The Passing of Jose Fernández

It is with great sadness that we share with you the news of the passing of Jose Fernández on August 21st due to complications associated with COVID19.  Mr. Fernández was an original owner, having purchase his home back in 1978.  An active member of the community, he attended many of our monthly community board meetings, a member of our community Crime Watch and an active supporter of police attending many of their social functions such as Cookies with Rookies, Coffee with Cops and the Kendall District Citizens Advisory Committee. Known as the Mayor by those that knew him, he will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife Rosa and his two daughters Yvette & Roxana.

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T1-11 Fiber Cement Alternative

 

Homes require constant maintenance, especially when it comes to the wood elements used in our homes. The South Florida weather ensures that these elements only last around 10 years, a little more if properly maintained. One of those elements found on the roof gables of end units, between window trims of some models, rear utilities as well as the entrance ways of models such as Briarwood, Pinewood and Timberage is the T1-11 wood paneling. This wood element is particularly vulnerable to the elements and other wood loving insects. Members that are considering repairing parts of their home having T1-11 due to wood rot now have another option which is a fiber cement alternative sold at Lowe's by James Hardie. It is the HZ10 HardiePanel Sierra and sold in sheets measuring 48-in x 96-in. It is a little more expensive than T1-11, but it can withstand hurricane-force winds when properly installed. It also resists the humid heat of South Florida which usually results in cracking, rotting, swelling and mold as well protects against termites and other pests. It is designed to last 30 years and its warranty covers it for that long.  Those wishing to use this as an alternative may do so by submitting an Architectural Requests Form (ACC) and state where you will be using HZ10 HardiePanel Sierra. You can find out more about the product by Clicking Here. 

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Bulk Trash Placement & Scheduling Issues

For some time now, the Association has been experiencing issues with members placing bulk trash out without first contacting the Association for placement instructions and providing a 311 confirmation number after bulk waste has been placed outdoors. Complicating matters, some members have placed bulk trash on common property such as grassy areas to the side or rear of their homes, on other member's property and in some instances even on the common road. Our community rules & regulations are quite clear on the matter. No bulk trash may be placed on common property for any reason. Members not following the rules regarding bulk trash placement will receive a non-compliance warning on their door. Members may not place bulk waste on any common area, the common roads or on other members properties for any reason.  Members must pay special attention when placing appliances outdoors for pickup such as refrigerators, stoves, etc.. These items must have their doors removed prior to placement outdoors as this is a safety issue and also Florida law.  If placing mattresses outdoors, they must be wrapped in plastic as required by Miami Dade County. Members failing to take due care in the placement of bulk waste piles or the proper disposal of items, such as appliances or mattresses, will have those items removed by the Association within 24 hours of a non-compliance warning with the costs of removal billed back to the member's account.

To avoid any issues or misunderstandings that could lead to a costly bill it is very important for members to first contact the Association prior to scheduling a pickup and again once they have received the county's service request number. To contact the Association, use our Contact Us page to let us know about your intent to place bulk trash outdoors.  You can also leave a voicemail message or text a message to (305) 859-1462. Please be sure to provide your unit's address or account number in your message along with the service request number. Members may request service from the county by calling 311, using the 311Direct mobile app from their smartphone or by going online by Clicking Here.  

For more information regarding trash, recycling and bulk waste pickup restrictions and other information please visit our Trash, Recycle & Bulk Waste page on our website by Clicking Here.

Thank you for doing your part to help keep our community safe and clean.

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Notice of 2021 Annual Budget Meeting

To the members of Devon-Aire Villas Homeowners Association No. 1, Inc., 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with the Bylaws of Devon-Aire Villas Homeowners Association No. 1, Inc. (the "Association"), that the 2021 Annual Association Budget Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 1st, 2020, 7:30 PM at 14373 SW 142nd Street Miami FL 33186. A notice was mailed out and posted on the community bulletin boards 15 days prior to this scheduled meeting which included a copy of the proposed budget. The Board of Directors will discuss and adopt the 2021 Budget at this meeting and urge members to attend if possible.

Notice was mailed by depositing with the United States Post Office or in a letter box in a postage-paid sealed envelope by Regular Mail to each member of the Association at his or her respective address as same appears on the books of the Association.

Members which fail to receive their notice along with proposed policy by August 23rd, 2020 and wish an electronic copy are asked to Contact Us.

AGENDA OF BOARD MEETING

1. Call to Order
2. Establishment of a quorum of the Board
3. Discussion
4. Open Forum
5. Adoption of the 2021 budget.
6. Adjournment

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Our Community's Property Values

On November 1978 F&R Builders Inc turned over control of our community to the very first elected Board of Directors at Devon-Aire Villas #1 who were Ellenor Stacholy, Linda Beebe, Bertha Marder, Alan Ehrlich and Alan Markowitz. That board and every subsequent board since that time has had the principal responsibility of maintaining and improving upon the community in order to ensure that property values would appreciate over time. Homes in our community originally sold for $33,000 in 1977. Adjusted for inflation our modest homes would have cost us $130,000 in today's currency.  Instead we find that our homes are being listed for prices ranging from $275,000 to $299,000 depending on the home. 

There are many reasons why our home values are so high but one of the primary reasons is due to our community being a very desirable place to live. Nobody wants to buy a home where the homes look run down and the community grounds are neglected. Homes in our community have maintained their distinct character for more than 40 years and the homes are still in great shape. Homeowners have helped enhance their home's values by adding storm shutters, impact windows, new front door styles, extended driveways, stamped concrete driveways, wind rated roof shingles over time. The Board of Directors has continued to improve upon the property by adding elements such as lighting throughout the community, park benches, street curbing, dog waste stations, speed humps, etc.. The Board continues to ensure that landscaping and road maintenance continues to occur, but that doesn't mean that other projects won't occur in the community in the future such as more lighting and better security for our members. That of course means that the Board must maintain healthy reserves while at the same time ensuring the delinquency rate within the membership remains low to ensure that new buyers have the ability to qualify for and close on a mortgage. Mortgage lenders will often review how a Homeowners Association handles its affairs and finances before they offer a mortgage to new buyers. Having a well-managed community with a membership that does their part in maintaining their property and adhering to community standards helps maintain or increase home values which is very important when it comes to protecting a member's investment in a property. After more than 40 years of continued Association operations and membership involvement in the community, we don't expect much will change other than maybe home values will continue to appreciate as time goes on.

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