Pratt Homes Approved to Build Near Val Jean Park

Last evening, Pratt Homes received approval from the Master ARC to build a new home at Victor Hugo Blvd. and Val Jean Blvd.  This new home will take advantage of its alley-garage location and corner prominence near Val Jean Park.

Victor Gardens Application Package for New Home Construction

Victor Gardens Community Association's ARC finalized and approved forms meant to simplify the process by which new builders submit new home plan proposals for ARC approval.  The forms have been developed over the last few years through the careful work of the Master ARC. The forms have already been successfully used by the ARC to review new proposed home plans.

The Application Package for New Home Construction is available in PDF format and Microsoft Word format for the builder's convenience.

South Village Condo Association Page Updated

The South Village Condo Association page is updated with new documents and info.

11/1 Events Committee Meeting--RESCHEDULED

The social/events committee meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, November 1st has been RESCHEDULED. The new meeting details are: Tuesday, November 8th 7P at Dunn Brothers (next to Festival Foods) Sorry for any inconvenience. Any questions... please contact Julie Bixby (eventsbyjulie@gmail.com). Thanks!

Holiday Decorations Planned this Year

This afternoon, Kari Miller, Master Board members and Dan Steuernagel of Goetz Landscape discussed outdoor holiday neighborhood decoration options in time for this Christmas.  The Board expressed a need for a comprehensive plan to spread holiday cheer throughout Victor Gardens and not just a few primary locations.  The Board is pursuing a phased approach to purchase re-usable, energy efficient, and durable lighting.

Last Chance - $50 Sprinkler Blow Out

A few of us were not available last weekend, and we weren't able to have our sprinkler systems blown out along with the rest of the neighborhood.  I spoke with Shawn Herman a few minutes ago and he's willing to come back at the $50 rate for winterizing each home system. 

As I posted in September, Shawn Herman of Classic Lawnscape offers Victor Gardens discounts for seasonal blowing out and shut-down of resident's individual sprinkler systems. Shawn's offered this service for the last few years. He always does a thorough and professional job.

Shawn's discounted price for blowing-out sprinklers is $50.00 per home. There may still be the opportunity to have Shawn winterize your system - but that window will be closing very soon.  Shawn Herman can also be reached directly at (612) 366-6088.

Beaver Damage

Damage on a very large tree

Beavers have been taking down a number of trees (large and small) east of the bridge connecting the Creekside Village Assn. with the Single Family Village Assn..  This was reported to the Master Board about a week ago. Community Manager, Kari Miller called the DNR, and Board Members are looking into other potential remedies.

Since the initial report, a tree service has cut back a number of dangerously weak trees and limbs that the beavers started on. They've cleared out a large area along the creekside trail east of the bridge.

Here's an excerpt of the original report last week:  "They have built two dams in the creek behind the houses on Val Jean Blvd, but even more concerning is that they have begun to eat through almost every single large tree from the tree line that separates our houses from the Pratt houses across the creek.  They eat fast also - I fear that in a few weeks, these trees will be detroyed.  If you havn't seen it yet, you and you family should take a walk on the path behind our house and see the trees.

We called the MN DNR, but have not heard back.  [Name removed] and I feel that these beavers should be trapped and removed due to the potential damage they can cause to the trees, etc.  I'm not sure if this is even an "association" issue or not, but I thought I'd let you know and see what you think. "

The Future of Halloween Decorations in the Neighborhood?

Hans Hagen Homes Decides not to Build

About a week ago, Hans Hagen Homes reported to the Master ARC that they were not going to proceed to build on 22 lots in Victor Gardens Single Family Village.  Although ARC did conditionally approve three of three plans submitted by Hans Hagen Homes, ARC did not adopt a legal agreement proposed by the builder.

Maintenance Update: Outdoor Fireplace at Victor Gardens' Pool

Kari Miller, our Community Manager reported that the outdoor fireplace near at the pool has been cleaned up and repaired.  

Also, Kari contacted City Hall regarding the cleaning up of the City's asphalt trails around the neighborhood.  The Board is also considering signage and dog waste bag stations in the area.  Please remember to clean up after your pets.

VG Social Committee--Upcoming Meeting

Current members and anyone else that is interested in joining the Victor Gardens social committee are welcome to attend our upcoming meeting on Tuesday, November 1st at 7P at Dunn Brothers (next to Festival Foods). We'll be discussing some adult only events that our 2 newest members would like to plan as well as a few other remaining events for November-March 2012. All are welcome to attend! If you have any questions prior to the meeting, please contact me via email (eventsbyjulie@gmail.com). Many thanks to our volunteers to help plan and host these events for our entire neighborhood!

Architectural & Landscape Changes

Homeowners wishing to make changes to their home's exterior or landscape must first receive Architectural Review Committee approval. Contact your Community Manager for more info. Applications are available in the links below:

• Condo Homeowners
• Single Family Homeowners