AM Northdale Park Bill Castens Gymnasium March 10 Community-wide Garage Sale 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Treasure Map at www.northdale.org March 13 NSTD Meeting 7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room March 19 NCA Board Meeting 7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room March 24 Easter Egg Hunt 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Northdale Park April 3 OWLS Monthly Luncheon 11:00 AM Northdale Park Bill Castens Gymnasium April 10 NSTD Meeting 7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room April 14 Northdale Family Fun Festival & Parade 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Northdale Park April 16 NCA Board Meeting 7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room May 1 OWLS Monthly Luncheon 11:00 AM Northdale Park Bill Castens Gymnasium

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NCA DEED RESTRICTION COMMITTEE REPORT Every so often we report on the most common violations found by complaints or inspections. Following is a list of the past year’s results:  Trash and recycle containers = 12% (to be kept from view).  Vehicles, like cars and trailers, parked on the grass =20% (looks bad).  Vehicles blocking the walking path =12% (totally inconsiderate of your neighbors).  Unkempt property = 21% (Debris like paint cans, ladders, barbeque pits, etc. kept in driveways. This also includes homes in disrepair that need paint, siding or concrete repair). Those who leave their homes in disarray are totally inconsiderate of others especially when the debris is left out for days and weeks.  Mold and mildew = 7% (Bleach does wonders).  Landscape = 12% (We cite overgrown or uncared for property, not for drought).  Misc. = 16% (complaints that are investigated but not found to be in violation).

Before I leave this subject, let me inform you of this: OVER 80% OF THE COMPLAINTS WE RECEIVED LAST YEAR CAME FROM NON-MEMBERS! This leads me to believe that those nonmembers making complaints certainly found our web site. Please go back and search for a membership application. Needless to mention an even higher number of violators were non-members also.

Rentals: I would like to point out here, that we have a fair amount of

NORTHDALE.ORG

rentals in Northdale. We do all we can when there is a violation in this situation, to make both owner and renter aware. When a violation occurs we notify both the renter and the homeowner and copy each of them. Most property owners want their property protected, and some do not live nearby and they appreciate being notified.

Animal Issues: If you are annoyed or troubled by unwanted pets roaming around your yard, we suggest you notify animal services at 813-744-5660.

Architectural Review: If you contemplate a change to your property and after checking the web site for direction and you still are not sure, contact us. Lately we have had some fence issues.

Membership makes a difference. We try to do what we can with what we have. When we have to pursue a bad situation for whatever reason, it takes money. Your dues of $35 per year are vital in deed restriction enforcement.

Please remember that the NCA Board meets every third Monday of the month except December. Come and hear firsthand what we do, and not from hearsay. We urge you to share your thoughts with us by coming to a meeting or even writing to us via e-mail at www.northdale.org/ at contacts.

Frank Giordano Deed Restriction Chairman

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Monthly Meetings on 1st Tues 11 AM @ Northdale Park Our Mission is to create a growing network of co-ed seniors, to provide social activities, local events, travel, entertainment and educational seminars in common interest groups as ways to safely enjoy our lives.

“OWLS March Madness – Even if you don’t follow basketball!”

Mar 3, Sat – Sheriff’s Youth Ranch Open House – includes scrumptious B-B-Q luncheon.

Mar 6, Tues – Corned Beef Cabbage, Bag Pipes, Irish Dancing & Such at Owls luncheon.

Mar 13, Tues – Tampa Bay Lightning hockey – Bolts vs Ottawa Senators – GO BOLTS! Mar 14, Wed – Segway Tour of Downtown Tampa with lunch at Columbia Restaurant.

Mar 19, Mon – Bunco Party Luncheon at Brunchies, 14366 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Mar 21, Wed -- Lunch Bunch at Bartaco Hyde Park (Separate Checks).

Mar 22, Thurs – The Great Escape Room - Team building escape from the ordinary!

Mar 24, Sat – Easter Egg Hunt at Northdale Park – Free event for the grandkids!

Apr 3, Tues – The St. Denis Variety Band at Owls monthly luncheon.

Apr 4, Wed – Tampa Bay Downs Horse Racing & Buffet Luncheon.

Apr 14, Sat – Family Fun Festival - Free Parking, Food, Games & Entertainment.

Apr 15, Sun Matinee – Carrollwood Players: The Foreigner, a comedy!

Apr 16, Mon -- Bunco & Lunch at Brunchies, 14366 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Apr 18, Wed-- Lunch Bunch at GrillSmith Restaurant (Separate Checks).

Apr 26, Thurs – Cup Cakes Baking Contest for 4th Annual Picnic.

Apr 27, Fri – 4th Annual Owls Picnic at Park food catered by John Erb. May 1, Tues –Reuben Morales singing at Owls Luncheon – What a voice!

For other scheduled events and more, see Owls website at: www.NorthdaleOWLS.org Weekly Activities include Aerobics Lite, Bridge, Bing-Owl, Line Dancing, BBOB’s (Bill’s Blooming Orchid Buddies), Hand & Foot Cards, Mah Jongg, “Dress A Girl”, Pickleball, Yoga, Singing Hooters, Tai Chi, Table Tennis, Meals on Wheels Deliveries, & Walking!

Got Questions? Talk to any member of the OWLS, or contact Bill Castens at (813) 340-9436 NORTHDALE.ORG

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NORTHDALE SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT

Happy Easter to everyone! The annual Northdale Civic Association Easter Egg Hunt has been moved up a week because of a scheduling conflict at Northdale Park. The new date is MARCH 24th, a flyer appears in this newsletter.

