Community Lot Plan Moving Forward

The board has been working on a community lot plan this year that takes into account the “non-buildable” status. We were given guidance that general landscape enhancements should not be an issue and requires no permitting. A professional landscape designer was consulted to ensure the plan was appropriate for the area, low-maintenance, and addressed the key areas of concern (these include, but are not limited to, grass bare spots, water runoff/erosion on existing grit path, and utilization of native plants that are drought tolerant and deer resistant to protect the investment). The board solicited quotes from three landscaping companies. The landscaping company selected will work closely with the landscape designer. The plan will be implemented in two phases, with the first phase beginning the week of October 21st. The previous plan was not able to be implemented due to the non-buildable status, so this plan will beautify the area while providing a general park use area.

Phase 1: Plantings, Mulch and Dry River Bed Installation- October 2019

The first phase of the community lot project will involve removal of dead or dying plantings, reconfiguration of the existing grit path to remove the portion that has been washed away by rain/erosion, installation of dry river beds to assist with rain water and erosion, installation mulch beds, and installation of a variety of trees and bushes that are drought tolerant and deer resistant. All plantings are native to North Carolina and our specific areas and will blend with the aesthetics of the neighborhood. Plantings will have a battery operated drip irrigation system in place and attached to the water spigot on the property to ensure all plantings will be watered appropriately.

As part of the community lot project, we are looking to involve our neighborhood Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to complete some projects to add to the beauty of the lot. With the current planned installation there will be room for 2-3 weather resistant benches, as well as a planned “pollinator garden” (an annual planting section for flowers that will encourage bees and pollination locally). We would like to extend an invitation for our neighborhood Boy Scouts and Girl Scout Troops to participate in building benches or adding pollinator garden as a service project or to earn a badge, if applicable. If there is no Troop interest, the Board can procure weather-resistant bench quotes and installation cost and have the work completed. Please provide input on community social activities that could involve the area, such as a small “DR Kids Rock Garden” for rocks painted by neighborhood kids on a scheduled date, a chili cook-off, or an HOA sponsored food truck social.

Phase 2: Sod Installation- Spring or Summer 2020

Following the completion of Phase 1, you will notice that there will remain some bare spots in the lawn area. These areas will have sod installed during Phase 2 of the project to be harmonious with the existing grass on the lot. Sod installation will occur when the temperature and likelihood of survival is optimal. We anticipate this work to be completed by late Summer 2020, but ultimately installation time will be dictated by the recommendation of our professional landscaping team. A fair amount of grassy space will be retained on the community lot in order to ensure adequate space for seating and play during future neighborhood events or general use.

Meet Our Landscape Designer- Laura Kiper, Kiper Designs

Laura Kiper is a professional landscape designer based out of Apex, NC. She spent hours meeting with Board members to discuss the history of the community lot, previous iterations of plans, and needs of the community, and ultimately coming up with a plan that met all of our needs. The plan is not only harmonious with the neighborhood aesthetic, but includes areas within the lot that will facilitate future community events and participation in projects. Laura’s services have been used by many in our neighborhood, and she was chosen for the project based on not only this, but because of her knowledge of native plantings and understanding of our community’s needs. You can read more about her on her website: www.kiperdesigns.com.

Additional Resources

Community Improvement Updates

Replacement of Monument Signs at entrance
New signs have been ordered and per recommendation from the sign company the board selected the following design. Installation for the new signs is scheduled to occur within the next couple of weeks.

Community Lot Improvements
The board is finalizing plans to install electrical service, irrigation and sod at the community lot. The electrical install is slated to be completed this calendar year and the irrigation, sod and potentially lighting to be installed in the early spring of 2019. The board will share details on total cost of this work at the annual meeting.

Community Reminders

Pickup Pet Waste
Neighbors are reminded to pick up after their pets when walking them through the community. Pet owners are encouraged to abide by Wake County Animal Control ordinances.

Pedestrian safety
Neighbors are asked to remember to be safe when walking through the neighborhood. Pedestrians should walk facing traffic. At night, be sure to wear reflective or light colors and carry a flashlight to be more visible.

Operation of Golf Cart, All -Terrain Vehicles, and Motorcycles
Neighbors are asked to be respectful of others property and abide by all ordinances and laws related to the operation of Golf Carts, All-Terrain Vehicles, and motorcycles, etc. No vehicles are permitted to be driven on Duncan’s Ridge HOA property including the community lot area. Please be considerate and safe.

Mailbox Reminder
Faded mailboxes should be painted with Krylon Satin Black paint. Replacement vinyl numbers in the Claredon font may be purchased from Post & Pickets, Ltd. by calling them at 919-772-7170.

Vehicles & Parking
Per ARC Guidelines no parking vehicles on lawns or common areas and parking in the street overnight is discouraged. For safety and aesthetic purposes your driveway should be full of vehicles if you are parking on the street.