December 5 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Join to help choose 2024 book discussion selections.

Dear neighbors, 

Several of you have reached out asking for some help with replacement shrub options.  The following list of both evergreen and deciduous shrubs should help give you some ideas.  These shrubs are not official HOA recommendations. Nor is this an exhaustive list of shrub options.  You are not required to use any of the plants on this list.  The list merely contains shrubs commonly found in Abbottsford as well as some recommended by experienced nursery professionals and our HOA Landscape Architect.  They are not listed in any particular order.  I have included some key details, but please do your own research.  Sunlight exposure, soil quality, moisture levels, and drainage throughout your yard may vary in different planting locations.  Observe the sun exposure throughout the day and ask a trusted nursery professional for guidance with plant selections, if you are unsure what to plant.  Providing them with a bagged soil sample will help them determine what soil amendments you may need.  You are welcome to reach out to me if you have any questions or suggestions.  I hope this helps.  Thank you.

Ashley Cantrell

210-827-3736

ashleycantrell3@gmail.com

Link Below

Dear Neighbors,

As we approach the changing seasons, Abbottsford HOA is making plans to remove the last of the dead and freeze damaged plant material from community managed property within the neighborhood. In the interest of maintaining our community’s overall beauty and safety, we kindly request that all residents make arrangements to remove dead and damaged plants, as well as dead limbs from remaining shrubs on their private properties by November 17th, 2023. Our neighborhood’s appearance plays a crucial role in preserving property values and well-being. Dead and freeze-damaged plants can detract from the beauty of our surroundings and pose potential hazards. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter and encourage you to reach out to local experts for guidance if you have questions.

By November 17th, 2023, we kindly request that all residents ensure the following:

1. All dead and freeze-damaged plants and dead plant material on your properties are removed.

2. Proper disposal methods are employed in accordance with community guidelines.

3. The areas where the plants were removed are cleaned and tidied to maintain the overall appearance of our neighborhood until replacement plantings are acquired.

Removal and/or disposal services are not a part of our landscaping contract but can be arranged by contacting Sunrise directly or filling out a Landscaping Request Form. These services will be billed to the homeowner directly. Homeowners may also use any other service provider or disposal method they choose.

Removal of dead plant material and/or replacement with the same or similar plants does not require any approval from the AC committee, and additional Architectural Committee guidelines are available via the link. As always, the on-site manager is available to help answer questions as well.

Abbottsford Management

Fiber internet is coming soon…

Due to the growing demand for internet access and the increasing number of connected household devices, the Board of Directors is working to improve internet services within Abbottsford. This initiative aims to modernize the community’s connectivity infrastructure and make competitive services available to all households. It should benefit all residents, whether they opt for fiber internet or not, and encourage current service providers to enhance reliability and service quality. We also anticipate that having fiber internet access will be a valuable asset to assist home sales. Construction work is scheduled to begin around October 2nd. 

AT&T was chosen as the first provider, in part, due to the more minimized nature of the construction methods, but this is still a large-scale project and will have some impact on the community. Infrastructure construction is anticipated to take around 4-5 weeks once begun, with work moving throughout the community. Service orders for fiber internet will be available after AT&T finalizes installation and testing, perhaps as early as January 2024 (TBD).

About construction:

Star Construction is currently overseeing fiber construction work on behalf of AT&T, with ALIAN CABLE CONSTRUCTION LLC, known as “A-LION,” as their subcontractor for this utility project, enabling AT&T to offer ultra-high-speed internet services. ALIAN will begin preliminary work September 16th, including surveying, marking, and providing informational door hangers. These door hangers are not solicitations, and should be kept for quick reference. Below are some other essential FAQs regarding this upcoming AT&T project:

• Once construction begins, the primary point of contact for any construction-related inquiries will be Merlin Urial, reachable at (812) 661-7807. For general questions, you may also reach out to Cody Carroll, your on-site manager. 
• Workers will be burying fiber optic cables and terminal boxes along streets, within the right of way and medians, and utility easements. These terminal boxes will be flush with the ground to maintain a visually unobtrusive appearance.
• While construction may temporarily disrupt your street, the goal is to return it to normal by day’s end. Efforts will be made to avoid leaving open excavations overnight, but if necessary, barricades will be deployed for safety.
• Star Construction takes pride in its safety record, and in the event of utility line damage caused by subcontractor activities, they will take responsibility for repairs. If you suspect a gas leak, please call 911 immediately.
• Underground utilities like invisible dog fences and irrigation systems are not marked by 811. Efforts will be made to prevent damage, and any issues will be promptly addressed by contacting Merlin.
• Most tunneling is done at a depth below irrigation lines. If you locate damage to your irrigation system after work is complete, please get in touch with Merlin to arrange for repairs.
• The buried cables may pass beneath driveways or sidewalks, so it’s important to note your flatwork’s condition beforehand. Star Construction will not be responsible for pre-existing damages. Please take photos.
• Rest assured, your lawn will be restored. After completing the construction and line placement, a “punch list” of necessary repairs will be created. The project’s timing aligns well with the growing season, ensuring quick recovery of any grass.
• To address any questions or concerns, please refrain from communicating directly with the workers, as language barriers may exist. Instead, contact Merlin at the provided number for assistance, or your on-site property manager for general questions. 

Thank you for your patience as we make these improvements for the betterment of the community.  For more information about AT&T fiber internet services, please visit att.com

Fall seeding will begin this week for common areas and next week for private lawns. Please be advised that the week following aeration and seeding is a “no cut” week and lawns will not be mowed to allow time for germination of seed. Please reach out to the on-site manager with any questions.