Did you know that we are members of a Homeowners Association and NOT a Neighborhood Association?

"What's the difference?" You may ask.

A Neighborhood Association is a group of residents, business representatives, and/or other interested citizens that devote their time and energy to improve and enhance a well-defined, geographic area that they and others live. Neighborhood associations offer an opportunity for government officials, developers or others to solicit input from the residents that live within a specific geographic area.

Most neighborhood associations are concerned with issues that affect the quality of life in the community. Building upon the assets of their neighborhood, residents can identify and prioritize important projects for the neighborhood to undertake. Neighborhoods can be proactive by preparing neighborhood plans, emergency preparedness plans, or undertaking specific projects such as starting community gardens, upgrading park equipment, or installing traffic calming on a residential street. A collective group of motivated residents is extremely effective: if in doubt, take a look at the long list of successes stemming from our community leaders efforts.

A neighborhood association meeting, project, or social event is a place to meet neighbors, exchange ideas, prioritize projects, propose solutions, and implement plans for the neighborhood. For more information about this, visit:

http://www.cityofmadison.com/neighborhoods/neighborassoc.htm

Okay, so then what is a Homeowners Association?

A homeowners association is created by the Developer of the property and it's creation is legally documented. Each homeowner in the neighborhood is a member, membership is mandatory, each home is subject to assessment by the association based on rules set forth in the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions.

A homeowners association's only obligations are to maintain the common area property, and ensure compliance with the Covenants and Restrictions.

The association has the the right to assess and collect from violating homeowners fines, or (ii) the sum of $100.00 per day for each day the violation remains outstanding plus (iii) all costs of collection and enforcement, including actual attorney fees.

A homeowners association (such as Valley Ridge) is made up of a volunteer board of directors to protect the neighborhood property values. If you would like to volunteer, please contact us.