The following are the FAQs most often received from realtors and prospective purchasers with typical responses
How many home sites are there and are any owned by developer?
There are 121 home sites in Moon Shadows. All are privatively owned. The subdivision developer/sponsor does not own any lots. At this time†, 109 lots have been improved with single-family home and 12 remain to be built.
† 2009
How much are dues?
Dues are $610.00 per year for each “lot”. Dues are billed for the period of January 1 through December 31. Dues must be paid in full by April 30 each year or a penalty of 7% interest applies.
What do dues cover?
Dues primarily cover maintenance and repairs to our private roads & common areas as well as improvements to common areas and common elements, professional services and utilities. We also have a long-term conservative investment fund (included in dues) currently† valued at approximately $120,000.00, and is increased each year by an additional deposit of approximately 15% of dues collected each year. This fund is also informally referred to as the “Road Fund” because its intended purpose is to have funds available in the future when road replacements become necessary and to minimize any special assessments for such project.
† 2009
Are any increases expected in dues or special assessments?
Dues were increased to the current amount in 2006. We do not anticipate them going up for a few years. We do not anticipate any special assessments in the near future either.
Do dues cover trash pick-up, yard maintenance or driveway snow plowing?
Your dues do not cover trash pick-up or any maintenance to your private property. † Moon Shadows residents do have a reduced rate with Monroe Rubbish Removal. Their contact info is on their website http://www.monroerubbish.com/contact.html but you must contract with a trash removal personally.
Monroe’s Rubbish Removal Inc.
PO Box 760 Hamburg MI 48139
810-231-1055
The Association also does not maintain your property (grass mowing, snow plowing, etc) but provides a reduced rate to Moon Shadows residents. Lynch & Sons provides the Association with snow plowing of our roads and seasonal maintenance of our common areas.
Lynch & Sons Landscaping
P.O. Box 852, Hartland, MI
810-746-0245 (phone)
810-299-2983 (fax)
http://www.lynchandsonslandscaping.com
† If you own a boat slip in marina, it is actually owned as a “limited common element” and the land adjacent to your slip is mowed (during season) by the Association.
What common areas and common elements are there?
There are five separate “park like” common areas. All common areas are private for Moon Shadows residents’ use only. The largest of the common areas is “the Beach” on Rush Lake: access from Dana Pointe Drive, improved with a playground, private ten-slip marina, day dock, large gazebo, sandy beach, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, barbeque grills, benches, picnic tables and seasonal lavatory. The other improved common area is “the Island” in Rush Lake, with a gazebo and wooden bridge for access from Moonlight Bay Drive.
There are an additional three “open space” unimproved common areas maintained (grass mowing and tree trimming, etc) by the Association: A two-acre area on a pond off of Moonlight Bay Drive; A secluded four-acre wooded area with access from Shadow Brook Drive; and, A six acre area that includes Rush Lake frontage, large wooden deck, sleigh-riding hill and wetland connecting to natural preserve area off of Bayview Drive.
What other common elements exist?
In addition to the structures and appurtenances to the common areas mentioned above, there is an additional gazebo at the front entrance with electricity, a stretch of common areas adjacent to M-36 and along Chambers Road, a storage structure.
Are there any other improvements planned?
Yes. Electric access was installed at the Beach entrance in 2009. It is planned to extend electricity service to the Beach area with electric outlets (gazebo, beach, etc.) in 2010. It is planned to expand the use of electricity at beach area during 2010-12 to include lighting, irrigation system, geese deterrents, fountain, etc. A semi-permanent structure is planned for beach area in 2010 to house seasonal lavatory and storage access. A shade arbor and/or pavilion is planned for beach area (2010-11). A well is planned for the front entrance area (Anacapa Bay at M-36) to supply irrigation to common area adjoining M-36 (2011-13). Other improvements are planned in short, medium and long-term stages within our current budget without dues increasing or special assessment.
What is Rush Lake?
Rush Lake is an all-sports private lake. All Moon Shadows co-owners are also mandatory members of the Rush Lake Home Owners Association (http://www.mlswa.org/Rush-Lake-515/) a completely separate entity from Moon Shadows. Membership (and payment of dues) in the Rush Lake HOA is necessary to gain access to Rush Lake. There is a locked boat launch and park area off of Junior Drive (outside of Moon Shadows). Dues for RLHOA vary depending upon location of your home and you must contact them directly.
Are there Bylaws or Architectural Rules?
YES. The Charter, Master Deed, Bylaws and Architectural Rules are posted on our website and can be downloaded. All new homes and improvements to existing homes, additions, alterations, modifications, landscaping, etc., must comply with these regulations, which includes pre-approval from the Board of Directors.
Are fences allowed, swimming pools, boat storage, dogs, etc?
These are all covered in the Bylaws and Architectural Rules (see Bylaws section above), but in general, Moon Shadows promotes open spaces, aesthetic beauty and improvements integrated into the natural environment. In-ground pools are permitted (subject to application review and approval); above ground pools are not permitted. Fences are not permitted†. Dogs are permitted, subject to some restrictions in Bylaws/Architectural Rules. Outdoor boat storage is not permitted.††
†Except as required by law around in-ground pools and in such circumstances regulated by the Bylaws and Architectural Rules and subject to approval by the Board of Directors.
†† Same applies to snow mobiles, campers, trailers, etc. See Bylaws and Architectural Rules.
What is the Governing Body?
Moon Shadows has a five member Board of Directors. Each member has a one-year or two-year term. Elections occur at annual Association Meetings. Any co-owner can be a Board member. The Board has meetings on ad hoc or as-needed basis, typically once a month, and will meet at any co-owner’s request for a specific topic. The Board’s primary function is to manage the Association’s finances, maintenance and improvements and Bylaw governance.
Are there any Committees?
YES. There is currently a finance committee, safety committee, and beautification committee. Committee participation is open to all co-owners (and household members) and is encouraged. Volunteerism is equally encouraged. There are also several social activities organized my co-owners.
Does Moon Shadows have any employees?
No. The Association contracts out professional services (landscaping, snow plowing, accounting, legal, bookkeeping, construction, etc).
Important Notice to Prospective Purchasers and Realtors
If you are considering purchasing a lot or home within Moon Shadows, congratulations! You have chosen a wonderful neighborhood! PLEASE be sure to contact us prior to closing to ascertain if DUES or fees are owed on the property you are considering. This is very important because dues, including any arrearages, are automatic liens against the property (whether filed with County or not), not merely obligations of the prior owner but also apply against a subsequent purchaser pursuant to our Bylaws and Michigan law. To ascertain dues status of a particular property, please send a request to info@moonshadowshoa.org stating the Moon Shadows lot number and/or address for the property which you are inquiring along with your own name and contact information. Thank you.