Volume 2 February 2012 Number 8Preserving the Heather Ridge open space –

• Maintained best as a Golf Course• Protecting real estate values• Promoting a positive way of life

Heather Ridge Metro Matters

Some four-legged creatures find sun and recreation on the Heather Ridge Golf course,

just like two-legged course users!

Photos by Sharon Berkowitz

Happy Valentine’s

Day

Page 2 Heather Ridge Metro Matters, February 2012

HAPPY NEWYEAR! From your neighboring com­munitiesofBurgundy,Cobblestone,SausalitoandStraw­berry.Why,youareasking,aretheywishingusaHappyNewYear?Becausetheyareappealingtoyou—Fairway16,CobblestoneCrossing,ChimneyHill.HeatherRidgeSouth,DoubleTreeandCountryClubRidge— to jointhebandwagonandstarttosetupYOURNeighborhoodWatchProgram!Iamgoingforagoalof100percentbyspring. JustcallmeandIwilltellyouwhatisneeded.Itdoesnottakemuchtogetyourprogramstarted.JustGOFORIT!(BevBrown,303­872­3154) Note: To those communities who currently have aneighborhoodwatch(andthosewhowillhaveinthenearfuture),pleaseshareyouremailaddresswithyourAreaCoordinatorsandBlockCaptains.Believeme, itmakesitsomucheasierandfaster for thosewhotookonthisjob(foryou)tocommunicateimportantinformationinanexpedientmanner.Thanks. Important— For those who think a NeighborhoodWatchisonlyaboutCrimePrevention,I’vegotnewsforyou.Itissomuchmore! The first step is, of course, to plan on attendingyourNeighborhoodWatchmeetings.Youwill get valu­ableinformationatthese.Ittakesonlyacoupleofhours

of your time! Come and ask your PAR Officer about:Home Safety and Security, Child Safety, ObservationSkills,SelfDefense,VandalismPrevention,BikeSafety,Carjackings,FirePrevention.Ibetyoucanthinkofmanymoretopicsthatyouareconcernedabout. In addition, you can become more knowledgeableaboutemergencyinformation,parkingissues,petissues,water issues, how tobeabetter neighbor, andhow tolookoutforthosearoundyou,especiallyolderandneedyseniors. Then there are those fun activity plans, espe­ciallyaroundtheholidays! By being part of a NeighborhoodWatch Program,you are already a Better Neighbor. Attend your boardmeetingsandaskabouthowyoucanhelp! Hereareafew“Tips”on“WhatisSuspicious”whentocallthePolice.CIRCUMSTANCE…POSSIBLE CRIME • Soundofbreakingglass…Possibleburglaryorvan­

dalism • Individuals seen loitering or peering into cars…

Possiblecartheft • Screaming…Possiblerapeorassault • Continuously barking dogs…Possible burglary,

assaultorrape

Publisher:Donaldsons,Inc.Editor:LynnDonaldson,303­766­8649 (LynnNeu@comcast.net)Advertising:CindyCrockett,303­690­7702 (cindycrockett5@gmail.com)

Heather Ridge Metro MattersispublishedmonthlyfortheresidentsofHeatherRidge.Metro District Board Members(VisitHRMDco.org,HRMDbutton)ContactVinnyRoithforquestions:303­755­3660;720­246­0306info@hrmdco.org; HeatherRidgeColorado.org

ErrolRowland(Burgundy),PresidentVanLewis(HeatherRidgeSouth),VicePresidentVinnyRoith(Sausalito),TreasurerMelissaMiller(ChimneyHill),SecretaryJimBruce(Fairway16),AssistantSecretaryJoanBeldock(CountryClubRidge),AssistantSecretaryMaryLouBraun(Cobblestone),AssistantSecretary

It istheintentoftheeditorandHRMDtoprovideinformationofinteresttoitsreaders,toaffordpersonswith varying and differing views opportunity to airresponsibleopinionsonmattersofcommunityinterest,andtopromotecommunityandenjoyablelifepursuits. Heather Ridge Metro Matters welcomes lettersandother articles concernedwith community issues.Lettersmustbesigned,datedandincludethewriter’sphonenumber. Lettersmaybeedited for reasonsofspaceandclarity.SendtoLynnNeu@comcast.net ©2012, Donaldsons, Inc. All rights reserved.Reproduction inwhole or in partwithoutwritten per­missionisprohibited. The Publishers do not necessarily endorse thecompanies,productsorservicesadvertisedinHeather Ridge Metro Matters. Printed by Publication Printerscorp.,2001S.PlatteRiverDr.

HOAs in the United Association of Heather Ridge:PresidentJosieSpencer(HeatherRidgeSouth)VicePresidentScottDunham(ChimneyHill)Burgundy,burghoa.comChimneyHillCobblestoneCobblestoneCrossingDoubleTreeFairway16HeatherRidgeSouth,Heatherridgesouth.comSausalito,sausalitohoa.comStrawberry, strawberryhoa.comwebsite:www.uahr.org

