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Beach Access Update: Grape and Apple Lanes
Posted on Sep 3rd, 2024
 A huge thank you to our neighbor, Jim Malackowski, for volunteering to dig out the lower steps at Grape Lane. What an improvement! In addition, we have contracted with Dune Restoration Services to replace the stairway at Apple Lane. The work is to begin Wednesday, September 4, and be completed by Tuesday, September 10, with no work being done on Saturday or Sunday. Thank you for adjusting to any inconveniences then.
August 27 Storm Update
Posted on Aug 31st, 2024
 The Riviera Board of Trustees would like to provide some initial updates as we work through addressing the August 27, 2024, storm damage. Please select Read More for updates about the storm, RHOA response actions to date, and further actions as the community moves forward.
2025 Board Meeting Schedule
Posted on Aug 28th, 2024
 The RHOA Board will meet on the following dates at 5 PM Eastern time. Homeowners who want to attend or address the Board should contact the RHOA Secretary to receive a Zoom invitation.
December 11, 2024
March 12, 2025
May 7, 2025 June 11, 2025 July 20, 2025 Annual Meeting at 11 AM
Aug 13, 2025
Dec 3, 2025
Water Levels Nearing Average
Posted on Jul 14th, 2024
 Four years after the high water level peaked, Lake Michigan is approaching its average height. The US Army Corps of Engineers describes the fluctuation in the lake from 1918 to 2024:
The Great Lakes generally follow a seasonal cycle where during the fall and early winter, water levels decline due to an increase in evaporation as temperatures decline and cold air moves over relatively warm surface waters. In the spring and early summer, water levels typically rise due to increased precipitation and enhanced runoff from snowmelt.
The six month forecast from July suggests the water level will continue to hover inches above the average.
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Witness a New Star
Posted on Jul 4th, 2024
 By day I like to see the houses in Riviera; by night I like to see the night. I asked a neighbor if he would consider lessening how much he illuminates his house and beyond it. He responded spectacularly, turning off all the soffit lights when the house is not in use. A field of stars is visible in the background. Thank you, Joe, for the courtesy of preserving the night sky.
One of the opportunities gained from supporting dark skies may soon be realized. In the next few months, an exploding star may appear as a nova in the constellation Corona Borealis, the northern crown. With a sufficiently dark sky you can likely see the celestial apparition, which will be about as bright as Polaris, the North Star.
Survey Identifies Native and Invasive Species
Posted on Jun 26th, 2024
 Two naturalists from SWxSW Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) who walked RHOA property identified and commented on flora and fauna that caught their eyes. See A View of Riviera: Native and Invasive Species for photos, comments, and thumbs up/down ratings of the species encountered. More details are in the RHOA Members Only blog.
Rental Properties in Riviera
Posted on Jun 16th, 2024
 Homeowners who rent their property must abide by New Buffalo Township short term rental ordinance, as must the people who rent the property. The New Buffalo Township website provides short term rental information, including:
In the left column of this Riviera HOA website is a link to guidelines for Visitors & Renters. Homeowners are encouraged to include a PDF version in the requisite Guest Book.
The short term rental requirements include the following:
Detour Ahead: Red Arrow Highway Construction
Posted on Mar 13th, 2024
 Red Arrow Highway will be closed between Kruger Rd. and Community Hall Rd. beginning March 18 until roughly May 1, 2024. Road construction on Red Arrow Highway will continue until Memorial Day, but some work might not be finished until August.
The project will require road closure to thru traffic during drainage and road reconstruction phases. Be aware of this inconvenience. Some people may use Marquette Drive to access the Union Pier area instead of using the detour. There could be increased traffic through the Riviera community.
2024 Recycling Schedule
Posted on Dec 4th, 2023
 Lakeshore Recycling & Disposal announced its 2024 recycle calendar. "The Blue highlighted days are the days that will be affected by Holidays (pushed back a day). The yellow will be the regular every-other-week service for off-season. Lastly, the pink is the time frame we will be servicing weekly."
2024 Board Meeting Schedule
Posted on Sep 1st, 2023
The RHOA Board will meet on the following dates at 5 PM Eastern time. Homeowners who want to attend or address the Board should contact the RHOA Secretary to receive a Zoom invitation.
December 7, 2023*
March 13, 2024
May 8, 2024 June 12, 2024 July 21, 2024 Annual Meeting at 11 AM
Aug 21, 2024
Dec 4, 2024
*November 2023 meeting postponed to December 7, 2023
Introduction to Outdoor Lighting
Posted on Aug 6th, 2023
 An image taken from The Blow with a hand-held cell phone reveals hidden stars of the Milky Way.
Many Riviera homeowners seek to get away from the impositions of city life and to enjoy the abundance of nature here. Half of that experience--indeed, half our lives--occurs from sunset to sunrise. Spectacles like twilight, crickets, fireflies, and stars then take center stage. That is, until the contemplative darkness is disrupted by errant and excessive light.
