2020 Issue 1

NORTHDALE CIVICASSOCIATION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

NCADeed Restriction Committee Report

Happy 2020! We start this new year on a positive note. Our enforcement of Deed Restrictions seems to be working. The number of first contact letters appears to be decreasing. Even better than that, the impact of peoples’ efforts show. Many weekends, you can see people out pressure washing and painting their homes or mowing their lawns. Items stored on lawns or in view from the road are now out of sight. Things look brighter and neater. Thank you to all of those folks who have heeded the notifications and have made improvements. Northdale, after all, is an aging neighborhood and periodic clean up and maintenance efforts will continue to be needed.

On the down side, we still have a number of residents who refuse to make the simplest repairs and improvements to their properties. It is frustrating to see so many people taking pride in their properties and yet there continues to be the few who insist on ignoring the letters and doing nothing. They lower their property values and, unfortunately, take their neighbors with them.

Some residents have received multiple letters, even letters from lawyers, and have either emailed Merit Management or called their Neighborhood Representative. They have been able to describe their circumstances and explain their attempts at compliance with particular deed restrictions. These people have demonstrated a willingness to work at correcting the identified problems. In some cases, a group of volunteers have come to a home, done

the work and resolved the issue(s). Still others have been granted time extensions. If you believe, after attempting to make the improvements identified in a letter, that you have done all that is needed and yet you receive another letter, take pictures of the completed work. Then email Merit (NCA@Meritfl.com), include the pictures and ask for guidance on what should be done. It is not necessary to receive multiple letters before calling your Neighborhood Rep. or emailing Merit. It is better to have questions answered in the earlier stages of notifications.

Reminder: All holiday decorations need to be removed bythe endofJanuary.

Best Wishes for a happy, healthy, productive and successful New Year!

Thank you,

Tom Murray

dues are $50.00. Please make your check payable to the Northdale Civic Association. Interested in joining the Northdale OWLS? Find a registration form at WWW.NORTHDALE.ORG.

PRESIDENT’SLETTER

The 2020 NCA Membership Campaign kicked off on January 1. Our hope is that more of our residents will see value in this small (about $4 a month) investment in the community. Your $50.00 annual membership in the Northdale Civic Association allows us to continue to focus attention on deed restriction enforcement for the coming year. Realtors indicate interest is high for buyers looking for a home in a community with all the amenities that Northdale provides. They’ve also reported that homes in nearby communities, of similar age, with very well maintained homes throughout, sell for more. Our focus is to get Northdale looking the best it can, so that Northdale is on par with our competition. We hope you’ll renew your membership in the NCA and show your support of our efforts. Convenient on-line payment is available on the community website www.northdale.org or mail payment to the NCA, 3853 Northdale Blvd., Box 374, Tampa, FL 33624. We thank you in advance.

The Eleventh annual Public Safety Fair will be held on Friday, January 17th from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at Northdale Park, 15550 Spring Pine Drive in the Bill Castens Gymnasium. Topics on crime prevention and personal safety will be covered at this free event. Operation Medicine Cabinet will be available where unwanted medications and expired prescription drugs can be dropped off for safe disposal by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, you may bring sensitive papers for safe document shredding and disposal. There will be free food, drinks and the opportunity to win raffle prizes. This event is co-sponsored by the Northdale OWLS, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Dept., Northdale Park.

Northdale’s Spring Community-wide Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, March 28th from 8 A.M. to 1 P.M. It’s a great opportunity

WHATISTHENCA?

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 and held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month except December.