Managers, Golf Club at Heather Ridge13521E.IliffAve,Aurora,CO80014

303­755­3550JoanieOtt(Fairway16),PresidentBoard:VicEvans(Men’sClub),LarryRansford(Cob­blestoneCrossing),LarryRicketts(Men’sClub)andLorenJanulewicz(Men’sClub)

website:www.golfclubatheatherridge.com

Neighborhood Watch

See facing page

Heather Ridge Metro Matters, February 2012 Page 3

Is it time to replace your water guzzling toilet? Applyforarebate. Aurora Water offers a rebate up to $75 on WaterSense1.28gallonsperflush(GPF)toiletsandarebateupto$150onWaterSense1.0or lessGPFtoilets.Gotoauro-rawater.org/rebates to apply.High­Efficiency Toilet RebateApplication(Homeowners) Makesure to includedocu­mentation showing the make,modelnameandmodelnumber(ensure the model is labeledwith the Water Sense label).Documentationcould include:aphotocopyof theman­ual, image of the box or the UPC code (provided themodelnumberislistedintheUPCcode). Youwill only be contacted if there is an issuewithyourrebateapplication.Pleaseallow6–8weeksforyourrebatetobeprocessed.LookunderthetoiletlidoronthebackofthetoiletbowlbehindtheseattodetermineGPF.IfGPFisnotlisted,theapplianceyearshouldbeinsidethetoilettankorunderthelid. This offer is good from the first of the current yearuntilfundsareexhausted. Xeriscape. Becauseof its reducedwateringneedsand ability to tolerate periods of drought, Xeriscapeis a great landscape optionfor Colorado’s climate. Whencomparedtoatraditionalgrasslandscape, which typicallyrequires around 28 inches ofsupplemental water each sea­son,Xeriscapecangetbywith15 inches or less each sea­son. It withstands periods ofdroughtthatwouldcauselawnstobecomebrown.Inadditiontodecreasedwaterconsumptionandresiliencetodrought,Xeriscapehasthepotentialtosignificantlydecreasetimeandresourcesexpendedonmaintenance. AuroraWatercustomers interested inXeriscapeas

alandscapealternativemaybeeligibleforarebateofupto$1.25persquarefootbyreplacingtheircurrenthighlywateredturfgrasswithlowwateruseplantmaterial.Themaximum rebate is $10,000 for residential customersand$25,000forcommercialandlargepropertiessuchasHomeowners’Associationsandmulti­familydwellings. Eligibility and approval must be obtained from theWaterConservationOfficepriortobeginningtheproject.See rebate applications for specific program require­ments.AnyadditionalquestionsmaybedirectedtoZach,720­859­4366.Applicationsmay be emailed,mailed orhanddelivered.Submittingapplicationselectronically isencouragedandrequiresAdobeAcrobatReader7.0orhigher. Irrigation Audits. Have you wondered how toreduce your water consumption while maintaining anattractive landscape?Haveyouwanted to fixproblemswithyouroldsprinklersystem,butdidn’tknowwheretostart? Aurora Water is partner­ing with the Center for ReSourceConservation(CRC)tooffercustom­erswithautomaticsprinklersystemsafreeirrigationsystemauditaspartofthe“SlowtheFlow”program. The CRC is an environmentalnon­profit company that providesassistance to residents, businesses, professionals andpolicymakersaboutresourceconservationissues.CRChas been conducting irrigation inspections for the lastthreeyears for other citiesalong theFrontRangewithexcellentresults.AuditsbegininJune,andonlyalimitednumberareavailable. Auditsarecompletedbyatrainedirrigationspecialistwhowilltestyoursystemforirrigationefficiency,identifyandlistitemsthatneedtoberepaired,formulateasite­specificwateringscheduleandprovidevaluableinforma­tiononhow to irrigatemoreefficiently for your specificlandscape. PleasecontacttheCenterforReSourceConservationtogetonthewaitlistfor2012.Irrigationauditsarecom­pleted June through August. Aurora Water Customerswishingtoparticipate in the irrigationauditprogramwillbeputonawaiting list, basedon thedate your call isreceived. Indoor Water Audits. The City of Aurora’s WaterConservation Division provides Aurora Water custom­erswithafree,whole­housewaterefficiencyaudit.Ourauditwillhelpyoulocatewaterleaks,pinpointhighwaterusageareas inyourhomeandgiveyou thenecessaryinformation to maximize the water efficiency potentialof your home.A more water­efficient home saves youmoneyandhelpsAurora conserve itswater resources.Pleasecall303­739­7351toschedule.

HRCA: Decreasing Your Water Use

• Individualscarryingunwrappedpropertyfleeingfromatanunusualhour…Possiblesuspects,aburglaryorrobbery

These are just a few of what are considered“Suspicious Activities.” Call your Block Captain for apamphletoftheentirelist. Ifyouobserveanyofaboveorotherunusualactivity,call303­627­3100.Bettertobe“SafethenSorry.” – Bev Brown, Head Area Coordinator for UAHR

Neighborhood Watch…from page 2

Page 4 Heather Ridge Metro Matters, February 2012

Heather Ridge Market Report The Heather Ridge real estate market is slowly, but surely,changingforthebetter.Thechangefromdistressedtostrongmar­ketissubtle,butthesignsareindisputable:decreasingsupply,risingpricesandfewerdistressedsales.FactorscontributingtoHeatherRidge’sreboundincludesuperior location,affordablepricesandagolfcoursecommunity.

