ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
The purpose of the Architectural Review Committee is to review and assess new home
construction and major renovation projects within the Masons Island Fire District on
MIPOA-owned roads. The committee seeks to preserve the aesthetic charm of the
island, and also to be sure construction projects properly consider impacts on neighbors
and on MIPOA roads and rights of way. Activities of the committee include, but are not
limited to to:
– Reviewing construction plans prior to town approval to be sure Masons Island
Company deed restrictions (which may differ from Stonington Zoning) are considered
– Working with the MIPOA / MIFD Facilities (roads) Committee which is
concerned with construction impact on MIPOA roads such as driveways, drainage and
landscaping
– Communication with property owners, builders, architects and engineers about
ordinances and construction issues unique to Masons Island
To avoid unnecessary complications and potential delays, property owners engaged in
major construction should connect with the Architectural Review Committee early in the
process and before submitting plans to Town of Stonington. Plans will be reviewed with
the Masons Island Company and the MIPOA / MIFD Facilities Committee.
POND COMMITTEE (Chairperson Dan Ross):
The Ice Pond in the center of the island is owned by the Masons Island Company; a pond committee has been formed by MIPOA with a mission to preserve the health and beauty of this scenic natural resource. Together, with a representative of the Masons Island Company, the committee will hold regular meetings to discuss issues related to this common resource we all enjoy. Topics addressed by the pond committee will include, pond maintenance options, maintenance and access for the pedestrian right-of-way around the pond, issues of fertilizer impact on the pond, and any other concerns raised by property owners or that the committee deems important.”.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE (Temporary Chairperson Bill Pryor): propertymaintenance@mipoa.info):
MIPOA’s Property Maintenance Committee has established guidelines to encourage District property owners to maintain the appearance of their houses and grounds to a standard appropriate for the area. It also facilitates dialogues between property owners and conducts other activities to help accomplish its goals. Property owners who believe they have a grievance are expected to address their issues directly with their neighbors as the first step and, the Board believes, best route to problem resolution. If this approach fails to produce acceptable results, MIPOA, upon request, stands ready to clarify.
The Property Maintenance guidelines are:
1. NOISE
- Loud, disturbing and excessive noise is not allowed before 6:00 a.m. and after 10:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and before 8:00 a.m. and after 10:00 p.m. on Sunday. Clotheslines are not to be visible from neighbors’ properties or roads.
- Construction and renovation projects are limited to the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Use of power lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chain saws and similar equipment are to be limited to the hours between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. If possible, please limit noise on Sundays.
- While many of the water sports (i.e. kayaking and sailing) are typically quiet and slow, Jet Skis, Personal Watercraft and Sea Doos are completely the opposite. While we appreciate the diversity and endless fun on the water, excessive noise is something that remains a distraction from our tranquil environment. Limited use of jet skis near our shores would be greatly appreciated.
2. Garage Sales, Estate Sales, Tag Sales and similar sales are prohibited.
3. Posting of ALL SIGNS is prohibited, including but not limited to realtors’ “open house” and “for sale” signs, workmen’s signs (builders, renovators, painters, roofers, etc.) and political advertising.
4. PROPERTY APPEARANCE
- Reasonable property appearance, landscaping maintenance and neatness of grounds are to be sustained.
- Raked leaves should be kept from blowing onto neighbor’s property.
- Sometimes material (i.e. telephone books) is left by the mailboxes as a means of distribution. We understand why it has been done; however, if these items are not claimed within one week of their distribution, we would suggest removing them.
5. LANDSCAPING
Overgrowth should not block neighbors’ views. Property owners are reminded that as neighbor’s views become obscured, enjoyment of their properties may diminish and property values may be adversely affected. Property owners are advised to document by photograph and written description their views (in each season) as soon as possible after acquiring their property as the basis from which to address matters involving future maintenance of those views.
A provision in many deeds permits the Masons Island Company to enter those properties for the purpose of pruning trees and bushes in a reasonable manner to maintain views from adjoining properties. The deed provisions also require Company approval for plantings along road lines.
Property owners are encouraged to contact the Company when planning landscaping projects. From time to time the Company clears the rights of way and the roadsides. Please contact the Company if you have a request regarding maintenance of a particular location.
When dealing with disagreements between neighbors regarding view maintenance, the Committee and the Company will always attempt to strike a balance between view maintenance and privacy concerns. The Chair of the Committee will advise all parties in writing as to the suggested course of action.
6. Effective January 1, 2013, Senate bill, SB440 addresses the application of fertilizers containing phosphorus on established lawns. Property owners are strongly encouraged to make every effort to minimize use of chemicals on their lawns, trees, yard plantings and gardens. Most pesticides are harmful to the environment, and chemical fertilizer runoffs accelerate the growth of undesirable algae in the Ice Pond and the ocean.
7. Boats over 20 feet in length, house trailers, recreation vehicles, tractors and backhoes, farm equipment, business vehicles and inoperable autos are not to be stored on properties. The Board recommends that all boats and trailers be stored in garages or board years or a commercial storage facility. If boats of less than 20 fet in length are stored outside, the Board recommends they be stored off the road and out of sight from neighbors to the extent possible and that their covers be of dark green or brown (not bright blue or white).
8. Exterior house lights should not shine into neighbors’ windows or create any unnecessary glare. If possible, use a time and be mindful of your neighbors wanting to enjoy the evening skies without the glare of lights.
9. It is nice to feel that leaving a bike or wagon unattended for hours is safe on Mason’s Island. Items should be labeled and identified with the owner’s name. When items are left for extended periods of time, it is very helpful to know to whom the item belongs.
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE (Chairperson Bill Pryor):
MIPOA utilizes an email distribution software program for official MIPOA and MIFD communications. It is also available to MIPOA members for announcements, requests (e.g. lost articles or animals), articles and photographs of general interest, etc. of a non-profit nature.
WELCOME COMMITTEE:
The Welcome Committee provides new property owners with a welcome package of information along with a reusable shopping bag featuring a Masons Island image.