Partridgeberry Woods Homeowners Trust
PBW Newsletter - 17 May 2002
http://pbwoodsha.tripod.com

 
Introduction
The PBW Trustees would like to apologize for a lack of communication between last Fall and the present time.  The tragic events of last September, both here in the neighborhood and on September 11, left us all with an indescribable feeling of emptiness and loss.  We extend our condolences to the Holofcener family and anyone affected by the terrible events of September 11.

We are now moving ahead and have been meeting frequently over the past several months to resolve our business matters.  This newsletter summarizes major efforts at this time – we hope it will become a more regular means of communication.  Also, we are presently in the process of developing a website where we intend to provide the information that you will need to keep up-to-date.  Your feedback is always encouraged.

Welcome New Neighbors 
We would like to extend a warm welcome to the following new owners in the PBW community:
Francene & Chris Petroff,
227 Riverbend
Deborah Katz and Glenn Gerhardt,
280 Riverbend
Karen and John Daniel,
45 Wintergreen

 Financial Status 
Our financial situation is quite sound and as you will see from the enclosed, we are able to lower the annual assessment from $150 to $100.  Our current operating balance is approximately $5,935.  Just to give you an idea of where the money goes, since our “beginning” (July 1, 1999), we have spent $7,120 (34%) on taxes, $6,226 (30%) on mowing and landscaping, $5,530 (27%) on liability insurance and $2,000 (9%) on attorney fees, operating expenses and assessment rebates.

Taxes 
At the present time, we pay taxes on four parcels of land totaling about 54 acres. Currently, taxes on the common lands cost approximately $675 per quarter or $2,700 per fiscal year.  We are now fully paid up through the 4th quarter of FY 2002.

Mowing and Landscaping
Earlier this year we were notified by Whitcomb Landscaping that they would no longer be able to serve our neighborhood.  We obtained quotations this Spring from three different companies and have elected to go with All Seasons Landscaping out of Ayer, MA.  They have already finished Spring cleanup, some new mulching and have mowed twice.  Our contract with All Seasons is for approximately $3,000 including mowing twice a month from May 1 through October 30.

 Insurance 
Since last September, it has become quite difficult for our insurance agent (Murphy Insurance) to obtain a reasonable number of quotes to cover the common lands.  The pond has proven to be a major issue in this endeavor.  However, we have been able to get full coverage for one year for approximately $3,450.  Based on the problems encountered, though, we are presently investigating the issues involved in turning some or all of the common lands over to the Groton Conservation Commission.  We are currently the only subdivision in the town which still actually owns the common lands.  All of the other subdivisions have already turned this land over to  the Conservation Commission.  A meeting has been scheduled to discuss this issue with an attorney on May 21.

Next Public Meeting 
We are hoping to organize the next public meeting at the Groton Library in early June.  The primary issue for discussion would be the turning of land over to the Conservation Commission.  Look for a posting regarding this meeting on the website.  If anyone within Partridgeberry Woods does not have access to the internet, please inform one of the trustees so we can continue to notify you by mail.