Buyersandsellersneed toknowhow realestateworkshere.TheHeatherRidgeMetropolitanDistrict has 10 separate, uniqueand viable HomeownersAssociations— a challenge to learn foranyonenotfamiliarwithourcommunities.PeteandVanareactiveincommunityaffairs,workingwithvariousHOAs,andtrainingoth­ersaboutlocalcustoms.PeteandVanknowhowtopromoteourslightlyhigherpropertytaxesasacommunityprivilegeforowningtheGolfClubatHeatherRidge. Metro­arearealestatestatisticsfor2011indicatebettertimes

for2012.“Therewere12,531homesforsaleinDecember2011,down34percentfrom2010…and39,387totalsalesin2011forsingle­familyandcondohome.Thatwasa1.47percentincreaseover2010,butwellshortofthe42,070soldin2009.Thepricinglevelfor2011wasbasicallyflat,andtheaveragepricewas$255,492,downslightlyfrom$257,000in2010.Still,thataveragewasup5.4percentfrom$242,413in2009.” Nottobeoverlookedorunderestimated,Coloradoenjoyed31,195newresidentsrelocatingherein2011.Colo­rado ranks fifthbehindTexas first, thenFlorida,NorthCarolina,andWashington.TheU.SCensusBureau ranksColoradotenthduring2001­2009. In2011,PeteandVanparticipatedin15salesintheHeatherRidgearea.Togetthehighestandbestvalueforyourhome,pleasecallthelocalexpertstobuy,sell,orrent.Withover70+yearsofexperience,thisisn’tPeteorVan’sfirstrodeo.PleasecalltheprosthatlivehereandwantthebestforHeatherRidge!

HOA No. Street Seller Sold Less Net SqFt Be/Ba StyleBurgundy 2661 SXanaduWayA GOVT $70,000 $1,946 $68,054 1,162 2/2 2Story

Burgundy 2625 SXanaduWayE GOVT $70,000 $0 $70,000 1,315 2/2 2Story

Burgundy 2623 SXanaduWayE GOVT $71,900 $0 $71,900 1,315 2/2 2Story

Burgundy 2667 SXanaduWayE BANK $95,000 $3,325 $91,675 1,315 2/3 2Story

Burgundy 2625 SXanaduWayF ESTATE $115,000 $0 $115,000 1,315 2/2 2Story

Burgundy 2635 SXanaduWayD INDV $124,900 $0 $124,900 1,162 2/2 2Story

ChimneyHill 2063 SWorchesterCt BANK $109,000 $3,000 $106,000 1,513 3/2 2Story

ChimneyHill 13654 EEvansAve BANK $114,500 $0 $114,500 1,344 3/2 2Story

ChimneyHill 13520 EEvansAve INDV $115,300 $0 $115,300 1,344 2/2 2Story

ChimneyHill 2081 SWorchesterCt INDV $120,000 $3,600 $116,400 1,344 2/2 Tri­Level

ChimneyHill 13641 EEvansAve INDV $133,000 $0 $133,000 1,512 3/3 2Story

ChimneyHill 2023 SWorchesterCt INDV $135,000 $600 $134,400 1,344 2/2 2Story

Cobblestone 2121 SVictorStA BANK $73,105 $0 $73,105 1,392 2/2 2Story

Cobblestone 2122 SVictorStC INDV $87,000 $0 $87,000 1,208 2/2 Bi­Level

Cobblestone 2142 SVictorStA INDV $87,000 $0 $87,000 1,208 2/2 2Story

Cobblestone 2152 SVictorStF BANK $90,000 $0 $90,000 1,392 2/2 2Story

Cobblestone 13412 EAsburyDr INDV $110,000 $4,000 $106,000 1,208 2/2 2Story

Cobblestone 2121 SVictorStA INDV $129,900 $0 $129,900 1,401 2/3 2Story

CobblestoneCross’g 1913 SXanaduWay BANK $67,020 $3,000 $64,020 1,208 2/2 2Story

CobblestoneCross’g 13426 EAsburyDr GOVT $81,000 $0 $81,000 1,208 2/2 2Story

CobblestoneCross’g 13314 EAsburyDr INDV $83,000 $0 $83,000 1,208 2/2 2Story

CobblestoneCross’g 13396 EAsburyDr BANK $85,002 $0 $85,002 1,392 2/3 2Story

Pete TraynorDouble Tree

303-877-9538Ptofcolo@aol.com

Van LewisHeather Ridge South

303-550-1362van@vanlewis.com

Sold in Heather Ridge January–December 2011(The Following Properties May Have Been Listed or Sold by Other Companies)

Heather Ridge Metro Matters, February 2012 Page 5

HOA No. Street Seller Sold Less Net SqFt Be/Ba StyleCobblestoneCross’g 13568 EAsburyDr GOVT $88,200 $0 $88,200 1,392 2/2 2Story

CobblestoneCross’g 13254 EAsburyDr INDV $116,000 $4,450 $111,550 1,392 2/2 2Story

CobblestoneCross’g 13392 EAsburyDr INDV $122,000 $0 $122,000 1,392 2/2 2Story

CobblestoneCross’g 13404 EAsburyDr CORP $127,400 $0 $127,400 1,392 2/2 2Story

CobblestoneCross’g 13266 EAsburyDr INDV $135,000 $5,000 $130,000 1,392 2/2 2Story

CountryClubRidge 2240 SVaughnWay204 INDV $149,900 $2,000 $147,900 1,124 2/2 Ranch

CountryClubRidge 2260 SVaughnWay104 BANK $174,900 $0 $174,900 1,680 3/3 2Story

CountryClubRidge 2240 SVaughnWay104 BANK $184,000 $5,149 $178,851 1,680 3/3 2Story

