X-mas Tree's

Hello Prides Crossing Community!

‘Tis the season to give your Christmas tree a second life and recycle it through the Aurora Recycle program!  The program begins January 4 and runs for two weeks. Recycling your tree reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions. It also creates mulch, which is made available to Aurora residents for FREE at the city’s annual Mulch Giveaway in the spring!

From Dec. 26 through Jan. 13, the city of Aurora will receive trees at the following locations:

• Olympic Park, 15501 E. Yale Ave.
• Saddle Rock Golf Course, 21705 E. Arapahoe Road

Before bringing trees for recycling, you are asked to remove all nails, decorations and stands.

Christmas tree recycling is offered for real trees only. No artificial trees will be accepted.

In addition, the city of Aurora will offer free mulch at the same locations, while supplies last, between Dec. 30 and Jan. 13.

To take advantage of free mulch, simply bring a truck, bags, containers and shovels for self-loading.

For more information about tree recycling in the city of Aurora, contact the Forestry Division at (303) 739-7177 or visit AuroraGov.org/recycle. Check the Aurora Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department's Facebook page for updates on the tree recycle program.

BI-ANNUAL STATEMENT INFORMATION !!!

Hello Prides Crossing Community!

Please excuse the typo found on the current statement you have recently received. 

Dues have increased to $234.

Late Fees in the amount of $25 will apply after 1/15/16 if payment is not received (not $170).

The Bank processing address:

Prides Crossing Master Association

c/o Cherry Creek HOA Professionals

PO Box 94773

Las Vegas, NV  89193-4773

Should you happen to have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Management Address @ 303.693.2118

Thanks again,

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays!

I have attached three activities that may be of interest to you and your neighbors.  First is about visiting Santa at the Stanley Marketplace at Montview and Dallas.  If you haven’t been to the Stanley Marketplace, you are missing an exciting new venue in Aurora. 

Also, to relieve the stress of the season, try the free mindful life yoga at the Resilience Center.  And to get you all on tract financially, see the Financial Fitness Flyer.

All of the Liaisons:  Margee Cannon, Liaison Coordinator and Meg Allen, Immigrant and Refugee Liaison and myself wish you a peaceful and joyous Holiday!

Marsha W. Osborn

Neighborhood Liaison | City of Aurora

office 303.739.7402 | fax 303.739.7191

And from everyone at Cherry Creek HOA Professionals, we wish you all a safe Holiday and New Year!

Shane Lussier | Property & Community Manager | CMCA®

14901 E Hampden Ave #320 | Aurora, CO 80114
hoa.cchoapros.com | shane@cchoapros.com
T 303.693.2118 | F 303.693.8803

Colorado Water Plan

Hi All,

                You may not be aware but Colorado has just implemented its first state wide water plan. This plan is intended to secure the necessary water supplies for future growth and it is showing a gap of 560,000 Acre feet of water by 2050. This plan hopes to eliminate the gap through conservation, better water laws that promotes water reuse, and improved infrastructure. I have attached a small summary of the plan for your information however the plan is available to the public for review at coloradowaterplan.com.

From a landscape perspective the goal is to reduce outdoor watering by up to 33%.

This is a doable goal with the current advances in technologies, along with future land development plans. Cherry Creek HOA Professionals has been partnering with Landscape Professionals implementing water conservation technologies with communities that have been achieving a 25-30% reduction including Smart ET based controllers, master valves, rain sensors, flow sensors, and xericscape projects.  Enjoy the read.

