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JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2021
NORTHDALE CIVIC ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER NCA Deed Restriction Committee Report Tom Murray Chairman Welcome…hopefully…2021!
Needless to say, 2020 was a
frustrating year for so many reasons.
The Northdale Civic
Association spent almost $30,000 pursuing deed restriction violators.
compliance. He must also pay the NCA’s legal fees. In addition to the court case, many issues that impact the appearance and livability of Northdale have been referred to Hillsborough County Code Enforcement. This has brought moderate success. Code Enforcement personnel have investigated problems such as unregistered vehicles stored on properties and accumulation of junk that is unsafe and a nuisance to neighbors.
Through this effort, we have learned that it is the same people, over and over, who refuse to follow the deed restrictions or to address
All of these efforts take time and money. Because Northdale is a
them if they have an issue. The greatest majority of owners and
large neighborhood, administering deed restrictions requires
residents try to adhere to the deed restrictions and their properties
someone dedicated to tracking both violations and follow up. We
show it. Unfortunately, it only takes a few neglected properties to
will be looking into a more cost effective method of enforcing deed
make a neighborhood appear shoddy.
restrictions this year. If anyone has suggestions, feel free to contact any member of the NCA Board.
As part of our efforts, we have taken one home owner to court. We have received a summary judgement in favor of the NCA. What this
Tom Murray
means for that home owner is that he must bring his property into
Chairman, Deed Restrictions Committee
Annual dues are $50.00. Please make your check payable to the Northdale Civic Associa on. Interested in joining the Northdale OWLS? Find a registra on form at WWW.NORTHDALE.ORG. The $15 annual OWLS’ dues are included with your NCA membership. Mail Payment to: Northdale Civic Associa on, 3853 Northdale Blvd. Box 374, Tampa, FL 33624 Or, you may pay using your credit or debit card online at: WWW. NORTHDALE.ORG Thank you for your support!
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PRESIDENT’S LETTER I hope that everyone had a joyous and healthy holiday season! I believe we all wish for good things in 2021. Our world certainly needs a break! By now, every home in Northdale should have received their invoice for membership in the Northdale Civic Association. Please consider spending $50 to join the NCA. Your membership helps the Civic Association to monitor Deed Restriction violations, an activity that helps keep our neighborhood attractive and desirable. If you have misplaced your invoice, you can cut out the form found here in this newsletter. At present, only members receive this newsletter. Please encourage your neighbors that are not NCA members to take this opportunity to join and be part of maintaining our wonderful community. In 2020, due to the coronavirus, we were forced to cancel all of the social activities sponsored by the Northdale Civic Association. As a reminder, these events include the Family Fun Festival, the Pumpkin Run, the Easter Egg Hunt, the Tree Lighting with Santa and Movie at the Park, the Holiday Lighting Judging Contest, the Concert in the Park and the Community Garage Sale. We also had to cancel Candidates’ Night, an event that is well attended every election year. We hope to roll out as many events as possible this year as the pandemic is brought under control. Finally, I would like to welcome Gerald Johnson to the NCA Board of Directors. Mr. Johnson will be the representative to the Golf Club 1 Village. If you need to contact Gerald, his email is Gerald_Johnson@hotmail.com. The Board meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month in the Conference Room of the Bill Castens Gymnasium at the Northdale Recreation Center, starting at 7:00 PM. Members of the public are always welcomed and input is truly appreciated. I hope to see you there! Tom Murray President, NCA
CLAYWELL NEWS Claywell Elementary Calendar of Events August: Special thanks to Ashton Offutt who organized the building of an outdoor classroom. This was his Eagle Scout project and Claywell was thrilled to benefit from it. TECO aided by putting up the poles. September: School was off to a great start with both oncampus and eLearners. October: Trunk or Treat-PTA helped sponsor a drive through parade. Staff members dressed up and decorated their cars. Students drove through in costume and were given goody bags. November: Great American Virtual Teach-In. Claywell is grateful for all the presenters who zoomed in to share their hobbies and/or careers. December: Winn Dixie assisted Claywell families by hosting a Family Math Grocery Scavenger Hunt during the entire month of December. We are proud to have Winn Dixie as a community business partner. They always support our local schools. Students who complete the scavenger hunt will receive a spirit stick and homework pass in January.
Mrs. Lawson’s students participated in the Florida Aquarium’s Upcycle Wreath contest. Hope we have a winner! She also had her students partner with HCC’s Dr. Tina Majchrzak to help our students learn how to code with Scratch during December’s Hour of Code week.
