Homeowners Association versus Neighborhood Association

What’s the difference? 

 A homeowner’s association is formed by a developer and pertains to a specific subdivision or project. The association provides the framework for the future maintenance of the development’s common grounds and amenities, for instance a pool, clubhouse or common area landscaping. All homeowners are compelled to follow the codes, covenants and restrictions (CC&Rs) governing the development and pay association dues. A neighborhood association is a section of a city with a common identity. Neighborhood associations offer a place to meet friends, exchange information, create projects and priorities, propose solutions, and have fun. 

 A neighborhood association is formed based on the needs and desires of its residents. The association gives residents a forum to discuss common concerns and to brainstorm possible solutions. Some potential outcomes may be: improved street lighting, bike paths, sidewalks, traffic calming devices, parks and open spaces, zoning and land-use planning, park amenities, beautification projects and neighborhood cleanups. Many neighborhood associations have summer picnics, holiday parties and other special events in order to have fun as well as to keep the lines of communication open with neighbors. 

 Organized neighborhood associations give citizens a voice and an advocate. Neighborhood associations greatly improve the two-way communication between the City and its residents. 

 Organizing also opens the door to increased communications with city government. Neighborhood association leaders serve as liaisons between City staff, City Council and other neighborhood associations. This increased communication can be a resource for upcoming meetings or other community opportunities. 

  Credit: SGFNeighborhoodNews.com

Notice of Board Meeting - January 16, 2023

 The Board of the Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, January 16, 2023, at McAlister's Deli, 210 West Sunshine, Suite A.

Parties that wish to observe or address the Board are welcome to attend.

Making Sense of Money Ask the Expert Class - Identity Theft

Making Sense of Money welcomes Autumn Stapp, with Cadence Bank, to the next Ask the Expert Class.

Autumn will discuss Identity Theft on January 24th, 2023, from 2p – 3p at O’Reilly Center for Hope (1518 East Dale Street, Springfield, MO 65803. This is an important topic to learn, be aware of warning signs, and be informed about what to do if it happens to you. To RSVP, email Kelly: kpaparella@cpozarks.org / 417-888-2020 x164. It's free to attend!

Notice of Board Meeting - December 19, 2022

 The Board of the Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, December 19, 2022, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 925 E Seminole Street.

Parties that wish to observe or address the Board are welcome to attend.

Neighborhood Preservation Committee

One committee established by the Board is the Neighborhood Preservation committee. The primary focus of this committee is neighborhood cleanups, code violations, property maintenance issues, and assisting neighbors.

Residents can participate on one or more committees by completing the interest form on the Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association website at https://www.seminoleholland.com/p/committee-interest-survey-form.html. Thank you for your interest!

Government Relations Committee

One committee established by the Board is the Government Relations committee. The primary focus of this committee is zoning issues, interacting with the zoning commission, city council, and city planning.

Residents can participate on one or more committees by completing the interest form on the Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association website at https://www.seminoleholland.com/p/committee-interest-survey-form.html. Thank you for your interest!

Membership Development Committee

One committee established by the Board is the Membership Development committee. The primary focus of this committee is acquiring Resident/Owner and Business/Organization members.

Residents can participate on one or more committees by completing the interest form on the Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association website at https://www.seminoleholland.com/p/committee-interest-survey-form.html. Thank you for your interest!

Programming Committee

One committee established by the Board is the Programming committee. The primary focus of this committee is planning events, speakers, and social activities.

Residents can participate on one or more committees by completing the interest form on the Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association website at https://www.seminoleholland.com/p/committee-interest-survey-form.html. Thank you for your interest!

City Council Expected to Act on 7-Brew Permit

At its meeting on Monday, December 12, 2022, the Springfield City Council is expected to act on the ordinance to authorize a 7-Brew coffee shop to be constructed at Jefferson Avenue and Sunshine Street. The neighborhood is opposed to this development for the following reasons:

1. Limited Business zoning is intended to serve the neighborhood. This project does not do that. 
2. Adding a couple of picnic tables and a sidewalk on Roanoke does not make the project more neighborhood friendly.  
3. A business of any nature with a drive through will likely be problematic - and once approved there is no going back and no control over what happens to the property once approved.  
4. Southbound Jefferson left turning traffic will back up into the Sunshine/Jefferson intersection. Does the city want to plan or react?
5. Additional traffic will be dumped on Roanoke, which is a narrow residential street.
6. Any business listed in the Limited Business zoning can go in there and have any hours of operation. But it is not likely such a business would have the traffic, noise, and hours of operation that 7-Brew does.

You can write to the entire Council at citycouncil@springfieldmo.gov. Be sure to mention you are writing about Council Bill 2022-276 Conditional Use Permit 470 in your message.

Results of Focus Question

A question about the focus of the organization was included at the bottom of the election ballot. The results are as follows:

Zoning Issues 29%

Assisting Neighbors 21%

Property Maintenance 14%

Crime/Crime Prevention 14%

Communication with City 11%

Public Property 7%

Neighborhood Social 4%

The Board plans to use these results to guide their efforts throughout 2023.