~ Breaking News ~ |
ANNUAL GARAGE SALE
Thanks to all of the neighborhood participants (and shoppers) at TLAFM Annual Garage sale. There were about 25 families holding garage sales each day. Mark your calendars for next year's sale and start putting aside treasures to turn into cash!
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VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Remember a few years ago when TLAFM Homeowners would receive a very nice looking, newsy newsletter? Homeowners have said that they woud like to again have a TLAFM Newsletter, so the HOA Board of Directors is seeking volunteers who would be interested in working on a newsletter. It is hoped that residents will submit information to be included in the newsletter and then the Newsletter committee would work on putting together a newsy, nice looking newsletter. If you are interested, please contact Ashlee Miller at Amiller@karecondo.com__________
TURFSCAPE Schedule of Services for LifeStyles homes
LifeStyles Homeowners can view the Turfscape's Preliminary Schedule for servicing their lawns for 2013. Insect Control and Grub Control have not contracted for at this time; the board will be considering those proposals at its next board meeting. __________
TLAFM PHASE V
Article from the Record Courier, March 25, 2013
Kent Developer Gets OK for 9 New Homes
Lakes at Franklin Mills intersection causes concerns in Kent
By Thomas Gallick | Staff WriterPublished:March 25, 2013 4:00AM
The developer behind the Lakes at Franklin Mills in Kent is moving forward with a plan to add nine houses to the development, while city officials are looking for ways to make one of its entrances safer.
Kent Planning Commission unanimously approved Robert Heimann's proposal to develop an 8-acre tract bounded by Fairchild Avenue, Roy Marsh Drive and Stonewater Drive into nine single family homes this week. In approving the plan, the second step in a subdivision process that began last month, the Planning Commission made several recommendations to Heimann and the city's administration.
Planning Commissioner Peter Paino said both Heimann and the city needed to look at ways to make the intersection at Fairchild Avenue and Stonewater Drive safer. He said the landscaped island and hill at the development's entrance can make navigating the intersection "a scary situation at times."
"I really think, under the circumstances, that landscape island ... needs to be redone, and that hill needs to be shaved," Paino said.
Heimann said he would look at the possibility of shaving the hill, located on the intersection's southwest corner, although a utility lines running through the area could complicate matters.
"I think (the hill) could probably be shaved down ... and make a big difference," he said.
Paino also took issue with the curved driveways originally planned for the nine lots, which he said unnecessarily complicated driving and parking in the development.
"Curved driveways are not good planning," he said. "That doesn't help anything."
Heimann said he originally liked the aesthetics of the curved driveways, but agreed straight driveways would be preferable in this case.
The Planning Commission approved the development plan, under the conditions that the city's administration studies the Fairchild Avenue and Stonewater Drive intersection, along with any potential problems caused by delivery vehicles stopping next to the islands at the entryway and restricting traffic flow.
The subdivision will now go through the city's technical review process before the final plat comes before the Planning Commission for approval.
Heimann said he wants to build as high quality homes as possible on the lots in order to sell them in current economic conditions. He said he originally planned to develop a commercial and community building on the 8-acre lot, but the economic collapse and return of retail businesses to downtown Kent made him reconsider and opt for a plan to build nine houses.
Contact this reporter at 330-298-1126 or tgallick@recordpub.com
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PHASE V OF TLAFM (following is a letter with plans received from TLAFM developer, Bob Heiman, with more information about his development of Phase V. This information is provided on TLAFM website to keep our residents informed and are not meant to be an endorsement by the Homeowners' Association. There maybe changes, as the Project progresses.) The Planning Commission Meetings are open to the public, where comments can be expressed to the Commission members. Mr. Heimann will present this at the March 19th Planning Commission Meeting according to the Agenda. Planning Commission meetings are held in the City Council chambers on N. Depeyster Street.
To: Lakes of Franklin Mills Master Assn. 2/19/13
Lakes of Franklin Mills Condo Assn.
All Lakes of Franklin Mills Homeowners
Mr. Bruce Cedar, Kare Condo
From: Forest Lakes Development Co.
Robert K. Heimann
Dear Homeowners,
I will be sending, in a separate e-mail, an updated plan that will be put into engineering plans for my presentation to Kent Planning Commission for the 9 lots in Phase V.
A. In response to concerns expressed to the planning commission at the Feb. 5th meeting concerning the line of sight issues at the Stonewater Dr. and Fairchild Ave. intersection, looking west, I have made the following changes which are shown on this plan, dated 2/19/13:
1) the house on lot 9 has been moved 30 feet to the south, putting it well out of the line of sight.
