CGHOA

Chestnut Grove was first developed in 1974 and the first homes built were located along Grove Road.

Currently there are two parks that are opened for use by any homeowner. A smaller kiddy park on the corner of Barness Dr and Dorothy Way and an additional park on the corner of Irma Drive. The pavilion, located within the Irma Drive, can be rented for parties and get togethers. (Contact Hanover Township at 610-264-1069 for more information)

Each home has 2 parking spaces. Homeowners are responsible for only utilizing those parking spaces for parking. At NO time will double parking in any of the lots be allowed. (Except for brief loaded and unloaded of cars.) If you have visitors, please make them aware they need to utilize street parking.  

Beginning January 2024 - ALL CARS that are double parked, parked in handicapped spaces without proper tags and/or parked in spaces belonging to another homeowner WILL BE TOWED at the owner's expense. These incudes cars owned by residents, renters and visitors. Once a car has been towed the owner will need to make arrangements for its return with the towing company for payment and return of vehicles.  

Unlicensed vehicles are not allowed on the street or parking lots. Examples of these are small motorcycles, go-karts and any other gas/electric powered vehicles. These vehicles are designed for off-road use and the PSP will be contacted for ticketing/violations.  

Clean-up. If you walk your dogs - you are required to clean-up after them. In other words - You Must Pick-Up Poop. Fines for this can range upwards of $250. per incident.  

Children/Bicycles. Drivers in the community cannot see your child riding their bike at night without proper reflective gear. Pease make sure your children can be seen and also understand they need to respect the rules of the road by not riding without care/respect for on-coming traffic. Additionally, bikes, scooters and skateboards are not to left in the street, common areas or on other people's property - they pose a hazard and will be removed. If we don't want to see any child get hurt. 

Trach/Recycling. All garbage MUST be in an appropriate garbage can. Trash left out in bags and trash cans without lids are an open invitation for vermin to seek out food, which can lead to an infestation. Homeowners can be fined by the Township for non-compliance.   

Litter. Please remind your guests/children that leaving litter on neighbors' property is not only a hazard but also creates a community that appears not to take pride in their neighborhood. There are trash cans located by the mailboxes and near the swale.  

The CGHOA Board is made up of 5 members:

President - Treasurer - Secretary - and 2 members at large

Currently these positions are being held by: 

President - Tim Dellatore - 484-695-9149
Treasurer - Andrea Galgon -  610-348-7826
Secretary - Anne Gillette - 610-573-8261
Member - Ricki Bonn
Member - Joe Kirk

If you have any issues or questions, please contact any of the board members.
Please be advised that many of out board members do work full time jobs - so it may take 24 hours for you to receive an answer.

If you have an emergency, please contact the HOA President.

For billing/dues/resale questions please contact the HOA President

If you have an emergency, please contact the following first: 

Police/Fire Emergency: - 911 

Police Non-Emergency: - 610-861-2026 

Water Issues: - Hanover Township - 610-266-1010 

City of Bethlehem Water -610-865-7077    

Northampton Regional Emergency Medical Services: - 610-262-0800   

Hot Lines 

 AIDS - 800-662-6080
Alcoholics Anonymous - 610-882-0558
Child Lines (Abuse & Neglect) - 800-932-0313
Consumer Credit Counseling - 610-821-4011
Consumer Protection
Confront Addiction Treatment - 610-433-0148
Crisis Intervention - 610-782-3127
Family Counseling Services - 610-435-9651
Kids Peace - 800-334-4543 or 610-799-8000
Red Cross - 610-861-5106
Narcotics Anonymous - 610-439-1998
Poison Control Center - 1-800-222-1222
Rape Crisis Council - 610-692-7273 or 610-437-6611
Runaway - 1-800-621-4000
Social Security - 1-800-772-1213
PA State Police - 610-861-2026
Turning Point - 1-888-272-8922 or 610-437-3369
Valley Youth House - 610-691-1200
Victim Witness Program - 610-433-4588 

CHESTNUT GROVE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING

October 28,2024

Agenda

I. Community Issues

Parking

Dogs

Mini motor bikes

Snow removal

Mailboxes

II. Safety

Speeding

Dryer vent

Sink holes

III. Improvements

Community Bulletin Board

Mirror Irma Dr./Dorothy Way parking lot

Paving vs concrete on ways

IV. Budget

Expenditure

Outstanding monies

Dues 2025

V.  Discussion and Comments from the floor  

Snow Removal Contracting 2024/2025

The snow removal/salting contact was given to Smiley's for the up-coming winter season.

