Whispering Woods Phase 1

Reserve Study (11/26/24): One item on last night's 2024 annual Homeowners Meeting was the Reserve Study which was conducted in 2020.  It was also discussed at previous meetings.  However, we wanted to make sure that you had access to it in the event you wanted to review the content.  The purpose of the study was to assist the Board and Management Company in determining if our existing and future reserve accounts are adequate to fund special, one-time capital projects (e.g., new fence along Bellaway, failure of underground water sewers behind homes, etc.) without a special assessment to homeowners.  The study determined that we are in good shape with our financial planning.  However, if you wish to review the scope and details of the study it is on our website at the bottom of the left hand column.

2024 Annual Homeowners Meeting (11/24/24):  This is a reminder that the 2024 WW HOA annual meeting is tomorrow, November 25 at the Twinsburg Library.  Please check the library message board for meeting room number.  Registration begins at 530pm and the meeting will start at 6pm and is expected to last approximately 60 minutes.  Accomplishments for 2024 and plans for 2025 will be discussed.  In addition, two Board member positions are up for election. We hope to see you there.

Whispering Woods Phase 2 (11/9/24): 
It has come to our attention that there is some confusion as to the status of Whispering Woods Phase 2 (Ryan development at 82 and Chamberlin).  We wanted to let you know that Phase 2 IS NOT part of the original Whispering Woods community.  The Board of Directors was approached by the developer of the new Phase approximately a year or two before construction began in the new phase to ask if our HOA was interested in having them become part of it.  After a careful and thorough review of the nature of Phase 2 the Board elected to decline the request. There were enough dissimilarities between Phase 1 (us) and Phase 2 that the Board felt that it was NOT in the best interest of our homeowners to conjoin the two phases into one HOA.

Phase 2 has its own HOA, declarations and covenants, rules, and board of directors.  We aren't privy to them, nor need to be.  Anything you might see from an exterior standpoint on their homes or in their yards may or may not be applicable or approved within our HOA structure.

We wanted to communicate this information to you so that you are clear as to the relationship that exists between the two Whispering Woods communities.  

Turfscape Fall Plan (11/9/24):  We wanted to apprise you of Turfscape's fall schedule.  As the growth of grass has subsided, they will no longer be visiting our property weekly for lawn cutting.  We have had a couple of frosts which also slows down or stops the growth of grass.  Accordingly, they will be returning one more time for the last cut of the year. They have already cut back all the tall grasses, etc., in the utility box areas.  They will be returning to our property for leaf removal again.  This year we had a late leaf drop so there still is much to be done in that area. 

2024 Annual Homeowners Meeting (11/4/24): We wanted to inform you of the date and time of the 2024 Whispering Woods annual homeowner meeting. This year's meeting will be held on Monday, Nov 25 at the Twinsburg library. Registration will begin at 530pm and the meeting will start at 6pm. We anticipate that the meeting will be over by 7pm. Please mark this date on your calendar as we hope to see you there.

Lawn Squad (10/26/24):  We wanted to alert you that Lawn Squad, our fertilizer/weed control contractor, will be onsite this coming Tuesday October 29.  This will be the 5th and final application of the year.  Please make sure that your yards are clear of anything that will impede the operators of doing their job. They aren't responsible for moving bikes or other items on your property or common property.  Thank you.

Lawn Squad (9/26/24):
  Our fertilizing and weed control contractor will be on site tomorrow September 27 to complete their fourth application of the year. There will be one more application in November to assist the property with a winterization application.

Your usual cooperation is requested to have your property clear of bikes and other objects so that they may have free access for an efficient application.

New signs/lighting (9/26/24):  We wanted to let you know that two new entrance signs as well as lights have been installed at the entrances to WW at Bellaway and Pine Ridge.  They are made out of a new material that will be resistant to weather.  There may need to be paint touch ups over time but we expect them to last many years.  They also will be easier to clean. 

New signs/lighting (9/4/24):
  We wanted to advise you that new signs at the Bellaway and Pine Ridge entrances are in production and nearly complete.  They are expected to be installed in the next couple of weeks.  The current signs, which are the original ones from 2004, were made of wood and are long past their normal life cycle.  The new ones will be made of a newer poly material and less susceptible to the elements.  In addition, the Bellaway sign was damaged on New Years Eve a few years ago and was repaired but is showing its wear. Further, we are replacing the lights that illuminate them in the evening.  The new lights can be installed on the existing in-ground hardware.  We expect them to be more efficient as well as do a better job of “focused” light on the sign and not bleed over and around them.  The new lights will be installed after the new signs go in so they can be properly aligned.

Lawn Squad application (8/22/24):  We wanted to give you a heads-up that Lawn Squad, our fertilizing/weed control contractor will be on the property on Monday, August 26th.  Please make sure that your property is clear of bikes, playground equipment, etc., so that they can maximize both the effectiveness of the treatment as well as be efficient with their service.  They ARE NOT responsible for moving items from their path.