2) A line of sight easement will be established along Fairchild Ave. This easement will contain language that prohibits all vegetation, trees, shrubs, with only mowed grass being allowed in this easement area. No signage, structures of any kind, either permanent or temporary will be permitted.
3) The the engineering plans will show a master grading plan that will show the existing grade lowered in the Line of Sight Easement to allow for a greater sight distance looking west.
B. Although the deed restrictions for the preservation area will prohibit structures of any kind, there will be an exception which will allow the HOA to build a 12 ft. diameter Gazebo (but not require the HOA to do so), provided that it is constructed on the site as shown, which I will show on the approved plans.
In order to make this work for what I am trying to accomplish as far as the quality of these lots, I will grade the site extensively in order to create 3 large mounds which will shelter the Gazebo from view of the 9 homes and afford them privacy.
The grading plan will allow for an opening between the two larger mounds to afford a view of the lake.
The site location of the Gazebo will be graded level and will need no earthwork if it is constructed.
I will also grade for a walk area, as shown on plan, that will blend into existing grades.
I will also limit the Gazebo height, width, size and require natural building materials as well as a consideration for non flammable building materials.
C. Each of the 3 mounds will have a generous grouping of Blue Spruce pine tree at their top as shown on plan.
D. The east and west shoreline of the pond will be mounded slightly, covered in weed fabric, and large boulders placed on the mound, and mulched.
E. There will be 5 decorative rock downspout collection bays
constructed between lots 1 &2, 3&4, 4&5, 6&7, and 8&9. These will serve to hide the downspout lines, but will also provide an attractive view of the rear of the lots from the Preservation Area.
D. I have relocated all driveways on Stonewater Dr. in order to avoid the need to remove part of the boulevard islands. If this plan is approved, no islands will be disturbed.
This will also have the beneficial effect of creating interesting and attractive driveways to lots 3 thru 9. It will also encourage landscape mounds to be created between driveways, and generally allow for a better architectural plan for the homes.
I hope these changes make sense to all of you, and if they do, I look forward to making this plan part of our community.
Sincerely,
Bob Heimann
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HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION MINUTES AND AGENDAS
Minutes from the HOA Board Meetings and Annual Meetings are posted in the Documents section of the Residents' section of the web page.
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MAILBOXES (Single Family Homes, including LifeStyles & Admore Condos):
In an effort to improve the curb appeal of your home, if your mailbox is rusty or missing parts, such as its door, latch or flag, you should replace your mailbox with a white mailbox similar to the one being replaced. Home Improvement stores have white, reasonably‐priced, USPS‐approved replacement mailboxes in white plastic or metal. For example: Home Depot and Lowes have Gilbraltar Mailboxes Standard Size (20" DEPTH) White Galvanized Steel Rural Mailbox, Model #E1100W00, priced at $17.97. A larger size (22 3/8" DEPTH) of the same mailbox price at $24.97 would also be acceptable. Your house number is to be displayed on the door of the mailbox.
If the post holding your mailbox and newspaper holder is wobbly or crooked, it should be made vertical and solid in the ground.
If you have "stuff" that has accumulated in the newpaper holder of your mailbox, now would be a good time to clean it out, also!
Thank you to the neighbors who have replaced their mailboxes; if your mailbox is detracting from the curb appeal of your home, please consider replacing it. A little TLC for your mailbox will greatly improve not only your curb appeal, but the overall look of the neighborhood.
Recommended by the Architectural Review Committee, see: Second Restated Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for the Single Family Homes of The Lakes of Franklin Mills, Article IV,
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SAFETY REMINDER
If residents, family, and/or friends park their cars in the driveway or on the street, please remember to LOCK the car(s)! It can be pretty tempting to passersby to try the doors of cars to see if they are locked -- and relieve them of their contents!
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THE LAKES AT FRANKLIN MILLS HANDBOOK OF RULES, REGULATIONS, AND INFORMATION
The Lakes of Franklin Mills Association Handbook of Rules, Regulations and Information can be found on this web page under "Documents" or "Governing Documents" with most sections marked with virtual “sticky notes” to identify where that specific rule can be found in the Master Association's Declaration. If not marked with a sticky note, the rule will generally fall under architectural oversight or the authority and/or requirement can be found in Chapter 5312 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Please contact KareCondo, if you have any questions. |
~ Did You Know? ~ |
The city of Kent has instituted a new single source trash hauler program. Please familiarize yourself with it and be sure to sign up.
http://www.kent360.com/NewTrashCustomer.html
Just a reminder to all LAFM residents trash blowing around the development is not only unsightly, but it also gets into the lakes and the drainage system that keeps the lakes at a consistent water level. Please secure your trash for pick-up so that we do not have problems with soil erosion and basement flooding.