Bidding will again be opened in the summer of 2025 - for the 25/26 year. Please remember if you are planning on bidding you must be both licensed and insured. Costing for the current season is as follows:

Per Parking Lots-

0”- 2” of snow- $800.00

3”-4” – $1000.00

5’-6” – 1,200.00

7” + - 1,450.00

 $300 charge for bringing in loader if required.

*This price will reset itself every time additional plowing is required.

Sidewalks-

0” – 3” of snow – $200.00

4” – 6” – $275.00

7” – 9” – $350.00

10” – 12” - $425.00

Salting-

Rock Salt(Good for Parking Lots)-

- $15.00 (plus tax) per 50lb. bag spread. 

*Minimum charge of $150.00 

. 

Financial Issues 

2025 billing - which will be $1,200 per home 

Please refer to “Billing” section if you require information on how to use PayPay/Zelle etc. to make your payment.

Please refer to “Snow Removal” for estimated costing for the 2024/25 season

The HOA is currently dealing legally with one homeowner for repairs done by the HOA  on their property repairs not paid for. This owner will be taken to court, since the amount owed is over $5,000  

15 homeowners have not paid their dues in full. However, they do have until December of 2024 to make payments in full. Any outstanding debts will be turned over for collections to the Magistrate as of 1/15/2025  

6 homeowners are currently under payment arrangement agreements.  

There is currently one construction project pending. The estimated cost for a minor “sinkhole” on Dorothy Way. Costs has been estimated at under $1,000. Work has not yet begun. 

To date five homes have been sold since the start of 2024. Currently Chestnut Grove is at a 50/50 mix between rental units and owner occupied. 

At the current time, due to very tight/controlled spending the CGHOA has a working budget of $135,972

This is due to the fact that there were no extra or extraneous mailings, only minor repair costing, limited snow removal and salting. To continue keeping costs at a minimum – the Board is asking each homeowner to send an e-mail where all updates/correspondence can be sent – eliminating the need for mailing. (The cost will again be raised in 2025) Please forward a valid e-mail address where you can be reached to:

cghoapa@gmail.com 

HOMEOWNERS HANDBOOK

This handbook is a quick reference guide for common issues and does not replace the Third Addendum By-laws of the Homeowners Association. 

-Chestnut Grove is a townhouse community built between 1972 and 1974. There are 156 townhouses in the community. Each townhouse and the land it sits on are individually owned. The townhouse owner is responsible for maintenance of the dwelling, infrastructure and the property, This responsibility includes the water and sewer lines and sink holes within the bounds of the property.

Police protection is provided by the Pennsylvania State Police, available by 911 for emergencies and a non-emergency number of 610-861-2026.

Chestnut Grove is serviced by a volunteer fire company, HANLECO fire company. The fire house is located at 1001 Postal road, Hanover Township, Lehigh County,

Each homeowner is accountable for following the CGHOA rules, as contained in the by-laws, and to Hanover Township as local government.  The township government building is located on 2202 Grove Road, Allentown with phone number 610-264-1069.

The rules and regulations of our township are available on line at Hanleco,org.

The Chestnut Grove Homeowners Association (CGHOA) is made up of all homeowners. From these owners a Board is elected/appointed consisting of 5 members: a president, a treasurer, secretary,, and 2 members at large. Elections are held at the annual meeting. The term of board members is 2 years. However, if no resident runs for election the board may appoint members to fill existing needs.

The budget, annual dues required, and community issues are discussed at the annual meeting. The meeting is held at the Hanover township building and meeting information is posted at the communal mail boxes two weeks in advance. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

i. CGHOA is responsible for maintaining the common areas in combination with the Hanover Township. The Township maintains the pavilion park as well as the two small parks, one at each end of Barness drive. The Township maintains the green strips dividing Ronca Blvd. CGHOA is responsible for the water distribution lines under center sidewalk of each of the Ways,and maintenance of other smaller green areas.

ii. Some common rules of the Township include:

Noise control: loud noise must cease by 10 P.M. on weeknights and by 11 P.M. on weekends. 

Dogs and cats must be contained in owners yard and on leashes when walked. The owner is responsible to pick up after their pet. There is a fine for not doing so.

Grass must not exceed 5 inches and there is a fine for non compliance.

No homeowner may run a business, such as car maintenance, out of their home.

The township has various ordinances regarding structures and structure changes. These may be checked at Handleco.org.

