Neighborhood Updates
🌿 Landscaping & Lighting Updates
Common Grounds Maintenance: Lawn Masters continues to manage fertilization, sprinkler systems, and lawn care. Sod planted near the entrances is doing well and helping to control erosion.
Street Lighting: Several lights have been reported to Ameren. While their LED conversion program now only covers failing units, we’ll continue to report outages as needed. Please notify the HOA if you notice a non-working streetlight.
Entrance Lighting: Plans are underway to update the lighting at the Carmen Valley entrance to match Huntley Heights for a more unified look.
Planter Boxes: We’re looking for resident input on low-growing, deer-resistant plants for the entrance planter boxes. If you have suggestions, please let us know!
🌳 Tree Management & Street Repairs
Tree Responsibility: Trees between the sidewalk and street fall under St. Louis County’s jurisdiction. Dead or marked trees are typically removed in the fall or winter.
Bradford Pear Trees: While many are vulnerable to storm damage, those on Carmen Valley cannot be removed or replaced due to county regulations.
Common Ground Maintenance: If you spot dead trees or limbs in HOA common areas, please notify us so we can assess and address them.
Street Conditions: Although the HOA does not control street repair methods or timelines, we will contact the St. Louis County Department of Transportation to request resurfacing and ask about timelines.
🚧 Stormwater Concerns
Culverts & Drainage: Debris-filled culverts are causing water overflow and potential sidewalk ice hazards. We will obtain quotes from contractors to clean these areas.
Water Pipe Concerns: In response to a recent letter from American Water, we confirmed our neighborhood has copper pipes, not lead. He will follow up with the utility company and share updates in a future newsletter.
🚨 Neighborhood Safety
Speeding Issues: Speeding continues to be a concern on Huntley Heights and Carmen Valley. Ed has reached out to Officer Brian S. to request speed monitoring equipment; we are awaiting results.
Stop Sign Compliance: Concerns were raised about drivers rolling through the stop sign on Lower Carmen Valley. Resident feedback on potential safety measures is welcome.
Scooter Safety: Multiple residents noted children riding electric scooters at high speeds. Please speak with your children about safe riding practices—especially staying on sidewalks and watching for cars.
🎄 Community Traditions & Feedback
Holiday Lights: The Christmas lights on Carmen Valley received both compliments and complaints. We’d love to know your thoughts—should we continue this tradition?
Wildlife Notes: Deer, coyotes, foxes, and skunks are active in the area. Deer population control is in progress through permitted hunting, but the other animals are not currently managed.
📢 Board Member Vacancies
The HOA board currently has several open positions. These roles are not time-consuming but are vital for representing resident interests and helping address ongoing needs in our community. If you’re interested in serving, please reach out to us at [email protected].