How is Woodbine different from other Central IL HOAs?
The Woodbine Park Prairie Estates HOA owns approximately 51 acres of common areas which includes the private road system that is maintained by the HOA that allows it to keep the development private. The common area includes three large ponds, beach house, baseball field, maintenance garage, and all the wetlands and paths.
Woodbine’s Common Areas are located in a large valley cut by glaciers along the confluence of Copper Creek and Migles Creek to form Big Creek. Strategically located between Ft. Daniel Conservation Area and Spitler Woods Natural Area, the topography is most unusual for flat Central Illinois and makes Woodbine very special.
Woodbine is designed to safeguard this key environmental corridor that provides habitat for Eagles, Blue Heron, Long horned owls, mink, deer, coyote, turtles, several species of fish and more. The average lot size in Woodbine is three and one-half acres. Homes are to be constructed to protect the environment, native prairie vegetation, and wildlife. The Woodbine Owner’s Declaration provides the framework for a way of life that respects the environment and enables residents to experience a strong connection between community and the land. Lot owners may not build any improvements in protected wetlands or environmentally sensitive areas.
Are there restrictions on what builder I can use?
There are no restrictions on what contractor you may use to build your dream home in Woodbine Park Prairie Estates. The bylaws do set minimums for the type and size of home constructed in order to protect the investment of neighbors and your own home. As per the HOA Owner’s Declaration, all building plans will need to be approved by the Architectural Control Committee.
Contact Architectural Control Committee Chairman David Fletcher at dfletcher@woodbinepark-hoa.com for inquiries about submission of potential building plans for the development.
Architectural Control Committee Request for Approval
What is the status of the HOA?
In late March 2018, the Woodbine Park Prairie Estates HOA corporation was reinstated in good standing by the State of Illinois after being involuntarily dissolved for several years. The HOA is a State of Illinois non-profit corporation and is the legal entity that controls the common area of the development.
A new board was elected in February 2018 and took on the oversight, maintenance and management of the common grounds. The bylaws were updated in 2021 with the guidance of the HOA’s attorney, Jason Bartell of Bartell Powel LLP.
Quarterly Financial statements, bank statements, budgets and meeting minutes are posted in the password protected members only section of this website as an HOA best practice and reflects the transparency of HOA management.
What is the annual HOA assessment?
In 2021, the annual HOA assessment was $1,200. The 2022 assessment will be determined based on the 2022 budget to be voted on at the fall 2021 annual meeting and due January 1, 2022.
What is covered by the HOA?
Because the development is private and only open to residents and their guests, the roadways are private roads that require maintenance of roads and snow removal. The common areas including the baseball field need to be mowed and maintained. The private security gate requires maintenance. The assessments also include payment for property taxes for the common area, liability insurance and fees for the Property Management Company.
Who manages the HOA?
The elected board manages the HOA. However, an essential best practice for a successful HOA is to hire a Certified and Illinois Licensed Community Association Manager. The board, with the approval of the HOA membership, engaged the services of a licensed Certified Community Association Manager, Kathy Carter. Kathy, principal at Carter Management LLC. She is also a Certified Public Accountant. She retired in December 2019 as Chief Financial Officer for a Decatur manufacturer and has resided in Mt. Zion since 1996.
Key functions that Carter Management Services, LLC provides include guidance and oversight to the board, financial management and assisting with budget preparation, income tax preparation, board meeting preparation, correspondence with homeowners, vendor management, and enforcing rules and regulations, etc.
What are the significant standards of the HOA?
The intent of the HOA owner’s declaration is to maintain a level of quality and investment in the neighboring properties. You will find the standards are reasonable and consistent with other developments.
Along with protecting property values, the HOA’s mission is to protect and enhance the sensitive environmental wetlands. The Conservation Committee oversees this mission and reports to the board.
Are horses allowed?
There are eleven lots available that will allow for horses. As per the HOA owner’s declaration, the Architectural Control Committee will approve all building plans. The HOA desires to have appropriate and accommodating structures in Woodbine Park Prairie Estates to protect property values and look forward to having your horses here.
Can we fish in the ponds and creek?
Yes, the ponds and creek are for the enjoyment of the residents of Woodbine Park Prairie Estates. Please observe catch and release limits in order to maintain the balance of the fish population.
Is swimming allowed?
Swimming is allowed in the ponds at your own risk.