CORNER STONE: STONECROFT
CONDOMINIUM NEWSLETTER
JUNE 2002
CONTENTS:
The Resident Manual, updated in May 2002, contains
information on living at StoneCroft. The manual contains lots of practical, user
friendly information, such as trash and pet rules, tips for appliance use, and
how to access the swimming pool and clubhouse. The manual is available on the
Web site so feel free to download it, or contact the site manager, Jim Alkire,
at the clubhouse to get a CD-ROM version. You must have a Portable Document
Format (PDF) reader in order to read/download/print the manual. A link to
download a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader is available on the Web site.
GRILLS: You could be breaking Fairfax County law and violating StoneCroft Condominium rules and regulations based on the type of grill you own! Only two types are acceptable in the community—Grills that use Natural Gas and are connected to the main gas line of the unit and electric grills. Fairfax County Fire Code prohibits the use of LP gas and charcoal grills in close proximity to residential units. Please consult with the site manager for details. This information is not meant to inconvenience anyone—it is for the safety of our residents and it’s the law!
For this reason, there are several barbecue
areas. There is a gas grill behind the clubhouse and other charcoal grills in
the common areas between buildings. These are available for use by all
residents, provided that we take care of them. When using the gas grill please
remember to clean it when you are finished. This will greatly extend the life of
the components of the grill and it's the neighborly thing to do as well. Those
who use the grill after you don't want their steaks smelling and tasting like
your grilled salmon. You can clean the grill by simply leaving the burners’
flame on high for about 5-10 minutes. This will burn off the grease from the
burners and will dry out the crud on the grates so it can easily be scraped off
with the grill brush.
You're on your own to provide the charcoal for the other grills. The same logic
applies to these grills, however. Please leave them as clean (or even cleaner!)
as you found them. Let the coals burn out. This will save you from having to
dispose of unburned coals and will help keep the grill clean. Always have
someone keep an eye on the grill! These grills are in the more wooded areas and
we all know how dry it can get during warmer weather. It's not a bad idea to
have a bucket or pan full of water handy! All the grills are first come first
serve. Even if you reserve the Great Room for a party or gathering, this does
not entitle you to exclusive rights to the grill area. Please be considerate of
your neighbors who would like to throw something on for a few minutes when you
have a couple dozen burgers to grill. Finally, please use the receptacles
provided for disposal of trash and be sure all fires are out before leaving the
area!
Please note: All residents of StoneCroft Condominium are now considered notified that they must completely remove all illegal items from StoneCroft property including balconies, storage areas, and dwellings. Those found in possession of such items will be fined in accordance with the Bylaws of StoneCroft Condominium and subject to prosecution by the proper authorities of Fairfax County. Again, any questions regarding this matter may be directed to the site manager.
POOL HOURS: This year’s hours will be the same as last year. Unless otherwise noted, the pool hours will be:
Saturday – Sunday and Holidays: 11:00 AM –
8:00 PM
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesdays: Closed
CHIMNEYS: This is the year to have your
chimney cleaned and inspected. It must be inspected prior to August 31st. If you
want to have your dryer vents cleaned out, the same company will often do both
jobs. You may use whomever you want from the yellow pages or ask the site
manager for a recommendation. Please give him a copy of your receipt. Residents
with gas fireplaces do not need to have their chimney cleaned/inspected.
All of us at StoneCroft realize that our units are not the most soundproof dwellings and that it is likely that we will hear sounds from other units as well as the common areas. Still, there are those who may not realize just how loud TVs, stereos, appliances, or even a few guests can be. Exercising, allowing your front door to slam shut, playing with your pets, dropping bags, etc. can often be heard by your neighbors and can also cause their ceilings to shake and light fixtures to bounce out of their sockets. However, there are times when what may sound like quite a ruckus is really nothing more than our neighbors doing everyday things around their units. Thus we should strive to exercise tolerance when it comes to demanding our peace and quiet and should always be mindful of just how much sound is traveling from our unit into adjacent units.
