Hill Pond Neighborhood Group

Welcome to Hill Pond from the Hill Pond Homeowner's Association

Welcome

Welcome!! We are excited to have you as a new resident of Hill Pond.

It is our hope that you will enjoy your new home and the amenities of living in Hill Pond. Our area is really a forest in the city complete with shade from large, mature trees, riverside location along the gentle waters of Spring Creek and lakeside views of Hill Pond. Hill Pond is a beautiful and peaceful area and it is our goal as the Homeowner's Association to do all we can to ensure that it remains a quite and attractive place to live.

The Hill Pond Homeowner's Association has produced this brochure to assist you to become acquainted with all facets of our life here. The goal of our association is to maintain a high quality of life in an atmosphere of friendship and support. With this in mind, we have put together some information for you that we hope will be interesting as well as informative.

Items of Interest

 

1. History of Hill Pond

 

1. Hill Pond Organization

 

1. Board of Directors

 

1. Bylaws & Covenants--in brief

 

1. Regulations and Guidelines

 

1. Hill Pond Support

 

1. Area Amenities

 

1. Directory

 

History of Hill Pond

The area that is now Hill Pond was originally part of a extensive 150 acre farm. The original farmhouse, located adjacent to the Hill Pond development, was build in 1874 and still exists today. The elegant fabled home was built by Edwin Bunstead. The house was constructed of field stone and mortar with a clapboard second story. The stone walls were 12" to 18" thick. A large three-story red barn was built on the property and housed farm machinery, horses and cattle. The barn also remains.

Between 1902 and 1920, the property was a sheep ranch. Later, in the 1930's, the farm produced hay, grain, sugar beets and cattle. In 1944, Spring Creek flooded. Three feet of water covered most of the farm and the only thing that saved the house was the small hill that it sits upon. In 1950, the farm was sold to Carl and Pauline Birkey. At this time, the home had no plumbing or electricity. Water was provided by cistern and hand pump. The Birkey's made many modifications and improvements to the structure. They began transforming the farmhouse into a gracious home with touches of Greek Revival architecture.

During their ownership, Spring Creek was developed to form a pond and a running brook on the grounds. Some of the stone in the seating grotto and terrace was brought from Stout Quarry, now under Horestooth Reservoir.

When Carl Birkey died, the home and land were sold. Developers took over and the house was boarded up. It was saved with the thought that it might eventually become the clubhouse for the future Hill Pond development. That didn't happen and the home was vandalize. Fortunately, it survived and today it is a private residence that the owners have restored to reflect her former glory.

In 1972, developers began on what is now Hill Pond. The development was an experiment, a new concept, for Fort Collins. It was one of the first PUD's (Planned Urban Developments) in the area. The newness of the concept and uncertain economic times caused the fledgling development to struggle financially at first. For a time, as the units were completed, they were rented as apartments. Finally, all units were sold and Hill Pond as we know it today, was born. In the ensuing years, many improvements and changes have been made. Today, Hill Pond is a beautiful, distinctive neighborhood with well-maintained green belt areas, a park-like setting, and a fiscally sound association.

Hill Pond Organization

The Hill Pond complex consists of 49 condominium town homes and 10 patio homes. The units feature separate fee simple ownership of real property and co-ownership by the individual owners, as tenants in common, of all the remaining property which is common area.

A "unit" is defined as the individual air space which is contained within the perimeter walls of each unit in the buildings, together with the garage which is a part of the unit and together with all improvements and fixtures contained within. It does not include any of the structural components of the building within which such air space is located.

General Common Elements are defined as the land, the structural components of the buildings, and all tangible physical properties of the project. No changes may be made to any structure or General Common Element without prior approval from the Board of Directors.

Limited Common Elements means those parts of the General Common elements which are either limited to and reserved for the common use of one or more than one but fewer than all of the Condominium Unit owners which include balconies, patios, driveways and courtyards.

The Hill Pond Condominium Association is a Colorado corporation not for profit. The Association is responsible for the expenses of administration, maintenance, repair or replacement of the General Common Areas. This includes, but is not limited to, painting, siding, roofing of the units, landscaping, common parking areas, and open space areas.

Board of Directors

The interest of all Owners at Hill Pond shall be governed and administered by the Board of Directors. The Board consists of up to nine but not less than five volunteer homeowners. Board members are elected at our annual meeting, which is held as soon as possible in each new year. Board meetings are open to all residents and occur frequently throughout the year.

