1. How does CHA use its members' dues?
CHA member dues are used for Communications, e.g. our Printed Directory, Social Activities, Landscaping, Website Fees, and Seasonal Decor etc. Further use of dues sometimes involves large repairs, such as when the Rte 6-A Entry's large fences blew down and were destroyed in a blizzard, or whenever a vehicle drives over our florally landscaped Rte 6-A Entrance.
2. Are CHA Board Members elected to represent CHA residents at town hearings with a collective, unified voice?
No, our board is not elected to represent the CH Community in any way that involves town government issues or town voting. We are elected to beautify our entrances, create a social environment, communicate with our members, and seasonally decorate our road posts etc. We as a board do not have the authority or power to speak for all residents of CH, or take positions on town controlled issues. Nine board members cannot decide what is best for 300+ CH property owners when it comes to matters like ADUs, (Accessory Dwelling Units) or STRs ( Short Term Rentals)) as many homeowners have differing opinions regarding these items.
We can however, when we learn of such town matters, tell our membership the time, date and place of any Town Hearings where they can go to express their own individual opinions.
3. Can I pay this year's dues at the Annual Meeting in October?
Yes, although dues were due last January. If one has lapsed, one may write a check for overdue dues and then add in next year's dues as well. Next year's dues are due on January 1, of next year.
4. Is CHA an HOA? Are all CH residents required to pay dues?
NO, we are not an HOA. Membership is voluntary, not required; our membership fee is $65 per year, (NOT per month), and we are governed by our own By-Laws.
5. Can I join CHA and get active in the Association?
Yes! We have social events, and helper events too, e.g...neighborhood clean up days, holiday decor days, envelope stuffing sessions and more! On some of the helper days, we gather afterwards for refreshments.
6. Does CHA have any authority over property appearances?
NO, CHA has no legal authority over any property owner's land or house.
All property owners are subject to, and governed by their Town's Ordinances, Zoning and Building Departments. All owners have their own deeds to their properties, pay real estate taxes and other town services assessed to their own properties.
7. Do we call CHA Board Members when we have complaints about speeding vehicles, trespassers, door to door salespersons, unleashed dogs, or pet walkers not picking up waste etc. ?
No, we have no authority to intervene. Because there ARE Laws about these matters, residents can call the police, or other appropriate authority. We do appreciate being informed of any such activities, as we can send an email to all members advising them to be safely aware.
8. Do we call CHA Board Members to intervene for us in cases of trash receptacles being left out past the pick-up day, loud parties, signs on properties, too bright lights, visible trucks and trailers etc. ?
No, we have no authority to intervene. After a resident calls the proper authority, who will do the intervening, IF there is a law that covers such annoyances, we appreciate being informed. We can send an email to all members advising them to be aware..
9. How can I find out if my complaint is justified?
To see if a complaint is legally viable. See our "HELPFUL INFORMATION" page for some of your town laws and ordinances:
https://cummaquidheights.com/helpful-information
For all town laws see
Barnstable https://ecode360.com/BA2043
Yarmouth https://ecode360.com/YA0698
10. I would like to see a street light near my house. Will the CHA Board take the lead on that?
No, sorry, items like road signs, speed bumps and any other town funded type of installation is usually done by abutting petitioners, Some even have MA state laws involved. Contact the town's DPW, see what is needed, and perhaps band together with like - minded neighbors to circulate a petition., and present it to the town.
11. Does CHA landscape any islands in the Cul de Sac circles?
No, it appears though, that some residents seem to trim the ones closest to their homes.
12. Do I live in Barnstable or Yarmouth?
If one lives in the white area on this map, one is a resident of Precinct 1, Barnstable, where one votes, and in which one pays property taxes. However one may reside in Barnstable, but have a Yarmouth Port MAILING Address in the 02675 zip code because the Barnstable Village PO and the Cummaquid PO do not deliver mail. They only offer PO Boxes to which one goes and picks up mail.
https://gis.townofbarnstable.us/Html5Viewer/Index.html?viewer=propertymaps
If one lives in the gray area on this map, one is a resident of Yarmouth.