Street Lighting Is Coming!

After over two years of collaboration between the Craneridge Lighting Committee, the Craneridge Board of Directors, and the Town of Concord Board of Directors with considerable input from the residents of Craneridge, the 30+ year-old issue of what to do about street lighting in our community is near a close.  

We plan to move forward with the installation of pedestal style lights at the major intersections in Craneridge

Please go here to find the latest information.

A Town Hall style meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 26 @ 7PM via ZOOM. The project will be briefly discussed and then the floor will open for questions. Details for the ZOOM meeting can be found at the link above.

New Architectural Submission Process & Webpage

Dear Craneridge Homeowners,

We are excited to announce a new, streamlined process for submitting architectural modification requests! Going forward, all Architectural Review Requests (ARC Requests) must be submitted through HOA Assist for review and approval.

What’s New?

🔹 Online Submission – All requests must be submitted through the HOA Assist Member Portal.
🔹 Simplified Process – Follow step-by-step instructions on our updated Architectural Control Committee webpage.
🔹 ALL Correspondence and documents saved within HOA Assist Portal – The ARC will review submissions within 30 days and notify homeowners via HOA Assist.

How to Submit a Request

1️⃣ Log in to HOA AssistVisit the portal.
2️⃣ Start a New ARC Request – Select “ARC Request” and provide project details.
3️⃣ Upload Required Documents – Include plans, material details, color samples, and a lot survey.
4️⃣ Submit for Review – Track the status of your request within HOA Assist.

For a full list of requirements and guidelines, visit the Architectural Control Committee webpage.

🔹 Questions? For login issues or technical support, please contact HOA Assist directly at 855-952-8222 or info@hoa-assist.com.

We appreciate your cooperation as we transition to this improved process. Thank you for helping us maintain the beauty and integrity of our community!

Best,
Craneridge HOA Board & Architectural Control Committee

Join the Craneridge HOA Board – Make a Difference in the Community!

Are you passionate about our neighborhood and looking for a way to get more involved? Serving on the Craneridge Board is a great opportunity to help shape the future of our community!

We have five (5) open board positions that will be elected during the Annual Meeting in June. Whether you’re new to the community or have served on the board before, we welcome all interested members to volunteer!

If you’re interested, please send a text or call Matt Lux, Nomination Committee Chair, at 716-430-0776.

-To ensure your name and short bio are included in the Spring Newsletter, please submit your nomination by May 1, 2025.

Your time and effort can make a real impact—consider joining the board and helping keep Craneridge a wonderful place to live!

Next BOD Meeting – Monday March 3rd @ 6:45 pm via ZOOM

Monday, March 3, 2025  @ 6:45 pm
Via Zoom– 
This meeting will be held online via Zoom and is open to all community members. This meeting is password protected. To obtain the link and password for the online meeting, please log into the Craneridge Homeowners page: https://craneridge.org/homeowners-2/

Mission Statement: Enhance our living environment through woodlands stewardship, shared property maintenance, and community building.

Outcomes [or Intended Results] for this meeting: 

By the end of this meeting we will accomplish the following: 

  • Understand the latest developments occurring within our committees
  • Update BOD on the progress made on “Actions we agreed to complete” that are outside of the committees
  • Appoint a Nominating Committee Chair 
  • Ensure the Craneridge HOA bylaws are updated to reflect the last amendment
  • Discuss and plan the succession plan for the Maintenance Committee Chair
  • To address and clarify outstanding questions related to the Craneridge Lighting Project, including financing, homeowner billing, reserve fund impact, special assessment, communication, and long-term planning.
  • Update all on the progress made with onboarding to HOA Assist
Sections and TopicsLeaderTime (minutes) 
CONNECT – Check-in Shannon5
COMMENTS – Member’s Public Comments WelcomeN/AN/A
Meeting Minutes Meeting Approval for February 2025Shannon5  
CONVENE – Quick review of Outcomes, Agenda, and rolesShannon5
CONSENT AGENDA – Officer & Committee ReportsPresident, Vice President, Secretary, & Treasurer/Finance ReportCommittees Officers & Committee Chairs 1 minute each