Colorado Water Policy Review

Shane Lussier | Property & Community Manager | CMCA®

14901 E Hampden Ave #320 | Aurora, CO 80114

hoa.cchoapros.com | shane@cchoapros.com

T 303.693.2118 | F 303.693.8803

City of Aurora News

Looking ahead to 2016: What the R Line Crossing will be like at Alameda/Sable FasTracks — The intersection of Alameda Avenue and Sable Boulevard in Aurora opened to traffic Nov. 6, more than two weeks ahead of schedule. The reconstructed intersection was widened to accommodate six lanes of traffic in each direction on Alameda and five lanes in each direction on Sable. In addition to the expanded roadway, crews laid tracks for an at-grade – or road level – light rail crossing, which will carry light rail trains on the future R line. Beginning in late 2016, trains will start running through this intersection, along the east side of Sable Boulevard. “Now that the Alameda/Sable intersection is open and the light rail tracks are set in place, motorists can start getting used to the look and feel of the new intersections and crossings – and how to safely navigate around them before we actually start running the trains,” Regional Transportation District (RTD) Traffic Signal Engineer Bret Higgins said. “Plus, we can educate people about the important safety features that are part of this crossing.” Higgins said a total of 20 at-grade track crossings are planned for the Aurora Line/I-225 Rail project which runs between the Nine Mile and Peoria stations. In many locations, trains will travel next to or cross vehicle traffic. Some of the crossings will have warning gates adjacent to traffic signals; others will operate with a traffic signal only. Crossings might also include bells and “blank out” signs, which are illuminated regulatory and warning signs for vehicles and pedestrians. Signage at each crossing is defined by federal and state regulations and is dependent on several factors, including traffic volume and configuration of the crossing. Alameda/Sable Crossing The Alameda/Sable intersection has an average daily traffic volume of 62,000 vehicles. A key route for accessing Aurora Municipal Center, Town Center of Aurora and the Arapahoe County Centrepoint Plaza, this intersection is the largest at-grade crossing for the Aurora Line/I-225 Rail Line. The following safety features will warn motorists and pedestrians when a light rail train is approaching: About 25 seconds before a train arrives at the crossing, it  will trip a track circuit, triggering the warning signals A red light pair for each lane of traffic will start flashing Bells located on every gate mast and atop each pedestrian blank-out sign mast between the tracks will ring to warn drivers and pedestrians About 3-5 seconds after the flashing lights start, automatic vehicle gates will begin to lower, prohibiting through movement for vehicles arriving at the crossing Blank-out signs, located between the tracks, will flash a “No Pedestrians” symbol and a “Train” symbol Illuminated blank-out signs for the northbound right turn lane will flash “No Right Turn” and “Train” symbols; and blank-out signs for the southbound left turn lane will flash “No Left Turn” and “Train” symbols. About 15-20 seconds before the train reaches the crossing, a train horn will sound a “long, long, short, long” horn blast Prior to, and during the activation of the railroad warning devices (flashing lights, bells, gates and blank-out signs), the westbound traffic signal will provide a track clearance “green” interval to clear any potential vehicles off of the tracks. The track clearance green will turn yellow, then red, when the gates are horizontal across all traffic lanes All pedestrian crossings comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act by providing raised tactile features on the ground, spring-loaded swing gates that pedestrians must manually open in order to cross the tracks, and fencing to help people safely navigate across the intersection. Additional warning signs, in advance of the light rail tracks, include yellow and black “R X R” warning signs and “R X R” symbol pavement markings.  Regulatory signs including “cross buck” railroad crossing signs on the gate masts, “STOP HERE ON RED” signs adjacent to a painted stop line on the pavement, “NO TURN ON RED” signs on the westbound traffic signal mast arms and “DO NOT STOP ON THE TRACKS” signs that are placed in advance of the crossing. Motorists are cautioned to stop behind the stop line while waiting for a passing train. Higgins also added this reminder to motorists regarding safety around trains: “Do not cross the tracks unless it is safe to do so. Do not stop on the tracks -- it’s against the law. If you have already started across the tracks and the railroad warning lights have started flashing, and the gates have started to descend, keep going to clear the tracks.” For additional light rail safety crossing tips, click here. Decorative arch installed over Colfax Station  Construction crews working on the 10.5-mile R Line through Aurora installed a decorative arch at the Colfax Station near I-225 during the overnight hours of Sunday, Oct. 25 and Monday, Oct. 26. The 252-foot-long arch was fabricated by Schuff Steel Company, Midwest Division --the same company that fabricated steel for the open-air train hall canopy at Denver’s Union Station. At 15 feet wide, the iconic bridge rises more than 28 feet above the Colfax Station platform. The arch is made of seven pieces that were shipped from Ottawa, Kansas and assembled on each side of East Colfax Avenue. The arch weighs more than 57,000 pounds and supports the center canopy for the elevated light rail station.   At-Grade Crossings in Aurora One of the unique features of the new R Line through Aurora is that the train tracks curve away from I-225 and travel through the Aurora City Center on approximately 20 at-grade, or street-level, crossings. Installing track that runs directly through an intersection or roadway, while leaving the surface smooth for automotive and pedestrian traffic, involves much more than meets the eye. When reconstructing an intersection to include an at-grade crossing, crews work around the clock to relocate utilities, excavate and remove dirt, and change the elevation of the intersection to match the elevation of the tracks. Next, complex layers of systems are installed underneath the track including: An “under-drain” system of pipes which provides drainage A conduit and wire system, called a “duct bank,” generates power for train signals and communication A layer of rock, or “sub-ballast,” rests on the ground and provides the foundation of the track On top of the sub-ballast is the “ballast,” an additional layer of rock that supports the track and concrete ties This intricate substructure, which supports the track, plays a vital role in providing a safe and comfortable ride for light rail passengers. Track that crosses an intersection is either “paved track” or “panelized track.” Paved track has concrete poured around it to fix it in place. Panelized track has 10-foot-long concrete panels that are installed between the ties and welded together to provide a smooth surface for both the rail passengers and motorists. The last step involved in building an at-grade crossing is to install signage. The signs, traffic signals and striping remind drivers to be aware of trains and track while they navigate the intersection. Construction crews have made significant progress in upgrading the key at-grade crossings along the I-225 Rail Line. As remaining intersections are completed along the future “R” Line, more street closures will be necessary. However, the finished line will feature sophisticated systems that will help guide trains safely and smoothly through the crossings.     Please support all local businesses affected by road closures and detours. Throughout the project, construction crews will close streets and establish detours to ensure worker and public safety. We ask that travelers continue to watch for these signs and exercise caution while driving through work zones. The businesses in the Aurora City Center area and all along the project corridor will remain open during construction of the Aurora Line/I-225 Rail project. Our merchants know the improved mobility we are creating will benefit their businesses, which is why they are so supportive. Let’s all show our appreciation as customers.   The Aurora Line/I-225 Rail team and its partners plan to host a Community Open House during the first quarter of 2016.  Please stay tuned for details.

