Darien Club HOA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Darien Club HOA’s Zoom Meeting
Time: Feb 2, 2021 07:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 827 1548 9260
Passcode: 911062
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Driftwood Park was built in 1999 on land donated from the Darien Club subdivision to the Darien Park District. Since then it hasn’t seen a makeover and it’s nautical theme is old and outdated, so old in fact it is older than the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise. While Driftwood may be the newest addition to the Darien Park District, with more and more young families moving into the area, the time is now for a new playground. 

With more families having more time to spend around the house and around the neighborhood, our parks are even more important today than they were last year. Driftwood Park can be a meeting place for those in the Darien Club subdivision with newer residents meeting older residents and creating a stronger community.

Please voice your support so we can show those with the power to build a new park how important it is to all of us.

Sign the Petition by Clicking Here

Happy New Year to everyone! As we begin 2021 we wanted to share a couple updates with the community:

• Our next meeting will be held via Zoom on February 2 at 7:30. Check back here on the day of the meeting for the link.
• Over the next few weeks you will see crab apple trees being pulled from the islands and common areas on Darien Club Drive and Sweetbriar. Most of the trees have either died or are diseased.
• As the weather warms up, we will be planting new trees. We are in the process of identifying the appropriate type of tree.
• If possible please try to shovel your sidewalk. The community has been very active with many people walking on the street. For their safety and for drivers it would be best to stay on the sidewalk.
• Thinking of completing a large house project in 2021? Please check the design manual and reach out to Ellen should the you need approval from the Design Review Committee. In most cases a security deposit is required to ensure the job is done properly and with no damage to your neighbors.
• Interested in helping out? The board is always looking for help and input on how best to serve the community. Please let Ellen know if you are interested.

The annual homeowners meeting had a great turnout with homeowners providing feedback, voting, and offering up time to help improve the community. The board messaged all the projects that were completed and others that are on the docket for 2021. Some of the takeaways from the meeting included:

• Targeting Q1 2021 for replacing the trees that are dying on the islands of Darien Club Drive
• Start to work on community building events
• Continue to look at modifications for signage
• Further enhance the seasonal decorations at the entrances
• Look at adding cameras to all entrances to help with any crimes that occur within the subdivision

The new board is back up to five members. Below are the current board members and their position:

• Linda Pecora – President
• Dr. George Battaglia – Vice President
• John Becker – Treasurer
• Anthony Pecora – Secretary
• Alan McNea – Director

For those who ran for positions or have an interest in getting involved in the community, please reach out to Ellen at Oak & Dale and let her know. The board is always looking for help and feedback to improve the community for everyone.

At the most recent meeting, a homeowner offered mailbox parts to any homeowner on a first come basis. Please reach out to Ellen at Oak & Dale for more information.

With summer coming to an end, we wanted to provide an update on what is being worked on.

Given all the positive feedback the board has received in regards to the monuments, we are continuing to look for ways to enhance the entrances. The latest improvement will be spot lights on the middle island.

Over the years we have received communication from concerned homeowners in regards to the algae and water flow problems. We are now treating the water and removed tree trunks from the water. We are gathering information from vendors on how best to improve the water flow and flooding issues.

With the entrances being updated last year, we are shifting our efforts to improve the other common areas. We are looking to stop the soil runoff that is going into the ponds, enhance the look of cul-de-sacs and continue to cutdown and replace trees within the common areas. We are talking to multiple vendors to get ideas and best pricing. Given the size of the project, it will be a well thought out and vented plan that will be implemented over the next few years.

In these difficult times of social distancing, it is important that we celebrate the important moments in life and support our community. One neighbor, Sebastian, is celebrating his FIRST BIRTHDAY on May 4th! At 6:00 the Darien Police and Fire Department will be starting at the park and driving east to wish him a very happy birthday. He lives at the fifth house on the right as you drive towards Cass Ave. We are asking volunteers to join the parade via car or foot (while keeping proper distance) with signs and warm wishes. Let’s make the best of this trying time for one of our neighbors.

We have received a few applicants who are interested in joining select commissions. This is the final call for all those looking to have input into various aspects of our subdivision.

Below are a few commissions the board is looking to form:

• Landscaping – could include season plantings, common area maintenance and lighting and watering new plants
• Wetlands – the wetlands are in need of a lot of work. Anyone with experience in wetlands would be a huge asset
• Community – could include social activities such as block parties, book club, running/walking club
• Subdivision Appearance/Compliance/Enforcement – suggested by homeowners regarding other owners that are not following Rules and Regulations
• Parks/Amenities
• Holiday Entrance Decorations
• Communications
• Welcome Group for new home owners

If you are interested in volunteering for any of these commissions, please contact your property manager Ellen at edonovan@oakanddaleproperties.com.

The 2020 Board of Directors is looking to form commissions to help keep the Association and property up to its highest standards.

Below are a few commissions the board is looking to form:

• Landscaping – could include season plantings, common area maintenance and lighting and watering new plants
• Wetlands – the wetlands are in need of a lot of work. Anyone with experience in wetlands would be a huge asset
• Community – could include social activities such as block parties, book club, running/walking club
• Subdivision Appearance/Compliance/Enforcement – suggested by homeowners regarding other owners that are not following Rules and Regulations
• Parks/Amenities
• Holiday Entrance Decorations
• Communications
• Welcome Group for new home owners

If you are interested in volunteering for any of these commissions, please contact your property manager Ellen at edonovan@oakanddaleproperties.com.

Darien Club HOA Meetings are scheduled for 7:00 at the Darien Police Station on the following days:

• Monday – April 6
• Monday – June 1
• Tuesday – September 8
• Monday – November 2

Please join us to discuss the future of our subdivision. We welcome homeowners who want to get involved by becoming a board member or through various commissions that are being started.