CountryClubRidge 2220 SVaughnWay102 INDV $202,500 $0 $202,500 1,722 2/3 Ranch

Fairway16 2548 SVaughnWayC GOVT $108,500 $0 $108,500 1,650 3/3 2Story

Fairway16 2680 SVaughnWayB INDV $131,000 $0 $131,000 1,650 4/4 2Story

Fairway16 2486 SVaughnWayB ESTATE $137,500 $3,000 $134,500 1,650 4/3 2Story

Fairway16 2486 SVaughnWayA INDV $137,500 $0 $137,500 1,650 4/4 2Story

Fairway16 2558 SVaughnWayC INDV $142,000 $4,796 $137,204 1,650 4/4 2Story

Fairway16 2426 SVaughnWayA INDV $146,000 $1,000 $145,000 1,650 4/3 2Story

Fairway16 2578 SVaughnWayB INDV $162,500 $5,000 $157,500 1,650 4/4 2Story

HeatherRidgeS 2888 SWheelingWay GOVT $105,320 $0 $105,320 1,633 4/4 2Story

HeatherRidgeS 2824 SWheelingWay BANK $125,001 $4,165 $120,836 1,633 4/4 2Story

HeatherRidgeS 2845 SXanaduWay INDV $129,900 $3,897 $126,003 1,633 3/3 2Story

HeatherRidgeS 2787 SXanaduWay INDV $137,500 $1,981 $135,519 1,633 3/3 2Story

HeatherRidgeS 2720 SVaughnWay INDV $159,500 $4,300 $155,200 1,633 3/3 2Story

Sausalito 2408 SVictorStA ESTATE $79,000 $0 $79,000 1,273 2/3 2Story

Sausalito 2458 SVictorStF GOVT $89,043 $0 $89,043 1,273 2/3 2Story

Sausalito 2437 SVictorStF BANK $92,605 $0 $92,605 1,273 2/2 2Story

Sausalito 2417 SVictorStC INDV $100,970 $3,000 $97,970 1,300 2/3 2Story

Sausalito 2418 SVictorStD INDV $125,000 $2,500 $122,500 1,300 2/3 2Story

Sausalito 2501 SVictorStC INDV $140,816 $2,816 $138,000 1,230 2/2 Ranch

Sausalito 2419 SWorchesterCtC INDV $144,950 $0 $144,950 1,230 2/3 Ranch

Sausalito 2408 SVictorStA INDV $145,000 $3,000 $142,000 1,273 2/3 2Story

Sausalito 2512 SWorchesterE INDV $146,500 $0 $146,500 1,282 2/3 2Story

Sausalito 2437 SVictorStF INDV $152,900 $2,750 $150,150 1,302 2/3 2Story

Sausalito 2468 SVictorStA INDV $154,900 $0 $154,900 1,300 2/3 2Story

StrawberryI 2614 SXanaduWayB GOVT $28,500 $0 $28,500 856 1/1 2Story

StrawberryI 13651 EYaleAveA BANK $32,000 $0 $32,000 896 1/1 2Story

StrawberryI 13647 EYaleAveB GOVT $36,600 $0 $36,600 856 1/1 Ranch

StrawberryI 2696 SXanaduWayB BANK $38,000 $1,200 $36,800 1,144 2/2 2Story

StrawberryI 2694 SXanaduWayC BANK $41,000 $0 $41,000 856 1/1 2Story

StrawberryI 2614 SXanaduWayB INDV $48,500 $0 $48,500 856 1/1 2Story

StrawberryI 2688 SXanaduWayB INDV $49,900 $3,000 $46,900 856 1/1 Ranch

StrawberryI 2650 SXanaduWayB CORP $60,500 $0 $60,500 856 1/1 2Story

StrawberryI 13605 EYaleAveA INDV $67,000 $0 $67,000 856 1/1 2Story

StrawberryII 2463 SXanaduWayC BANK $50,500 $0 $50,500 1,091 2/2 Ranch

StrawberryII 2445 SXanaduWayC GOVT $53,000 $1,125 $51,875 1,091 2/2 2Story

StrawberryII 2461 SXanaduWayC INDV $60,000 $0 $60,000 1,091 2/2 2Story

StrawberryII 2429 SXanaduWayA INDV $62,500 $0 $62,500 1,091 2/2 2Story

StrawberryII 2469 SXanaduWayD GOVT $70,000 $2,100 $67,900 1,091 2/2 2Story

Page 6 Heather Ridge Metro Matters, February 2012

The I­225 Widening Projectconstruction bids were advertisedby the Colorado Department ofTransportation (CDOT) on Dec. 15,2011 and were due on Jan. 19,2012. This project construction bidpackage includes the I­225 widen­ing fromParkerRoad toMississippiAvenue,adistanceofapproximately2.5miles. Whencompleted,I­225willhavethree(3)throughtravellanesineachdirectionfromParkerRoadtoColfaxAvenue. Auxiliary lanes betweeninterchangeswillalsobeconstructedtoservevehicularmovementsexitingandenteringI­225mainlinelanesatinterchangelocations. Noise walls will be installed onthewestsideofthissegmentofI­225and modifications incorporated onthe east side where the Light RailTransit(LRT)trackenvelopeisbeingconstructed. The actual LRT bridge—risingfromtheI­225median,justnorthoftheNineMileStation,span­ning I­225 northbound travel lanes,andtouchingdownontheeastsideofI­225—ispartofthisbidpackageasistheassociatedLRTtrackretain­ingwallscontinuingnorth to the IliffStation. TheYaleAvenuebridgereplace­mentisnecessitatedbyboththewid­eningofI­225andtheRTDLightRailTransit Line that will be aligned ontheeastsideofI­225andpassunderYaleAvenue,servingtheIliffAvenue[HeatherRidge]LRTStation—partofthisoverallCDOTbidpackage.