Lawn Squad applications (6/25/24):
We have been advised by Lawn Squad, our fertilizing/weed control contractor, that they will be on the property on Thursday, 6/27, weather permitting.  Please insure that your property is free from any obstructions so that they can do their job effectively. This visit will be a combination of fertilizer, weed control, and preventative grub control.  

Tree trimming project/Turfscape misc projects (6/8/24): We wanted to advise you of a couple of Board-approved property projects that will undertaken soon, possibly as early as this week.


2024 Spring/Summer newsletter (5/14/24):  This newsletter has been emailed to all registered homeowners and will be placed on the website in the left hand column.  As in previous years, home landscaping beds are to be clear of weeds and grass, trees/shrubs trimmed in front, sides, and rear, by June 1.  For other information or details please refer to the newsletter either 1) in the email you were sent, or 2) on the Home Page of our website.  

Street paving (4/17/24):  Two Board members met with a Twinsburg City Engineering Dept representative yesterday to discuss a matter that was brought to their attention by a resident.  Separately, the representative indicated that there will be some streets paved in Whispering Woods during 2024.  Please refer to the attached link for information.  He couldn't provide any timing details at this time.  Scroll down on the Twinsburg website to "2024 Road Program".  Construction Project Updates | Twinsburg, OH - Official Website (mytwinsburg.com)

Exterior property modifications/faded shutters (3/5/24):
  
Other than the local ski resorts and auto collision shops we don't think there are many NEO residents who are disappointed with the relatively mild winter and lack of snow. As we head toward spring we wanted to remind everyone that Whispering Woods is a deed restricted community with an HOA that is governed by declarations and covenants recorded with the county. Homeowners who may be planning exterior modifications for the spring and summer (roofs, windows, new or replacement patios/decks, replacement garage doors, permanent landscaping projects, for example) are reminded to submit those projects in advance to Landis Management, c/o John Alvarez for approval.  The purpose of the declarations and covenants are to protect and improve the property values of all residents. 



Holiday decoration (2/6/24):  Please remove any remaining holiday decorations for your property, including houses, shrubs, trees, etc., by 2/29.  There has been adequate time and reasonable weather conditions to have removed them.  Decorations, etc., that remain after that date will result in a $25 assessment to the account of the homeowner.

Contractors Corner Website New Feature (11/21/23):  We have added a new feature to our website called "Contractors Corner".  It's a means by which WW residents can exchange information regarding contractor services needed or contractors that residents have positive experiences with.  We have established 7 different categories for the time being but can add more at any time.  For example, if a resident is looking for a handyman they can post that.  Other residents can reply with a contractor's name and contact info/website, etc., to assist their fellow resident.  Disclaimer: The HOA Board makes no claims positive or negative as to the abilities, etc., of the contractor.  It's still up to the resident to do their due diligence on the person/business.  This will be a password protected page, meaning a WW resident has to be registered for our website to access this new feature.  This page can be accessed on the left hand column of the home page near the bottom. In order to have full communication notification there are a couple of steps that must be taken.  These are outlined on the page just below Contractors Corner, called WW Members Contact Preferences.  Click on the link at it opens a page with a screenshot of instructions.  Once you have signed into the website, go to your name in the upper right hand part of the home page.  Click on Member Settings, then the "Contact" tab.  The two boxes that need to be "checked" are "receive immediate email notifications for" that relate to forum topics.  Once that is done you will get notifications about your post and/or replies.  We have already had a few posts to the page.  Thank you to those residents who have already added their thoughts.

Safety alert (10/22/23):  It has been brought to our attention that unlocked cars have been broken into in driveways in Whispering Woods.  We cannot be more emphatic that if it is necessary to have one of your vehicles parked outside that they be locked.  If you see any suspicious activity, please call the Twinsburg Police at 330-425-1234.  In addition, as we have recommended before, please keep your porch/garage exterior lights on overnight.  A well-lit neighborhood is a deterrent to this kind of illegal activity.

Pet waste (10/6/23):  Pet waste responsibility: 
Good morning.  In the past we have asked (nicely) to make sure when you walk your dogs in Whispering Woods that you carry poop bags and use them. This includes your own yard, your neighbors' yards, and WW common property. Unfortunately, there are still a few folks who choose not to do the right thing to collect their pet waste each and every time.  The Management Company has received complaints about multiple routine incidents of pet waste left behind.

Homeowner update (5/11/23):  There are a few items of note to pass along to all registered homeowners.  1) The Step 2 revised mailbox doors are on site.  The Board is in the process of getting estimates for the removal of the old ones and installation of the new.  We hope to have this project completed by the end of May.  2) As a reminder, your beds and shrubs need to be cleaned up by 5/31, including the removal of weeds and trimming back overgrown or dead shrubs/trees.  3) It has been brought to the attention of the board that there are some dog owners who are using the common area on Oakbrook across from the homes there for the disposal of poop bags.  Please be considerate of your fellow neighbors and bring those bags back home with you and dispose of them properly.