If a thrifty LED light were a scout citing its pledge, it would put up its LED fingers and declare, "I'm useful, targeted, no brighter than necessary, controlled, and have warm colors." Stick to those key notions and your outdoor light will achieve its purpose responsibly. Read more for an introduction to light pollution and ways to lessen it in the Riviera community.
Stewardship Group Launches
Posted on Jul 23rd, 2023
 At the 2023 Annual Meeting, several homeowners spoke of issues that concerned them, including the proliferation of invasive species and excessive outdoor lighting. A new Stewardship group is forming to address the natural well-being of RHOA-owned properties. If you are interested in facilitating, participating in, or being informed about stewardship opportunities such as invasive plant removal, you can receive relevant emails when you Login to your Profile and select the Stewardship group.
Thanks to the neighbors who responded at the Annual Meeting. As the inaugural Stewardship group launches, see the Members Only Blog for updates. Contact Chuck Bueter for more info.
Image: Volunteer Sarah B. hauls away invasive honeysuckle in the Riviera.
July 4th Holiday Weekend
Posted on Jul 1st, 2023
 The RHOA Board of Trustees received numerous complaints last year, especially during the July 4th weekend,about incidents involving fireworks being used outside the days and time period allowed by the New Buffalo Township Fireworks Ordinance; beach fires left unattended; tents left overnight on the beach; garbage left on the beach,; excessive noise; and underage drinking. Such incidents need to be reported to the New Buffalo Township Police which has a contract with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department [866- 630-7679 (non-emergency only) or emergency phone number is 911]. Fireworks
July 4th is a holiday, not a season. The New Buffalo Township Fireworks Ordinance (https://newbuffalotownship.org/assets/files/Fireworks-Ordinance-072019.pdf) allows fireworks 11:00 am-11:45 pm on June 29th and 30th and July 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Fireworks can cause (and has caused) fires on beach grass and on structures so please be aware of where the debris is landing. A violation of this Ordinance results in a $1,000 fine. Report violations to the New Buffalo Township Police. Beach Fires
Bonfires must be set in deep holes away from beach grass and structures and fully extinguished before you leave the beach. The bonfire debris must be removed early the next morning. Excessive Noise, Garbage Left on Beach, Tents Left Overnight on Beach and Underage Drinking
The New Buffalo Township Anti-Noise and Public Nuisance Ordinance (https://newbuffalotownship.org/assets/files/anti-noise_and_public_nuisance_ord.pdf) “prohibits unreasonable or improper noise and disturbances between the hours of 11PM and 7AM.” Violations of this Ordinance, upon conviction, result in a $100 fine or imprisonment. Report violations to the New Buffalo Township Police. Remove all garbage when you leave the beach. Tents are not allowed overnight on Riviera beach.
New Buffalo Township Fireworks Hours
Posted on Jun 5th, 2023
New Buffalo Township restricts the use of consumer fireworks, per Ordinance No. 20130520, to the times shown below.
Recycle Do & Don't
Posted on Jan 16th, 2023
Lakeshore Recycling & Disposal lists recycling tips at lakeshorerecycle.com/recycling-info, reproduced below left. You can also download and print tips with examples, below right, compiled courtesy of Millie Flannery.
 
Smart Meters Coming
Posted on Aug 11th, 2022
 I&M Power says it will be installing "smart meters" to all customers in the Riviera community in upcoming weeks. I&MP writes, "Crews will have vehicles marked with an I&M logo. We will call and leave a message about 10-days before your smart meter is installed. There is no charge for the smart meter or the installation. You don't need to be home for the installation."Smart meters allow customers to monitor their usage 24/7 and get proactive alerts. Meanwhile, for the utility company it eliminates the manpower needed to make manual readings. The Get Smart about Smart Meters video explains the installation process.
How to Extinguish a Beach Fire
Posted on Aug 7th, 2022
 While beach fires are allowed, homeowners need to extinguish the fires completely with water and clean up after themselves. No one wants to step into hot buried embers or have the pristine beach compromised by charred wood and dispersed coals. A PDF with tips on how to extinguish a beach fire suggests digging a pit for the fire, extinguishing it thoroughly with water when done, and then filling the pit with sand. Thank you for your consideration of owners, guests, and resources.
Good Neighbors Policy
Posted on Jul 18th, 2022
 The RHOA Board shared a Good Neighbors Policy specific to our community, which describes what your neighbors ask of you. Topics include Beach, Pets, Construction, Fireworks, Noise, Outdoor Lighting, Wetlands Access and Boat Rack, and Trash. Simple courtesies go a long way, and all neighbors thank you for your consideration.
New Management Company
Posted on Jun 10th, 2022
 Lakeside Property Management, LLC, owned by Mandi Miller, is Riviera Home Owner Association’s new management company. You may be familiar with Mandi since she formerly worked for our previous management company YPM. Mandi can be reached at 219-851-3699 and at mandi@lakesidepropertymgt.com. Her office is located at 18610 US Highway 12, New Buffalo, MI 49117 which is in the building at the entrance to Forest Beach HOA.