Each year our Trustees find it necessary to remind our residents that there is a difference between the Special Tax District and the Northdale Civic Association. Many residents are under the impression that the $130.00 tax district line item on your annual tax bill also covers membership in the NCA……this is not the case. The assessment, levied to each resident and commercial location annually, maintains the common areas within the boundaries of Northdale.

Also included in this assessment is a monthly fee paid to the Sheriff’s Department which provides off duty deputies who patrol Northdale various hours through out each month. The Civic Association, on the other hand, hosts social activities open to all residents and their families and provides Deed Restriction enforcement. The assessment is levied November 1st annually while the NCA invoices our residents June l, each year. The Tax District assessment is mandatory; the NCA membership is voluntary and relies on each resident so the association can continue doing what it does best….” keeping Northdale a great place to live and raise a family”!

The past winter was hard on our tropical trees, shrubs and plantings. As of February 15 th, when it is hoped winter is behind us, US Lawns and a district Trustee will begin inspections and make recommendations to the Board for improvements and/or replacements due to frost/freeze damage. Funds to make these improvements comes from that $130.00 assessment mentioned earlier.

One final and most important warning, “LOCK YOUR CAR IF YOU DO NOT PARK IN YOUR GARAGE”!

Young people, looking for kicks, wander our neighborhoods looking for unlocked cars and then take them for joy rides. Your insurance company may not honor your theft claim if it is proven that the auto was unlocked. Often these larks end up in tragic loss of lives. Keep everyone safe!!!

Nancy Stearns, President

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NORTHDALE SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT WHAT is the NSTD? The Northdale Special Taxing District is a Hillsborough County dependent tax district. The District was originally set-up under a State ordinance, but in 1992 was adopted under County ordinance #92-35.

The County collects the taxes for the

District and provides the ordinance or regulations that give authority to the District.

Funds are derived from the County non-ad valorem tax of $130 per residential unit.

Residents in single family homes, along with apartments and condominiums are assessed $130. Also, all properties within Northdale boundaries including businesses and other non-profit groups are taxed based on an equitable per residential unit basis.

The District is responsible for maintaining the common areas throughout Northdale.

These areas include the main entrances coming into Northdale, landscaping in common areas alongside roadways and medians, neighborhood entrances, the outer surface of the block walls and along the roadside. The District also maintains selected lakes and wetland areas along the main roadways in Northdale.

The District is governed by a Board of nine trustees who are elected by the public or appointed by the Board.

Board members must be registered voters and reside in

Northdale. The trustees receive no compensation for their work. The board has hired an administrator to complete many of the day-to-day details of the District. The administrator is a sub-contracted (paid) position.

Although the District does maintain the common areas in Northdale, there are many areas that the District does not control. The District does not maintain roads, street lighting, street signs or utility lines. Also, the District does not maintain private property or enforce deed restrictions. Deed restrictions are enforced by the Northdale Civic Association (NCA). The District and the Civic Association are two different and separate bodies.

The District is a public governmental body and the Civic

Association is a private association of Northdale residents.

Only the Civic

Association has authority to issue deed restriction warnings.

Although separate, the District and the Northdale Civic Association work to achieve the same goal of making Northdale a great place to live.

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Northdale Special Taxing District Board of Trustees Nancy Stearns President Tom Murray Vice President Eli White Treasurer Don Hachey Secretary Angel Bustelo Frank Giordano Ray Klaus Bill Castens Earl Albright Contact Information 813 381-5435 Northdale Special Tax District 3433 Lithia Pinecrest Rd #301 Valrico, Fl 33596 rick@thefloridasolutions group.com Tax District Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7PM at Northdale Park, Bill Castens Gymnasium Conference Room.

The next meetings will be held: March 13 and April 10, 2018 11

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Claywell Elementary School News Hello Northdale Families, This is just a little note to let you know Claywell Elementary collects Box Tops and we would absolutely LOVE it if you can help us collect them!

You can find Box Tops on lots of packages…everything from school supplies to taco shells! Each regular Box Top clipping is worth 10 cents, and those can add up quickly when we all turn them in.

If you would like to help raise money for your local elementary school, please collect your Box Tops in a Ziploc bag and mail or drop them off to the front office at Claywell Elementary. 4500 Northdale Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33624.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Sincerely, Janice Bohush - Claywell PTA President Scholastic Book Fair March 5-9 Come and shop! March 8h we're open from 2:007:00pm Cash or Credit is accepted. Volunteers needed. Sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0945abaa2f4-book1

Library Clubs Mrs. Kline is working with a group of 2nd graders who attend the Junie B Jones Book Club. If you've never read these books, you should. They're hysterical! She is also working with some third grade boys in her Comic Book Club. The boys learn all about comics, they read comics, and later they'll learn how to draw and create their own comic. A special trip to B&N will be in store for them in May.

SLAM Four students will attend the district School Library and Media Showcase at the Tampa Convention Center on March 20th. A contest was held in January. Specials thanks to our local public Digital Reads librarians for helping judge our entries. All students were Encourage your children to access Myon Reader and Axis360. Sign on challenged to read a book from a Florida Nominated List and then with their student number and read away! react to the book either artistically or digitally. Congratulations to: Dillon Allen, Lilly Schmitz, Ariston Bohush, and Natalie Miller for coming first place in each of their categories.

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