Heights of Lansing Homeowners Association

Welcome to the official website of The Heights of Lansing, a townhome community located in the beautiful suburban setting of Ithaca, NY. Our community is nestled just minutes away from Cornell University and the Ithaca airport, making it the ideal location for academics, professionals, and families alike.

Our neighborhood is conveniently situated near shopping centers and bus routes, allowing residents to easily access all that Ithaca has to offer. Whether you're looking to catch a show at the State Theatre of Ithaca, enjoy the scenic beauty of Taughannock Falls State Park, or explore the many museums and galleries in the area, you'll find it all just a short distance away.

Here on our website, you'll find information about our townhome community, including our bylaws, rules and regulations, contact information for our board members and answers to frequently asked questions. We also provide residents with easy access to important resources in our members only area, such as meeting minutes, and financials reports as well as forms for submitting requests or issues.

We believe that our community is more than just a place to live - it's a place to call home. That's why we're committed to fostering a welcoming and engaged neighborhood where everyone feels at home. We invite you to explore our website and learn more about what makes The Heights of Lansing such a special place to live.

Short Term Rental Policy Notice:

Passed by the HOA Board on May 22, 2004

There will be no limitation on the number of nights allowed so long as the owner lives in the space at least 184 days/year.

FAQs

What are the fees for members of the HOA?

There are two standard required fees the HOA requires: monthly dues and capital reserves. Monthly dues fees cover the operating costs of the HOA including the cost of building insurance (insurance for the unit interior and personal effects including furniture, etc. are the responsibility of the unit owner) and regular maintenance of the exteriors of the units. Typically, the dues are paid quarterly although they can be paid in one payment annually. Capital Reserve fees are budgeted typically for five years in advance, and then allocated for long-term care and maintenance of the HOA buildings. These fees can be paid annually or biannually. In certain cases, a special assessment Capital Reserve Fee may be imposed to provide adequate funds for unexpected high-cost building repairs or maintenance items which were not anticipated. Please reach out to us for the current fee rates and payment schedule as they may be adjusted from year to year.

Can you tell me what regular maintenance and other expenses are covered by the monthly dues?

  • Lawn Mowing

  • Snow Plowing

  • Pest Control

  • Landscaping

  • Weed Control

  • General exterior maintenance for gutters, roof repairs, paint/siding/stucco upkeep, builder installed patios

  • Legal fees

  • Insurance for building exteriors.

    *Owners should buy separate insurance for the interior of their unit and for personal effects.

What do capital reserves pay for?

  • Roof Replacement: As needed typically at 15 years (approximately)

  • Exterior building painting and staining / power washing: when necessary

  • Driveway seal coating: Every 3 years.

  • Exterior doors and windows: repair/replacement when necessary

  • Patios: repair/replacement, when necessary, as long as the patio is builder constructed

  • Balconies: repair/replacement when and if necessary

How do I pay my fees?

Bills will be sent via email, and you have the option to pay online or mail a check.

When can we expect snow removal to take place?

Driveways will be plowed when snowfall totals are 4” or above. Snow removal timing is dependent on accumulation, but it generally occurs in the early morning and late afternoon.

When will my lawn be mowed?

The company will inform the board of the designated mowing day for each season, and this information will be communicated to members. In case of inclement weather, the schedule may be subject to change with the mowing taking place a day earlier or later than planned. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure that all toys, flowerpots, and dog stools, etc. are picked up the evening before the service from the lawn mowers and the patio’s kept free of any obstructions. Failure to do so will result in the lawn not being mowed that week or grass clippings not being removed properly.

If I have questions about my landscaping, lawn or pest control who should I contact?

We have a dedicated HOA board member (Kay Ross #54) who oversees landscaping issues. Please contact her at kayross30@gmail.com if you have questions.

What day is garbage collection?

The HOA does not provide garbage collection service. Garbage collection will depend on the company owners have contracted for garbage collection (Doug’s Trash is Monday early morning pickup; Casella’s is Tuesday early morning pick up). Please be sure to secure all garbage cans and lids to prevent animals from opening and making a mess. If your garbage is blown over and unsecured, is it your responsibility to clean it up.

