No Commercial Vehicle Parking in Chartwood Manor

The HOA has received numerous complaints about the parking of large trucks and vans (and even tractor cabs) in Chartwood Manor. In some instances, these vehicles are blocking driveways and sightlines for intersections, in addition to taking what little available parking space exists in the neighborhood. They also generate noise complaints. This in mind, the HOA reminds residents that commercial vehicle parking violates the CC&Rs of the association in addition to township code, and violations will be appropriately addressed.

Chartwood Manor CC&Rs allow for two automobiles per unit, kept in the driveway or parking area in front of the home. The ONLY exception to this rule is for small cars or vans that are required by an employer. Any other commercial vehicles parked in Chartwood Manor are breaching HOA governance and, very likely, Swatara Township code.

Please be a considerate neighbor. Keep no more than the two allowed vehicles in the neighborhood and park them in your own driveway or parking area as often as possible.

Concerns Arising from Illegal Parking

A Swatara Township police officer visited the neighborhood in April 2022 to advise the Association that a number of vehicles were parked illegally which, by his definition, is less than 30’ from the intersection. Additionally, a number of neighborhood residents have complained about dangerous conditions created by these illegally parked vehicles.

Please be reasonable and considerate when parking your vehicle on the street. Do NOT create blind spots making it dangerous for homeowners to exit their driveway or street. Don’t park your car at an excessive distance from the curb as this creates hazardous situations when two vehicles are traveling on the same street at the same time. Do not park large or commercial vehicles near intersections where they can prevent a clear view of exiting/emerging traffic.

In short, don’t create the potential for vehicle, property or personal injury for which you could be liable. Park both of your cars in your own driveway whenever possible. 

Yards Are Not Common Property

While walking for recreation, playing with your children, or taking your dog for its daily exercise, remember to steer clear of homeowners’ yards.

 A number of homeowners have complained about unwelcome guests using their yards. Please remember that yards are NOT common property and that you must receive approval to use your neighbor's lot for any purpose.

If you’re looking for common (i.e. Association-owned) property to use for recreation or meeting neighbors, consider the green space created by CMHA at the corner of Lincoln and Fordham. Just remember to clean up after yourself, your children or your pets so the space remains clean and green for other neighbors’ use.

(Posted May 19, 2022)

CMHA has received a number of comments regarding landscaping services, the bulk of these related to unwanted trimming or plant removal. To help remedy homeowners' concerns (and make it easy for our landscapers to recognize areas to avoid) starting with the 2022 lawn care season, CMHA (in cooperation with our landscaping vendor) is introducing a new flag system. Here are the guidelines to participate:

• If you wish to do your own tree, shrub and plant trimming, place a white flag in a visible spot in the front and rear of your home. This signifies to lawn care workers that you want no trimming services of any kind, only mowing and tanbark.

• If you only have a few plants you'd prefer to trim yourself, place a blue flag in front of these specific items.

• If you want to eliminate ALL services (except lawnmowing) place a red flag in your front and rear yard. Keep in mind, however, that this red flag means that the ONLY service you will receive is mowing; no tanbark, weeding, trimming, or any other services. In short, you are completely responsible for maintaining your home to association standards.

Remember that once you choose to participate in the flag system it will be for the entire lawncare season. The landscapers will also be notified of your address and choice of flags.

As a reminder, please note that the association is not responsible for maintenance of current/former homeowner-planted trees, shrubs or plants, nor will CMHA accept responsibility for replacement or care of these homeowner-owned trees or plants.

Additionally, be advised that (regardless of whether or not you participate in the flag system) residents must remove all obstacles to lawn mowing including toys, furniture, solar lights, lawn decorations, etc. Neither the landscapers nor the association are liable for damage to these items.

Please contact us if you have any questions, or to request your flags.