January: Students will participate in a family literacy project. Mrs. Kline was awarded a PTA grant so that the families will have an activity to take home. Spirit sticks and homework passes will be provided for all completed projects. February: Students will participate in a family math project. Mrs. Kline was awarded a PTA grant so that the families will have an activity to take home. Spirit sticks and homework passes will be provided for all completed projects.
Students have been reading or hearing SLAM books since September. Now they have the opportunity to participate in a virtual SLAM showcase by choosing their favorite book and creating a piece of artwork for that book. The SLAM books are taken from the SSYRA, SSYRA Junior, and FLA book lists. Art projects are due by February 19th. Select student work will go on to the district virtual SLAM Showcase in April.
More plus other information www.mysdhc.org/claywell
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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 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: Tom Murray – Gables I - 781-760-7959 Vice President: TBA Secretary: Alicia Moreno – Bay Levitt - 813-963-1412 Treasurer: Bill Castens – The Woodlands - 813-833-0102 NCA BOARD DIRECTORS Gerald Johnson - Golf Club Estates I Nelson Marcano – Golf Club Estates II - 813-732-9998 Robert Demeo – Golf Club Estates III - 813-546-0873 Martha Hughes – Fox Hollow - 813-477-0924 Robert Mantler – Claywell - 813-843-2137 Angela Bianco – The Hammocks - 813-586-0243 Raymond Powell – Silverhill - 813-264-6157 Amar Dembla - Gables III - 813-265-3225 James Salgado – Country Mill, Brentwood Park & Fairway Villas - 813-610-2115 Zachary Sechrist - Gables II - 813-344-7371 DEED RESTRICTION VIOLATIONS The Deed Restriction documents for each of the “villages” that make up Northdale are available on the community website www.northdale.org. Select “Deed Restrictions” from the left side of the Main Page and click on the picture of the entrance to your “village” (e.g. Bay Levitt, Gables I, etc.) The deed restriction file will be displayed and can be printed off for your records. The NCA has contracted with Merit Management Association-Perfected (“Merit”) to conduct periodic neighborhood inspections and act on their findings of deed restriction violations. In addition, residents may request an investigation of a possible violation themselves from the Northdale website, www.northdale.org. From the left side of the Main Page, click on “Deed Restrictions”, page down and Select “Complaint Form” and fill it out with all pertinent information. A photo can be attached with the form to help document the problem. Select “Submit” to transmit the form directly to Merit at NCA@MeritFL.com. Deed Restriction Complaints must be in writing.
Please Note: The NCA & NSTD meetings will be held in the game room Building B at Northdale park. January 12 Tax District meeting 7:00 p.m. January 19 NCA meeting Election of officers 7:00 p.m. February 9 Tax district meeting 7:00 p.m. February 16 NCA meeting 7:00 p.m. Please remember to wear a face mask and adhere to social distancing.
When a deed restriction violation is found, Merit will send a letter to the homeowner(s) with a request to correct the problem(s). Merit will then complete a second inspection. Merit will send a second letter if the homeowner has not corrected the violation(s). Merit will then complete a third inspection. If the violation(s) remains after the third letter, legal action will be pursued. The resident will be notified of this step in the fourth letter. If there are extenuating circumstances that prevent a homeowner from correcting the violation(s), it is recommended they document the reason by writing to Merit at NCA@MeritFL.com. The NCA will not get involved in conflicts between neighbors, animal complaints or landscaping issues due to drought. NORTHDALE.ORG
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Happy New Year 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. WE WERE READY TO HOOT AGAIN? BUT THE COVID-GRINCH HAD OTHER PLANS! When Hillsborough County closed all Parks & Rec buildings in mid-March, all Owls Club activities were put on hold. We had planned to restart our monthly meetings in December 2020, but due to increasing positivity rates of Covid-19 and the concerns associated with large group indoor gatherings, the Owls decided to suspend the restart of the monthly meetings including December. This suspension of large group indoor gatherings is expected to continue for months into 2021, and will remain on hold until the positivity rate drops to an acceptable level and/or a vaccine becomes available.
If you are ready to get out and resume some social activities with safeguards in place, you may want to register for some of the small group programs at the Northdale Park. Contact Park Program Supervisor, Raheem Douglas (813) 450-6502 to get the latest details.
Whatever you decide, we encourage you to stay busy, eat healthy and wear PPE when required.
