former official website of the goodman houses in reston, virginia, usa ... where entropy, anarchy, and lawyers fail architecture and the common good
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
HCA MEETING LOCATION CHANGE @ WED DEC 18
The HCA Board of Directors advises that the December 18 monthly HCA Regular Meeting will be held at the Reston Museum, in the Lake Anne Village Center at 1639 Washington Plaza North, due to earlier scheduling conflicts at RCC Lake Anne. Regular Meetings are scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. and are open to the public.
RESTON HISTORIC BLDG SURVEY MTG @ TUE DEC 17
In 1991, the Virginia Dept. of Historic Resources initiated a Survey and Planning Cost Share Program to assist local governments. The program also supports the DHR mission to identify cultural resources statewide and record them in the DHR VCRIS digital database. More than 120 Virginia communities have competed to participate and receive limited matching annual funding, and with DHR have conducted 150-plus projects in every region of the Commonwealth. As a result, each year the DHR inventory of architectural and archeological resources grows with the addition of more than 4,000 newly recorded properties.
In 2019, DHR selected Fairfax County to participate in a survey covering all of Reston except within the existing Lake Anne Historic Overlay District as designated by Fairfax County. DHR thoroughly documented and added Lake Anne Village Center to the Virginia Landmarks Register in 2017, which led to listing in the U.S. National Park Service National Register of Historic Places. DHR listed Reston overall in 2014.
For the 2019 Reston survey project, DHR will hire expert consultants to photograph, map, and document properties with information about building style, construction date, architectural description, and preliminary evaluation of relative significance. The sites or buildings can then be nominated to be included in the County Inventory of Historic Sites, the Virginia Landmarks Register, or the National Register of Historic Places. Although such honorary designations do not ensure a building's survival, Bauhaus Professor and Master Architect Marcel Breuer's 1964 Reston API Building, the only Breuer building in Virginia, was permitted for 2016 demolition primarily because it was not listed within the incomplete and outdated Fairfax County inventory that covered Hunter Mill District sites and buildings through only 1920. Sadly, the permitted developer replaced the bold modernist Breuer API Building with typical, nondescript, cookie-cutter townhomes.
DHR and Fairfax County will hold a joint public information meeting this evening to kick off the project at RCC Lake Anne at 7:00 p.m. They will also brief the community on completed survey findings early next year.
In 2019, DHR selected Fairfax County to participate in a survey covering all of Reston except within the existing Lake Anne Historic Overlay District as designated by Fairfax County. DHR thoroughly documented and added Lake Anne Village Center to the Virginia Landmarks Register in 2017, which led to listing in the U.S. National Park Service National Register of Historic Places. DHR listed Reston overall in 2014.
For the 2019 Reston survey project, DHR will hire expert consultants to photograph, map, and document properties with information about building style, construction date, architectural description, and preliminary evaluation of relative significance. The sites or buildings can then be nominated to be included in the County Inventory of Historic Sites, the Virginia Landmarks Register, or the National Register of Historic Places. Although such honorary designations do not ensure a building's survival, Bauhaus Professor and Master Architect Marcel Breuer's 1964 Reston API Building, the only Breuer building in Virginia, was permitted for 2016 demolition primarily because it was not listed within the incomplete and outdated Fairfax County inventory that covered Hunter Mill District sites and buildings through only 1920. Sadly, the permitted developer replaced the bold modernist Breuer API Building with typical, nondescript, cookie-cutter townhomes.
DHR and Fairfax County will hold a joint public information meeting this evening to kick off the project at RCC Lake Anne at 7:00 p.m. They will also brief the community on completed survey findings early next year.
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
HCA ROAD STORM SERVICE UPDATE
According to the NOAA National Weather Service, snowfall is expected to be less than 2 inches and short-lived due to relatively warm ground temperatures and warming air temperatures. The HCA snow management contractor typically does not provide service for less than 2 inches of accumulated snow.
