April 2023

Dear VI Residents:
 
We have been blessed with some superb spring weather and I hope everyone has been able to enjoy the great outdoors in VI.  Some updates with respect to happening in VI are set forth below.
 
DEED RESTRICTION REVISION UPDATE: 
A couple of months ago, all homeowners received packets by mail outlining proposed changes to the Deed Restrictions (“DRs”) along with a postage-paid post card ballot.  The proposed changes are based on input from VI residents.  We have received 212 completed ballots, under the threshold of 348 ‘yes” votes required to pass. Below are the number of “yes” votes for each proposed revision through the first 40 days of voting:
 
DR-8:   Clarifies that tile is not required on flat roofs, and defines the types of tiles that can be used on sloped roofs (204);
DR-9:  Makes the permitted height of structures consistent with the city’s building code, and permits flat roofs at the rear of dwellings (200);
DR-30:  Clarifies prohibiting advertising signage on the property except “For Sale” signs and contractor signs related to construction (193);
DR-34:  Defines the word “overnight” used in the existing DR (173);
DR-50:  Reduces the number of votes in favor of changing a DR or issuing a new DR from the present 348 to 315 (179); and, 
DR-51: Makes the number of “For” votes required for DR changes consistent with the requirement of DR-50 (175).
 
The Board recommends a “yes” vote for all six of these proposed DR revisions. 

• The proposed revisions to DR 8, 30 and 34 are aimed at clarifying language in the current DR’s.  This will make it easier for property owners to know if they are in compliance with the DR, and eliminate “gray areas.”
• The update to DR 9 aligns the DR with current City Building Code.  In my opinion, this is a “no brainer.”
• The changes to DR 50 and 51 are designed to facilitate the DR amendment process.   

 
The community on the whole has requested that the DRs be brought up to a more current status.  We need your help in trying to accomplish this objective.  If you have any questions pertaining to these proposed DR revisions or need another copy of the ballot please feel free to call me at 727-560-3655 or contact any other member of the DRRC.
 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
As I have written many times in the past, VI continues to be highly desirable community that it is largely due to the efforts of a small number of volunteers.  Most of these volunteers have been serving in their roles for years and we need  some new people to get involved so we can maintain the high quality standards that we all enjoy.  Please consider volunteering for one of the committees that operate within VI and are listed on our website at http://www.ourvi.org/viha-committees.html.  Particularly, if you are a recent resident of VI this is an excellent way to meet some of your new neighbors.
 
DEED RESTRICTION COMMITTEE UPDATE:
In 2022 the Board terminated the engagement of the property management company to assist with identification and notification of DR violations. Subsequent to that date, those roles have reverted fully back to the Deed Restriction Committee (“DRC”).  A review of properties within VI was completed by members of the DRC in February/March.  As a result of this review, a total of 47 “initial” DR violation letters were sent along with 11 letters to property owners who had not corrected the DR violation since the last property review in September.  The violations were for the following DRs (some property owners were notified of multiple violations):  
 
DR-19:  19  (violations of house maintenance)
DR-20:  24  (violations of the yard maintenance-flora)
DR-25:  2  (trash can violations)
DR-26:  15  (violations of equipment storage on the property)
DR-34:  1  (violation of trailer storage on driveway)
 
Most property owners who receive a letter from the DRC understand that there was a DR violation and resolve the situation quickly. The Board has reacted to comments regarding the manner of communicating DR violations and we are trying hard to strike a balance between being “neighborly” and “factual” in the DR violation letters.  I would be happy to accept any suggestions on the approach that we have taken but, be advised, that any potential change must be approved by our attorney.
 
UPCOMING EVENTS: 
 

• Cereal for Summer – Brooke and Craig Kuhl will be hosting a Food Truck Friday at 2020 Carolina Ave on Friday, April 14.  If you’ve attended a Food Truck Friday previously, you know that Brooke and Craig throw a heck of a party!!!!  Please join them on April 14 and bring a box of cereal that will  help feed local children this summer.
• Flamingo Friday – Enjoy live entertainment, food, drink games and more hosted by Stroll Magazine, Friday, April 28 on the Massachusetts Ave. South cul-de-sac from 5:30 tp 7:30 pm.
• Monthly Neighborhood Walks – Join us every fourth Saturday at 9 a.m. for a short walk in the neighborhood led by resident Janice Drinkwine in partnership with Healthy St. Pete.  Meet on the corner of Overlook and Grand Canal. 
• VIHA Board “In the House” – In an effort to develop a stronger line of communications between the VIHA Board and property owners, VI residents will be hosting receptions in their homes for property owners of their streets.  The goal is to allow for residents to discuss ideas/concerns with VIHA Board Members in an informal setting while sharing refreshments.  The first event of this type will be hosted by Mark and Lisa Scribano for the residents of Kansas North. We hope to be coming soon to your street as well!

RESIDENT DIRECTORY / 2023 DUES
Finally, the 2023 Homeowner Directory has been printed and will be distributed to property owners who have paid their 2023 VIHA dues.  If you haven’t paid yet, it is not too late!  Your dues are vitally needed to support the community initiatives that maintain the high standards expected by property owners for VI.  Go to www.ourvi.org and the instructions will be right at the top of the page.
 
Thank you.
 
Rich Scanlon, VIHA President
rscanlon@ourvi.org