Theexistingseparatepedestrianbridgewillberemovedandplacedinstorage for future use by the City’sParks,Recreation andOpenSpaceDepartment. The new bridge willhavebike lanesandsidewalks inte­grated into the structure and offerfourthroughtravellanes. General Project Schedule. Thisis just over a two­year construc­tion project or 767 calendar daysalthoughitisaworkingdaycontract.Generally theconstructionsequenc­ingschemeistoissuenoticetopro­ceedinearlyMarch2012. Yale Avenue bridge demolitionand replacement construction willcommence in early May and endwithin sixmonths. There is up to a$150,000 early finish incentive forthis element. [There are] three dif­ferent significant disincentives for alatefinishoftheYaleAvenuebridge.Onceacontractorisselected,detailson the work hours for the bridgedemolition and construction, autoand bike detours will be developedandsharedwiththepublic. The I­225 widening worksequence concept is to first placeI­225 traffic in the northbound laneenvelope via temporary wideningwhile the majority of south boundlanesareconstructed.Thiswillalsoinclude the majority of the stormsewersystemwork. When this work is completed,traffic will be shifted to the newlyconstructed southbound lanes inJanuary2013.

WorkwillcommenceontheI­225northbound lanes. The next trafficshift that will open up the majorityof the newly constructed lanes willoccurinapproximatelyAugust2013. The final constructionsequencewill complete smaller tight spots(especially near the Parker Roadinterchange)inmini­phases. The I­225 LRT median bridgeand rail track envelope construc­tion to Iliff [Heather Ridge] Stationis scheduled to be completed inNovember2013. Therearealsoother lane rentaland liquidated damages associatedwiththesemilestonesintheeventoflate finishes but no additional earlyfinishincentives. RTD Iliff LRT Station Con-struction Project – RTD Pro ject. RTD is scheduled to advertise theactual Iliff [Heather Ridge] Stationconstruction project in April 2012.Specific elements include stationplatform, park­n­ride facilities, trackand power catenary system, sig­nalandcommunicationcomponents,and station access improvements.TheIliff[HeatherRidge]LRTStationisscheduledtobeopeninJuly2014. – Mac Callison Aurora City Manager’s Office{Editor’s Note: Callison’s remarks were a response to a query from Councilmember Molly Markert. She forwarded them to Errol Rowland, HRMD president. Rowland is trying to get the Iliff Avenue station called the Heather Ridge LRT Station.}

Widening I-225 by CDOT

Aurora Municipal Court Volunteers Needed: InformationOfficersorFirstAppearanceClericalAssistants InformationOfficersstaff the In­formationDeskattheAuroraMunici­palCourtJusticeCenter,14999EastAlameda Pkwy, Aurora. Individualswill be trained to answer commonlyaskedquestions,aswellasprovidedirectionstothevisitingpublic.These

goodwillambassadorswillbeoneofthemainpointsofcontactthepublichaswiththecourtsystem.Volunteersdonotneedexperience,justenthusi­asm. Hours are 7:30–11 am once aweekormorefrequently,ifavailable. FirstAppearanceCenterClericalAssistants help in processing highvolume cases in the First Appear­anceCenter.Thisfact­pacedpositionrequiresvolunteers togreet citizenssummoned toTrafficCourt, pull rel­evant files, disseminate appropriate

paperworkandrespondtoquestionsregarding procedures. Volunteersmay be required to assist clerks byanswering phones and maintainingproperorderoffiles. Hoursare8–11amonceaweekormorefrequently,ifavailable. If interested, callHelenDamas­kos,303­739­6440.Shewill explainpositions available and give you atour.

FYI

Heather Ridge Metro Matters, February 2012 Page 7

Check your water valves, hoses, and faucets.TheHOAmonitorswaterconsumptionforunusualactiv­ity,especially leaks.HRShassevenwatermeters,andNovember’s water bill for one meter showed elevatedusage.Themeterareawasinspectedforleaksandfliersposted on units asking residents to bewatchful.WhenDecember’s water bill arrived, consumption was sig­nificantlyhighersparkingmoreinvestigations.Whatwashappening? Longstoryshort,agardenhoseconnectedtoabackfaucethiddenbehindbusheswasquietlypouringwateralong the foundation draining into a neighbor’s sumppump. That neighbor had called us to report greatersump pump activity, thus helping us find the cause.Besidestheexpenseoflostwater,itcosttheHOA$450fora“leakinvestigator”tofindtherunninghosefaucet. Please “listen” to your home to learn its uniquesounds and noises. Know how it operates to catch aproblem before it gets worse. Periodically inspect allyourhoses,faucets,anddrains.Alsocheckwaterhosesfor your clothes washer, dishwasher, and other waterusagesystems.Older rubberwater linesareespeciallyprone to rupturing, so please consider replacing withsteelwrapped­encasedhosesthat“contain”leaksversuswholesaleflooding. Periodicallyopenandcloseyourunit’swatershut­offvalve.Makesure itopensandcloses fully.Ourbuilder,EDI, installed “screw values” that were typical for theerauntil“ballvalves”cameintogeneralusage.Ownersareresponsibleformaintainingtheirunit’smasterwatervalve,includingitsreplacement.TheHOAisresponsibleformastervaluestobuildings. Ifaunitisflooded,itisveryimportantforownerstohaveHO­6propertyinsurancetosupplementtheHOA’sgeneralpolicy.Thegeneralpolicyislimitedincoverage,exposing uninsured owners/occupants to expenses.