Saturday, November 9, 2019
LAKE ANNE FELLOWSHIP HSE DRB MTG @ TUE NOV 12
The project team notified HCA affected party neighbors in a letter dated October 29, 2019 that they requested an RA DRB meeting on November 12, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at RA Headquarters to " ... present and receive approval of an artistic garage screen as the public art element for the development." Materials to be presented to DRB and the public on November 12 have been uploaded to the following project team webpage, and any further updates were uploaded there no later than 12:00 noon on November 5: https://thelandlawyers.sharefile.com/d-saeec020255c4b9a8. The November 12 DRB Meeting Agenda and Application Packet are available on the RA website. DRB previously approved site plan and general massing concepts, the overall site plan, New Lake Anne House and associated townhomes architectural drawings, site lighting and signage, and minor modifications and clarifications to prior approvals for retaining walls, site lighting, canopy design, and one approved color.
HCA STANDARDS PAINTS 30% OFF @ THRU NOV 30
The 1993 HCA General Resolution 5, Exterior Painting Standards and Maintenance of Concrete Beams, Appendix A, specifies numerous paint colors and finishes for key Hickory Cluster architectural elements and details, including exterior walls, beams, doors, and trim. More recently, the 1993-98 Cluster Standards 2018 Equivalent Products guide describes current versions of former Duron and other brand paints now available at 30% off with a coupon from the local Sherwin Williams store at 495A Elden Street in Herndon, just past the Fairfax County Parkway and Safeway store, telephone (703) 471-1484. This information is for reference only, not an HCA endorsement or guarantee.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
RELAC A/C 2019 SERVICE ENDS @ WED OCT 9
Local air temperatures are forecast to be moderate for the near term, so RELAC President Mark Waddell reported in a letter to customers that 2019 community air conditioning chilled water service will end on the SCC tariff date today at 12:00 noon. Nearby Dulles International Airport recorded 62 days of 90F+ temperatures as of October 2, making 2019 the third hottest summer recorded since 1963. Customers can schedule system repairs during the related annual pipe drain period as noted in the letter at right.
Thursday, October 3, 2019
HCA PAVERS AVAILABLE @ BLOCK 2
As part of his rear patio re-design, a Block 2 HCA Member graciously made available several former Block 3 Common Area garage deck stone-surface concrete pavers for re-use by other HCA Members free of charge. They are currently stacked at the Block 2 dead end of Maple Ridge Rd. on the rowhouse side. Note: Individual pavers are heavy and awkward, and may require a handcart or vehicle to move more than a few dozen feet.
Monday, September 16, 2019
HCA ENTRANCE SIGN DESIGN DEADLINE @ SAT OCT 19
As described in the official announcement posted at right and mailed September 13, 2019, the HCA Board of Directors is inviting residents and Member homeowners to submit proposed designs for Maple Ridge Rd. and Hickory Cluster entrance signs. HCA Block 3 Member Ann Youngren suggested entrance sign design clusterwide participation at the 2018 HCA Annual Meeting.
Also noteworthy are sign designs for other Goodman residential communities in DC, Maryland, and Virginia including Hammond Wood, Hollin Hills, River Park, and Rock Creek Woods.
Proposed designs should include detailed information such as dimensions, materials, finishes, supports, and whatever else is necessary to explain concepts. Submission deadline is October 19, 2019 for hardcopy or email to:
HCA VP Matt Collins at 11522 Maple Ridge or mattcollins@hickorycluster.org
HCA Director Sylvia Merrill at 11541 Hickory Cluster or sylviamerrill@hickorycluster.org.
Although RA has DRB Design Guidelines for Cluster Common Area Signs, HCA previously considered unique non-DRB-compliant designs as part of the 1998 Hickory Cluster Common Area Improvement Project, but the signage portion of the project was not completed and the Maple Ridge south side sign location proposed in 1998 is now an overly active bus stop. More recently, HCA reserved sign space on north corners of each entrance during 2016-17 landscape projects.
Also noteworthy are sign designs for other Goodman residential communities in DC, Maryland, and Virginia including Hammond Wood, Hollin Hills, River Park, and Rock Creek Woods.
