HCOA Newsletter | March 2025
Announcements
Have a non-emergency issue regarding the city? Contact the City of Huntsville at: https://seeclickfix.com/
If you receive an email from SmartWebs, please do not disregard it. That is the software the HCOA uses for compliance communications. It is not a scam. It is legitimate.
The Spring Hampton Cove Yard Sale will be Saturday, April 26, 2025.
If you are ever interested in getting civically involved and attending a City of Huntsville meeting, please see the city calendar. Meetings including long-range planning, historic and environmental preservation, zoning, and more.
Monthly Spotlight: Helen Fachet
This month’s volunteer spotlight features Helen Fachet. Helen is our community’s longest-serving HCOA board member and has been part of Hampton Cove since its inception in 1993. She also served on the Hampton House board on and off for several years.
Her favorite HCOA project she helped spearhead for several years was the luminaries with the Hampton Cove Garden Club, of which she was also a founding-charter member in May 1994. The money from that project helped fund benches around the neighborhood, trees for the elementary school when it was built, birdhouses, and much more.
She has greatly enjoyed watching Hampton Cove grow from the original Deford Mill to the now 20 neighborhoods we all enjoy.
Make Way for Spring Decorations!
Please note the following dates for the removal of various winter decorations.
Valentine’s Day
Per our previous email sent on February 24 to the neighborhood, Valentine’s Day decorations were to be down by Monday, March 3.
Mardi Gras
Please remove decorations by Monday, March 10.
Winter (snowflakes, snowmen, etc.)
Please remove winter-themed decorations and exterior décor by Thursday, March 20 (the first day of spring).
Earth Day Events at Hays Nature Preserve
Wheels & Heels Bike Ride
Join Green Team for the Wheels & Heels Bike Ride at Hays Nature Preserve on Wednesday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to noon. Bikers, walkers, scooters, wagons and strollers are welcome. Enjoy a nature scavenger hunt and bike safety tips along the 4-mile route (shorter options available). Meet at the cul-de-sac near Flint River. Youth who complete the scavenger hunt will receive a prize. Click here for more info.
Save the Date: Earth Day
Celebrate Earth Day early with Green Team on Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hays Nature Preserve. Enjoy earth-friendly exhibitors, Rise Raptor demonstrations, a bat show by Vicky the Bat Lady, the Science Machine’s Science for Everyone Show, vegetable plant giveaways, face painting, sno-cones, hot dogs, cotton candy and more. Best of all, it’s free to attend. Free shuttle service will be available from Mark Russell Recreation Center (429 Taylor Road) to Hays Nature Preserve. Click here for more info.
Spring Maintenance Checklist
With spring right around the corner, take the time to walk around the exterior of your home and notice any compliance issues that might need addressing. Such as:
- Is your fence clean and in good repair? Might it need to be re-stained or repainted? Are there any broken or warped planks and/or panels that need to be replaced?
- Sandcastle by Sherwin Williams is the preferred color for fences. This allows for continuity which increases curb appeal. If you purchase the paint from the Sherwin Williams in the area and tell them you’re a Hampton Cove resident at checkout, you’ll receive a discount.
- Is your brick exterior clean? Are there discolored areas?
- Consider pressure washing lightly to protect the brick mortar. Frequently, areas around the eaves will mildew and light pressure is needed in this area as well.
- Is there any moss or algae growing on your outside steps or other areas?
- Many residents have used a product called “WET and FORGET.” It works over a period of time and you simply spray as needed and wait for the mold or mildew to disappear.
- Is your exterior trim/paneling in a sightly and attractive state?
- Have your shrubs and bushes been trimmed? Are there any dead ones that need to be replaced? Make sure their leaves and branches are not overhanging the sidewalk and obstructing pedestrians.
Spring is the perfect time to address these issues, before the weather gets too hot in summer.
Feel free to look through the Standards & Restrictions on our website if you’re not sure what to look for. Please remember, maintenance or repainting/staining the same color as previously does not require a property modification request (PMR). Any exterior changes, such as a new paint or stain color, do require a PMR submitted to arc@hamptoncove.com. Failure to submit a PMR could result in a $250 fine.
Spring Break
Spring Break for Huntsville City Schools is March 10 – 14. As you drive through the community this week, please follow the speed limit and watch for children on the sidewalks and streets.
Residents should keep a close eye on their property at this time; an unfortunate side effect of school break is increased vandalism and other mischief. Always lock your homes and vehicles, do not leave valuables in your vehicles or anywhere they can be seen, and close your garage doors.