Please contact your insur­anceagent for proper cov­erage in conjunction withthe general policy. HavingHO­6 insurance cannot beoveremphasized. Snow Season. Duringand after a snowfall, please don’t parked outside yourgarageuntilitisplowed.Outsideparkinghamperssnowremoval,increasesplowingcostsandpromotesicycon­ditions.Pleaseparkinyourgarage. Withournewconcretedriveways,pleaseDONOTuse salt or chemical de­icers on them.TheHOA usessand and prescribed chemicals, so if you need help,pleasecontactSueDaigleatWestwind,303­368­1800;sue@westwindmanagement.com. Please remove holiday decorations and politi-cal signs. Our Declarations and Rules­Regulationsprescribereasonabletimeperiodstoinstallandremovedecorations, political signs and posted notices. If youhavepoliticalsignsposted insideyourwindows,anewcampaignseasonisquicklyapproaching.SotakedownFDR,Eisenhowerorotherdatedpostersfortheupcom­ing season. Please read the Rules­Regulations forguidelines. Please don’t turn off your heat to save a few bucks while vacationing.Vacantorunoccupiedhomesare prone to many problems, not the least of whichis flooding from frozen pipes. Please leave your heaton and check your HO­6 insurance carrier concerningvacantorunoccupiedhomecoverage. Asforturningoffyourunit’smainwatervalveorotherwaterlineswhenvacant/unoccupied,pleasecontactSueatWestwind if youdo that.Vacanthomesshouldhaveinteriornoticespostedtothatfact.Lastly,clearlytagyourunit’swaterlineandshut­offvalue(s).Inanemergency,there’s no time to find or determine such things. Firstresponderswillneedtoknowthestatusandlocationofwatervalves,powerboxes,etc.

Homeowners’ Association News

More HOA news on page 11

Heather Ridge South by Van Lewis

HRMD, UAHR and HRCA meetings are open to residents!

Burgundy Clubhouse Available for your next Reception,

Meeting, Party, etc.Full kitchen, Bar, Comfortable Seating

Area, Fireplace, Extra Chairs and Tables.

Parking lot for 11 vehicles plus off-street parkingMaximum occupancy: 100

For viewing, rates and reservations call:

Karen Berg • 303-695-9630

Page 8 Heather Ridge Metro Matters, February 2012

Hea

ther

Rid

ge

Steve Liberman, 720-252-7398 • steve@oesol.com

Heather Ridge Metro Matters, February 2012 Page 9

Did You Know…During the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and early

2000, Heather Ridge Country Club boasted both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. The many activities that were hosted at the

outdoor pool included youth swim team competitions, water ballet events, commu-nity and holiday parties and water aerobics

classes.

The indoor pool was open year round and offered water aerobics classes, lap swim-

ming, private parties and designated family swim times.Ph

oto

Alb

um

Page 10 Heather Ridge Metro Matters, February 2012

February 2012

The9­HoleLadiesGolf LeagueatHeatherRidge is hostingaNewMemberCoffee10:30amTuesday,Feb.7,atNoonan’s.Youareinvitedtoattendandbringaguest.Costis$6perperson.RSVPtoSandyFinney,303­601­6552,orGinnyLewis,303­946­6118,byJan.31.

GroundhogDay

10:30am9­HoleCoffeeatNoonan’s6pmUAHR Board

Meeting–19thHoleGCatHR

Lincoln’s Birthday

Washington’s Birthday

Valentine’s Day

Presidents’ DayFederal Holiday

7pmStrawberryHOAwithTomTobiassenRTD/LightRail

LunchBunchatBentFork

4pmHRMD Board Meeting–

GCatHR

6:30pmWard IV Meeting–Ecotech

Inst.1400SAbileneSt.

9-Hole Ladies League Out To Lunch

Bunch The next gathering will be Thursday Feb. 16, noon @ The Bent Fork, 12191 East Iliff

Avenue. Please con-tact Ginny Lewis

to RSVP — ginny-lewis@comcast.net

or 303-337-6118

Dear Readers, The January issue of Metro Matterswaslateinarrivingduetoa requestby theHRMDBoard towait until allmeetingswere com­pletedonDec.29. Weapologizeforanyinconve­niencethismayhavecaused. Metro Matters StaffMetro Matters Tom Tobiassen will be pre­senting an update on the RTD/

LightRail Project at the FebruaryHOA meeting for Strawberry.Meetingat7pmMonday,Feb.20,Strawberry Clubhouse, 2638 S.XanaduWay,Driveway5. I am putting out the wordthroughUAHRsothatotherHOAsin Heather Ridge will have theopportunity to attend. Pleasespreadtheword. HaveAGreatDay! – Jan Lucas, 303-719-9545

Letters

Heather Ridge Metro Matters, February 2012 Page 11

Landscaping/snow removal.Snowremoval,snowremoval,snowremoval.Withsnowcontinuing,thesnowremovalcrewhasbeenbusy.Thesnowpilesup.Duringand after a snow storm, please do not park your carsin visitor parking or around the mail boxes. The snowremoval crew needs to pile the excess snow in theseareas. The snow is removed first from main streets.Secondly,itisremovedfromtheautocourts.Lastly,thesidewalksareshoveled. Security.Sausalitorulesstatethatifyouhaveavisi­tor/guestwhowillbeparkingovernightinvisitorparking,youmust call security inadvanceso thepatrol canbenotified.Covenant’sphone/faxnumberis303­552­9027. Neighborhood Watch. The board is still lookingfor more Block Captains for Sausalito. Please contactCarol McCormick, the Sausalito Area Coordinator, atcarol_mccormick@comcast.net,ifyouareinterested.Itwillnottakemuchofyourvolunteertime. Trash Removal Days.Regular trash removaldaysare every Tuesday. Recycling days are every otherTuesday.