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~ Survey ~ |
Please login to view and vote in our survey. |
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~ Upcoming Events ~ |
| TLAFM HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC | | Saturday, August 3rd, 2013 Save the Date; always a great time for ALL residents of the condos, LifeStyles and single family homes; more information to follow. | |
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~ Neighborhood News ~ |
HOA FINALCIAL INFORMATION
2012 Budget vs. Actual and 2012 Balance Sheet for the LifeStyles homes have been added to the Documents section of the Residents' section of the Web site.
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PHOTO ALBUM
Check out some new albums "Turtles," "Springtime 2013," and "Phase V"! Thanks, resident, Jerry Jividen, for sharing these lovely works of art!
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PARKING LIMITS/BAN ON CITY STREETS
Be sure that you check the City of Kent website http://www.kentohio.org so that you are familiar with parking regulations on city street; all of the streets and cul de sacs in The Lakes of Franklin Mills are city streets except the condo drives and the drive into the single family homes off of Edgewater Circle.
351.13 TWENTY -FOUR HOUR PARKING LIMIT. No person shall park or store any motor vehicle, vehicle, or part thereof on any public street, alley, avenue, court, boulevard, drive or any other type of thoroughfare or right-of-way or part thereof within the City for more than twenty-four consecutive hours, which period shall include moving any vehicle or part thereof to another such public thoroughgare or right-of-way for parking or storage purposes. (Ord. 1964-19. Passed 4-6-64)
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KENT PATCH
By registering with www.kent.patch.com you can receive up-to-date information on what's going on in and around Kent. _____
PET LEASH LAW
Dogs are to be leashed at all times when in Common Areas of the LFM under Kent City Ordinance. Pet owners need to understand their joint and several liabilities with respect the rights of all homeowners and others who may use the walking paths around the Lakes and other public areas, as well as those areas under the responsibility of the LFM Master Association and/or the City of Kent. We appreciate those pet owners who leash their dogs and encourage the rest to do so as well.
It is the pet owners duty to clean up after their pet; it is a Kent law to keep them on the leash, and out of people's yards. If these are infringed upon, the homeowner may contact the Animal Control Officer at the City of Kent Police Department 330-673-7732.
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NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING
We had a terrific presentation from Sandy Gamby of the Akron Better BusinessBureau Thursday evening, October 18, 2012. A future presentation from Sandy on investment scams maybe on the horrizon, if we can get enough interested people. Following are some useful web sites and info:
SHREDDING: Portage County residents can take documents to be shredded for free to Portage County Recycling, 3588 Mogadore Road, Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 678-8808; call for more information.
Ohio Attorney General web site: http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/IdentityTheft
Credit reporting and scores web sites: it was suggested that you might want to request one from each (Equifax, TrasnUnion, and Experian) at 4 month intervals, which could alert you to any illegal activity, rather than requesting the free reports all at one time. Spouses can each request a report; not just one per household.
ATTORNEY GENERAL DEWINE, BBB HIGHLIGHT PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY WEEK
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Attorney General Mike DeWine joins the Better Business Bureau in recognizing National Protect Your Identity Week by urging Ohioans to guard their personal information. DeWine also reminded those who may be victims of identity theft that he has started an Identity Theft Unit located within the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section to offer assistance to victims.
"There are many threats to keeping our personal information safe," said Attorney General DeWine. "But there are steps we can take to help protect ourselves."
National Protect Your Identity Week, Oct. 20-27, is a public-private initiative to promote the awareness of the threat of identity theft, what can be done to fight it, and what consumers can do if they become victims.
A report released by Javelin Strategy and Research reports that in 2011 identity fraud increased by 13 percent. More than 11.6 million adults became a victim of identity theft in the United States. The report looked at consumer behavior and fraud and found consumers' social media and mobile behaviors may be putting them at greater risk.
The Better Business Bureau and Attorney General DeWine recommend the top 10 consumer prevention tips:
•Keep personal data private - At home, at work, and on your mobile devices, secure your personal and financial records in a locked storage device or behind a password. Avoid mailing checks to pay bills. Use online bill payment on a secure Internet connection instead, and use direct deposit for payroll checks.