Whispering Woods fertilizing/weed application (3/21/23):  As you may have noticed, today our weed/feed contractor was on our property applying both a fertilizer as well as pre-emergent weed control.  Please take the necessary precautions in the event you have small children/pets. 

The Board of Directors last fall undertook an evaluation of the cost and services provided by our landscape contractor and elected to carve out and bid the weed/feed portion of our landscaping contract.  We requested separate quotes from other weed/feed contractors and opted to go with a company separate from Turfscape.  In doing so approximately $4000 was saved for the 2023 season.  We will evaluate the effectiveness of the new contractor throughout the season.

Predatory animal attacks(s) Feb 2, 2023

Good afternoon.  We have been advised by a Whispering Woods resident that a small animal of some type was attacked last night and destroyed.  It was in the treed common area behind the homes at the upper end of Bellaway and Oakbrook Circle.  In addition, another resident reported hearing sounds of another animal attack behind the homes along Bellaway whose rear of their properties face the detention basin.  We strongly recommend exercising extreme caution with your pets and yourselves, especially in the darker evening hours.  

As you are likely aware, there have been reports of coyotes roaming Summit County.  It is not known if that's what was behind these two incidents but again, we recommend exercising caution

Amendment update (2/7/22):  As you are aware, in the fall of 2020 five amendments were placed in front of homeowners for the purpose of amending certain declarations/covenants of our HOA.  To date three of them have passed and are in the process of being recorded with Summit County.  When that process is complete all residents will receive a hard copy of them and they will posted on our website.  Please refer any questions you may have to John Alvarez of Landis Management.

Streetlight outages (2/7/22):  The streetlights are the responsibility of First Energy, not the City or the HOA.  To report an outage in front of or near your home (or anywhere in Whispering Woods for that matter) please contact First Energy via the following link:  Report Lighting Problem (firstenergycorp.com).

Twinsburg City Emergency Information system:  FYI, if you're interested in signing up for the City's emergency network go to the City website for information.  Public Signup (alertsense.com)   You can get texts and phone calls, and/or emails as it relates to important emergency the City deems necessary for its citizens to know.

Neighborhood safety update (12/27):  A Lockwood Oval resident has advised John Alvarez, Landis Mgmt Property Manager, that twice in the past week they have had groceries taken from their front porch.  The resident has also contacted the police.  As we have previously recommended it would be great if the vast majority of WW residents would leave their porch lights on during the night.  While it would not deter all thieves it would certainly give them pause.  A well lit Whispering Woods is a safer Whispering Woods. Thanks to the resident who alerted John Alvarez on this matter.

Exterior home project policy letter (ongoing):  A Whispering Woods policy letter is now posted on this website on the left hand side.  This recaps the procedure in the event that a) you wish to make a change to the exterior of your home in different ways, or b) make a revision to your home from something that was approved in the past, either as a result of the current homeowner request or a previous homeowner.  For example, a) a deck was put on your home 15 years ago.  You would like to update it.  A request to the Board of Directors via Landis Management is required. b) Your would like to add concrete edging to your landscaping where none exists now.  Again, an approval is required.  c) your current deck is outdated and you would like to tear it down and put in a patio.  Again, approval is required.  This is not meant to cover any and all exterior modifications, simply examples.  If you have any questions please contact John Alvarez at Landis Management.  A contact form for him is located just above the letter regarding property changes.

Contact Form for Landis Management:  A contact form has been added to this home page.  It is at the bottom left of the "pages" menu on the left.  This form will allow you to contact John Alvarez, WW Property Manager directly via email.  Thank you for a resident's suggestion at this week's annual meeting.

Speed Limit: As you know the speed LIMIT is 25 mph in Whispering Woods.  Unfortunately it has been observed that LIMIT is not being adhered to by a number of drivers, especially on Bellaway, Oakbrook Circle, and Merryvale.  Sadly, most of the speeding is being done by some of our own residents.  With kids out for summer and warmer weather (finally) upon us there is more activity in the streets.  Please be respectful of your fellow residents and keep your speed at the LIMIT.......or below.  


Solar Panel rule change:  You have recently received via mail a letter and the revised solar panel rule change which is now in effect.  A copy of that letter and rule change is now posted on this website under "HOA Decs, bylaws>Architechural Rules/Guidelines".  In order to access that info you must register with the website.  See the sign in area in the upper right corner of the page if you wish to register. 

Whispering Woods Sign Policy.
  All homes recently received the Whispering Woods HOA sign policy.  For your convenience it is listed on the website under HOA Decs, by laws etc.  Thank you for adhering to this policy.