Construction Information Line: 720.863.8505

City of Aurora News

Financial Assistance for Homeowners
Date/Time:	Sat, Nov 07, 2015 10:00 A.M.
Location:	MLK Map 9898 E. Colfax Ave. Aurora, Colorado 80010
Contact:	Community Development Division 303-739-7900
Seminars are required when applying for financial assistance with down payment and closing costs. They are free and available once a month. Registration is required in advance as there is limited seating. Please do not bring children as these seminars are for educational purposes.

 

 

 

Road Construction Updates

 

 

Click on the link below for updates on road construction throughout Aurora:

 

https://www.auroragov.org/CityHall/MediaandNewsUpdates/NewsUpdates/013150

News Updates @ AuroraGov.Org Other Road Construction Work. Widening of Arapahoe Road between Waco Street and Himalaya Way. This is a city of Centennial project, but will affect many Aurora ... Read more...

 

 

Light Rail Updates

 

Click on the link below for updates on the Aurora Line, Light Rail coming to our town:

 

https://www.auroragov.org/CityHall/MediaandNewsUpdates/NewsUpdates/022562

Aurora Neighbor to Neighbor Roundtable October 15th @ 5:30pm

Aurora Neighbor to Neighbor Rountable info link

National Pharmaceutical Take-Back Day

Keep water safe, dispose of medications Sept. 26 at National Pharmaceutical Take-Back Day

On Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Aurora Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 10th opportunity in five years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

 

Bring your pills for disposal to the Medical Center of Aurora at 1501 S. Potomac St. (The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked.

 

Last September, Americans turned in 309 tons (over 617,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. When those results are combined with what was collected in its eight previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 4.8 million pounds—more than 2,400 tons—of pills.

 

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.

 

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Sept. 26 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Office of Diversion Control site.

Landscape Tips for Flowers

By mid-September, the flowers that thrived in the summer heat can start to look a little tired.

With fall in the air, it's time to bring fresh seasonal color into our containers and planting beds.  That color shift will even help us make the mental transition into the next season.

The last weeks of September are ideal for refreshing both containers and beds with brilliant fall color.  The night-time temperatures are much cooler and there are fewer hours of daylight.  With the hot days of summer behind, perennials in particular, can settle in without heat stress and there's still time for roots to get set for winter.   

Transitioning to fall plants also brings a good return on investment.  Cool-season pansies will overwinter and bloom again next spring.  Fall-blooming perennials used for seasonal color are another good value because they will bloom again season after season.  Plant them once and they should be around for years to come.

Trends and themes

Among the most popular outdoor trends is growing edibles - and this trend carries over into late-season color and containers.  It's more practical to water and care for plants that we not only enjoy seeing, but also enjoy eating.  This year, plant a container full of edibles that includes herbs, dinosaur kale and even pansies, because they, too, are edible.