What day is recycling collected?

Recycling is collected every other Wednesday. Please secure your recycling since any items that get blown away/displaced will not be picked up and it the responsibility of the unit owner to pick up and dislocated items.

What parts of the exterior of my unit are covered by the HOA?

The exterior of the building includes your siding, gutters, doors, windows (note for doors and windows HOA is only responsible for damage caused from the outside), paint, roofing, balcony (if any) and standard deck that was originally built with the unit.

If I have questions about the exterior of my building and if repairs are necessary, who should I contact?

An HOA board member (currently Jim Sherman at jfsherman@innfs.com).

What changes can I make to my patio and yard? Do I need HOA permission?

You can seek approval from the HOA Board to modify or replace your existing deck/patio. If you are replacing the builder-built structure and/or after it is modified, will be beyond its original footprint (and your plan is HOA Board approved), all maintenance and repairs become the homeowner’s responsibility, even after resale of the unit. You may plant your own gardens (flowers or vegetable), however any landscaping not planted by the HOA will not be maintained through the HOA landscaping contract and becomes the owner’s responsibility. If you wish to plant trees or extensive gardens you will need HOA Board approval. It is always best practice to send an inquiry to the HOA Board prior to making any changes to ensure you are in compliance with HOA rules.

Can I install a hot tub, shed or pergola in my backyard?

Any installation of a hot tub, shed, or pergola in your backyard requires HOA Board approval and the necessary permits from the Village of Lansing. The HOA Board will require a reasonableness standard as far as size and height, etc. when it evaluates the proposal.

Does the HOA have a required or preferred contractor for work in my unit?

Repairs or upgrades you may need to make to your unit will vary from routine dryer maintenance, to painting, or renovations. We can supply names of vendors for such work. They will typically be vendors which the HOA has worked with. The HOA does not assume any responsibility for the quality of the work which may be completed.

How can I be more involved with the HOA?

We always encourage our members to be more active in the HOA Board. If you wish to get involved, please reach out to a HOA Board member regarding information on how you can get started. Only unit owners are eligible to become HOA Board members or officers of the Board.

When and where does the HOA Board meet?

The board meets at least 4 times per year in addition to the annual meeting where all HOA members are invited. If you would like to know when the next meeting is, please reach out to a Board member for more information. HOA members are allowed to attend meetings and ask questions but cannot participate in or vote unless they are an elected board member.

Is there somewhere I can access a directory for all HOA members?

An updated directory is emailed to all members once in the Fall and once in the Spring each year.

Where can I access HOA Board meeting minutes and financial reports?

One can request a copy of minutes from HOA secretary at any time and both financial records and minutes are available at annual and semiannual meetings.

Can I use my unit as an Airbnb?

The short answer is No. While the HOA guidelines do not explicitly prohibit short-term unit rentals for commercial purposes, this is strongly discouraged by the HOA Board on grounds of safety and insurance purposes (we do not have commercial insurance for damage to the exterior of the unit, and hence will not approve of any maintenance if the unit is used as such). Long term rentals are allowed in the HOA Bylaws, but it is recommended/typically required that you inform the HOA board about the duration and names of the tenants if you decide to rent your unit.

Can I run a business out of my unit?

No member is allowed to run a professional office out of their home.

Can I park my boat, jet ski, or camper in my driveway?

Members are not allowed to park their boat, jet ski, or camper in their driveway for more than 48 hours. If these items can be stored in your garage you are permitted to store them there.

Can I put up signs in my yard (includes political, event, or advertising)?

Each unit may only have 1 family name/address sign of no more than 100 sq inches. If your unit is for sale, you are not allowed to post a sign for this purpose.

Can I keep chickens/rabbits on my property?

No, keeping chickens/rabbits on your property is not permitted.

Can I install a clothesline?

No, installing a clothesline is not permitted.

I am having renovations done on the interior of my unit. Are there time restrictions on when the contractor can be performing this work?

No construction work is to take place before 7:00 am or after 6:00pm and not at all on Sundays.

Are there any rules regarding noise disturbances or quiet hours?

