Update the Architectural Guidelines and Construction Standards Committee
The AG/CS Committee has been busy as there are several construction projects underway in this off-season which have required us to review several sets of building plans and offer suggestions, where needed. Our committee was established by the board over 20 years ago and this summer we gained a new chair and several new members all of which have design and/or construction experience. We are a free resource to members who are planning to renovate, expand or potentially raze and rebuild a cottage in Castle Park.
Because the main section of CP was created over 100 years ago, many of the lots are small and many of those cottages were built very close to the neighbor’s lot and cottage. This situation can create issues when the owner wishes to expand the existing building or raze the old one and rebuild it. Also, the current zoning would not allow them to rebuild or expand without obtaining a variance from the township planning board if the house is in the setbacks created by the current zoning.
Our committee is there to be a free service to those members who are planning changes to their cottage. The committee includes Peter Malin, Chairman, Phil Wade, Duncan Jackson, Cindy Fuller and Suzanne Dixon and we are all available to consult with you and your architect when you are planning your project. With the collective, expertise and professional experience that our committee has gained over the years, we can be a sounding board for you early-on and help work out situations where the neighboring cottages are very close or provide feedback to you and your design team as you work through your design ideas.
Our committee is so titled because it’s mission is to: (1) provide advise regarding the architectural aspects of building or re-building in CP and (2), making the owner aware of the CP construction process which includes the planning and scheduling of the work off season, staging the work, access to the lot, identifying parking for the construction workers, protecting the CP roads and property and making sure that the association gets compensated for any damages that were caused by the project. We are developing a list to share with you of architects and contractors who have previously worked in CP who understand the limitations of working in the community.
Our committee has been busy as many projects are currently underway or being planned. Please feel free to reach out to any of us on the committee if you have questions. The AG/CS committee has prepared a mission statement that outlines the goals of the committee and the Architectural Guidelines for building in Castle Park. This can be found on the CP website (https://castlepark.org/guidelines-usage/architectural-guidelines/) along with the Notice of Construction which is required to be submitted prior to commencing work. These documents are there to be shared with your design team, the contractor, and their subs.