Hanover Township provides a code officer and violation may be reported to this person and the township at 610-442-6917.

iii.   Parking for Chestnut Grove residents is provided in lots located behind each row of townhouses. Each townhouse is provided with TWO parking spaces. Additional parking for guests or additional cars is available on the main streets of Ronca, Irma, Barness, and Diane . No homeowner or guest may parallel park behind other cars, a T formation and may not obstruct parking of neighbors cars in anyway. 

Violators of the parking rules may be towed at the owners expense.

Note. The parking spaces and lots are owned by CGHOA not by the individual homeowner. No changes may be made to these parking lots and homeowners may be charged for damages.

IV. Snow removal in the community. Hanover township is responsible for snow removal on each of the main roads, Ronca, Irma, Diane, Barness. Be aware the Township  may announce a snow emergency requiring all vehicles to be removed from these roads. At that time short term parking is available in the lot at the pavilion park. 

A private snow removal company is employed by the CGHOA each winter. This agency removes snow from the center of the parking lots and from the Ways. This company also works with CGHOA board to determine salt applications and removal of snow accumulations greater than 3 inches. This company does not remove snow from individual cars or individual parking spaces.

Homeowners are responsible for snow removal from their front and back walks as well as from their parking spaces.  If homeowners toss or shovel snow into the middle of the parking lots it will be removed ONLY if the plows have not been through.  The lots will NOT be re-plowed if homeowners have blocked the middle of the parking lot.

V. Chestnut Grove is fortunate that trash pick up is provided by the Township at no cost to the homeowners. Each trash can must have a lid on it, including the blue recycling bins. The blue recycling bins may be obtained at the Township building. 

Our trash collectors will pick up large items but appreciate phone call notifying them of the pick up. The number of the collection company for each year is in the calendar provided by the Township for each year. 

VI. A moving permit is required when a townhouse is sold. This permit is obtained from the CGHOA treasurer. The homeowner must be current with all monies owed to the CGHOA Unpaid dues or assessments are managed by the CGHOA attorney, the magistrate and lien placement. Liens are turned over to the Sheriff for collection.

Updated October2024

· Este manual es una guía de referencia rápida para problemas comunes y no reemplaza el Tercer Anexo de los Estatutos de la Asociación de Propietarios.

Chestnut Grove es una comunidad de casas adosadas construida entre 1972 y 1974. Hay 156 casas adosadas en la comunidad. Cada casa adosada y el terreno en el que se encuentra son de propiedad individual. El propietario de la casa adosada es responsable del mantenimiento de la vivienda, la infraestructura y la propiedad. Esta responsabilidad incluye las líneas de agua y alcantarillado y los sumideros dentro de los límites de la propiedad

La protección policial está a cargo de la Policía Estatal de Pensilvania, disponible en el 911 para emergencias y un número que no es de emergencia: 610-861-2026.

Chestnut Grove cuenta con el servicio de una compañía de bomberos voluntarios, la compañía de bomberos

HANLECO. La estación de bomberos está ubicada en 1001 Postal Road, Hanover Township, condado de Lehigh

Cada propietario es responsable de cumplir con las normas de la CGHOA, tal como se incluyen en los estatutos, y ante el municipio de Hanover como gobierno local. El edificio del gobierno municipal está ubicado en 2202 Grove Road, Allentown y el número de teléfono es 610-264-1069.

Las reglas y regulaciones de nuestro municipio están disponibles en línea en Hanleco, org

La Asociación de Propietarios de Viviendas de Chestnut Grove (CGHOA) está formada por todos los propietarios de viviendas. De estos propietarios se elige/designa una Junta que consta de 5 miembros: un presidente, un tesorero, un secretario y 2 miembros generales. Las elecciones se llevan a cabo en la reunión anual. El mandato de los miembros de la junta es de 2 años. Sin embargo, si ningún residente se presenta a las elecciones, la junta puede designar miembros para cubrir las necesidades existentes.

En la reunión anual se discuten el presupuesto, las cuotas anuales requeridas y los asuntos comunitarios. La reunión se lleva a cabo en el edificio del municipio de Hanover y la información sobre la reunión se publica en los buzones comunales con dos semanas de anticipación.

I. La CGHOA es responsable del mantenimiento de las áreas comunes en combinación con el municipio de Hanover. El municipio mantiene el parque del pabellón, así como los dos parques pequeños, uno en cada extremo de Barness Drive. El municipio mantiene las franjas verdes que dividen Ronca Blvd. La CGHOA es responsable de las líneas de distribución de agua debajo de la acera central de cada uno de los los caminos y el mantenimiento de otras áreas verdes más pequeñas. 

