Some of you may already know that the Town of Chesapeake Beach negotiated an agreement with IQ Fiber to bring high-speed fiber optic Internet service to Chesapeake Beach.  You can read more about it here

IQ Fiber is currently in the process of installing the fiber infrastructure in the Town.  The laying of fiber cable will begin soon in Chesapeake Station.  You may already have noticed markings in our streets in preparation.

At the present time, we do not have information as to when the high speed internet service will be available to Chesapeake Station residents.  Residents who are interested in subscribing to the new internet service should contact IQ Fiber directly.

Party Walls

Party Walls are the walls that fall on the property line between two adjoining units. While they form the backbone of privacy for townhome and duplex dwellers, they also require cooperation between neighbors to maintain. Except for specific circumstances as outlined in the CSHOA Declaration, the cost of reasonable repair and maintenance of a party wall is shared by the owners who use the wall in proportion to that use. Thus, HOA residents with party walls need to work closely with their neighbor at the outset of any construction project involving a party wall to be sure that there is a clear understanding of, and agreement on, what the project entails. And while we can’t tell you how you should communicate with a neighbor, there are questions any savvy homeowner should ask when working with a contractor or neighbor. Questions like, but not limited to — What will be done? What materials will be used? Who is paying for what? Who is doing the work? Are they licensed and bonded? When will work start? When will work end? What is the process if something unexpected happens (termites, contractor breaks something, etc.)? Do you have home owners insurance? — come to mind. And you can probably think of many more good questions to ask. In general, it makes good sense to communicate early and often, and get the answers and the plan in writing before the project starts.

Also do not forget that prior to starting any project involving changes to the outside of your home, including your yard, you need to submit a project plan to the CSHOA Architectural Committee and receive approval from them. The form is available here.

Parking in Chesapeake Station

As much as we’d like to completely prohibit non-residents from parking in Chesapeake Station, our main streets – C Street, Arcade Ct. Band Shell Ct., Carousel Way, and Dentzel Ct. – are owned by the Town and public parking is permitted.  But only at legal spots.  Parking within 30 feet of a stop sign, near or in intersections, or blocking driveway access is prohibited by Maryland law.  Our Townhouse lots are HOA property and parking by outsiders in those lots is also prohibited.

From time to time a resident who parks some of the family’s cars on C St. because they don’t all fit in the driveway has complained about being accosted by other residents, who mistakenly believe the vehicles are owned by non-residents. The Sheriff’s Department advises citizens not to initiate a confrontation with drivers parking in our streets.  It is potentially dangerous and also rude to aggressively confront strangers based on presumptions they don’t belong.  If you must approach someone you don’t recognize, please only do so respectfully and politely to understand who they are.  If their vehicle is parked illegally, you can advise them and hope the person will respect that and move their vehicle.  If a vehicle is parked illegally, you can contact the Sheriff’s Dept. at their non-emergency number (410-535-2800) and request that a Deputy be sent out.

Also, we ask that residents of Chesapeake Station display a CSHOA parking decal on each vehicle that is regularly parked in the development.  While not a perfect solution, it does provide the Board some insight into who is parking in our development.  Stickers can be requested by email to cshoa@comcast.net or via the Contact Form on our website here.

Keeping Up Your Property

A primary goal of a HOA is to maintain property values, keep everyone safe, and have a community that everyone can enjoy.  Chesapeake Station is a unique bay front community with a private beach and panoramic views.  From time to time some of you may be considering renewal and repair projects on your property. Projects that you have planned may include replacing or adding a new deck, window replacement, modifying or replacing a fence, repainting, re-siding, or landscape work.  Every home has different beautification needs and it is your responsibility to maintain the exterior of your home to the standards outlined in Resolution 3 (Architectural Review Procedures and Guidelines) of our Governing documents.

Remember that, per our Governing Documents, plans for any work on the outside of your home must be submitted to the HOA Architecture Committee for review and approval before you start.  An Architectural Change Request Application form can be found on our website here.  If you need more information, please send us an email at cshoa@comcast.net.