Welcome to Southampton Neighborhood - Charlotte, NC

A message from the Southampton HOA:
Spring Property Inspection Checklist

All-

We hope this email finds you all healthy, safe, and in good spirits. The Coronavirus has definitely changed the way we live our daily lives, so hopefully we will be past this sooner than later. Since Mecklenburg County has issued the ‘shelter in place’ proclamation, many of you will be spending time catching up on Spring cleaning and projects. With that being said, we wanted to make you all aware of what is evaluated when inspections are conducted so you can get a jump on your outdoor projects. To be transparent, the Spring inspections always yield a harder look at properties to start the inspection season. This is primarily due to the things that build up during the colder months when we are not paying as much attention to the outsides of our homes.

Click to download the checklist (pdf format) that Superior Management uses during their inspections so you will know what they look for as they review properties in communities. We are certainly sensitive to the fact that some findings may require contractors and money for repairs. Let’s face it, money may be tighter for the next few months, and no one wants strangers around their home potentially introducing germs. So if you need more time to do needed repairs, please contact Superior to work out a timeline to get the items addressed. The Southampton Community Manager, Pam Yasses, can be reached at Pam@Superioram.net.

On a different note, we received a great idea from one of our residents this week. Even with the shelter in place proclamation, you are still allowed to get some exercise on a walk or bike ride. In order to spread some joy as people pass your home, we encourage everyone with children to “Chalk your walk.” Sidewalk chalk is a great way for children to get outside and practice their art skills for the folks passing by to admire. We ask that you keep it clean and uplifting and avoid anything political in nature. Hopefully this will spread some joy and be a reminder to everyone that better times are coming as we get past this pandemic.

Very Respectfully,
Southampton HOA Board

New Homeowner Portal Available

Superior Association Management, LLC has partnered with a new bank. They are very excited to announce that they implemented a new Accounting software over the Labor Day Weekend. The new software and new bank will now be integrated, allowing owners to see their balances and make payments from the owner portal. Information will be sent with your Quarterly Statement but in case you pay early here is some information regarding updating your payments. Also please note this is a NEW system and you will need to Register again as the old logon will not work.

If you use online bill pay you will need to update the mailing address. See details below.

Superior Association Management in conjunction with Accounting Integrators and Premier Bank will provide the following methods of payment:

Online Payments: You will be able to make online payments using either e-check or credit cards. To make your payments, please go to our website at www.superioram.net. This is a NEW system and has been specifically designed to allow you the convenience of making your payments online and accessing your account information. On your first visit to the website, you will need to register. Simply click on the “click here to pay your bill” then follow the directions to the “Register” button and complete the information required. Your email address is your Login ID and a password will be sent to you by email. Once you receive a password, you will be ready to make online payments. You have to create a new logon if you have used the online payment system before.
Online Recurring Payments: Our website also allows you to set up automatic recurring payments. To setup your recurring payments, log into your account and then click the Pay Assessments Link. On the Pay Assessments page, you can choose to set up your recurring payments for echecks or credit card by clicking on the New Recurring Echeck or New Recurring Credit Card link.
If you pay your assessments using an online bill payment service or pay online through your personal bank’s online payment service, you must change the address of the payee for your association in order to ensure your payment is posted promptly.

           Oxford/Cambridge HOA
           c/o Superior Association Management
           PO Box 1117
           Commerce, GA 30529

Please contact Superior if you have any questions regarding these payment options or logging into the website.

Southampton could use your help!

Our community could use someone like you! Please consider stepping up to help out the neighborhood that you live in! Below is a sketch of what it is like to serve on the ARC, HOA Board, and Neighborhood Watch.

ARC Committee - Members receive requests from neighbors that want to make changes to their properties (adding a fence, an addition to their house, roofing changes). The members review the request and makes sure that it follows the guidelines of the community. The members vote whether to approve the request from the homeowner. Most of the work is done via email, but sometimes a ride-by is also in order to view the subject property.

Neighborhood Watch
The neighborhood watch committee is a group of neighbors that keep a watchful eye out for suspicious activity in the neighborhood and communicate that with the other members of the group, the HOA board, and when necessary informing the entire community. The HOA board also communicates with the Neighborhood Watch members to inform them of any issues that are happening (ie. trespassers at the pool, vandalism, loitering, etc.) in the neighborhood.

Social Committee - Help plan social events that all of your neighbors can enjoy. Traditionally, these events have included: Pool Parties, Fall Festivals, Coordinate Santa's Visit, 4th of July Parade, and Adult Parties at the clubhouse.

If you are interested in helping out we could really use your help.
Contact pam@superioram.net for more information

Inspection Reminders

Every month, the entire neighborhood is visually inspected by our management company to make sure the community maintains an attractive appearance. Here are a sample of the common issues that have been found from the latest inspections:

Trash cans must be stored in a place that is hidden from view from the road.
Removing or repairing broken screens
Mowing needs to be performed
Edge along curbs and sidewalks
Spray for weeds in road in front of your home
Signage or anything other than curtains/blinds are not permitted in the windows
Call 311 for street lights that remain ON or OFF
Holiday decorations need to be removed in a timely manner after the holiday season has passed.
Trim branches and bushes that overhang sidewalks.
Nothing should impede people's use of the sidewalks.

