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Southgate Square HOA Uncategorized

Important Announcement: Transitioning Legal Representation and Considering Shannon Firm PLC

Dear Southgate Cluster Residents,

We would like to inform you of a significant update regarding our legal representation. After careful consideration and evaluation, Southgate Cluster Homeowners Association has decided to part ways with our previous law firm, Chadwick. Effective immediately, Chadwick will no longer be serving as our legal counsel.

We are excited to share that we are currently considering establishing a partnership with Shannon Firm PLC as our new law firm. Shannon Firm PLC is a reputable and experienced legal team known for their expertise in handling a wide range of legal matters, including homeowner association law.

If this partnership with Shannon Firm PLC comes to fruition, we anticipate enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in our legal operations, ensuring that Southgate Cluster remains a well-organized and thriving community. Shannon Firm PLC offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to address the specific needs of our HOA, including collection account referral, lien preparation and recording, lawsuit drafting and filing, post-judgment collection actions, court appearances, and payment plan agreements.

It is important to note that while we are considering Shannon Firm PLC as our potential law firm, a final decision has not been made. The HOA Board and Management Team are diligently evaluating all aspects of this potential partnership to ensure it aligns with the best interests of Southgate Cluster.

We understand that you may have questions or seek further information. Therefore, we encourage you to reach out to our HOA Board or Management Team. We are committed to keeping you informed throughout this transition and will provide updates as we progress toward a decision.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period of change. Rest assured, Southgate Cluster remains dedicated to securing the best legal representation for our community. Together, we will continue to foster a thriving and harmonious living environment for all residents.

Sincerely,

Zaheer
President, Southgate Cluster Homeowners Association

Southgate Square HOA Uncategorized

Southgate Square Cluster Newsletter

Dear Southgate Square Community Members,

We cordially invite you to our March Cluster Meeting this Saturday, March 18, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, to learn about the recent changes we’ve made to improve our neighborhood in the Southgate Square Community. 

At this meeting, you can expect more in-depth conversations about the following topics:

Choice Property Management – We have a new property management company! 

  • Please look for an email from “TownSq” with information about how to sign up for an account in the community portal to stay informed about neighborhood changes.
  • Please also look for an email from “Zego,” the preferred payment management company, to process your quarterly cluster dues. 

Quarterly Dues – The quarterly dues payment will be staying at $210.00 per quarter for 2023. 

  • Q1 dues:
    • If you’ve already paid your Q1 dues to GatesHudson, there is no action required.
    • If you have not paid your Q1 dues, please make payment to Zego by 3/31/23 to avoid a late fee.
  • Q2 dues:
    • Q2 dues are due now. Please make payment to Zego by 3/31/23 to avoid a late fee.

Trash Collection – We’ve been notified of a number of bulk trash dumping instances in the community and it’s negatively impacting our neighbors. We want to remind you about the benefits as a resident of Fairfax County:

  • Each household can request up to 5 free bulk trash collections per year.
  • To schedule a pickup, call 703-802-3322 or visit specialpickup.fairfaxcounty.gov to submit your request.

Commercial Vehicle Parking – Southgate Square Cluster follows Fairfax County’s Zoning Ordinance (article 4 of the zoning ordinance) on commercial vehicles.

  • If you have a commercial vehicle that matches the designations outlined in the ordinance, you need to park it outside the community to avoid violation and towing enforcement.

Parking Pass – We have 68 sets of parking passes that have not been distributed yet.

  • If you have not picked up your parking passes yet, please do so by this Saturday. Your 2022 passes will expire at the end of March and parking violations are being monitored and enforced.

—

Thank you,

Zaheer

President of the board,

Southgate Square, Reston, VA

E-mail: Presidentsouthgate@gmail.com 

Southgate Square HOA Uncategorized

Successful Completion of Tree Marking for Cutting and Trimming Project

Dear community members,

We are thrilled to announce that we have successfully completed an important milestone in our tree-cutting and trimming project. Today, we, as a community, took the initiative to mark all the trees that will undergo maintenance. This marking process serves as a visual guide to identify the specific actions that will be taken for each tree.

We marked trees that require trimming with a tick symbol, ensuring that their growth is managed while preserving their natural beauty. Additionally, trees marked with a cross symbol have been designated for removal, as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

We would like to express our appreciation to all those who actively participated in the tree-marking process. By working together, we have taken a significant step towards maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and safe environment for everyone.