Although it is unreasonable to expect complete silence in your unit, we do have established quiet hours. During these hours please refrain from using washers/dryers, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, or other appliances that make sound which can travel outside your unit. Keep in mind that a party room and exercise areas in the clubhouse are available to all residents, owners and renters alike. If you’re expecting a few or more guests, consider using the Great Room in the clubhouse for entertaining purposes. Arrangements can easily be made with the site manager during business hours. You must leave a nominal deposit for cleaning and damage that will be returned to you in full provided that everything is left in order.
There will be times, however, when we won't be able to tolerate our neighbors’ excessive noise. The first step toward resolution is to contact your neighbor directly. In most cases they don't realize that the sound is that loud in your unit and simply letting them know will resolve the problem. If the problem is chronic or if it's a blatant disregard for the rules and common decency, then you may file a complaint with the Association and we will handle the matter. But those should be extreme cases.
Remember Quiet Hours are:
Monday – Friday, 10:00 PM – 7:00
AM
Saturday – Sunday and holidays,
11:00 PM – 10:00 AM
There may be no more than one pet in each dwelling unit unless the Covenants Committee grants approval for a second pet. In no event shall there be more than two pets in any dwelling unit.
Pets must also be registered with the Condo Association. The site manager can provide you with a registration form. The purpose of pet registration is to aid in identifying a pet and its owner in the event of injury to the pet or another animal or a person, in the event of a violation of the governing documents, and to prevent false accusations when a problem animal is from outside the community. Registration with StoneCroft is in addition to, not in lieu of, that required by Fairfax County. Also, registration with the County does not eliminate the need for registration with the Association.
Owners who lease their property should obtain from the lessee a written agreement (whether on the lease itself or in a separate document) to abide by these rules and all other pet ownership rules covered in the Homeowner’s Manual. A copy must be submitted to the site manager.
Also, thanks go to the pet owners who take the
time to walk their pets in the designated pet area. The rest of you may not be
aware that the only place pets are allowed to relieve themselves is the area
under the power lines along Fair Stone Drive. It does not matter how old, small,
or delicate, or what type or sex the animal is-- they all must be taken to this
area. It also does not matter if they’re doing "number 1" or
"number 2" because either is damaging to the landscape and just as
unpleasant to step in. Please be aware that, even though we are private
property, all Fairfax County ordinances are still in effect. Pets must be leashed
and cleaned up after. Pick-up bags are provided at the pet walking area.
ROTTING WOOD: If you see rotting wood on or around your unit, please contact the site manager.
PAINTING: We will be painting the trim this summer including your front and back doors. You should be home when this happens. If you have to arrange for this on a Saturday, please let us know.
SMOKE DETECTORS: Did you know that your unit’s smoke detector does not have battery backup? Management recommends changing them out or putting in a second one with a battery backup.
TRASH DISPOSAL: Please remember that items that do not fit into the trash compactor (e.g., furniture, mattresses, etc.) and paint cans or other toxic substance containers must not be left at the trash collection area. A recycling center/landfill is located close by at 4618 West Ox Rd. For more information, call (703) 631-1179.
SATELLITE SYSTEM: StoneCroft is considering a community-wide satellite system. Letters to all residents, owners and renters will be distributed with more information. You will still have the choice of cable or satellite.
Your comments regarding this matter will help the Board to make a decision on whether to go forward with a contract with one of the competing companies.
DOG RUN: What are your feelings on a portable, fenced-in "doggy run" over by the garden area where the community dogs could run and play unleashed? Please let the site manager know if you would like to have one added.
If you have any questions or comments please contact the Site Manager, Jim Alkire, at the office during business hours-- (703) 818-3432 or e-mail us at stonecroft@verizon.net our Fax (703) 802-2127.
StoneCroft is on the Web at: http://www.stonecroftcondos.com.