II. Algunas reglas comunes del Municipio incluyen:

a. Control de ruido: el ruido fuerte debe cesar a las 10 p. m. de lunes a viernes y a las 11 p. m. los fines de semana.

b. Los perros y gatos deben estar dentro del patio de sus dueños y atados cuando salgan a pasear. El dueño es responsable de recoger los excrementos de su mascota. Se aplicará una multa por no hacerlo.

c. El césped no debe exceder las 5 pulgadas y existe una multa por incumplimiento. Ningún propietario podrá realizar un negocio, como por ejemplo el mantenimiento de automóviles, desde su casa.

El municipio tiene varias ordenanzas respecto a estructuras y cambios de estructuras. Estos pueden consultarse en Handleco.org.

El municipio de Hanover cuenta con un oficial de códigos y las infracciones se pueden denunciar a esta persona y al municipio llamando al 610-442-6917.

III. Los residentes de Chestnut Grove tienen estacionamiento en lotes ubicados detrás de cada fila de casas adosadas. Cada casa adosada cuenta con DOS espacios de estacionamiento. Hay estacionamiento adicional para invitados o autos adicionales disponible en las calles principales de Ronca, Irma, Barness y Diane. Ningún propietario o invitado puede estacionar en paralelo detrás de otros autos, en una formación en T y no puede obstruir el estacionamiento de los autos de los vecinos de ninguna manera.

Los infractores de las normas de estacionamiento podrán ser remolcados a expensas del propietario.

Nota. Los espacios y lotes de estacionamiento son propiedad de CGHOA, no del propietario individual. No se pueden realizar cambios en estos estacionamientos y se puede cobrar a los propietarios por los daños.

IV. Remoción de nieve en la comunidad.

El municipio de Hanover es responsable de la remoción de nieve en cada una de las carreteras principales, Ronca, Irma, Diane y Barness. Tenga en cuenta que el municipio puede anunciar una emergencia por nieve que requiera que todos los vehículos sean retirados de estas carreteras. En ese momento, hay estacionamiento de corto plazo disponible en el estacionamiento del parque del pabellón

La CGHOA emplea una empresa privada de remoción de nieve cada invierno. Esta agencia quita la nieve del centro de los estacionamientos y de los caminos. Esta empresa también trabaja con la junta de la CGHOA para determinar las aplicaciones de sal y la eliminación de acumulaciones de nieve de más de 3 pulgadas. Esta empresa no quita la nieve de automóviles individuales ni de espacios de estacionamiento individuales.

Los propietarios son responsables de retirar la nieve de sus aceras delanteras y traseras, así como de sus plazas de aparcamiento. Si los propietarios arrojan o palean nieve en el medio de los estacionamientos, se quitará SÓLO si las máquinas quitanieves no han pasado por allí. NO se volverán a quitar las nieves de los estacionamientos si los propietarios han bloqueado el medio del estacionamiento lote.

V. Chestnut Grove tiene la suerte de que el municipio ofrece la recolección de basura sin costo alguno para los propietarios. Todos los botes de basura deben tener tapa, incluidos los contenedores de reciclaje azules. Los contenedores de reciclaje azules se pueden obtener en el edificio del municipio.

Nuestros recolectores de basura recogerán los artículos grandes, pero agradecerán que se les llame por teléfono para notificarles la recogida. El número de la empresa de recolección de cada año figura en el calendario proporcionado por el municipio para cada año.

VI. Se requiere un permiso de mudanza cuando se vende una casa adosada. Este permiso se obtiene del tesorero de la CGHOA. El propietario debe estar al día con todo el dinero adeudado a la CGHOA. Las cuotas o evaluaciones pendientes de pago son administradas por el abogado de la CGHOA, el magistrado y la colocación de gravámenes. Los gravámenes se entregan al alguacil para su cobro.

November 8, 2023 

The meeting was brought to order at 6:30 PM 

Discussions were held concerning how to address the speeding issue on both Irma & Barness Drive. Ricki Bonn had suggested she would speak with the Township about doing a speed enforcement/ticketing on a few odd days.  

Parking and double parking were a major concern for those present. Complaints were noted about double parking, contractors taking other homeowners spaces and not cleaning up after jobs - which has lead to nails in tires and property damage. After discussion it was agreed upon that going forward (2024) all vehicles violating parking rules will be towed at the owner's expense. A resolution was that the board will review fees and enter into a contract with towing firm. Additionally, towing and no parking signs will be purchased and placed on parking lots. 