Rest assured, we will provide you with further updates regarding the scheduled work day for this project. Your continued patience and support are greatly valued as we proceed with this important initiative.

Thank you for your cooperation and participation.

Best regards,

Zaheer

President of the board,

Southgate Square HOA Uncategorized

Southgate Square Community Meeting,

We cordially invite you to our Cluster Meeting on Saturday, June 24, 2023, to learn about the recent changes we’ve made to improve our neighborhood in the Southgate Square Community. 

Meeting Details

Date: Saturday, June 24, 2023, 4pm – 8pm ET

In-person: Cathy Hudgins Community Center (12125 Pinecrest Rd, Reston)

Google Meet: Video call link: https://meet.google.com/mib-xxib-mdp

At this meeting, you can expect more in-depth conversations about the following topics:

Trash Collection – We’ve been notified of a number of bulk trash dumping instances in the community and it’s negatively impacting our neighbors. We want to remind you about the benefits as a resident of Fairfax County:

  • Each household can request up to 5 free bulk trash collections per year.
  • To schedule a pickup, call 703-802-3322 or visit specialpickup.fairfaxcounty.gov.
  • Once a pickup has been scheduled, please leave your trash in front of your house where it’s easily accessible, and include a sign with your contact information.

No Dumping Signs – To further prevent bulk trash dumping in our community, we will be installing “No Dumping” signs throughout the cluster in July. Repeat offenders may have their rights to services and use of Common Area Facilities such as parking spaces suspended.

Quarterly Dues – The quarterly dues payment will be staying at $210.00 per quarter for 2023. 

  • Q3 dues are due July 31, 2023. Please make payment promptly to Zego to avoid a late fee.

Community Inspection – We have received several complaints about cleanliness issues within a few townhouses that’s causing pest infestation and rodent harborage in the community. If not addressed, our entire community could be in violation of Virginia’s health and safety code and be at risk of losing trash removal services through Fairfax County or be issued drastic financial or legal penalties. As such, the cluster association Board will be making Community Inspections around the neighborhood (outside the premises of your home) this month to document cases where we have severe pest and rodent issues. When necessary, the cluster association will be contacting the homeowner(s) in violation and/or escalating the issue to the Fairfax County Health Department.

Tree Removal – We will be identifying tree removal needs in the community and discussing options to do so within our financial means.

Financial Updates – We’ll be providing an update of our finances to keep you abreast of our cluster association’s financial health.

Law Firm Changes – Due to numerous ongoing issues with Gates Hudson (our previous property management company) and the law firm they manage, we are going to hire a new law firm to represent the cluster association. More details about the changes will be shared at the meeting.

Thank you,

Southgate Square Cluster Association Board

Contact:

Zaheer (Zack) | President of the Board

presidentsouthgate@gmail.com

Southgate Square HOA Maintenance

Southgate Square major update

In the community meeting today we made a decision to part ways from Gates Hudson.

Today we issued a ‘Notice of termination’ to Gates Hudson, there will be a 60 days transition to the new management company. The target date for completion of the transition is 04/02/2023

What should you do as a result of this decision and during the transition?

  1. If you have any automated payment set for paying HOA, please stop it immediately
  2.  If you have paid the quarterly payment for this quarter already, please keep the receipt/proof of payment handy. You might need it
  3. If you have not yet paid, please don’t make the payment. You will be able to pay the new company in a few days.
  4. Expect a welcome mail from the new management company
  5. Direct all communication to board members 

Southgate Square HOA Uncategorized

Southgate Standard Changes

We are in the process of changing below Southgate Standard

Current: Windows and sliding glass doors can be white only
Change: Windows and sliding glass doors can be white or black

Background/reason
This standard originaly had multiple color choices. This is one of many standard changed by previous president resulting in most our unit being in voilation. This change is first of many we will be making to revort those changes.

Southgate Square HOA Uncategorized

Upcoming Reston Inspections

Hi neighbors,

This is a friendly reminder that Reston Association (RA) will be performing inspections on all homes in our cluster sometime this year (between now and June). These inspections are conducted independently by RA and we (the HOA Board) and Gates Hudson are not involved.

Best,
Southgate Square HOA Board