Soapstone News

Summer 2026 Quarterly Newsletter

Sunlight filtering through the trees in Soapstone

From the Board

As summer begins, we’d like to thank everyone who has volunteered, attended community events, and helped make Soapstone a wonderful place to live. This spring has been a productive one for the Association, with significant progress on community improvements, financial stewardship, and long-term planning. Below are a few highlights of what your Board has been working on.

Community Improvements

Grounds & Landscaping

This spring we transitioned to Blake Landscapes as our new landscaping contractor. Tree pruning and removals were completed, annual property inspections were conducted, and we continue working on erosion control and invasive bamboo removal. We also held two volunteer work days to remove Japanese stiltgrass, helping protect our wooded areas and native plants. These projects help preserve property values while enhancing the appearance and long-term health of our community.

Community Events

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Soapstone Community Picnic! We were thrilled with the turnout and especially appreciate the many neighbors who brought food and helped make the event a success. We hope to continue this tradition for years to come.

Neighbors gathering around a picnic table at the Soapstone Community Picnic

Soapstone Corner

Helpful Reminders for Homeowners

Assessments Due

Quarterly assessments are due July 1. Pay online through the Keymont homeowner portal or by mail.

Parking

Households are limited to three vehicles. Visitor spaces are first-come, first-served.

Keep Sidewalks Clear

Please trim shrubs and tree branches extending over common areas so that neighbors have room to walk.

Stay Connected

Visit soapstonecluster.org for:

  • Board meeting schedules and agendas
  • Board meeting minutes
  • Newsletters
  • Governing documents
  • Policies and standards
  • Community announcements

Improving Our Community Standards

This spring, the Board completed several governance initiatives that provide clearer guidance for homeowners and help preserve the appearance of our community.

Completed this spring:

  • New House Number Standards approved by Reston Association
  • New Fence Standards approved by Reston Association
  • Annual Inspection Procedures implemented
  • FY27 Investment Policy adopted

You can find the new Design Standards on our website. The Board is also continuing work on Window Design Standards, which will be shared with homeowners before adoption.

Annual Property Inspections

In accordance with the Association’s Inspection Procedures, the Board completed its annual community inspection this spring. The purpose of these inspections is to help preserve property values, maintain our community appearance, and identify maintenance concerns before they become larger issues. If your property requires attention, you will receive a separate notice outlining the items observed and the timeframe for correction. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in helping keep Soapstone looking its best.

Looking Ahead

Current Board initiatives include:

  • Improvements to delinquency collection procedures
  • Continued bamboo removal and erosion control efforts
  • Refinement of Window Design Standards
  • FY26 independent financial audit
  • Evaluation of a community glass recycling program
  • EV charging planning and homeowner survey review

The Board remains committed to maintaining our community while planning responsibly for Soapstone’s long-term financial and infrastructure needs.

Board Meeting

Join us - we’d love to hear your ideas!

  • Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
  • Time: 6:30 PM
  • Location: Microsoft Teams
  • Meeting ID: 267 659 400 567 908
  • Passcode: Pe22WP3N

This Quarter

  • Two volunteer work days
  • Community picnic
  • Completed annual inspections
  • House Number Standards approved
  • Fence Standards approved
  • Investment Policy adopted

Contact Your Volunteer Board

soapstonecluster.org