Monday, December 8, 2008

Information from the Board - December

Newsletter will be sent out the week of December 15.

New water test to be conducted this month. We will continue to update you with results.

One of the units in serious financial arrears has been paid in full.

General reminders of regulations and policies (please also consult your condo documents or centurion management with any questions):

Septic - White toilet paper only is to be disposed off in toilets. Please no baby wipes, lysol or cleaning wipes, disposable toilet brush cleaners, feminine products or dyes, these items will wreak havoc on the septic system.

Pets - Pets must be registered with the board and the management company. The town of Tyngsboro and Benchmark estates have a leash law, dogs must be leashed at all times on the property. Please pick up after your pet, it is the responsibility of pet owners to pick up their own pet's waste and dispose of in the trash.

Parking - Do not park on the grass or lawns. It ruins the grass and any landscaping. In addition the water pipes and septic system are underground and parking on top can harm these systems. Parking is provided in spots in front of the building or in units with garages. Guests should park along the access road. Please adhere to these parking regulations.

Winter Snow plowing - In the event of snowfall and forecast snowfall all vehicles must park along the access road to allow the snowplow access to clear. Any vehicles not moved will potentially be plowed in.

Christmas Trees - Christmas trees cannot go in the dumpster. Trees can be dropped off at either the Highway Dept. on Kendall Rd. or the Senior Center on Lakeview Ave.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Town News

The Sherburne Nature Center Estate on Coburn Road has winter activities available. No reservations or fees are required. If interested contact tyngsboro conservation at 978.649.2300

Tyngsboro Public Library has their annual food drive going on. Non-perishable food donations will be accepted and can be dropped off anytime when the library is open. The food drive is to benefit residents in need in Tyngsboro.

Santa will be at the library December 13th from 10-11.30am. Bring your own camera. Make a holiday ornament or write a letter to Santa. 25 Bryants Lane

Christmas Trees can be purchased at a few locations:
Lawndale Farm 91 Frost Rd in Tyngsboro
Tyngsboro Garden Center on Middlesex Rd in Tyngsboro
127 Groton St in Dunstable

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Information from the Board - October/November

Corporate Alarm was at Benchmark for alarm testing on Saturday, Nov. 22 and successfully completed all buildings.

We are awaiting results from the last round of water testing from Small Water Systems.

The sediment filter in the pump house was replaced by Skillings & Sons.

Three (3) units are overdue in condo payments. Please remember to pay the full condo fee amount and on time. These fees are crucial to pay vendors (like electricity, landscaping/snow removal, etc.). If you are having trouble with payments please contact Centurion Management to discuss options.

Carport lights have been replaced by Corporate Alarm using energy efficient fluorescent bulbs.

All Types Remodeling was on the property this past month cleaning the gutters of each building.

Dead tree between bldgs 1 & 2: Centurion has called Marty’s Landscaping to have removed.

If you are interested in participating on the board please contact Centurion Management. Board members meet once each month to discuss maintenance, issues, and other items of interest concerning Benchmark Estates.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Town News

2009 Dog licenses are available at the town clerk's office.

Tyngsboro is celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2009. stay tuned for continuing information leading up to the date and please visit www.tyngsborough200.com

A Veteran's Day ceremony will be held on November 11 at 11am at the Tyngsboro American Legion Post #247 on Pawtucket Blvd.

The Friends of Tyngsborough High School Atheltics is hosting its Annual Holiday Marketplace on Saturday November 22 from 9a-2p at the Tyngsboro Elementary School.

The Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra will be presenting a FREE concert on Friday November 14th at 8p at the Pawtucket Congrational Church, 14 Mammoth Road in Lowell. For more infor call 978.703.0094 or visit lowellphilharmonic.org

Monday, November 3, 2008

Voting

Please remember to vote tomorrow November 4, 2008.

Cardinal Lane residents are in precinct 2.

Polling place location:
Mutli-service Center
180 Lakeview Ave
Tyngsboro, MA


voting polls are open from 7am to 8pm
If you have any questions please call the Town Clerk at 978.649.2300

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Town News

September 19th is the State Primary election, polls will be open from 7am to 8pm.
The deadline to register for the presidential election (Nov 4) will be October 15th.