Still Got Questions? Contact Bill Castens at (813) 833-0102
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NORTHDALE SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT Happy 2021! It is our hope that this new year brings everyone good health and recovery from the previous year. The NSTD has a number of goals for 2021. We will continue to work with US Lawns in maintaining the appearance of Northdale’s common areas. Wall replacement projects will be ongoing. Finally, the Special Taxing District will be looking into the types of support it can provide the Northdale Civic Association in the management of deed restrictions.
In working with US Lawns, we will have them, first, remove dead and diseased trees and shrubs. If trees in the medians need replacement, that will be accomplished. Also, trimming and cleaning of the vines and other growth on all monuments will be included to improve their appearance. As always, the plantings at the entrance of the Northdale Boulevard will be changed out as the seasons progress.
In case you haven’t noticed, more damage has been done to walls along Northdale Boulevard! One occurred at the entrance to Deep Creek and the other between Braesgate Lane and Dawnview Drive. Ironically, the damage at Deep Creek is right beside the newly completed repair to that wall from a springtime accident. The hole in the second wall section is a short distance from the area awaiting repair from an earlier auto accident. As this is written, we have three wall areas that need repair. We are pursuing restitution from the insurance companies representing the operators. In addition, the County is in the process of granting easements to the Northdale Special Taxing District for all existing walls.
Section 13 of the County Ordinance addressing Special Taxing Districts indicates that these districts have the right to enforce local deed restrictions. Having learned this information, the NSTD is looking to support the Northdale Civic Association in any and all efforts to keep Northdale an attractive and desirable community.
We hope all members of our community are having a happy, safe and successful start to this year,
Tom Murray, President Northdale Special Taxing District
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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.
Northdale Special Taxing District Board of Trustees Tom Murray President Earl Albright Vice President Anthony Rodriguez Treasurer Don Hachey Secretary Earl Albright Bill Castens Ronny Garcia Ray Klaus Anthony Romano Contact Information 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.
Tax District Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7PM at Northdale Park, Bill Castens Gymnasium Conference Room.
Although separate, the District and the Northdale Civic Association work to achieve the same goal of making Northdale a great place to live.
The next meetings will be held: January 12, 2021 February 9, 2021
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PENDING PARK OPENING WEEKLY RECREATION PROGRAMS FOR OWLS
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assessment.
Many items too large to fit in Hillsborough County roll carts, electronics, and household hazardous waste can be taken to a County facility for disposal at no additional cost.
Christmas trees without decorations are collected with normal curbside yard waste collections in January. Trees must be cut to 4 feet or shorter to be collected.
Garbage is something that everybody makes, but not many people think about. Here are five frequently asked questions that can help you get the most out of your weekly solid waste services:
Find complete information on Hillsborough County Solid Waste services and what to do with unusual items at HCFLGov.net/Trash.
1. Who do I call with solid waste questions or concerns?
Thank you, Hillsborough County Neighborhood Relations
Hillsborough County Solid Waste has a customer call center available at (813) 272-5680 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Residents can also ask questions, report concerns, and request services 24/7 using the County's online customer service portal.
2. What should I do if my trash or recycling cart gets missed?
Report it to Hillsborough County Solid Waste as soon as possible.
If you have a missed collection your provider will be required to return within 24 hours to collect the missed waste, excluding Sunday, so keep your carts at the curb until they are serviced.
3. Are there any special programs for older residents or those with physical disabilities?
The County offers a senior citizen discount on the annual solid waste disposal assessment for eligible residents 65 years of age or older.
Customers who are physically unable to place their garbage or recycling roll carts curbside for collection may qualify for disability back door service at no additional charge.
For more information or to apply visit HCFLGov.net/Trash or contact Hillsborough County Solid Waste.
4. Do curbside collection services change on holidays?
Hillsborough County suspends garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, and garbage and yard waste collection on New Year's Day.
If your collection date falls on a holiday, services will resume on the next regularly scheduled collection day. There are no holiday make-up days. Remember, all trash and recycling must be placed inside the carts to be collected.
CongratulaƟons to resident Brenda Fuller for being the winner of the newsleƩer/adverƟser contest! Brenda was rewarded with $25.00 for using Fast Eddy Lawn Care. Thank you Brenda for supporƟng your community newsleƩer! All you have to do is use an adver ser in this issue! Yes, it’s that easy! When you need something done in your home, or any services available in this newsle er call on the adver sers that support your community newsle er Email IKarepublishing@gmail.com and tell us the company you used, your full name, address and phone number. Upon verifying the informa on, we will select a winning name at random each month.
5. Which special services are available for large or unusual items?
Hillsborough County residential customers have access to the County's Community Collection Centers and Yard Waste Disposal facilities as part of their annual solid waste disposal
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