•Be social, be responsible - While social networks are popular, be careful about publicly exposing personal information that is typically used for authentication (full birthday, high school name). This applies to all social networks.
•Use mobile devices responsibly - Mobile devices are a treasure trove of information for fraudsters. The "always on" functionality of mobile devices provides fraudsters with new avenues for securing information. Be sure of the applications you download, the data you share over public Wi-Fi, and where you leave your device.
•Ask questions - Before providing any information on mobile phones, social media sites or transaction sites, determine who is asking for the information. Ask: Why do you need it? How is the information being used? If volunteering information, ask yourself if you have more to gain than to lose by sharing personal and unnecessary details.
•Carry only the number of credit cards that you need for a specific outing. Keep your Social Security card in a safe place at home.
•If you are doing business online, make sure the site is secure and your anti-virus, firewall, and other personal computer security applications are up-to-date.
•Shred all documents that contain personal information before you dispose of them.
•Keep copies of credit cards (front and back) in a safe place so you will be able to call and cancel them if they are stolen.
•Check your credit history at least once a year using www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 877-322-8228. If you notice suspicious activity, contact the appropriate credit bureau immediately.
•Review your medical, bank, and credit card statements thoroughly upon receipt and notify the provider/institution of any discrepancies.
"ID theft prevention should always be on an individual's mind," said Kip Morse, President/CEO of BBB. "When it comes to protecting your identity, an ounce of prevention is worth far more than the amount of money, energy, and agony that goes into getting your life back to normal after your financial and personal information has been stolen."
The Ohio Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau offer an array of educational and outreach services to educate and assist consumers, including participating in a Protect Your Identity Week consumer call-in with 10TV in Columbus on its early evening newscasts on Monday.
For more information, please visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov, or call the Ohio Attorney General's Help Desk at 800-282-0515. Consumers can also visit their local BBB online, www.bbb.org, or by phone at 614-486-6336.
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The NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH GROUP was formed in 2010, not out of necessity, but because of a true passion and sense of ownership of our community here in The Lakes at Franklin Mills. Most Groups are set up only after a problem occurs and disbands shortly after the crime stops. Our group is an exception! Our "issues" have been relatively minor this year and we've all pitched in and done our part in ensuring that our neighborhood remains safe! We want to keep the community spirit going and growing in 2012.
Neighborhood Watch is all about neighbors helping neighbors. We are the eyes and ears of the police. Residents are the best people to know if something in the neighborhood doesn’t look right, or someone doesn’t belong. If you see something suspicious, say something….immediately. Call 330.673.7732 or dial 911 to report suspicious activity. Note a description and direction of travel of people you report.
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Although Neighborhood Watch is not a function of The Lakes at Franklin Mills Home Owners Association, additional Neighborhood Watch news and meeting summaries may be found at The Lakes at Franklin Mills web site- http://www.thelakesatfranklinmills.org/
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SAFETY REMINDER
As you are checking your doors before you go close up your home and go to bed for the night, please remember to check that your garage door is DOWN! There is a lot of car and foot traffic through our neighborhood at night and some might find an open garage door too tempting, not to mention the critters that could get into your garage! Better to be safe than sorry!
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LIFESTYLES HOMES' EXTERIOR PAINT COLORS
SHUTTERS AND FRONT DOORS: LifeStyles homes' shutters and front doors were originally painted with ICI (now Glidden Professional Paint) Hawthorne Green color; it can be purchased from Glidden Professional Paint, 315 E. Market Street (near Perkins Street), Akron, OH 330-762-7271; they are open 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. M-F.
OUTSIDE TRIM: Lifestyles homes' outside trim is painted with Sawyers Professional Almond color, Glidden Professional Paint.
FOUNDATIONS: The foundation paint used for homes and condos in TLOFM is from Sherwin Williams called: Loxon XP, exterior masonry waterproof paint. The color is to closely match the siding color. You can purchase the foundation paint at: the Sherwin Williams store in Stow, at 4333 Kent Road (Rt. 59), 330-688-3088.
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LAKES/PONDS INFORMATION:
Pond Wiser, a 22 year old locally owned and operated aquatic managament company, services The Lakes at Franklin Mills lakes/ponds. They provide service every other Wednesday, and as needed. The business's web site is: http://www.pondwiser.com
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PROPERTY TAX RE-EVALUATION:
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at Franklin Mills 