(~10)
CONTEXT – Review Follow-up Action Plan Template ItemsShannon5
CONTENT – with “open,” “narrow,” or ”close”
Appoint a Nominating Committee Chair to fill upcoming BOD vacancies to be voted on at the next Annual Members Meeting – 6 Candidates needed [O,C]Shannon10
Ensure the Craneridge HOA bylaws are updated to reflect the last amendment. [O,N]Shannon10
Discuss and plan the succession plan for the Maintenance Committee Chair, including interim leadership and criteria for a permanent appointment, to ensure seamless operational continuity. [O,N]Shannon10
Review and discussion of open questions regarding the Craneridge Lighting Project, including financing, homeowner billing, reserve fund impact, special assessment, communication, and long-term planning. [O,N]Sam 30
Update all on the progress made with onboarding to HOA Assist [O]Shannon10
Any other Topics that need to be Discussed N/AN/A
CONTINUE & CONCLUDE  – Summarize, Action Plans, Next MeetingShannon5

NOTES: ONC label meanings
O = Open (Talking about it for the first time & opening the discussion)
N = Narrow (Focusing on Options & narrowing down the discussion)
C = Close (Making a decision and closing the discussion)

🎉 Craneridge NEC 2025 Event Query 🎶

Friends and Neighbors,

Last year, the new Craneridge Neighborhood Engagement Committee (NEC) brought you the Party Squad music event, Oktoberfest, and helped promote the Mystic Hills Brewery Open House.

So… “What’s Next?”

Have you ever thought, “I wish Craneridge would sponsor a…”? Now’s your chance to make it happen!

Gather your neighbors and friends.
Decide what kind of events inspire you – children’s parties, neighborhood concerts, holiday celebrations, informational sessions, lessons for adults or kids… Whatever excites you!
Share your vision with NEC!

We’ll help you develop the details, provide tips and guidance, and promote your event. In some cases, Craneridge may be able to provide financial support—then you and your team take the wheel and bring your idea to life!

🎵 Looking Ahead: Summer 2025 Music Event!

Last year’s Party Squad concert was a huge success, and we’re already planning our Summer 2025 event. But we need your input!

Do you have a favorite band or musician who would be perfect for a fun, family-friendly event? Let us know!

📩 Send us the Name, Contact Info, and Fee for your recommendation.

Let’s get this party started—we can’t wait to hear your ideas! 🎶💡

Your Craneridge Neighborhood Engagement Committee
📧 Jen Parsons, Board Liaisonjenparglen@gmail.com
📧 Butch LesniakButchLesniak@gmail.com
📧 Peggy Stearnspeggystearns@me.com

Next BOD Meeting – Monday Feb. 3rd @ 6:45 pm via ZOOM

Monday, Feb. 3 2025  @ 6:45 pm
Via Zoom– 
This meeting will be held online via Zoom and is open to all community members. This meeting is password protected. To obtain the link and password for the online meeting, please log into the Craneridge Homeowners page: https://craneridge.org/homeowners-2/

Mission Statement: Enhance our living environment through woodlands stewardship, shared property maintenance, and community building.

Outcomes [or Intended Results] for this meeting: 

By the end of this meeting we will accomplish the following: 

  • Understand the latest developments occurring within our committees;
  • Update BOD on the progress made on “Actions we agreed to complete” that are outside of the committees;
  • Appoint & approve Matt Lux as a Board Member to fill the open Director position until the spring election;
Sections and TopicsLeaderTime (minutes) 
CONNECT – Check-in Shannon5
COMMENTS – Member’s Public Comments WelcomeN/AN/A
Meeting Minutes Meeting Approval for January 2025Shannon5  
CONVENE – Quick review of Outcomes, Agenda, and rolesShannon5
CONSENT AGENDA – Officer & Committee ReportsPresident, Vice President, Secretary, & Treasurer/Finance ReportCommittees Officers & Committee Chairs 1 minute each

(~10)
CONTEXT – Review Follow-up Action Plan Template ItemsShannon5
CONTENT – with “open,” “narrow,” or ”close”
Appoint and approve Matt Lux as a Board Member to fill the open Director position. [C]Shannon5
Update all on the progress made with onboarding to HOA Assist [O]Shannon10
Any other Topics that need to be Discussed N/AN/A
CONTINUE & CONCLUDE  – Summarize, Action Plans, Next MeetingShannon5

NOTES: ONC label meanings
O = Open (Talking about it for the first time & opening the discussion)
N = Narrow (Focusing on Options & narrowing down the discussion)
C = Close (Making a decision and closing the discussion) 

A Reminder for Craneridge: Snow Removal and NYS Law

The Town of Concord Highway Superintendent has asked us to remind everyone about an important safety and legal issue during this snowy season.