(Signs were ordered and should arrive the week of 11/27/23 - completed by Andrea)

(Towing company hired - completed by Andrea)

Trash and vermin were also an issue. Trash must be placed in cans and not left out in bags. If a homeowner has experienced issues they need to call Hanover Township Code Enforcement.  

It was also brought up that children have been riding bicycles in a "hap-hazard" way in the neighborhood and also they do not have any type of lights or reflectors after dark. Although no resolution was determined - maybe a reminder to parents would be in order. 

Mirror for traffic concerns at the end of the Irma Drive Parking lot was addressed. The parking lot takes a sharp curve at the end near the playground - creating a blind spot. There were several incidents where an unseen child was almost hit. To help with this problem - a solution of a mirror, placed on the pole so drivers can monitor the blind spot area was approved. The question was brought up about the Township handling this, but because the parking lot is HOA property they, the Township, will not shoulder the cost.  

Financial issues discussed, included: 

1. 2024 billing - which will be $1,200 per home 

2. The HOA is currently dealing legally with one homeowner for repairs done by the HOA  on their property and not paid for. 

3. 10 homeowners have not paid their dues in full  

4. 4 homeowners have been taken to the magistrate for payment 

5. 2 homeowners are currently under payment arrangement agreements.  

6. There are no outstanding construction fees due - all sinkhole reclamation billings have  been paid as of 11/8/2023. 

7. The majority of all HOA business will be attempted to be conducted via electronic means  in order to further eliminate unnecessary costing.   

8. Homeowners present were shown a copy of the current estimate for repairs on Suzanne  Way 

Additional Issues discussed were  not directly related to the HOA and were issues that homeowners need to take up with the Township - including street cleaning and leaf collection.  

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM 

2024

CHESTNUT GROVE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING NOTES

October 28,2024

Agenda based meeting minutes. Total of 13 homeowners attended meeting.

I. Community Issues

Parking: parking lots are owned by homeowners association, not individual homeowners. Each homeowner is provided with 2 spaces. Three cars may be parked in these wide spaces if there is no infringement on either neighbor on each side. T parking behind the spaces is prohibited and offenders may be towed at car owners expense.

Dogs and other pets such as cats must be on leashes when outside. All owners are responsible for picking up after their pet. There is a fine levied by the township for owners that do not pick up poop. This applies to the cemetery lots. This is privately maintained and we are allowed used at owners discretion

Mini motor bikes may be ridden on chestnut grove roads as long as licensed and in compliance with laws.

Snow removal policy discussed. Bid have been requested. To date only our usual provider has responded. Whenever possible salting will be used as is less expensive than plowing

Mail boxes it remains unclear as to ownership of mailboxes. This will have to be discussed with postmaster for Lehigh county as well as Township.

II. Safety

Speeding remains difficulty with main roads within our community. These roads are own by township and patrolled by state police. A discussion with township manager is planned.

Dryer vent: recent fire on Diane Way is a remined that dryers must be venter to outside of the townhouse. 

Sink holes small side sink area under the sidewalk on Maryanne way that is being address by filling by Harmony excavating.

III. Improvements

Community Bulletin Board discussed. Price range of $600 to $1000. Small with plexiglass covering and potential for lock discussed and approved. Approval may be needed from Township as plan is to placed off end of concrete slab holding mailboxes.

Mirror Dorothy Way parking lot: the Irma drive parking lot that extends into Dorothy way and curves at the playground area is potential accident area due to high traffic and playing. A convex safety mirror was proved for the pole and will cost $120.00 to $150.00 with pole mount.

Paving vs concrete on ways Discussion regarding paving vs concrete for the Ways as concrete significantly more expensive. A plan was not formalized.

IV. Budget

Expenditures and outstanding discussed as not all dues are paid until end of the year. The treasurer reports that the $100/month is working well. Delinquent accounts are turned over the the CGHOA attorney for legal processing. Current 4 accounts are with this attorney. 

All financial information is available on the CGHOA website.

Dues for 2025 will remain at $1200.00 with existing arrangements for early total payment discount and monthly payments.

V.  Discussion and Comments from the floor

At this point in time there is a rental rate of about 50% here in the community.

Handbook with basic rules will be handed out to owners and to tenants A copy in Spanish will be available.

Discussion regarding licensing for rentals along with required inspections. This topic with be discussed with CGHOA attorney and then presented to township.

There are 156 townhouses in our community and 11 parking lots. The goal is to have savings of at least $300,000 in case of sink holes and parking lot repaving.