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 $50.00. All members are eligible to run for NCA Board positions in elections held each January. 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 Estates I - 813-968-8460

Vice President: Tom Murray – Gables I - 781-760-7959

Secretary: Chelsea Walkenhorst – Golf Club Estates II - 615-513-8026

Treasurer: Bill Castens – The Woodlands - 813-833-0102

NCA BOARD DIRECTORS

Robert Demeo – Golf Club Estates III - 813-546-0873

Nelson Marcano – Bay/Levitt - 813-732-9998

Martha Hughes – Fox Hollow - 813-477-0924

Robert Mantler – Claywell - 813-843-2137

Angela Rey – The Hammocks - 813-586-0243

Raymond Powell – Silverhill - 813-264-6157

Claude Siler-Nixon – Gables III - 813-362-4667

James Salgado – Country Mill, Brentwood Park & Fairway Villas - 813-610-2115

Jessica Watterson – Gables II - 630-569-2479

DEED RESTRICTION VIOLATIONS

Residents may request an investigation of a Deed Restriction violation. Complaints must be in writing and submitted online to Merit Management Association-Perfected (“Merit”). Merit conducts periodic neighborhood inspections and will act on their findings when necessary.

To request an investigation of a possible Deed Restriction violation, go to the NCA website, www.northdale.org. On the left side of the Main Page, click on “Deed Restrictions”. Page down and select the “Online Complaint Form,” and fill it out with all pertinent information. You will be able to include a photo. Your form will be received by Merit.

When a violation occurs, Merit will send a letter to the homeowner(s) with a request to correct the problem(s).

If a homeowner has not corrected their violation(s) they’ll receive a second letter from Merit. Merit will complete a third inspection. If the deed restriction violation(s) remain after the third letter, legal action will be pursued. The resident will be notified of this step in a fourth letter.

Deed Restrictions for the “Villages” that make up Northdale can be found on the Northdale website. Select “Deed Restrictions” from the Main Page and click on the picture of the entrance to your “Village” (e.g. Gables 1). The Deed Restrictions will be displayed and can be printed for your records.

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

January 7

OWLS Monthly Meeting & Pot-Luck Lunch

11:00 AM

Northdale Park

Bill Castens Gymnasium

January 14 NSTD Meeting

7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room

January 17 11th Annual Public Safety Fair 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Park Bill Castens Gymnasium

January 21 NCA Board Meeting 7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room

February 4 OWLS Monthly Meeting & Pot-Luck Lunch 11:00 AM

Park Bill Castens Gymnasium

February 11

February 18 NCA Board Meeting 7:00 PM

Park BCG Conference Room

March 3

OWLS Monthly Meeting & Pot-Luck Lunch 11:00 AM Northdale Park Bill Castens Gymnasium

Happy New Year

“

Most OWLS love fireplace weather not SNOW & ICE!”

Jan 7, Tues – Bill Castner singing & dancing with his hula hoop!

Jan 9, Thurs – Tampa Bay Lightning hockey vs. Arizona Coyotes – GO BOLTS!

Jan 11 – 16, Sat - Thurs – OWLS Cozumel Line Dance Cruise with stop at Grand Cayman.

Jan 12, Sun Matinee – Carrollwood Players: Auntie Mame, a Patrick Dennis comedy.

Jan 17, Fri – 10th Annual Public Safety Fair at Northdale Park Gymnasium.

Jan 20, Mon Bunco & Lunch at Brunchies, 14366 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.

Jan 21, Tues – Bok Tower & Gardens Tram Tour.

Jan 22, Wed – Lunch Bunch at P.F Chang’s Restaurant (Separate Checks).

Jan 23, Thurs – Tampa International Airport tour & Super Shuttle ride.

Jan 26, Sun – Hootenanny Good Time Train Ride & Hobo Campfire Cookout.

Feb 4, Tues –Entertainment Skit: Headhoot with Owl Friends – funny, we hope!!

Feb 8, Sat – Line Dance Celebration Workshop at Northdale Park.

Feb 12, Wed Owls visit the Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg, FL.

Feb 16, Sun Matinee – Carrollwood Players: AIDA, a musical by Elton John & Tim Rice.

Feb 17, Mon Bunco & Lunch at Brunchies, 14366 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.

Feb 18, Tues – Birding at Lake Nature Park in Clearwater with Lunch at Café Alfresco

Feb 19, Wed – Lunch Bunch at Rusty Bellies Grill (Separate Checks).

Feb 25, Tues – The Holy Land Experience bringing the Bible to life!

Feb 27, Thurs

Pre Season baseball: Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees – GO RAYS!