Proposed designs should include detailed information such as dimensions, materials, finishes, supports, and whatever else is necessary to explain concepts. Submission deadline is October 19, 2019 for hardcopy or email to:
HCA VP Matt Collins at 11522 Maple Ridge or mattcollins@hickorycluster.org
HCA Director Sylvia Merrill at 11541 Hickory Cluster or sylviamerrill@hickorycluster.org.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
HCA MEETING LOCATION CHANGE @ WED SEP 18
From HCA VP Matt Collins today: (Regular) Meeting for September will now be at St. Anne's Episcopal Church 1700 Wainwright Dr. ... TWC is working on confirming all upcoming meeting locations ... ." Reston Museum and Historic Trust reserved the RCC Lake Anne Rose Gallery for a special Radical Suburbs author presentation and book signing on the typical HCA monthly Regular Meeting date of September 18.
Friday, August 30, 2019
HCA TRASH + RECYCLE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE @ 2019
As noted on the current Republic Services schedule:
LABOR DAY ... Monday Sep 2 no change
THANKSGIVING WEEK ... Monday Nov 25 no change, Thursday holiday pick-up delayed to Friday
CHRISTMAS WEEK ... Monday Dec 23 no change, Thursday after holiday pick-up delayed to Friday
As always, and to comply with Fairfax County, RA, and HCA rules, trash and recycling materials should be placed curbside no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the night before pick-up.
LABOR DAY ... Monday Sep 2 no change
THANKSGIVING WEEK ... Monday Nov 25 no change, Thursday holiday pick-up delayed to Friday
CHRISTMAS WEEK ... Monday Dec 23 no change, Thursday after holiday pick-up delayed to Friday
As always, and to comply with Fairfax County, RA, and HCA rules, trash and recycling materials should be placed curbside no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the night before pick-up.
LAKE ANNE FELLOWSHIP HSE DRB MTG @ TUE SEP 17
The project team notified HCA affected party neighbors in a letter dated August 28, 2019 that they requested an RA DRB meeting on September 17, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. at RA Headquarters to " ... present and receive approval of minor modifications and clarifications to the prior approvals for retaining walls, site lighting, canopy design, and one approved color." DRB previously approved site plan and general massing concepts, the overall site plan, New Lake Anne House and associated townhomes architectural drawings, and site lighting and signage. Materials to be presented to DRB and the public on September 17 have been uploaded to the following project team webpage, and any further updates will be uploaded there no later than 12:00 noon on September 10: https://thelandlawyers.sharefile.com/d-saeec020255c4b9a8. UPDATE ... In a letter dated September 24, RA DRB formally approved this Fellowship House proposal.
Friday, August 23, 2019
RESTON, GOODMAN, HICKORY BOOK TALK @ WED SEP 18
CityLab Senior Editor Amanda Kolson Hurly will discuss her new book Radical Suburbs: Experimental Living on the Fringes of the American City at a September 18, 2019 RCC Lake Anne Rose Gallery event sponsored by the Reston Historic Trust and Museum. Ms. Hurly, who specializes in architecture and urban planning, also recently discussed another major planned community and book chapter in a similar program at the Greenbelt Museum on July 18, 2019.
In Radical Suburbs, Ms. Hurly writes about Reston in Chapter 6: The Fight Over the Soul of a New Town, from origins through recent developments, and mentions both Architect Charles M. Goodman and Hickory Cluster: " ... Two prominent architects from Washington filled in the edges of Lake Anne Village with more small-scale Modernist housing. Charles Goodman, the designer of nearby Hollin Hills, produced Hickory Cluster, ninety townhouses tucked gently into a wooded hillside overlooking the lake. The houses vary in size and height, but they all bear the same grid in front, a concrete frame that is sometimes enclosed with large panes of glass, sometimes left open as a patio. ... " Ms. Hurley also quotes Goodman in her Conclusion chapter.
