Editorial Submitted by Gordon Chace
The Common Areas are a big part of our neighborhood. Exposure to some are limited, others we drive by daily. Whether we see them in passing or out our home windows, they evoke thought. We celebrate with meet/greet and seasonal neighborhood flings, on or around the Commons, creating and reestablishing friendships. But when we are not pleased about changes to them, problems can arise. The point is we realize they the Commons are indeed an integral part of the gardens; existing as silent testaments to our appreciation for nature.
From the beginning, Sitterle Builders had planned the inclusion of included the common parking areas for the convenience of guests and residents in the neighborhood. They have become more than that. The Front Entrance Common stands as a beacon beckoning curious onlookers to the serene surroundings that lie within. At the present time, the gardens have a total of six commons areas, five parking and the front entrance. Admittedly, some residents might not be familiar with all five parking commons areas because of the location of our homes. We may not notice when some are mowed, edged or watered. Somehow we do get to hear of their undesirable condition when they become so. To this end, we have decided to include this editorial in our newsletter.
Since the completion of the Gardens of Oak Hollow, the neighborhood has been able to maintain the Commons within our budget from the vital voluntary HOA dues collected. The help of various residents additional monetary donations have also kept costs manageable. Residents voluntary labor including additional mowing, hand watering, fertilizing, adding top soil, sprinkler replacement or repair and raking of leaves has all helped us from raising dues in the past. We thank and appreciate all their help and work…
The world is changing. Water is becoming scarce. Costs are rising for maintenance. HOA voluntary dues have remained static for a number of years. The U.S. Government has raised the Cost Of Living Allowance 8.25% this year alone. The neighborhood is coming to a crossroads, a new dynamic on how to best handle our Commons expenses are upon this neighborhood. The responsibility for maintaining the Commons weighs heavy on the newly elected board members this year.
In the next newsletter we will explore the cost of Commons maintenance.
- What we can anticipate in the coming new year?
- How do we meet these new challenges?
- Do we turn our backs or rise to meet these challenges?
It all depends on us.