Tyngsboro getting ready for the big 200.
The bicentennial celebration is scheduled for June 2009 but planning is underway. If you have an interest in helping out please contact recreation director, Alison McNamara.
amcnamara@tyngsboroughma.gov
Tyngsborough Recreation Dept.
10 Kendall Rd. Box 5
Tyngsborough, MA 01879
(978) 649-2300 ext. 150

Pig and Apple Fest October 4 (stay tuned for more details).

Tyngsborough Council on Aging has events throughout the month of September - 978.649.9211 for more information.

Autumn Nature Walk - Sunday October 11 at 10am at the Sherburne Nature Center on Coburn Road (no fees).

New non-profit organization, Education Foundation for Tyngsborough.

Before winter starts be sure to make a visit to the Lowell, Dracut, Tyngsborough State Forest (1,040 Acres).
Activities you and your family can do (any season): Bicycling, non-motorized boating, cross country skiing, fresh water fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, ice skating, nature observation, organized events, picnicking, sight seeing, walking/jogging.
ATV and Snowmobiling are not permitted in the State Forest.

Museum passes are always available at the Tyngsboro Public Library.

New superintendent for Tyngsborough Public Schools, Darrell Lockwood, welcomes students to the 2008-2009 school year. First day of school got underway on August 26th - good luck to all students for a successful year.

Information from the Board - Sept

The summer newsletter will be hitting your front doors shortly, so keep an eye out for that.

The water pH levels are being checked on a weekly basis and are staying at normal levels. New water testing will be done in December and we will continue to keep residents updated.

Alarm testing will be conducted again this year in November. A flyer with the specific date will be sent out. Please be aware that owners will have to be home at the time of testing or give a key to an immediate neighbor who can let the company into your home. Testing for each unit takes just a few minutes.

The pump house on the property has been been cleaned out and re-insulated. The roof of the pump house has also been replaced along with the carport roofs.

As a reminder to all, please use the parking spaces, carports, garages assigned/available to your unit or the access road for all vehicles and not the fire lanes leading to or around the buildings. Also please watch speeds coming into Benchmark, there are children playing and people walking dogs along the road.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Information from the Board

Water testing has been completed - copper passed but lead has failed. We are working with DEP to conduct more tests and monitor the situation. Please read the letter that was dropped at your front door on Monday August 11.

Carport roof replacement between buildings 3,4,5 and 6 began on Monday August 4th.

Septic tanks have been pumped.

We have been able to collect some of the condo fees that have been in arrears and are in a better financial situation. We still ask that unit owners continue to pay fees in a timely manner and thank you for your attention to this.

The board has also voted in a new trustee, Dave Pevey. Dave will serve on the board as a trustee for a two year term.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

July Fourth Festivities

From morning 'til night, road races to fireworks, here's a rundown of festivities going on in the area:

Chelmsford:
Starting July 3, at 6 p.m.: Festivals, dancing and performances take place throughout the evening around Center Common and Old Town Hall. Starting July 4, at 7 a.m., activities begin with a fair, festival, flag raising and a parade starting at 10 a.m., parade marshal is Betty McCarthy; late registration for John Carson Road Race begins at 7:30 a.m. behind Hannaford Supermarket off Parkhurst Road. Race begins at 9 a.m.

Lowell:
4 to 7 p.m.: Children's entertainment will be available at Regatta Field; 7:30 p.m., a concert at Sampas Pavilion; Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

Nashua:
Starting at 10 a.m., games, entertainment and free food are available throughout the day at Holman Stadium; fireworks begin 9 p.m.

More info at The Lowell Sun [here].

and there's always one of the country's biggest Independence Day celebrations in Boston.
check out www.july4th.org

Town News

Voter registration deadline for the state primary election is August 27th. September 19th is the state primary election

Tyngsboro town beach is open for the summer. located at the ends of Maplewood Ave and Cedar Grove Ave on Mascuppic Trail. Season parking hang-tags are available to residents at the Town Clerk's office.

White item disposal (large white and metal items i.e. boilers, televisions, ovens, etc.) for Tyngsboro is now being conducted by Appliance Recyclers. If you need to dispose of one of these items please call them at 877.228.2898.

There are lots of summer events and programs going on throughout the town and local businesses: www.tyngsboroughmass.com

Annual meeting

The annual meeting was held last Tuesday.
If you were unable to attend here are some of the highlights:

Financial stability of the association was discussed and the expenses for the year.
·Landscaping - includes unlimited storms for snow removal, contract renewed for 2009
·Electricity - rates have gone up
·Water - water testing fees, new tests currently being done - results will be posted
·Aerator - replaced, included new aerator, installation and engineering
·Sewer Maintenance - twice a year pumping to maintain
·Repairs/general - fire alarm testing, basement sealing, ice damming
·Exterminating - contract signed to spray for ants and bees (any ant/bee issues call centurion)
·Legal fees - to attorney

Carport roofs between buildings 3,4,5,&6 will be done within the next month.