In another similar book published in 2013, Covert Capital: Landscapes of Denial and the Making of U.S. Empire in the Suburbs of Northern Virginia, author and Haverford College Assistant Professor of History Andrew Friedman writes about Reston, Goodman, and Hickory Cluster as notable elements of the Dulles Corridor between CIA Headquarters and Dulles International Airport where foreign service lives, places, and architecture merged as professional and personal community expressions of modern, post-World War II, post-colonial, U.S. foreign policy promoted by the CIA. The book also mentions former HCA Block 3 Member homeowner and CIA Officer Karl Ingebritsen who passed away August 16, 2019.
Both books confirm the noteworthy roles Reston, Goodman, Hickory Cluster, and local residents have played and continue to play in international, national, and regional policy, culture, and history.
Saturday, July 27, 2019
HCA THURSDAY TRASH SERVICE DELAYS UPDATE
During the past few months, HCA Members have noticed several instances of delayed or no trash collection service contractually scheduled for Thursdays. This has allowed curbside trash containers and bags clusterwide to be publicly visible and vulnerable to scattering by local critters for a day or more longer than expected, and in one case until the next Monday morning. In response, TWC forwarded to HCA the following Thursday, July 25 update from the Republic Services contractor Account Manager: I have been advised of a delay on the route that services the trash in the communities below (including Hickory Cluster). I reached out to the (Republic Services) field supervisor for an update and he assured me that service would be completed today. I wanted to make you aware in case homeowners begin calling during the day. In the event that the team is not able to complete the route, we will return tomorrow, Friday, July 26th to service. Please advise homeowners accordingly." HCA Members should report trash/recycling service concerns to TWC at (703) 437-5800.
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
HCA COMMON AREA POWER WASH @ MAY 21-24
As just announced via snailmail notice:
BLOCK 1 Tuesday, May 21
BLOCK 2 Tuesday-Wednesday, May 21-22
BLOCK 3 Thursday-Friday, May 23-24
This schedule is subject to change depending on weather and other factors. Powerwashing will immediately follow May 20 clusterwide lawn mowing and plaza blowing. Members should remove all private property stored on hardscape Common Areas to provide contractor access, and relocate nearby vehicles if desired to prevent possible personal property damage. This work will include Block 3 front main entry door Common Area elevated landings and carriage house driveway aprons from the building edge property line.
BLOCK 1 Tuesday, May 21
BLOCK 2 Tuesday-Wednesday, May 21-22
BLOCK 3 Thursday-Friday, May 23-24
This schedule is subject to change depending on weather and other factors. Powerwashing will immediately follow May 20 clusterwide lawn mowing and plaza blowing. Members should remove all private property stored on hardscape Common Areas to provide contractor access, and relocate nearby vehicles if desired to prevent possible personal property damage. This work will include Block 3 front main entry door Common Area elevated landings and carriage house driveway aprons from the building edge property line.
Friday, April 26, 2019
HCA MEMBER HOSTS FREE SHRED @ SAT APR 27
Block 3 Member and local Realtor Rob Chevez is hosting a free annual community paper shredding and disposal event from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, April 27, at Lake Anne Elementary School. According to Rob, attendees can shred documents in real time rather than drop them off for shredding later. For more information on this one-day event, please contact rob@thecazagroup.com.
RELAC A/C 2019 SERVICE STARTS EARLY @ THU MAY 2
Reston RELAC LLC announced this week that they will be ready to start service to Hickory Cluster and most other customers as early as the second 80F day after May 1, 2019, rather than the State Corporation Commission tariff required start date of May 22. RELAC also started service early last year on April 29, 2018. The 2019 season operations start-up follows weeks of plant and distribution system preparations that began April 10. The SCC tariff season officially ends October 9 of each year, but RELAC has extended past service end dates due to unexpected warmer weather. UPDATE ... April 30: Since both May 2 and 3 are expected to be 80F+ temperature days, RELAC 2019 service will start at 12:00 noon on Thursday, May 2. Trapped pipe air is purged at the plant, so homeowners need not purge it from their home systems.
HCA TREE DOWNED BY TORNADO WINDS @ FRI APR 19
According to a NOAA National Weather Service damage estimate revised upward yesterday by the local forecaster, a tornado with up to 75 mph. winds damaged Reston homes and trees at about 8:55 p.m. Friday night, April 19 along a four mile, 100 yd. wide, radar-tracked path between Fairfax County and Reston Parkways.