How to Conserve Water HOA Expenses. Ever wonder how much of yourHOApayment coverswater costs forSausalito?Wateris thesinglehighestexpenseSausalitohasatapproxi­mately 25 percent of the annual HOA budget. Eightpercentofthatannualexpenseis thecostofwaterforirrigation. Last year the board asked the landscapingcompanytoreducethewateringcycletoonlythreedaysaweek.The remaining 17percent is personal usage.Herearesometipstohelpeveryonelowerwatercosts. Use Your Dishwasher. Contrary to popular belief,it takesmorewater to hand­wash dishes than it takestowashtheminthedishwasher.(www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytop-ic=13050) Don’t Pre-Rinse Dishes.Scrape food fromplates,andletyourdishwasherdotherest. Only Run the Dishwasher When Full. You’ll usethesameamountofwaterwhetheryourunafullloadorapartialload. Install a Faucet Aerator.Itscrewsontothebottomof your faucet to reduce water flow, without reducingwaterpressure.Youcangetonethatswivelstoallowyoutodirectthewaterwhereyouneedit.Note:Ifyouhaveanewerfaucet,itmayalreadyhaveonebuilt­in. Keep Drinking Water in the Fridge. Then, youwon’twastewaterwhileyouwaitforthetaptogetcold.Anotheroption:Fillacupwith tapwater,anddrop inacoupleicecubestochillit. Heat Water on the Stove/ In the Microwave.Then,youwon’twastewaterwhilewaitingforthetaptogethot. Install a Point-of-Use Hot Water Heater. If youregularlyneedhotwater forpots,dishwashingandhotdrinks,considerinstallingapoint­of­usehotwaterheater

(also known as an instant hotwatersystem)under thekitch­en sink. It’ll supply you withhotwaterassoonasyou turnon the tap, and only costs acouple hundred dollars. (hom-erepair.about.com/od/plumbin-grepair/ss/tankless_hwh_3.htm) Lowering electric billsisanotherareaofconcerntohomeowners.Herearesomeideas. Clean Your Dryer Lint Trap. Removethelintfromyourdryertrapaftereachloadtomaximizeyourdryer’sefficiency.Then, scrub it downwith soapywaterandabrush once every couple months to remove any addi­tionallinttrappedinthescreen. Use Dryer Balls.Tossdryerballsintothedryerwithyour clothes to speed drying time. (frugalliving.about.com/od/colthing/gr/Dryer_Max_Balls.htm) Install a Tankless Hot Water Heater.Thenexttimeyou need to replace your hot water heater, considergoingwith a tankless hotwater heater (also knownasanon­demandhotwaterheater).Thesecancutyourhotwater energy cost by half. (homerepair.about.com/od/plumbingrepair/ss/tankless_hwh.htm) Insulate Behind Electrical Outlets and Switches.Pickupapackageofelectricaloutletsealers,andplaceonebehindalloftheoutletsandswitchesinyourhome. Install Storm Doors.Stormdoorsareagreatwaytopreventenergyloss.Installoneonallofyourexteriordoors,andthegovernmentwillevengiveyouataxcreditfor your efforts. (www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index#s1) Clean Your Refrigerator’s Coils.Whenyourrefrig­eratorhasdirtycondensercoilsithastoworkhardertocoolyourfoods.Performmaintenanceonyourrefrigera­toronceeverythreemonthstooptimizeitsefficiency.(fru-galliving.about.com/od/doityourself/ht/Fridge_Maintain.htm) Turn Your Stove and Oven Off Early. Turn thestoveorovenoffafewminutesbeforeyourfoodisdone,andletthebuilt­upheatfinishthejobforyou. Monthly Meetings.Theboardmeetsat6:30pmonthesecondWednesdayofeverymonthattheGolfClubatHeatherRidge.Guestsarewelcome. Board Members. President Vincent Roith, 303­745­9805; Vice President/Landscaping Tony Carniglia,720­535­9705; Secretary/Newsletter Carol McCormick,720­747­0836; Treasurer/Pools/UAHR representativePat Horton, 303­695­6181; Board Members at Large:Debbie Martinez, 720­298­8323; Tom Scally, 303­750­8772;andSherriCooper. Property Management Company. Bill McKinney,McKinney Management Company, Inc., 3576 S LoganSt,Englewood,CO80113.Phone: 303­783­0394.Fax:303­783­0398

Sausalito by Carol McCormick

Page 12 Heather Ridge Metro Matters, February 2012

What Is the Latest on the Regatta Plaza

Redevelopment(Parker and Peoria)?

EventhoughitisnotinmyWard,hereisanupdate. Planning Staff and Deputy CityManager Nancy Freed met withthe landowner, John Buckley, onTuesday, Nov. 22, to discuss hisplans for redevelopment of theRegatta Plaza. Buckley shared adraftsiteplan that includesapproxi­mately400dwellingunitsand40,000squarefeetofretail.Hesaidtheplanissubject to further refinement. It islimited to his holdings, i.e., it doesnot address theKeyBank, SharmaorKingSoopersparcels. Buckley said the plan can befinancedandrealisticforthemarket.Hehopestobeginphysicaldevelop­ment next year but will not have adefinitetimetableuntilhecanobtain

assurances fromKing Soopersthat they willnot oppose hisproject. (Hisproperty is sub­ject to 40­yearold private cov­enants that giveRegatta Plaza

andRegatta Landing property own­ers mutual access rights and vetopowersoverlandusechanges). BuckleyhopedtoapproachKingSooperswithhisplanbymid­Decem­ber. Once he obtains assurancesfromKingSoopers,Buckleysaidhewill finalize his plans and begin thedevelopmentreviewprocesswiththecity. In the same time period, citystaff wouldmake necessary adjust­ments to thedraftNineMileStationArea Plan and present the revisedStationAreaPlan(SAP)toPlanning,

Economic Development andRedevelopment City Council PolicyCommittee. Ultimately, the planswouldgo to the fullCityCouncil foradoption. An adopted SAP is necessaryfor Buckley to obtain the TransitOriented Development zoning thathe requires todevelopamixed­useproject.