Decks are to be inspected as well. There will be a new uniform policy for decks to be announced.

Unit 506 has been sold.

If you have any other questions about the meeting please call Centurion.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Window Replacements

Hi Everyone,
My new windows have been installed by All Types Remodeling and I invite anyone interested to come and take a look. I'm in unit 305. All Types did a fantastic job and would have been done in one day will all my windows if it weren't for the extreme heat (102 degrees) that first day. They guarantee the windows for life and their work for 10 years. As each unit has different windows it would be necessary to get a quote. I am extremely pleased with the professionalism and speed with which they completed the job. I highly recommend them. You can choose the windows with or without grids (between the glass for easy cleaning -- I got the grids) Their price is very reasonable. They will replace a minimum of 3 windows at a time. This is due to the fact that they have to set up their equipment and send out the installers and it isn't feasible to come out for less than 3 windows. If you are interested in replacing all or some of your windows, please contact Jim Kenney at 978-835-5576 for a quote.

National Grid (KeySpan) is giving a rebate of $10 per window. You need to download the form from their website and send in the stickers from the windows.

I also ordered new shades for the bedroom windows and highly recommend Veritcals Etc. Window Treatments. They are located in Hudson, NH and come and measure, quote and install. They don't charge for installation and the measurements and quotes are free. I found they were less expensive than some wholesalers. Contact Mike Palisi at 1-800-742-1055 if you are interested.
Mary

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Annual Meeting

The Benchmark Estates Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday June 24th at 7pm.

Boston University - Vesper Conference Room
27 Tyng Road
Tyngsboro MA

Directions:
*Cross the Tyngsboro Bridge and take a left at the lights
*Go about 1 mile along the river (3A) to Tyng Road and take your first right
*There is a big green sign on the right that says "BU Corporate Education" - school is on your right
*Go around rotary and parking is to the left of the main entrance.
*Enter through the front doors, past reception, and take a left to the Vesper Conference Room

Remember this is a very important platform for you to hear what is going on at the property. Financial information, maintenance updates, questions and concerns.
We also have two spots on the board that need to be filled.

See you there!

Updates

The newsletter went out at the end of May to all unit owners.

Marty's snowplowing contract for the 2008-2009 winter season has been signed.

The new aeration system is up and running.

Water sampling is being done this month.

Window bids are in and comply with condo regulations. If you are interested in replacing windows, getting an estimate, or have questions contact Jim Kenney at All Types Remodeling - 978.835.5576

There are four empty units on the property.

This blog will be updated on a more regular basis and we apologize for the hiatus and lack of posting.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Aeration

Finally we have had the new aeration system for our drinking water installed per the DEP requirements. We met the deadline of May 1 and came in on budget.
There will be a drinking water test done in June and the results will go to Centurion and DEP.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Benchmark loss

Benchmark Estates extends their sympathy to Mr. Dave Abreu's family and friends.  Mr. Abreu (longtime resident in building 6) passed away at the end of January losing his battle to MS.

Monday, February 11, 2008

!!Important Information!!

After a slight hiatus for the holidays we're back to the updates.

A very important assessment letter to all unit owners should have been received this past weekend.
The note indicates that as per DEP requirements we are replacing the aerator system for our drinking water. We do want to note that the drinking water is safe and has passed the last copper and lead testing. However the current system is old and DEP is mandating its replacement. The cost will be approximately $50,000.

Another piece of critical information:
We also need to inform you that we are in critical mode with our finances as we currently have 5 empty units and another couple of units that are in arrears on their condo payments and past assessments in the amount of over $14,000. At this point, we can't even make our regular monthly payments and several vendors have graciously agreed to allow us to pay next month. We hate doing this as it is not fair to our vendors who have supplied us with services that we need.

It is imperative that you pay your condo fees on the first of the month so we can meet our obligations in a timely manner. We can not afford to get into a situation where we have no credit and become unable to hire vendors as we need.

We're continuing to do our best to meet all the needs of the property and the unit owners. We'd like to thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation. Please remember that if you have any questions to call Centurion Management.