Strong associated inflow winds also downed a 33 in. diameter Red Oak tree in Hickory Cluster ... No. 17 within the 2016 HCA Tree Risk Assessment summary and map ... just northwest of HCA Block 1 Group 5 Goodman Houses. The tree was evaluated by the HCA Consulting Arborist in 2016 to have High combined failure probability and target impact risk ratings due to trunk decay indicated by initial sounding tests, and was pending further arborist testing and recommendations. Fortunately, the tree caused no reported property damage or injuries and did not block Maple Ridge Rd. HCA will remove the downed tree at a future date. Similar winds also downed a large nearby treetop along Fairway Dr. at Hook Rd.
HCA TO REPLACE OVERGROWN BLOCK 2 PLAZA TREES
As part of a 2016 Tree Risk Assessment, the HCA Consulting Arborist identified numerous HCA trees clusterwide that were at high risk of failing and of impacting people or property upon such failure. The assessment included large overgrown Tree No. 27 at overall High/Extreme risk at the south end of Block 2, and large overgrown Tree No. 31 at overall High risk at the north end, both Little Leaf Lindens in Common Area above-grade circular planters. Large, weakened, co-dominant limbs prone to fracture and failure were major safety concerns.
In addition, neighbors have complained for years about adjacent home wall, window, and roof damage; excessive debris clogging roof drains and littering plazas; roots damaging planters and creating plaza trip hazards; annual Aphid infestations and sticky honeydew attracting invasive ants to trees and homes; and unhealthy plaza black mold that required expensive annual power washing. For each tree, recommended annual pruning and pest control would cost as much as $900 during remaining 15 year life, and almost $500 for immediate safety cabling of large branches.
In 2012, HCA replaced five Block 2 Common Area invasive species Bradford Pear trees impacting resident parked cars. In 2014, HCA replaced a large overgrown Block 3 plaza planter Sycamore tree causing similar adjacent homeowner and Common Area problems.
In April 2017, HCA agreed to remove Tree No. 27 pending required RA DRB application completion and approval, and to further discuss action on Tree No. 31. Earlier this month, the HCA Consulting Arborist again evaluated both Block 2 Linden trees and recommended that HCA replace them with smaller, lower maintenance trees more consistent with available building and planter space. HCA agreed, and is currently completing RA DRB applications and contractor proposals for existing tree and stump removal, planter soil preparation, new tree replacement, and a first-year watering plan. UPDATES ... May 15: HCA received RA DRB approval to remove both Trees 27 and 31. July 24-26: Contractor removed both trees as authorized, with stump removal soon, and replanting option decisions still pending.
In addition, neighbors have complained for years about adjacent home wall, window, and roof damage; excessive debris clogging roof drains and littering plazas; roots damaging planters and creating plaza trip hazards; annual Aphid infestations and sticky honeydew attracting invasive ants to trees and homes; and unhealthy plaza black mold that required expensive annual power washing. For each tree, recommended annual pruning and pest control would cost as much as $900 during remaining 15 year life, and almost $500 for immediate safety cabling of large branches.
In 2012, HCA replaced five Block 2 Common Area invasive species Bradford Pear trees impacting resident parked cars. In 2014, HCA replaced a large overgrown Block 3 plaza planter Sycamore tree causing similar adjacent homeowner and Common Area problems.
In April 2017, HCA agreed to remove Tree No. 27 pending required RA DRB application completion and approval, and to further discuss action on Tree No. 31. Earlier this month, the HCA Consulting Arborist again evaluated both Block 2 Linden trees and recommended that HCA replace them with smaller, lower maintenance trees more consistent with available building and planter space. HCA agreed, and is currently completing RA DRB applications and contractor proposals for existing tree and stump removal, planter soil preparation, new tree replacement, and a first-year watering plan. UPDATES ... May 15: HCA received RA DRB approval to remove both Trees 27 and 31. July 24-26: Contractor removed both trees as authorized, with stump removal soon, and replanting option decisions still pending.
