Carlton at Hamilton Mill — Fall 2025 Carlton Compass
The evening air is crisp, the leaves are preparing to change colors, and our community is embracing the beauty of the season. The Board has been hard at work to enhance our neighborhood, maintain safety, and plan long-awaited improvements. Here’s what’s happening in Carlton this fall:
Community Updates & Improvements
Sardis Bend Beautification
Thanks to a collaborative effort involving Board members, our Association Coordinator, and our community attorney, the area behind the units on Sardis Bend Drive has been restored. Previously unsafe due to neglect by the prior investor/homeowner, the area has been transformed entirely using funds collected from fines —not Association dues. This project reflects our commitment to safety, accountability, and the visual appeal of Carlton.
Retaining Walls
The bidding and vetting process for replacing retaining walls is underway. We anticipate starting phased replacements in Fall 2025. This project is long-awaited, and your patience is appreciated as we move forward safely and efficiently.
AT&T/Comcast/Xfinity Cables
Homeowners are reminded that all new cables must be buried. Arrangements must be made directly with your service provider.
Landscaping Services
The current landscaping team visits every Wednesday. To ensure service:
- Remove pet waste from yards (including fenced areas).
- Keep gates unlocked for access.
- Report issues via [email protected] with your name, address, and 2–3 photos.
Service cannot be completed if gates are locked or pet waste is present. Fees for missed service visits may be charged to homeowners. - Our new landscaping company is scheduled to begin service around October 1st. We will share additional details with the community as we get closer to the start date.
Non-structural drainage projects are currently paused. Only drainage affecting structural integrity will be addressed at this time.
Policies, Rules & Resolutions
New Resolutions
The Board has adopted two new resolutions:
- Deed Transfer Policy – ensures transparency and efficiency when properties change hands.
- Water Usage Policy – promotes responsible water consumption within the community.
Full details available: www.carltonhoa.com
Carlton is a “No Soliciting” community. Please inform visitors that soliciting is not permitted. If you feel unsafe, call 911 immediately.
Fire Pits
Fire pits are a hazard and not permitted within the community.
Pet Waste
Failure to pick up pet waste—including fenced yards—results in an immediate $150 fine. Landscapers will not mow yards with pet waste and will report violations to MRG
Exterior Cameras
All exterior cameras must comply with the updated policy. Violations may result in $25/day fines. Previously installed cameras outside guidelines require case-by-case approval. View Policy
Trash & Recycling
- Trash pickup: Thursday mornings.
- Place bins out: Wednesday evening, return by Friday morning.
- Bag all trash to prevent litter, and position bins 3 ft from obstacles.
Street parking is prohibited due to narrow streets. $150 fines for repeat offenders. Guests should use designated lots to keep streets clear for emergency vehicles.
Fences
No new fence installations are permitted at this time.
Holiday Lights
As we move into the holiday season, please remember that Christmas lights and holiday decorations may not be installed or lit prior to November 1st. All lights must also be removed from your home no later than January 12th. Decorations left up outside these dates are subject to violation notices and daily fines.
Maintaining a Beautiful Community
- Inspect your property and store toys, bikes, and other items indoors each evening.
- Pick up litter when you see it—keeping Carlton tidy benefits everyone!
Common Areas & Safety
Property Damage
Damaging retaining walls, juniper hills, climbing trees, or entering neighbors’ spaces carries a $150 fine per occurrence.
Surveillance
Pools, playgrounds, tennis courts, and gates are monitored 24/7 to ensure safety.
Gardens & Common Areas
Fenced yards and outdoor areas are HOA property. Only potted plants may be placed on patios or pine straw areas.
Tennis Court Lights
Please turn off lights after use to conserve Association funds.
Leasing Enforcement
The Board is committed to strictly enforcing our Association Covenants regarding unit leasing. Recently, we have identified several homeowners attempting to lease their units without the required permit. Please be advised that unauthorized leasing may result in daily fines. To avoid penalties, ensure all leases comply with Association rules. If you suspect a unit is being leased illegally, please report it to the Board at [email protected]. You will remain anonymous.
Entrance Gate Access
- Gate clicker or unique call box code required.
- Pedestrian gate code is available by request—do not share publicly.
- Contact Montage or the Board for clicker or call box assistance.
Community Notices
Delivery Instructions Update
- Amazon & Other Deliveries: Include your 3-digit gate code to buzz you directly.
- USPS: No changes; carriers deliver normally.
