Community Background
Westwood common is a neo-urbanism neighborhood built around two common areas with sidewalks that connect the newly constructed detached condominium homes, or site condos. The neighborhood was inspired by the community of Seaside, Florida which has won numerous awards for the homes and design of the city. Westwood Common comprised of 23 homes, all with front porches to encourage interaction between neighbors. Several homes have towers similar to what you might find near the ocean. During the warm months, families are often found sitting on their porch, watching children play kick ball or croquet. The main common area is a regulation croquet court with manicured bent grass. On many winter weekends, neighborhood children discover the ideal sledding hill or play ice hockey on the pond.
Westwood Common is a private site condominium community. A site condo community is a single family subdivision that is virtually identical to a platted subdivision. The only real difference is the "lots" or "sites" are divided and recorded by condominium documents rather than a "plat." Each owner has their own site (often referred to as a "unit") with their own "lot" lines. The distinction between platted and site condo subdivisions only involves the legal division and conveyance of the land itself, and has nothing to do with the homes.
Site condo subdivisions are very popular and are still on the rise. All of the engineering and development work including water, sewer and drainage systems are approved and inspected just like a platted subdivision. Usually, there is no difference whatsoever in the quality received simply by virtue of the site condo method.
The homeowner is responsible for their own landscaping, snow removal and maintenance of their home and property, just as in any subdivision. They are also responsible to pay quarterly dues, as a member of the condominium association. These dues fund their share of the maintenance of the common elements (grounds and pavement maintenance/irrigation/snow removal) and other fees (social functions, insurance, etc.).
As with any subdivision there are rights and protections by way of deed restrictions. All of the rights and protections listed in the Master Deed allow the homeowners to have control of the community through an association. If a homeowner is not complying with the Master Deed and does not react to neighborly persuasion, the association may invoke the rights granted on the deed to enforce compliance. These provisions are beneficial to the residents and allow the neighborhood to be as pleasant and beautiful as possible, helping to retain its highest value and enhance the enjoyment of its owners.