Sunday, March 31, 2019
HCA ANNUAL MTG + DIRECTOR ELECTIONS @ SAT MAY 18
The HCA Annual Meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Saturday, May 18, 2019, in the Rose Gallery at the Reston Community Center Lake Anne. TWC will mail meeting information, Director nomination forms, and Proxy absentee vote forms to all HCA Members in late April or early May. UPDATE ... May 1: the 2019 Annual Meeting notice is posted on the Meetings webpage.
Three full three-year term volunteer Director positions expire this year for which current Directors may be re-elected or new Directors elected. HCA encourages interested Members to provide Nomination Form statements of interest and qualifications to TWC as soon as possible, but no later than 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2019, and to indicate if you would like that information posted on this HCA website. Or you can choose to be nominated at the Annual Meeting itself. However, HCA Members not in good standing as of May 18, 2019 due to their failure to pay HCA assessments, or who are otherwise in violation of HCA Bylaws or Rules or Regulations, are not entitled to vote either in person or by Proxy, or be nominated for a Director position.
Volunteer Directors of this non-profit, non-stock corporation are tasked by the original 1964 HCA Articles of Incorporation with maintaining and improving the Common Areas; enforcing covenants and restrictions; and assessing, collecting, and disbursing funds; all for the benefit of the property and peace, health, comfort, and safety of residents. Directors typically review budgets, proposals, and contracts; collaborate with other Directors, neighbors, and consultants to make critical decisions; and may provide hands-on project leadership. Directors must meet at least quarterly, but usually meet monthly. At whatever level, HCA welcomes your participation.
Three full three-year term volunteer Director positions expire this year for which current Directors may be re-elected or new Directors elected. HCA encourages interested Members to provide Nomination Form statements of interest and qualifications to TWC as soon as possible, but no later than 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2019, and to indicate if you would like that information posted on this HCA website. Or you can choose to be nominated at the Annual Meeting itself. However, HCA Members not in good standing as of May 18, 2019 due to their failure to pay HCA assessments, or who are otherwise in violation of HCA Bylaws or Rules or Regulations, are not entitled to vote either in person or by Proxy, or be nominated for a Director position.
Volunteer Directors of this non-profit, non-stock corporation are tasked by the original 1964 HCA Articles of Incorporation with maintaining and improving the Common Areas; enforcing covenants and restrictions; and assessing, collecting, and disbursing funds; all for the benefit of the property and peace, health, comfort, and safety of residents. Directors typically review budgets, proposals, and contracts; collaborate with other Directors, neighbors, and consultants to make critical decisions; and may provide hands-on project leadership. Directors must meet at least quarterly, but usually meet monthly. At whatever level, HCA welcomes your participation.
Friday, March 15, 2019
HCA HICKORY POND DUCKS RETURN
As seen from the Youngren Bridge, the dabbling Mallard duck couple has returned for another season in the HCA pond and stream basins with yet another sign of ongoing HCA watershed health, and validation of major stream restoration and RA pond dredging projects completed in 2017.
Friday, March 8, 2019
HCA ROAD STORM SERVICE UPDATE
As of 2:08 p.m. this afternoon, the NOAA National Weather Service is predicting less than an inch of snow during this storm. AccuWeather is predicting only near-freezing temperatures with fog and rain tomorrow. As such, the HCA snow management contractor has not reported plans to either plow or treat HCA roadways.
Sunday, March 3, 2019
HCA ROAD STORM SERVICE UPDATE
Although early predictions were for as much as eight inches of snow through tomorrow, the current forecast calls for much less. Regardless, the HCA snow management contractor is ready to plow if more than two inches accumulates.