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Letters to the Editor: Send or deliver your letters for MetroMatters to Bette Secord, Fair-way 16, bettesecord@gmail.com; or Publisher Lynn Don-aldson, 13731 E Hamilton Dr, Aurora, CO 80014; LynnNeu@comcast.net by the fifth of each month. Letters must be signed, dated and include the writer’s address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity or space.

Heather Ridge Metro Matters, February 2012 Page 13

December 2011 – Real Estate Market Statistics (Aurora South)

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Heather Ridge Metro Matters, February 2012 Page 15

FOR SALEPersonalized Luggage Strapsmakeathoughtful,individualizedgiftfor thatspecialpersonatan incred­ibly low price! Call Errol, 303­337­3458,orwww.IDmyBag.com.

SERVICESMae’s In-Home Pet Sitter. For in­formation and individual rates, call:

720­375­3039.Dogs,catsandotheranimals.Goingonvacationordailycareforyourpets.Services:walking,feedingandveterinaryappointment.I love animals and have had dogs/catsinmylifeforyears.Knives, Scissors, Yard Tools Sharpened. Cashorcheckaccept­ed.CallPaulBurns,303­750­8750.

{Editor’s Note: The following letter is from Represen-tative Nancy Todd, who represents Heather Ridge in the Colorado legislature.} Iamhonoredtorepresentyouduringthe68thColo­radoGeneralAssembly.Thankyouforyourconfidenceinmyabilitytoprovideyouthebestrepresentationpossible. Committee Assignments: I am delighted to be amemberoftwocommittees—Education,andStateVet­eransandMilitaryAffairs.ThesearetwoareasofwhichIammostpassionate. Beingaformereducator,Iamcommittedtoprovidethe best educational opportunities for the children andyoungadultsinourstate.AsamemberoftheEducationCommittee,Ihavetheopportunitytobeattheforefrontofanylegislationthatwillstrengthenthelearningopportuni­tiesavailableforeveryoneinColorado. IamonceagainproudtobeplanningtheannualColo­radoMilitaryDayeventsattheStateCapitolthissession.ThisisanopportunityforthemembersofthelegislativebranchofourStatetohonorthosewhoareservingandhaveservedinallbranchesoftheUnitedStatesMilitary.

It[was]heldonMonday,Jan.24. Town Hall Meetings:Iamcommittedtoprovidingmyconstituentsinformationonamorepersonalbasis.Therearetwoopportunitiesforyoutotouchbasewithme:thefirstFridayofeachmonthatPaneraBread,12293EastIliff Avenue, Aurora, Colorado, 7–8 am and town hallmeetings held once amonth during which a particulartopicisaddressed. Town Hall Meeting Schedule.Jan. 20, Eloise May Library,1471SouthParkerRoad,Denver, Topic:TheStateBudgetFeb. 16, Eloise May Library Topic:EducationMarch 22, Eloise May Library Topic:HealthCareApril and May(Tobeannounced) For more information regarding this legislation, gototheColoradoStateLegislativeHomePage,www.leg.state.co. – Nancy Todd

Metro Matters readers: In an effort to reduce mailing costs, HRMD resi-dents, off-site owners and Golf Course members can opt to get a copy via email. If you would prefer to receive this magazine as a low resolution pdf file by email, send your email to metro.matters@comcast.net (with your current mailing address). Advantages, besides saving on postage, include: 1) you’ll get the magazine earlier; 2) you can print any page you want to read or share; and 3) you can more easily share it with friends with whom you correspond on email.

Classified AdsClassified advertising: 30¢ per word. Mini-mum of $6 (20 words). Deadline is the 5th of each month. Write your ad and deliver with a check payable to Donaldsons, Inc., 13731 E Hamilton Dr., Aurora, CO 80014. Keep ads short (50 word maximum). Publication does not imply endorsement. Information, call Mary, 303-368-7559, MHafka@comcast.net.

Be A Guest Writer: Metro Matters accepts guestwriters. You are invited to submit an article, 500wordsorless,foracceptanceinthenextpublication.Send to Bette Secord, Fairway 16, bettesecord@gmail.com;orLynnDonaldson,LynnNeu@comcast.netor13731E.HamiltonDrive,Aurora,CO80014.

Colorado House District 41

Free Days for FebruaryDenver Botanic Gardens @ Chatfield Friday,Feb.3 303­973­3705,www.botanicgardens.org 8500DeerCreekCanyonRd,LittletonDenver Art Museum Saturday,Feb.4 720­865­5000,www.denverartmuseum.org 10am 100W14thAveParkwayDenver Zoo Saturday,Feb.5 303­376­4800,www.denverzoo.org Sunday,Feb.6 2300SteeleSt Thursday,Feb.16Denver Children’s Museum Tuesday,Feb.7 303­433­7444,www.mychildsmuseum.org 4–8pm 2121Children’sMuseumDr.Denver Botanic Gardens Monday,Feb.20 720­865­3500,www.botanicgardens.org9am–5pm 1005YorkSt.Denver Museum of Nature and Science 303­322­7009,www.dmns.org Monday,Feb.27 2001ColoradoBlvd(FeeforIMAXfilms,Planetarium)

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