- To ensure timely and accurate processing, all work orders must be submitted through the homeowner portal. Work orders sent via email or Facebook will not be accepted or approved. Using the portal helps us track requests efficiently and ensures that maintenance and repairs are completed in a timely manner.
- The Board has updated the ACC/Modification Request form to make it more user-friendly for homeowners. This form is required for any exterior modifications to your property, including paint colors, fences, landscaping changes, or other structural improvements.
Additionally, the Board has created a master list of approved community exterior paint colors to assist homeowners in making compliant choices. This ensures consistency and preserves the aesthetic appeal of Carlton at Hamilton Mill.
Homeowners can access the latest ACC/Modification Request form and exterior color list on the community page or owner’s portal:
http://www.carltonhoa.com/important-documents.html
- The last day of the 2025 community pool season will be Sunday, September 28. The pool will close after this day, so please plan accordingly to enjoy the remaining time.
- Dues are due by the 10th each month.
- Mailed/online payments may take 10+ days to arrive
- Range: $25/day to $150 per occurrence.
- Repeat violations may increase fines.
Sign up for community alerts: Carlton Text Alerts
"There is something so special in the early leaves drifting from the trees–as if we are all to be allowed a chance to peel, to refresh, to start again."
– Ruth Ahmed
Carlton at Hamilton Mill Board
[email protected] | www.carltonhoa.com
Happy Fall from Your Carlton at Hamilton Mill Board
Dear Residents,
In an effort to enhance security within our community, we are implementing changes to the way mail, deliveries, and pedestrian access are handled. These updates are effective immediately.
Pedestrian Gate Code:
For residents who use the pedestrian gate, please note the following updates:
Amazon Deliveries:
Please update your Amazon account delivery instructions to include your 3-digit gate code, which dials your personal phone. This allows the delivery driver to buzz you directly upon arrival for package drop-off.
All Other Deliveries (e.g., FedEx, UPS, Grocery, etc.):
Please update your delivery instructions to include your 3-digit gate code, which dials your personal phone. This allows the delivery driver to buzz you directly upon arrival for package drop-off.
USPS Mail:
There is no change to USPS delivery. Mail carriers will continue to deliver as usual and do not require a gate access code.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work to keep our neighborhood secure and running smoothly.
Sincerely,
Carlton at Hamilton Mill Board of Directors
In an effort to enhance security within our community, we are implementing changes to the way mail, deliveries, and pedestrian access are handled. These updates are effective immediately.
Pedestrian Gate Code:
For residents who use the pedestrian gate, please note the following updates:
- Effective Time: The code change will take place after 5:00 PM today (August 22nd). This ensures children getting off the school bus this afternoon will continue to have access to the community.
- Homeowners: Please check your email for the new pedestrian gate code.
- Tenants: Please contact your landlord or leasing agent to obtain the new pedestrian gate code.
Amazon Deliveries:
Please update your Amazon account delivery instructions to include your 3-digit gate code, which dials your personal phone. This allows the delivery driver to buzz you directly upon arrival for package drop-off.
All Other Deliveries (e.g., FedEx, UPS, Grocery, etc.):
Please update your delivery instructions to include your 3-digit gate code, which dials your personal phone. This allows the delivery driver to buzz you directly upon arrival for package drop-off.
USPS Mail:
There is no change to USPS delivery. Mail carriers will continue to deliver as usual and do not require a gate access code.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work to keep our neighborhood secure and running smoothly.
Sincerely,
Carlton at Hamilton Mill Board of Directors
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COMMUNITY PAINTING NOTICE
Residents,
Our property management company, MRG, has identified a number of units that are in need of exterior painting due to extensive fading. Because this will impact units throughout the community, the Carlton HOA Board has worked with MRG to create a prioritized list of the units most in need. MRG will reach out to owners in small groups of three to five units at a time during the summer and fall to ensure a coordinated effort.
Affected owners should expect to receive a Painting Refresh Request from MRG that will specify the unit’s original exterior paint colors and include instructions for completing an Architectural Change Committee (ACC) form for owners to detail a plan to address the issue. Plans should include a proposed timeline (not to exceed ninety (90) days) to address the issue. Owners should respond to the request within thirty (30) days to avoid a formal violation notice from MRG.
While not all units require an immediate exterior painting refresh, homeowners who wish to paint their exterior independently can do so by simply requesting their paint colors from MRG and completing an ACC form. Additionally, some vendors may offer discounted rates if multiple units coordinate their painting projects. While we don't officially endorse any specific vendor, we’re happy to provide names of trusted, experienced providers we’ve worked with in the past.