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
HCA REGULAR MEETING LOCATION CHANGE @ WED FEB 20
From the Reston Museum in Lake Anne Village Center earlier this morning regarding the ongoing snowstorm and the HCA Board of Directors Regular Meeting scheduled there for this evening: " ... The museum is closed today and we will not be able to accommodate this evening's meeting. ... " In addition, for the otherwise typical HCA meeting location: " ... Fairfax County Government has announced it will be closed Wednesday, February 20, with employees granted administrative leave. Therefore, both Reston Community Center facilities are closed. All RCC programs, services, and rental activities on February 20 are canceled. ... " However, Lake Anne Village Center restaurant owner Ahn Le graciously agreed to host the meeting at Cafe' Montmartre, 1625 Washington Plaza North, this evening. The meeting is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
HCA ROAD STORM SERVICE UPDATE
From the NOAA National Weather Service this morning: " ... WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT 1AM - 7PM WEDNESDAY. Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of 4-6 inches and ice accumulations of up to 1/10 inch expected. ... The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. ... significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice will make travel very hazardous or impossible. ... " From the HCA snow management contractor: " ... We are expecting snow to start sometime in the over night hours. Eventually this will change over to freezing rain and then plain rain sometime Wednesday night. ... Plowing operations will commence at approx. 2" of snow. ... "
Sunday, February 10, 2019
HCA ROAD STORM SERVICE UPDATE
From the NOAA National Weather service today: " ... Snow, sleet and freezing rain expected. Total snow accumulations of up to one inch and ice accumulations of less than a tenth of an inch expected. ... " Snow contractor plans are TBD.
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
RA CLUSTER RE-INSPECTIONS @ MAR 15+
RA Covenants Administration informally advised HCA this afternoon that: " ... We will be sending a new round of "intent to inspect" letters to (Hickory Cluster) homeowners that have open violations remaining from the (April 2018 RA Cluster Inspection) walkthrough. We'll be inspecting some time after March 15 (2019), weather permitting. These inspections will be specifically focused on open violations, not complete property inspections. We are looking to see if we can close violations ... open for months."
(RA is) " ... working with about 56 homes (or almost 2/3 of all Hickory Cluster Goodman Houses). There are 24 (homes) that have just one or two open violations so we want to give them every opportunity to clear these up before the re-inspection. The letter ... will ask for an update. The next group (about 26 homes) has between three and nine open violations. There are six (homes) that have ten or more violations so they will likely be called to a Covenants Committee meeting quickly after the re-inspection." (One Block 2 home) " ... had 19 violations from the walkthrough and that number is down to nine. ... " During the 2018 inspections, RA also identified but has not yet formally cited HCA for 18 mostly Refuse and Debris standards Common Area violations, many of which appear to be caused over the years by nearby homeowners or contractors. HCA Directors are discussing how to correct and budget for these Common Area violations. Failure to correct April 2018 RA Cluster Inspection open violations after an RA Covenants Committee meeting and final deadline may result in further RA actions. UPDATES ... March 6: ... " ... Weather permitting, (RA Covenants Advisor inspectors will be) ... out there next Friday ... (March 15) ... . We've been able to bring the number down to 42 (from 56) properties with 21 of those having just one or two open violations. Our Covenants Committee team is taking over the inspections of six properties that have ten or more violations ... ."
Friday, February 1, 2019
HCA ROAD STORM SERVICE UPDATE
From the HCA snow management contractor to the Board of Directors this morning: " ... We are now expecting 2-3" we will be plowing at least once today and will sand/salt later this evening/ tonight."
Monday, January 28, 2019
HCA ROAD STORM SERVICE UPDATE
As of this afternoon, the NOAA National Weather Service is predicting 1-3 inches of snow for Fairfax County. The HCA snow management contractor is anticipating one to three inches of snow with rain turning into snow early tomorrow evening. He will update HCA tomorrow.
Saturday, January 26, 2019
RA DRB RELEASES NEW APPLICATION FORM
RA Covenants Administration recently advised HCA that " ... DRB Staff has revised the DRB Application homeowners use when applying to make improvements. This does not affect any applications currently submitted. ... Please let us know if you notice any problems, misspellings, or parts of the form that do not function correctly."