The goal of the Board is to ensure that living in Hill Pond is a pleasant and rewarding experience. We hope you will appreciate the manner in which our members have sought to guide our residents in a direction that will best realize the opportunity to enjoy a high quality of life for all. Your support of these goals will be greatly appreciated and your participation in our association's activities will be most welcome.

Bylaws & Covenants--in brief

In the interest of providing a harmonious living environment, regulations and guidelines have been developed for all residents. The Homeowner's Association (HOA) is established under a set of by-laws that determine the methods and procedures needed to manage all activities and to financially support our General Common Elements. The HOA Board of Directors operates under these guidelines. Additionally, the Board has contracted with a management company to assist in managing the operations of the association.

Covenants provide more specific requirements regarding what can or cannot be done and are voted upon by the residents. Finally, regulations and guidelines detail the need for compliance regarding common area uses and other association issues.

Copies of the bylaws, covenants, regulations and guidelines are available from any Board member or from our management company.

Regulations and Guidelines

We have summarized some of the most important issues here for your convenience.

Vehicles: Please park in designated parking areas or in your garage. You may not park nor store a boat, trailer, unlicensed vehicle, motor home, snow mobile or commercial truck (excluding pick-up trucks up to 3/4 ton) in Hill Pond. Do not park in 'no-parking' areas.

Pets: Hill Pond residents may keep domesticated dogs, cats or birds subject to all City of Fort Collins and Colorado animal ordinances. All animals must be restrained by leash or otherwise confined. Hill Pond regulations state that no animal may roam freely nor may any animal be left tethered unattended on any Hill Pond property. You must pick up after your pet.

Limited Common Elements: You must keep your patio, balcony, sidewalk, and driveway clear of snow, ice and debris. Leisure items such as hammocks, ball hoops, and lawn items must be stored in patio areas or garages, not in front of the units.

Noise: Enjoy your leisure time and the company of friends but please be considerate of your neighbors. Please control your noise. No open parties are allowed.

Trash Removal: Trash removal services are provided as part of your dues. City code calls for trash containers with a fitted lid. If you must use plastic bags, please do not put them out until the morning of trash day - we have critters in Hill Pond! Bring in your trash containers as soon as possible after they are emptied. Recycling is also encouraged. Ask a Board member for information.

Hill Pond Support

Dues: In order to make Hill Pond a pleasant place to reside, to maintain property values, and respond to the interests and needs of the homeowners, monthly dues are assessed. These dues cover, in part, painting, roofing, and repair of all Common Elements (including all structures), landscaping, water, waste removal, maintenance of common areas, signage, sewer, administrative costs and management fees. Patio homes are assessed separately for water.

All assessments are due on the first day of each month and delinquent 20 days later. A late fee is assessed when needed. Each homeowner is issued a coupon book for ease of payment.

Area Amenities

The City of Fort Collins is recognized as one of the best areas in the country in which to live. The opportunities for education, commerce, recreation and social activities are plentiful. Hill Pond is centrally located in the city and across the street from Rolland Moore Park with its extensive recreational facilities. A pedestrian/bike trail is located adjacent to the property. Nearby Poudre Canyon is a favorite for rafting, canoeing, fishing and hiking. More than a dozen lakes are in and around Fort Collins. Public transportation is available through TransFort (a bus system) and taxicabs.

The Poudre School District provides educational opportunities within easy access of Hill Pond. Bennett Elementary School is located within walking distance for older children. Shields and Prospect are busy streets and younger children should be accompanied, although crossing guards are provided during critical morning and afternoon hours. Blevins Junior High School and Rocky Mountain High School are close by and bus transportation is provided. Private religious and secular schools are also available. Colorado State University and Front Range Community College are also located in Fort Collins.

The Lincoln Center hosts numerous theatrical, musical, artistic and entertainment events throughout the year. EPIC ice-skating rink is a popular venue for old and young alike. "Old Town", an original part of the city, has been revived as both a commercial center and an area for gatherings and concerts, especially in the warm summer months. The city has many public parks and several public golf courses. Recreational and educational opportunities abound through the Department of Recreation. Senior citizens have a new center close to Hill Pond. Many activities are available there that span the age groups, including organized travel, dancing, and classes.

Hill Pond in truly an island of tranquillity amidst a bustling city. It is our sincere desire to do all we can as an association to keep it that way. We invite your involvement and support. Together we can preserve what we have and make it even better.

Directory

As part of making Hill Pond a safer community, the Board of Directors has established a Neighborhood Watch Committee. One goal of this committee is to generate a Hill Pond phone directory. If you would like to be added to this directory, or just want a copy, please contact one of the Board members or the management company.