*As described in Article II of the Declaration, Section 2.06-Maintenance, (c)-Owner’s Responsibility, as amended in 2023 by two-thirds vote of residents, owners are responsible for maintenance of “ . . . all exterior surface materials of the Residence including, but not limited to, stucco, wood, and trim.” *
Residents,
Our property management company, MRG, has identified a number of units that are in need of exterior painting due to extensive fading. Because this will impact units throughout the community, the Carlton HOA Board has worked with MRG to create a prioritized list of the units most in need. MRG will reach out to owners in small groups of three to five units at a time during the summer and fall to ensure a coordinated effort.
Affected owners should expect to receive a Painting Refresh Request from MRG that will specify the unit’s original exterior paint colors and include instructions for completing an Architectural Change Committee (ACC) form for owners to detail a plan to address the issue. Plans should include a proposed timeline (not to exceed ninety (90) days) to address the issue. Owners should respond to the request within thirty (30) days to avoid a formal violation notice from MRG.
While not all units require an immediate exterior painting refresh, homeowners who wish to paint their exterior independently can do so by simply requesting their paint colors from MRG and completing an ACC form. Additionally, some vendors may offer discounted rates if multiple units coordinate their painting projects. While we don't officially endorse any specific vendor, we’re happy to provide names of trusted, experienced providers we’ve worked with in the past.
*As described in Article II of the Declaration, Section 2.06-Maintenance, (c)-Owner’s Responsibility, as amended in 2023 by two-thirds vote of residents, owners are responsible for maintenance of “ . . . all exterior surface materials of the Residence including, but not limited to, stucco, wood, and trim.” *
Residents,
Pool Season is Here!
We’re excited to announce that the pool officially opens on Saturday, May 17th! Please read the following information carefully to learn about your access to the pool this summer.
We Need Your Help!
Please lower umbrellas on windy days or after you use them. If you observe that umbrellas were left up and open, please lower them before you leave. If you encounter vandalism or improper use of the pool, please let us know as soon as possible by sending an email to [email protected]. When reporting an issue, be sure to include the date, time, and any relevant details (such as names or description of those involved), as surveillance cameras in the pool area help us monitor events in real-time and after the fact. Your personal information will always remain anonymous.
As always, we encourage you to BE the change YOU want to SEE!
Please be mindful that Board Members are residents too and we want to enjoy the pool season also. Please do not approach Board Members at the pool with complaints/issues unless it's truly an urgent matter. The best way to stay in touch with us regarding issues at the pool is by email, as stated above.
Residents who do not comply with rules at the pool will be given (1) warning to correct the issue. After (1) warning residents who are repeat offenders will be subject to loss of pool privileges.
To access the pool please be sure to have with you each time you visit the pool BOTH items below:
1) Your pool gate clicker
2) 2025 Pool Pass
Only residents in good standing with the HOA will be granted access to the pool amenity. If an account becomes 30 days + delinquent, that resident is subject to revocation of pool use privileges.
Important Pool Guidelines for Parents
Parents, please remember that any children 14 years old or younger must be accompanied and supervised by an adult who is 18 or older while in the pool area. If your child attempts to visit the pool without proper supervision, they will be asked to leave.
For everyone’s safety, diving, pushing, running, and horseplay are strictly prohibited.
We ask that you take a moment to review the additional Pool Rules attached to this notice. A copy of the rules is also posted in the pool area as a reminder throughout the season. As the homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure that everyone in your household, as well as any guests you bring to the pool, are aware of these rules and follow them during the pool season.
http://www.carltonhoa.com/pool-season-2025
Looking forward to a great summer!
– Carlton at Hamilton Mill BOD
NEWEST BOARD MEMBER ANNOUNCED
Friday May 31, 2024
Residents,
We have some news to share! Current HOA President Wanda Buford has chosen to resign from her duties, effective today. For those who do not know Wanda, she has lived in the community since it was built and has volunteered and served the HOA in some capacity for nearly the entire time she has lived here. Wanda was a part of the team of hero homeowners (nearly 30 of us total) who won the community back from investors in 2017. Behind the scenes she has volunteered countless hours watering plants, picking up trash, overseeing landscaping and fluffings bows at Christmastime for the front entrance gates year after year. Wanda hesitantly stepped up to become HOA President in Summer 2023 when the community was on the verge of collapse and bankruptcy after an unexpected series of very unfortunate events beyond anyone's control. She sprung into action and played a tremendous role in the passing of the amendment that saved Carlton from financial demise. She fought and leveraged for a new insurance premium that saved the community thousands of dollars. Even our attorneys said it couldn't be done, but Wanda insisted that it could. She was right! This is just a small peek into her endless tasks she took upon herself to spearhead. Wanda's role as HOA President was always intended to be temporary until Carlton was back on our feet and thriving again. That day has finally come. You may not always see eye to eye with her, but no one can deny Wanda's genuine passion for all things Carlton and her ability to overcome any obstacle. It is Wanda's turn to pass the baton and enjoy being a resident. We got it from here, Wanda! You will still see Wanda around the community helping here and there, but Wanda plans to spend her new found freedom at the ballpark cheering on her grandsons. The Board and MRG Team would like to extend the most sincere "THANK YOU" to Wanda Buford for all the things she has done with a true servant's heart in our community.