RA DRB application approval and compliance with HCA and RA standards is required prior to most exterior changes and private property tree removals proposed by HCA Member Goodman House homeowners. More specific HCA exterior cluster standards enforced by RA are documented within HCA General Resolutions. Related RA and HCA reference documents are available here and on the HCA Governing Documents webpage, as follows:
RA Design Review Overview
RA Designs General Information
RA Cluster Housing Design Guidelines
RA Application and Review Procedures
RA Submitting An Application
RA DRB Application Form ... February 5, 2019 version
HCA RA DRB Application Process ... draft
RA DRB application approval and compliance with HCA and RA standards is required prior to most exterior changes and private property tree removals proposed by HCA Member Goodman House homeowners. More specific HCA exterior cluster standards enforced by RA are documented within HCA General Resolutions. Related RA and HCA reference documents are available here and on the HCA Governing Documents webpage, as follows:
RA Design Review Overview
RA Designs General Information
RA Cluster Housing Design Guidelines
RA Application and Review Procedures
RA Submitting An Application
RA DRB Application Form ... February 5, 2019 version
HCA RA DRB Application Process ... draft
Thursday, January 24, 2019
RELAC A/C PIPES DRY FOR REPAIRS @ JAN-FEB
From Reston RELAC President Mark Waddell this morning: "Every year RELAC announces when the piping system is empty of water. This allows anyone who needs their supply and/or return values replaced to do that work. These valves are your safety net if a pipe or the coil in your house leaks. They are equivalent to the shutoff valve you have for your Fairfax water. For the next 4 weeks the RELAC pipes will be empty. Now is the time to replace any valve that does not operate properly. Consult your HVAC contractor or call the RELAC Service Division at 703-349-3301 and select #1 for service. If you have any questions please call the above service number ... ."
Saturday, January 19, 2019
HCA ROAD STORM SERVICE UPDATE
Based on the early morning NOAA National Weather Service forecast, it appears Reston will not receive significant snowfall during the storm today and tomorrow. However, the snow management crew may plow if two or more inches of new snow falls, depending on actual conditions.
HCA REGULAR MEETING CHANGES @ FEB MAR MAY 2019
HCA Regular Meetings will be held at the Reston Museum during February, March, and May, 2019 rather than the usual RCC Lake Anne Rose Gallery location. As always, Bylaws-required quarterly April, July, and October Regular Meetings will be held at TWC. All Regular Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. regardless of location.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
HCA TRASH + RECYCLE SERVICE UPDATE @ JAN 14-19
TWC forwarded the following Republic Services information to HCA this morning: "Operations has made a decision to close today (Monday) January 14th due to the current road conditions across Northern VA.
TRASH ... If your community has twice a week trash, the next trash service will be on the community’s next trash service day (Thursday, January 17). ...
RECYCLING ... If your community has recycling pickup today (Monday, January 14), the recycling will be serviced on Wednesday January 16th, 2019. ...
TREES ... If your community has Christmas tree pickup normally on Wednesday (January 16), the Christmas trees will be serviced on Saturday January 19th, 2019.
We apologize for the inconvenience and we appreciate your patience." Italics and underlines added for posting purposes.
TRASH ... If your community has twice a week trash, the next trash service will be on the community’s next trash service day (Thursday, January 17). ...
RECYCLING ... If your community has recycling pickup today (Monday, January 14), the recycling will be serviced on Wednesday January 16th, 2019. ...
TREES ... If your community has Christmas tree pickup normally on Wednesday (January 16), the Christmas trees will be serviced on Saturday January 19th, 2019.
We apologize for the inconvenience and we appreciate your patience." Italics and underlines added for posting purposes.
HCA ROAD STORM SERVICE UPDATE
The NOAA National Weather Service forecasts more snow this week for midday Thursday January 17 through Friday January 18. Our snow management contractor will plow HCA roadways if accumulation exceeds 2 inches.
Friday, January 11, 2019
HCA ROAD STORM SERVICE UPDATE
Snow management contractor Perfect Landscapes reported to Directors yesterday that they are prepared to provide weekend storm snow plow services as necessary based on HCA agreement during the December 2018 Regular Meeting to auto-renew the annual contract. The contractor will typically plow once snowfall exceeds 2 inches depending on weather forecasts.
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