In New York State, it is illegal for a plow driver to push snow across the street. This action is considered placing snow on a public highway, which is prohibited by law under Article 1219 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. Violations can result in fines and potential legal consequences.

With the abundant snow we’ve had over the past few weeks, we hope everyone is staying safe and making the most of the wonderful winter activities our area has to offer. However, it’s crucial to ensure that both residents and hired plow drivers are aware of and comply with this law to avoid issues and help keep our roads safe for everyone.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and let’s continue keep our community safe and beautiful!

Next BOD Meeting – Monday Jan. 6th @ 6:45 pm via ZOOM

Monday, Jan. 6 2025  @ 6:45 pm
Via Zoom– 
This meeting will be held online via Zoom and is open to all community members. This meeting is password protected. To obtain the link and password for the online meeting, please log into the Craneridge Homeowners page: https://craneridge.org/homeowners-2/

Mission Statement: Enhance our living environment through woodlands stewardship, shared property maintenance, and community building.

Outcomes [or Intended Results] for this meeting: 

By the end of this meeting we will accomplish the following: 

  • Understand the latest developments occurring within our committees;
  • Update BOD on the progress made on “Actions we agreed to complete” that are outside of the committees;
  • Pinpointing possible candidates for the open Director position until the spring election;
  • Evaluate the needs and establish plans for the 2025 budget while initiating strategic planning for the 2026–2028 budget cycle to ensure long-term financial sustainability and alignment with organizational goals.
Sections and TopicsLeaderTime (minutes) 
CONNECT – Check-in Shannon5
COMMENTS – Member’s Public Comments WelcomeN/AN/A
Meeting Minutes Meeting Approval for December 2024Shannon5  
CONVENE – Quick review of Outcomes, Agenda, and rolesShannon5
CONSENT AGENDA – Officer & Committee Reports
President, Vice President, Secretary, & Treasurer/Finance Reports
Committees 
HOA Assist 
Officers & Committee Chairs 1 minute each

(~10)
CONTEXT – Review Follow-up Action Plan Template ItemsShannon5
CONTENT – with “open,” “narrow,” or ”close”
One Director position is open and needs to be filled by the BOD. [O]Shannon5
Discuss needs/plans for 2025 budget and plans for strategic planning of the 2026-28 Budget  [O]Shannon10
Any other Topics that need to be Discussed N/AN/A
CONTINUE & CONCLUDE  – Summarize, Action Plans, Next MeetingShannon5

NOTES: ONC label meanings
O = Open (Talking about it for the first time & opening the discussion)
N = Narrow (Focusing on Options & narrowing down the discussion)
C = Close (Making a decision and closing the discussion)

Celebrating Gwen Alegre: A Champion for Craneridge’s Woodlands and Habitat

Congratulations to Gwen Alegre, a valued member of the Craneridge Board of Directors and Chair of the Woodlands and Habitat Committee, for achieving Master Naturalist Levels 7–12! Gwen’s passion and expertise have been instrumental in advancing ecosystem health and conservation efforts in our community.

Her remarkable contributions include:
🌱 Championing a reforestation project in Craneridge.
🌊 Conducting a soil erosion evaluation at Crump Brook in collaboration with the Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District, laying the groundwork for long-term remediation.
🌿 Leading the removal of invasive species like phragmites, multi-flora rose, and Japanese knotweed, as well as managing Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) in Craneridge and beyond.
🦋 Establishing and maintaining native tree, shrub, and pollinator gardens while inspiring and organizing volunteers to assist in these efforts.

Gwen is not just a leader but a mentor, actively sharing her knowledge with our community. She has organized events to promote conservation awareness and even contributed to sustainability workshops at the Town of Concord Library.

With the looming threat of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid to our woodlands, Gwen’s expertise is more crucial than ever. We are incredibly fortunate to have someone of her caliber volunteering for Craneridge.

Now is the perfect time to get involved! The Woodlands and Habitat Committee is seeking volunteers to join our efforts. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside Gwen and learn from her wealth of experience while making a tangible impact on our environment.

If you’re interested in helping preserve and protect our beautiful woodlands, please reach out to gwenalegre@gmail.com or visit: https://craneridge.org/craneridge-woodlands-and-habitat/. Together, we can ensure a thriving ecosystem for generations to come!

Let’s all take a moment to thank Gwen for her dedication and celebrate the positive change she continues to bring to Craneridge!