Without further ado, The Board is ecstatic to announce our newest Board Member, Dennis Mahan. Dennis and his wife Tanya are newcomers and moved to Carlton in Fall 2023. Dennis served on the HOA Board in his former community for many years. He is well versed in HOA rhetoric, financials, leasing restrictions, committees, amendments, etc.... and we believe that he is exactly the candidate for this role.
The current board will now consist of Dennis Mahan (term to expire Spring 2026), Noriko Kibble (term to expire Spring 2026) and Julie Thompson (term to expire Spring 2025) . The Board is vibrant, refreshed and excited to take on the obstacles we face in Carlton. Stay tuned for additional updates and exciting goals we have in store for 2024!
Warm Regards,
-Carlton HOA
Friday May 31, 2024
Residents,
We have some news to share! Current HOA President Wanda Buford has chosen to resign from her duties, effective today. For those who do not know Wanda, she has lived in the community since it was built and has volunteered and served the HOA in some capacity for nearly the entire time she has lived here. Wanda was a part of the team of hero homeowners (nearly 30 of us total) who won the community back from investors in 2017. Behind the scenes she has volunteered countless hours watering plants, picking up trash, overseeing landscaping and fluffings bows at Christmastime for the front entrance gates year after year. Wanda hesitantly stepped up to become HOA President in Summer 2023 when the community was on the verge of collapse and bankruptcy after an unexpected series of very unfortunate events beyond anyone's control. She sprung into action and played a tremendous role in the passing of the amendment that saved Carlton from financial demise. She fought and leveraged for a new insurance premium that saved the community thousands of dollars. Even our attorneys said it couldn't be done, but Wanda insisted that it could. She was right! This is just a small peek into her endless tasks she took upon herself to spearhead. Wanda's role as HOA President was always intended to be temporary until Carlton was back on our feet and thriving again. That day has finally come. You may not always see eye to eye with her, but no one can deny Wanda's genuine passion for all things Carlton and her ability to overcome any obstacle. It is Wanda's turn to pass the baton and enjoy being a resident. We got it from here, Wanda! You will still see Wanda around the community helping here and there, but Wanda plans to spend her new found freedom at the ballpark cheering on her grandsons. The Board and MRG Team would like to extend the most sincere "THANK YOU" to Wanda Buford for all the things she has done with a true servant's heart in our community.
Without further ado, The Board is ecstatic to announce our newest Board Member, Dennis Mahan. Dennis and his wife Tanya are newcomers and moved to Carlton in Fall 2023. Dennis served on the HOA Board in his former community for many years. He is well versed in HOA rhetoric, financials, leasing restrictions, committees, amendments, etc.... and we believe that he is exactly the candidate for this role.
The current board will now consist of Dennis Mahan (term to expire Spring 2026), Noriko Kibble (term to expire Spring 2026) and Julie Thompson (term to expire Spring 2025) . The Board is vibrant, refreshed and excited to take on the obstacles we face in Carlton. Stay tuned for additional updates and exciting goals we have in store for 2024!
Warm Regards,
-Carlton HOA
NEWEST BOARD MEMBER ANNOUNCED
Wednesday May 29, 2024
The Carlton at Hamilton HOA Board would like to take a moment to sincerely thank both ladies who came forward to volunteer their time to fill the open position on the Board. Your willingness to serve is a reminder to us all.... to BE the change YOU want to see!
While we did not meet quorum for election, The Board has decided to appoint the individual who received the most total votes from the election process. If you are a homeowner who DID participate in the voting process please know....your voices were heard and your vote did count!
Without further ado, we would like to welcome our newest Board Member, Noriko Kibble. We are truly ecstatic to have her join our team and already have several ideas and exciting plans for the foreseeable future.
Stay tuned for additional updates regarding our community within the next week!