Process for potential covenant change moving forward

By Randy Simpson

At the February meeting, the Board was presented with a petition signed by enough residents of Andover Glen to initiate an official vote to change the Andover Glen covenants. The nature of this proposed change is related to the width of driveways allowed in our neighborhood. The current covenant allows for up to 26 foot widths. The changed suggested is to allow for wider widths, as allowed for by city code. In general city code allows for up to 40% of front yards to be driveway. We will have much more detail about this proposed change with the exact wording in next month’s issue of the Gazette. Currently, Andover Glen’s attorneys are now working on drafting the exact legal language of the covenant change based on the language indicated in the petition.

It is difficult to estimate exactly when an official vote for the proposed change will take place, but the Board plans on providing the full membership with plenty of advanced notice before the vote takes place. The Board is also planning on having pro and con statements for this change in the newsletter as well as holding a special Association meeting to allow for comments and discussion related to the proposed change. Ample notification for this special meeting will also be given here in the Gazette, so make sure you read upcoming issues for all the latest information on this issue. At the February meeting, the AG Board has also created a committee to do a complete and in depth review of all our covenants (see following article). ~

AG Board forms committee for a broad review of all covenants

By Anne Stellmon

One of the significant actions taken by the AG Board at the February meeting was to establish a committee to do a comprehensive review of the Andover Glen Covenants. There are several important reasons the board felt compelled to establish this committee and to review the covenants:

1.         A comprehensive review has not been done since the initial approval of the covenants in September of 1979.

2.         There is a need to identify and reflect the present day concerns, interests and values of the community.

The board will be appointing a chairman for this committee at the March Board meeting.  The chairman will have a mandate to recruit a committee of homeowners and submit a general plan of action for the covenant review process no later than the April 2007 Board meeting.  The committee will then be conducting a survey of all homeowners related to their thoughts on the current covenants. It is then hoped that some recommendations for potential changes will be presented at the annual homeowner’s meeting in September.

The Board is encouraging AGHA members to be a part of this process in anyway they can.  From simply giving input on the covenants to being on the committee, your participation is essential. If you’d like to be a part of the committee or have ideas you would like to be considered, please contact a Board member. If this process is going to be valid representation of our community, your input is essential! ~

Xeriscape program allows homeowners a chance to save money – but you’ll need to move fast!

By Norm Arlt

Aurora Water is offering a $250,000 Xeriscape Rebate Program to Aurora

customers who are looking for ways to reduce their water use at minimal cost.

The program will require customers interested in applying for the rebate to adhere to specific requirements. Generally the program provides allows for customers to convert up to a maximum of 6,000 square feet of landscape to Xeriscape and the rebate will be $1 per square foot converted to xeriscape.

More information on this program is available at:

 www.auroragov.org/AuroraGov/Departments/AuroraWater/Xeriscape/index.htm

The rebate program requires that you have a professional design for your xeriscape plan. However, the good news is that you can sign up for a FREE 2-part class that includes a professional design. Classes have filled up quickly.  Currently, space is available for the 3/26 class (more classes may be offered).

These classes are free but registration is required at 303-326-8650 or

www.auroragov.org/recreation.  Sign up for Class # 106388. Classes are held at the Aurora Central Library at 14949 E. Alameda Parkway.

The best part of this program is that not only will you get a rebate for putting in the xeriscape, but you'll continue to save money on your future water bills. Water won’t be getting any cheaper, we can all be sure of that, so this is a great chance to do your part to conserve and get paid so money up front as well! ~

Special Feature Article:

Dress up that Driveway!

By Donna Foerster, GRI

Keller Williams Realty

Your driveway is one of the first features visitors notice about your home.  By making it eye-catching and instilling it with character, you can present a warm, inviting feeling to welcome your visitors.

These ideas can give your driveway a refreshing makeover that complements your home and personality:

1.         Add Foliage.  Planting trees and bushes along your driveway creates an interesting border that’s sure to attract attention.

2.         Install a Trellis.  A trellis provides a wonderful focal point for your home and can create the illusion of a larger home. 

3.         Create a Brick Driveway.  If you’re up for a completely new look, change the paving material.  Although brick entails more work and money than other choices, it creates an elegant entryway to your home and can be purchased in many colors and sizes to match most any color scheme.  Lay the bricks in a variety of designs, including circles, waves or checkerboard to personalize your driveway.

4.         Plant a Privacy Bed.  If you share your driveway with a neighbor, plant shrubs and flowers between the entryways to create a small but colorful privacy wall.

5.         Install Lighting.  Landscape lighting creates an impressive effect that can alter the look and feel of your home. 

6.         Build a Rock Garden.  Who says your lawn has to meet your driveway?  Remove a two-foot-wide strip of grass along both sides of your driveway and fill the areas with colorful rocks.  Mix big rocks with small rocks for variety.                              Continued on page 3   

Driveway Dress-up continued from page 2 . . .

7.         Construct a Retaining Wall.  If you have the room, a retaining wall along your driveway can add character and old-world charm to your home. 

No matter what design you implement, make sure you follow the guidelines of your Association, which includes submitting an Architectural Change Request to the AG Board a getting approval before starting work. A well crafted driveway generates wonderful curb appeal and increases the value of your home. ~

Printed Copies of Board Minutes available

By Anne Stellman

If  you’re one of those who would prefer to get a printed copy of the Andover Glen Board meeting minutes (as opposed to reading them on the AG website at www.andoverglen.org) , I would be more than happy to make those available. Just call Anne Stellman at 303-699-8567. I can usually get copies made within a few days. ~

Easter Egg hunt in the Glen

By Debra Jones

Andover Glen will have a Easter Egg Hunt this year. It is co-sponsored with Rich and Donna Foerster of KELLER WILLIAMS.  

DATE:   Saturday, April 7th

TIME:    10:00 a.m.

PLACE:  Andover Glen Park

We will have several prizes, surprises and a very special visit from the Easter Bunny! More details will be in the March Andover Glen Gazette.  If you would like to volunteer to help:

contact debsew79@msn.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

"LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!'

By Bob Meyer

There was not much activity this month, perhaps due to severe weather conditions.  Tools were taken from a neighbor's car and a bit of vandalism to lighting was observed.

We did find that it is best to have our vehicles off of the street when city snowplows are operating, since that makes it much easier on their drivers.  After twelve hours or so on the job during an emergency, they might just clip that white Jag-u-are that they did not see in time.  Also, consider that other drivers may slide or skid into your vehicle and you might not see the damages until Springtime!

Your Board of Directors is trying to line up some snow removal help, but it is harder than it looks.  Meantime, we are sort of on our own in this regard. 

I have met with some of our Aurora City Council and asked if we could get notice before the street sweepers come. That way, we could alert you to keep cars off the streets for a period of time.  Street sweepers, like snowplows, work much better when cars are not parked in the way. 

As always, stay safe, stay alert, and help your neighbors keep our Glen as crime free as possible. ~

Reminder:

The next AG Board Meeting is Wednesday, March 21st, 2007 at 7 p.m. at Shalom Park. All AG residents are welcome.