Use Beach Flag
Posted on Jun 10th, 2022
 RHOA maintains a Beach Flag Program., and new 2022 stickers have been mailed. If you are a new resident or misplaced your flag, please contact Lakeside Property Management, LLC at 219.851.3699 to arrange for flag pick-up. A replacement flag will cost $25. Please attach your sticker to your flag immediately upon receipt of your sticker. Riviera home owners and their guests must always have the flag displayed while sitting on the beach to identify residents from non-residents.The Board asks that each RHOA homeowner enforce the beach flag rules for your family, friends and guests. We wish you a safe, fun-filled summer.
Construction Hours
Posted on Apr 4th, 2022
 With improved outdoor weather and the seasonal return of homeowners and guests, home construction underway in RHOA becomes more apparent. As a reminder to all Riviera residents, there are limiting hours when construction and its accompanying inconveniences are permitted. RHOA has a well-established Construction Policy that details construction guidelines regarding parking, dumpsters, hours, debris, fencing, compliance, and more.Construction hours are as follows:
New Buffalo Township Zoning Supervisor Estelle Brinkman recently confirmed that allowable construction hours in the township are from 7:00 AM to sundown. However, the approved RHOA Construction Policy, which has more restrictive hours, takes precedence over the NB Township ordinance.
Red Dots Indicate Tree Trimming
Posted on Nov 21st, 2020
 Small red dots painted on trees have caught the attention of homeowners. Red dots usually mean an arborist from the utility company has tagged the tree as one needing to be trimmed. An X signals the tree may be removed, for which the utility usually notifies the owner. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) has a document describing its tree trimming policy and recommendations.
New Buffalo Twp. Anti-Noise and Public Nuisance Ordinance
Posted on Jul 19th, 2020
 New Buffalo Township ordinances listed at https://newbuffalotownship.org/township-ordinances include the Anti-Noise and Public Nuisance Ordinance NO. 690720.
Among the noises and disturbances that violate this ordinance are:
Section 2B2: The playing of any radio or any musical instrument in such a manner or with such volume as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of any other person.
Section 2B3: Yelling, shouting, hooting or singing on the public streets between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. [Eastern Time] or at any time or place so as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of any persons in the vicinity.
The RHOA Board has communicated with the Township Supervisor and the Sheriff's Department to compile suggested courses of action:
Garbage Must Be In Container
Posted on Apr 4th, 2020
 During the coronavirus crisis, garbage must only be in LakeShore Recycling & Disposal's approved containers. The garbage haulers will NOT pick up items that are outside of the garbage cans. Please place your containers 3-4 feet from the edge of the road and 2-3 feet apart from each other.
New Fireworks Law in New Buffalo Township
Posted on Sep 1st, 2019
 An amended ordinance to regulate the use of fireworks in New Buffalo Township went into effect August 31, 2019. The terms include the dates and hours during which consumer fireworks are permitted, specifically around the New Year's Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day holidays. On limited days detailed in the ordinance, hours are limited to 11:00 AM to 11:45 PM A violation results in a fine of $1,000.00.
New Buffalo Township Adopts Rental Ordinance
Posted on Aug 29th, 2019
 New Buffalo Township publicly posted a notice of adoption of a Residential Rental and Short Term Rental Licensing Ordinance on August 29, 2019, with the new ordinance going into effect 31 days later. A copy of the ordinance, which was adopted by the New Buffalo Township Board on August 19, is provided by New Buffalo Township Deputy Clerk Kathie Butler.
Beware of Lake Michigan Freaks
Posted on May 4th, 2019
 Two freaks on Lake Michigan may not be so rare after all. Weather phenomena known as seiches and meteotsunamis give rise to sudden waves that are capable of washing beachgoers out to sea. A recent article in the Chicago Tribune suggests the surging wave that overwhelmed eight Chicagoans in 1954 can be attributed to a meteorological tsunami, with smaller versions occurring multiple times per year. Lower Lake Michigan has a history of high-wave tragedies, including a "Great Wave" that wiped out a bridge in New Buffalo in 1908.
Living in the Dunes
Posted on May 11th, 2018
 Living in the Dunes features a relevant and well-illustrated guide for homeowners in dune communities who are making landscaping decisions that embrace native flora. The guide’s parent organization, Save the Dunes, is based in Michigan City, IN.
B-Warn Alert Program in Berrien County
Posted on Mar 6th, 2018
 The Berrien County Sheriff's Department invites the public to sign up for Berrien Warning, Alert, and Regional Notification, dubbed the B-Warn Alert Program, which is an opt-in mass notification service that sends alert messages to you. They write, "You get control over the types of alerts you get, when you get them, and for what locations. We also have a form built in to allow you to communicate issues that may affect your ability to take protective actions." For more information and to subscribe to the service, visit the B-Warn registration.
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