HOA Financial Information and Minutes

The current operating budget, financial statements and board minutes may now be found on our Financials page.

Community Management Company

Superior Association Management, LLC
P.O. Box 2427
Huntersville, NC 28070
(704) 875-7299 – office
(704) 875-7177 – fax
www.SuperiorAM.net

"Pursuant to N.C.G.S. Section 7A-38.3F, the association is required to notify its members yearly that members and the association may request voluntary mediation of any dispute with the association arising under the North Carolina Planned Community Act, or under the association's declaration, bylaws, or rules and regulations, other than a dispute relating solely to the failure to pay dues or assessments. Either party can decline to engage in mediation for any reason. The procedure for requesting mediation is set forth in the statute."

Important Notice Concerning Covid-19 Virus

In keeping with current government health guidelines, effective March 17 and through the month of April, the clubhouse will not be available for rent or use. The board will re-evaluate the situation at the end of April to determine when it will reopen.

The playground will also remain closed until local authorities give the go ahead to reopen these types of spaces.

Clubhouse Renovations Completed!

The clubhouse kitchen remodel is now complete! Upgrades include: granite countertops, deep stainless sink/faucet, a new refrigerator (with ice and water functions on the inside), new cabinets, barstools, and for the first time ever, an oven. Clubhouse rental will be available again sometime in the not too distant future. Please refer to our website for details and booking information.

2020 Upcoming Events

Please check back soon for future updates on 2020 Events!

Be sure to follow SouthamptonSocialEvents on Facebook for more info.

Homeowner Tips

Duke Energy Free LED Light Program

Take advantage of a free program that Duke Energy offers to help you transition your home to LED lights. Get 15 free LED lights through their program. Check it our here: https://www.duke-energy.com/home/products/free-leds

Pressure Wash Home and Mend Fences

Many homes are in need of pressure washing. Please pressure wash your house and be mindful of the sides and back. Your neighbor's would prefer not to view a mildewed home. Also numerous fences throughout the neighborhood are in need of repair. Please inspect your fence and replace boards or rusted metal wire on split rail fencing.

No Dumping Allowed

Please keep in mind that if your yard borders a common area, no dumping is allowed. There are also fines if debris is dumped in a wetland area. That includes leaves and grass clippings. The city picks up those items every Wednesday. They will also remove branches, sticks, and other green waste as long as the debris piles at the curb meet city guidelines. Call 311 or refer to CharMeck website for details.

Yard Maintenance

Please keep your yard mowed and with a minimal amount of weeds. If you wish to report a home having overgrown grass or the need for pothole or sidewalk repairs, please contact CharMeck311 in lieu of contacting the HOA Board. Remove weeds from beds and prune bushes. Remove weeds from cracks in driveways and walkways near your home.

Also, many mailboxes and red flags are showing signs of aging and rust. Please paint your mailbox if this is the case. All it takes is a $7 can of black Rustoleum spray paint to do the job. Mailbox flags are easy to install and can be purchased at Lowe's or Home Depot.

Changes To Your Home Or Property

If you are installing a fence, shed, outdoor wall, patio, painting your shutters/front door, or making any changes to your house, mailbox, or property please consult the CC & R's for protocol and restrictions. You first must fill out a form and submit to the Architectural Committee for review. Work can begin only after it has received written approval. All of this information and forms can be found on Southhampton's website.

Dead bushes or trees

If you have dead bushes or trees in your yard, please remove and replace this Winter/Spring. The hardest hit ornamental bushes have been Indian Hawthornes. Many have died off in homeowner's front yards. To avoid the violation process, please address this issue.

Leash Law

The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County have strict leash laws that apply to all animals except cats (see the nuisance animal section for laws pertaining to cats).

Animals must be on a leash, contained within a fence or an operable and marked invisible fence. The invisible fence company should give owners a sign to place at the mailbox to indicate that there is an invisible fence present.

An animal may be loose in its own yard if there is an adult (18 years or older) immediately next to the animal and the animal responds to direct verbal commands of the person.

ALL dog owners that take their dogs for walks in their neighborhoods and/or in public parks (not designated as a dog park) are required to keep their dogs on leash and under physical restraint at ALL TIMES. Please note that having the leash in your possession and not attached to the dog is not considered having the dog on a leash and you will still be subject to a fine.

All regulations aim to protect the health and safety of our citizens. Please be a responsible pet owner and abide by the law. Violations will be investigated and stiff fines may be applied. Fines range from a $50.00 citation for the first violation and up to a $500.00 citation and permanent seizure of the animal for a fifth violation.

To report an animal at large, please call 311. Please note that it could take up to 4 hours for an officer to respond. Any information about where the owner lives would help greatly.

Mailbox Replacement
If your mailbox is in need of replacement, check out Carolina Mailboxes.
Remember, you need to submit your request to the ARC committee for any changes to your mailbox.

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A message from the Southampton HOA:Spring Property Inspection Checklist