HISTORY OF THE WALNUT HILL NEIGHBORHOOD
When several beautiful acres of land became available in the heart of Berlin in 2003, three friends, designer-builder Ron Cascio, land planner Bob Hand, and environmental consultant Spencer Rowe, decided the time was right to build a planned community that reflected all the great things that come from living in a small town.
Using Berlin’s newly-enacted provision for Planned Unit Developments, the three designed a neighborhood of building lots ringing an open green space that would serve as communal property for everyone’s use. The narrow one-way street is intended to slow vehicle traffic and allow kids and walkers to feel safe. Shaded sidewalks are an important element in the pedestrian-friendly design, as is the grassy path that leads to Vine Street and downtown Berlin.
The property’s mature walnut and pecan trees were saved, and native trees were planted between the sidewalk and the road to provide shade. Such street trees were common in small towns like Berlin and helped tie neighborhoods to the shared memories of generations.
A convenient location to pick up mail also met the need for a shelter for kids to wait for the school bus. A stainless steel bar was placed behind the bench for kids to lock up their bikes while they are in school.
Architectural guidelines were developed to make for individual, period house designs that would fit well with the charm and character of Berlin. In small towns, houses were often set in line close to the sidewalk and had front porches that promoted a sense of community. All garages are detached and behind the houses. It’s people first, cars second.
An often overlooked advantage of placing the garage at the rear is that the driveway serves to further separate the houses.
An Architectural Review Committee, appointed by the Board of the Home Owners Association, ensures that home designs blend into the character of Berlin. The Committee is also tasked with reviewing and enforcing construction agreements.
Home owners in Walnut Hill can feel confident that any new houses will not degrade the architectural integrity of the neighborhood. As noted in the Covenants and Restrictions, many practices that annoy residents, such as short-term rentals, are not allowed.
Thanks to the design and location in Berlin, with services such as trash pick up and maintenance of sidewalks and street trees, HOA fees are kept low, only required for insurance and grass cutting of the common areas. As of 2023, annual dues are $300.