Mar 3, Tues – Corned Beef & Cabbage Lunch & Bag Pipes, Irish Dancing & such!

Mar 10, Tues

Beyond The Dark at Southeastern Guide Dogs

For other scheduled events and more, see Owls website at: www.NorthdaleOWLS.com

Weely Activities include Aerobics Lite, Bridge, Line Dancing, Pickleball, Walking, Bill’s Blooming Orchid Buddies, Hand & Foot Cards, Yoga, Mah Jongg, “Dress A Girl Around The World”, Singing, Tai Chi, Table Tennis, Technology Workshop, Volleyball & Meals on Wheels!

Got Questions? Talk to any member of the OWLS, or contact Bill Castens at (813) 833-0102

It is hard to believe that Northdale has been in existence for forty two years! Very simply, Northdale is starting to show its age. This highlights the importance of the Special Taxing District and the $130 Special Tax that Northdale homeowners pay each year. The NSTD is in charge of the upkeep for all the common areas in Northdale. It is a good time to remind residents that the Special Tax District is NOT the Northdale Civic Association, but a totally separate board and the $130 tax is part of the annual property taxes. It is NOT Civic Association membership dues. There is a $50 annual membership fee for the Civic Association. Neither the Special Tax nor the NCA Membership dues help fund maintenance of roads and sidewalks. These are in the purview of Hillsborough County. (Elsewhere in this Newsletter is an explanation of the specific functions and responsibilities of the NSTD and the NCA.)

The walls that define our neighborhood need mending and upkeep in a continuing cycle from one area to the next. As announced in the previous newsletter, the section between the corners of Braesgate Lane and Dawnview Drive on Northdale Boulevard is the next area of focus. Unfortunately, like the last issue of the newsletter, we are still waiting for permits to be granted. The walls will be stabilized, concrete will be patched or replaced and the whole surface will be painted. The vines will be removed to start the work and new ones will be planted when the repairs have been made.

A few updates:

The work on the wall at the corner of Woodlark Drive and Northdale Boulevard should be progressing shortly. The County has funded the money to replace the old section and is working with the homeowner to complete the project.

In November, a number of people, plus a dog, were attacked by flying, stinging insects by the corner of Dawnview Circle and Northdale Boulevard. This was announced by one of the victims on social media. Quite a discussion ensued about the type of insect and who was responsible for solving the problem. Within one day, after quick action by members of the Special Tax District Board and the Civic Association Board, contacts were made with everyone from the area Sheriff to folks in Commissioner Ken Hagan’s office. Ultimately, an exterminator came and inspected the problem area, identified the culprits as yellow jackets, and treated the large nest that had formed within the landscaping. Shortly thereafter, the yellow jackets were gone. Rest assured that NO honey bees were involved, despite reports found at a particular social media site.

Finally, on Thursday, December 5, a small memorial and dedication in honor of Nancy Stearns, former member and President of the Special Tax District, were held at “Nancy’s Place.” This is located on the left side of Northdale Boulevard just beyond Newkirk Drive and between Foothill Drive and Dewey Rose Court. “Nancy’s Place” is by a small pond with a grassy area that has been planted with, among other plants, a magnolia tree (Nancy’s favorite). The landscaping and plants were donated by U.S. Lawns. There is a lovely sign listing Nancy’s involvement in a host of groups in the Northdale and Carrollwood area that was procured by Merit Management. Attending the event were Nancy’s son and his wife, members of the NSTD and the NCA (Nancy was an active member of this group) along with a number of the many friends she had. All were in agreement that Nancy loved Northdale and gave generously of her time to make this neighborhood a better place.

May you all have a happy, healthy and successful 2020!

TomMurray, President

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.

Northdale Special Taxing District Board

of Trustees

Tom Murray President

Earl Albright Vice President

Bill Castens Treasurer

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.

Don Hachey Secretary

Angel Bustelo

Frank Giordano

Ray Klaus

Earl Albright

Contact Information

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.

813 381-5435

Northdale Special Tax District

3433 Lithia Pinecrest Rd #301

Valrico, Fl 33596

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.

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:

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

January 14, 2020

February 11, 2020