HILLTOP UPDATER ONLINE !
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HILLTOP UPDATER ONLINE ! |
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Our
Winter Party and brief business meeting were held this year at the beautiful,
newly remodeled home of our new(er) neighbors, Rob
and Barbara
Nooter. The party was attended by 17 Hilltop
families (two more than last year). There were 29 individuals in all (also two
more than last year).
After enjoying a delicious meal, Ron welcomed
everyone and called the meeting together.
He thanked Rob and Barbara for providing their
lovely home for the Winter Party this year and also Carol for organizing the
party. He said that everything is going well in the community.
Last year Ron announced that the Cabin John Shopping
Center had been sold by the Carl Freeman Corp. to
Edens,
a retail developer, for $165 million. This year he reported
on
the progress to date based mainly on attendance at a Potomac community meeting
held on December 19th that was organized by
Edens,
and on filings with the county. Four restaurants are being planned in a 10,000
sq. ft. space in the southwest corner. They are Cava, Shake Shack, a Thai
restaurant, and Le Pain Quotidien.
In addition, 60
townhomes are planned for the far northeast corner of the property (behind
Lahinch Restaurant), plus an additional 75,000 sq. ft. of commercial space in
other parts of the shopping center. There is a height restriction of 35 ft. so
the townhomes will be limited to two stories; the restaurants will have one
story. The townhomes, the restaurant
construction and the additional commercial space will significantly reduce the
available number of parking spaces at the shopping center. During the community
meeting on Dec. 19th, Ron reported that he forcefully expressed his opinion that
it was essential to provide for adequate parking with spaces large enough for
SUVs. He told the group that the area had a large number of seniors who utilize
the shopping center and would need parking close to the stores. There may be a
possible traffic light at the north entrance to the shopping center.
Construction is underway at the intersection of Tuckerman Lane and Seven Locks
Road. One additional lane is being added northbound through the intersection and
one in the eastbound direction. The lanes will be 11 feet wide, which is
narrower than the current lanes. The work is scheduled to be finished in April
but may take a bit longer.
Lenny
reported that the treasury is in good shape with a balance of about $4,000. All
but two households (the same two as in previous years) have paid their dues for
2017. Dues for 2018 will remain the same at $150 per household payable to
“Hilltop Civic Association” and are due by March 1st. Lenny will
send an email notice to everyone so that the people not attending the party
will be notified.
Carol
thanked the Nooter’s for their generous hospitality
and everybody attending for bringing tasty dishes. She also said that the
Trouteaud’s, our newest neighbors, wanted to come, but were unable due to their
son’s soccer game.
Ellery
said she thought it would be helpful to have a sign at the entrance, “No thru
traffic.” She also asked about PEPCO’s responsibility to cut the grass during
the summer to lessen the number of mosquitoes. PEPCO is responsible for cutting
the grass and we should all call to remind them when it is needed. In the past
PEPCO has responded to neighbors’ requests.
Manning
asked about the recent letters we’ve all received about purchasing additional
insurance for the water and sewer lines that homeowners are responsible for
between the county right of way and their home. Lance mentioned that he had
looked into it at one point and learned that the companies that offer this are
often not very helpful when there is a problem, i.e., the homeowner is still
responsible for much of the cost. Everyone should evaluate these offers
carefully.
The following people were
thanked for their service to the community: Carol L. (Social Committee Chair),
Lenny S. (Treasurer), Carol S. (Landscape Committee Chair), Lance O.
(Webmaster), and Donna O. (Secretary).
(Minutes recorded by Donna O.)