Yes. We follow the Village of Lansing guidelines – no noise after 10pm.

Are there any restrictions on exterior decorations or holiday lighting?

Holiday lighting is allowed. But we strongly recommend that owners take down the decorations after an appropriate time in January and not have them up as permanent displays.

Are there any restrictions on pets in my unit?

Up to 3 pets allowed (no large animals).

What should I do if I have a complaint or dispute with a neighbor?

Please contact a HOA Board member.

Meet the Board of the Homeowners Association

James F. Sherman

Board President

My wife Martha and I have been residents of unit 53 since 2017. I retired from Dougherty Mortgage, LLC in September 2018, after spending forty-eight (48) years working in the health care, seniors housing and long-term care industries as a consultant and lender. I currently serve as a guest lecturer and assist Cornell University students regarding the seniors housing industry. I also serve as the Treasurer of an organization constructing a 32-mile “rail trail” for family recreational use.

Mike Wallisch

I’m retired and we moved here in October of 2022 to be near a grandchild.  I believe each of us as homeowners should offer to do what we can to keep up our community so I’ve agreed to serve on the board to help.

Kay Ross

George and I moved to 54 Nor Way in 2008.  We established gardens in our back and added a small deck.

We have been married 65 years and have 3 grown children, and their spouses, 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.  

George is a retired Veterinarian and I am a retired landscape and floral designer.

We both have served on the HOA Board, George as the first President.  I am serving as landscape consultant on the Board currently.

We both enjoy living here, the community, our neighbors, and the convenient location.

Rosemary Avery

I am one of the newest residents of the community, living in unit 89. I have lived in Ithaca since 1988, most recently as House Professor and Dean in Flora Rose House on Cornell's west campus. I am a professor and currently teach in the Jeb E Brooks School of Public Policy. I previously served 13 years as as  chair of the Department of Policy Analysis and Management and served a four-year term on Cornell's Board of Trustees. I am delighted to be part of this community and start the next chapter of my life here.


Laura Fiore

Laura Fiore has been a native Ithacan for over 50 years. She is married to Mark Fiore and has two sons, Adam and AJ and daughter-in-law, Meghan. Laura is also expecting her first grandchild in August. Laura was a Travel Consultant for 16 years, and most recently, is a NYS Licensed Associate Broker at Warren Real Estate, for the past 17 years.

Being “empty nesters”, it was time to downsize, and she and Mark moved to 47 Nor Way in the winter of 2021. They have been very happy with their townhome and the Nor Way neighborhood. Laura started attending HOA meetings in 2022 to keep up with the goings on in the neighborhood and to meet more of her wonderful neighbors.

Julio Alcaine

My wife and I moved to 107 Nor Way, August 1st 2022.  We have been Married forty seven years and have one son, daughter in law and two granddaughters. We moved from Florida (Naples area) to Ithaca just before hurricane Ian destroyed the area in September 2022.

I retired from Exelon Corporation, a fortune 250 corporation and the nations largest energy delivery company serving more than 10 million customers. I spent forty years working for Exelon in areas of generation planning, rate making and Information technology in technical and managerial positions.

Rajul Amin

In August 2022, we relocated to upstate NY from the Saint Louis area for my work. My wife and I moved to the Heights of Lansing in October 2022. Being “empty nesters”, we started downsizing in 2018 when we moved to the Saint Louis area. We have lived in communities with HOAs for last 8 years. Over the last 40 years, I have worked in various manufacturing companies serving a broad range of markets. Currently, I managing manufacturing operations at BAE Systems in Endicott. Being new to this area, during the summer months, we plan to explore the Finger Lakes region. 

About The Association

The Heights of Lansing Homeowners Association (HOLHOA) works on behalf of the residents of the Heights of Lansing neighborhood to protect, maintain and improve the homes, privileges and interests of its residents. 

The HOLHOA is solely comprised of volunteers that give their time and talents for the benefit of the neighborhood. The HOLHOA is always in need of enthusiastic, caring, motivated volunteers. If you would like to be a part of a group of people that value the importance of the quality of life in the neighborhood where you live, please contact any Board member to get involved. 

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