2023 HOA ASSESSMENT

Most everything costs more today than it did a year ago due to the high levels of inflation in our country. Likewise, your HOA’s expenses have increased over the past 12 months. Our 2023 contracts have increased for our management contract, insurance, tree removal, and county fee’s. We are fortunate to have a three-year, fixed-cost lawn maintenance contract. This contract will expire in December 2023. The SMHOA BOD is dedicated to keeping assessments as low as possible and we have one of the lowest assessments in Montgomery County. The SMHOA Board of Directors will take all reasonable steps to keep costs in check. However, to cover the additional costs, the annual assessment for 2023 will increase to $262 under the BOD's proposal, with a $20 discount for payments made before January 31, 2023. This is only a $12 dollar increase in the base assessment from 2022. We will reevaluate the assessment again next year.

UPDATE: NEW DEVELOPMENT AT THE CORNER OF EAST RANDOLPH AND OLD COLUMBIA PIKE

You have likely received notification from the HOA of plans to build a grocery store and townhomes/apartments directly across East Randolph Road from Forcey Church/School. The SMHOA is pleased to inform you that due to the incredible public pushback against the project the developers have put this project on hold and promise to continue to work with the surrounding neighborhoods to find a more acceptable project. There were groups of people from all over the area that came out to speak against the proposed development. We will keep you informed.

FALL MAINTENANCE ISSUES

Leaf collection--In the past, there were many homeowners who didn’t pick up their leaves regularly as specificed in the HOA’s lawn care policy document. The HOA lawncare policy document can be found by clicking here. It is not sufficient to simply pick up all leaves at the end of the season, they must be picked up regularly and disposed of properly. The county will collect leaves in the large paper sacs or in trash containers designated for lawn waste exclusively.  Our community does not have curbside leaf pickup. Please pick up your leaves regularly and be a great neighbor. The BOD can’t be everywhere, if you see a lawn where the leaves haven’t been picked up, please let us know.  We have a great community that cares about the appearance of their homes and our community.

GARDENING IN THE FALL

Believe it or not fall is a great time to time to plant and garden? It’s a great time to get your perennial flowers and especially shrubs and trees into the ground. Trees and shrubs begin dormancy in anticipation of winter making them less likely to die upon transplanting. They also have more time to acclimate to soil conditions before further establishing root systems in the spring, making them more likely to flourish the following year.  

Anytime of the year is it always wise to consider planting native species in your yard. Natives benefit the entire food chain of local wildlife, helping to enhance biodiversity in our local ecosystems. Non-native species which include most of the plants sold at commercial nurseries, Home Depot and Lowes often provide severely reduced or even negative benefits to the surrounding ecosystem. Go native!

TRASH CANS

The Board continues to receive complaints of homeowners leaving their trash cans out after their pickup day and/or leaving out items that weren’t picked up at the curb. Please do not put trash out earlier than the day before your scheduled pick-up. If the county doesn’t remove something that you have left out for collection, it is your responsibility to remove it from the curb. Leaves and grass cuttings must be in a dedicated lawn waste container or paper bags. Click here to read more.  Garbage cans MUST be stored out of view from the street except on pickup day.

TAKE THE TIME TO GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS

We all live busy lives, but it is important to make the time to get to know your neighbors. Greenstone Court recently held a Fall Neighborly Meetup to do just that. We often drive by our neighbors, offering a wave, but have you really gotten to know and learn more about them? That's why the neighbors on Greenstone Court decided to hold a casual Fall event. Everyone was encouraged to bring light snacks/beverages, their families, and to chat for a couple of hours. Invites were sent out, and those who could make it (and assuming weather cooperated) were welcome to good food, good drinks, and great discussion. Tables, chairs, and coolers were brought out and everyone had a wonderful time with the sun out and a cool breeze.

All who attended agreed we should do it again in the future, perhaps indoors - or when it warms up! 

UPDATE: FAIRLAND MASTER PLAN

As we have informed you that the county is starting to reevaluate the Fairland master plan. The last master plan for our area was developed in 1997. Our master plan provides guidelines and recommendations for land use, zoning, and development. For Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, these plans are initiated through the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Planning efforts are initiated through respective planning departments and planning boards for each County. The Fairland master plan will determine if our community will look like downtown Silver Spring or what we currently have, transportation needs and businesses. Some want to make our community look like downtown Silver Spring and there are others who would like to preserve our community as is. There were a series of public hearings. There were people there who were arguing for better roads and public transportation. You can read all about the Fairland master plan, and the development by clicking here.

FIRE ALARM SAFETY

Most fatalities in the home occur while occupants are asleep. Contrary to popular belief, the smell of smoke may not wake you up. So, consider: A smoke alarm on every level and if your

bedroom door is shut, put one in the bedroom, Test alarms monthly and replace the battery at first “chirping sound” but at a minimum replace batteries annually. Vacuum around smoke alarms. Dust and debris can interfere with operation Smoke alarm batteries wear out and should be replaced every ten years. Get a battery back-up for wired-in smoke detectors so they will function in case of loss of power.

NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY

Although we are lucky to live in a relatively safe neighborhood, we all must be vigilant. To help deter break-ins, make your vehicle “unattractive.” Simplest thing is to leave your porch light on - - thieves like darkness. Any time you don’t lock your car, you’re a prime target. Remove wallets, purses, loose change, cell phones and GPS equipment and anything you think might be “inviting.” Townhouse vehicles are parked close together, which provides- cover for thieves, so we all need to be smarter.

FALL FOOD

We hope that you enjoyed the Smoked Trout Salad last summer. For fall food we have:

Siga Tibs (Ethiopian beef stew)

• 2 lbs. ribeye beef cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 onion minced
• 1 yellow bell pepper diced
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 2 tsp honey
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp berbere (spice)
• 1 bunch cilantro stems minced

1. In a large pan on medium-high heat, cook the beef cubes with some infused oil and rosemary, stirring intermittently, for about 8-10 minutes or until crispy on all surfaces. Set aside.

2. In the same pan, add some more oil and sauté the onions and bell peppers until golden. Then add the beef back to the pan and add tomato paste, berber, minced cilantro stems, and honey, stirring to combine. Cook on low, uncovered for another 10 minutes. Serve warm.

(These recipes are contributed by your neighbors.  If there is a recipe that you would like to share with your neighbors, please send it to us.)