Use containers to play to special fall themes. Since fall is all about football, why not promote the fun of the game and carry the theme into porch and patio containers?  A planter full of orange and blue pansies accented with a piece of football gear is a great way to say, "It's Bronco Sunday!"  And don't stop there.  Use the colors from your kids' schools - or your own college team - to create a container or two.  Drop a school banner into the mix and show your team spirit.  

Halloween is another autumn theme easily enhanced with fall foliage and flowers.  Nestling the jack-o-lantern among orange and black pansies adds both a pop of color and live interest. 

Add more drama by accenting the container with twigs or small branches salvaged from pruning debris and painted black or silver.  What else can you re-purpose from your yard for Halloween that's both fun and sustainable?

Fall faves

Pansies of any color work well in containers and also in beds.  They might even bloom during the winter in mild years and you can certainly look forward to seeing them again in the spring.  Their long bloom time makes pansies a smart investment.

Mums and asters, in particular, are the fall bloomers that offer a great range of colors from soft lavender to bright yellow to burnished bronze.  Mums are that signature plant that says, "It's fall!" Just seeing them helps put us in the mood for autumn.

Grasses and sedums are also great in the mix. Grasses add height to containers and their movement when swaying in the breeze adds visual interest to both containers and beds.  The unique textures and shapes of sedum make it a standout in containers. Both grasses and sedum mix well with other annuals, perennials and foliage plants.

Winter is around the corner - and fall helps us wind down. Enjoy the beauty and ambiance of this new season by getting creative with containers that show off your favorite fall themes and style.

Prides Crossing Aurora Clean-Up Day

Good afternoon Prides Crossing Community!

Saturday September 19th from 10am - 1pm @ Aqua Vista Park will be a City of Aurora Annual Cleanup Location.  Please follow the below link for more information on Volunteering and reviewing items that can be dropped off.

Clean-up Day Event 

Thanks again and have a great weekend!

Shane Lussier | Property & Community Manager | CMCA®

 

14901 E Hampden Ave #320 | Aurora, CO 80114

hoa.cchoapros.com | shane@cchoapros.com

T 303.693.2118 | F 303.693.8803

Annual Homeoweners Meeting

ATTENTION PRIDE’S CROSSING MASTER ASSOCIATION HOMEOWNERS

The Annual Meeting and barbecue/swimming party for Pride’s Crossing Master HOA will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at 6:30 pm at the Aqua Vista Pool.  This is the official notice of the meeting as required by the declaration and by-laws of the Association.

The membership will elect three board members at the meeting.  Shaun Marsh, Dale Slemp, and Bob Burke terms have expired.  However, Dale and Bob will seek re-election.

The remaining members terms are expiring in 2016:

Linda Gross

Elaine Potter

Each position is a two (2) year term. Any homeowner can be elected to the board and nominations will be taken from the floor. If interested, please fill out the enclosed questionnaire form, so if you can not make the meeting and still want to be considered we can present you to the rest of the membership.

At the annual meeting, the Board will formally present the membership with the annual budget– which is enclosed for your review - for fiscal year beginning September 1, 2015. The new budget calls for a five percent (5%) increase in dues, which is an increase from $222.00 to $234.00 every six months.  Another way to look at it is an increase of $2.00 per month – or less than fifty cents per week.

The primary reasons for the dues increase will go towards a three-year audit, a new reserve study, and increased expenses towards Trash Services.  We also completed our Fence Rebuild and Staining at costs of over $249K and added a Fence on Whitaker Circle to help mitigate vandalism and liability concerns surrounding a drainage ditch. The Board anticipates increased monies towards landscape contracts, landscape improvements, and also snow removal.

Since state law requires that the Association, as a non-profit corporation, must meet at least once per year, your participation is not only welcomed, it is important. At least 28 owners must be present in person or by proxy in order to elect new board members and fulfill our legal annual meeting requirement. 

If you plan on attending the meeting, please RSVP via e-mail or by calling the management company. This is a catered event and it is helpful to know how many people will be attending. Please e-mail Shane at shane@cchoapros.com or call us at (303) 693-2118. 

If you cannot attend the meeting, please fill out the enclosed proxy postcard so that we can meet our quorum requirements.  You may mail them to the office address listed above or fax them to (303) 693-8803. Please make sure you are signed up on the Association’s website to get updates on community announcements.