This blog was created on August 29th, 2007 after I attempted to enter the forum at the Homeowners Association site to find that it had been censored to the point of complete removal. I felt we, the homeowners, needed a place to express our thoughts, concerns, bitches, happy birthays, whatever we want, without concern of those with their fingers on the edit button. Please feel free to share what you like here at OUR blog, you won't be censored! Just keep in mind that most everyone who reads this blog are your neighbors and you will likely need to deal with them at some point on a much more personal level than this web space. I take no responsibility for the words of others, only for my own (that's my disclaimer).
Also, please take the time to read over the blogger rules at http://www.blogger.com/content.g
Welcome to OUR space!!
~The Ghost Lady~
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
A place for us, the WAMV homeowners, to share our thoughts without concern of those with their fingers on the edit button. Enjoy OUR blog.
Click on "comments" below each post to leave your comment and to see what everyone else has to say
Click HERE to go to the Community Forum and post your own topics
Click HERE to go to the Community Forum and post your own topics
How do you feel about the cost of primary education here in Marysville:
Welcome to OUR space!
This blog was created on August 29th, 2007 after I attempted to enter the forum at the Homeowners Association site to find that it had been censored to the point of complete removal. I felt we, the homeowners, needed a place to express our thoughts, concerns, bitches, happy birthays, whatever we want, without concern of those with their fingers on the edit button. Please feel free to share what you like here at OUR blog, you won't be censored! Just keep in mind that most everyone who reads this blog are your neighbors and you will likely need to deal with them at some point on a much more personal level than this web space. I take no responsibility for the words of others, only for my own (that's my disclaimer).Also, please take the time to read over the blogger rules at http://www.blogger.com/content.g Welcome to OUR space!!
~The Ghost Lady~
Posted by The Ghost Lady at 11:06 AM
This blog was created on August 29th, 2007 after I attempted to enter the forum at the Homeowners Association site to find that it had been censored to the point of complete removal. I felt we, the homeowners, needed a place to express our thoughts, concerns, bitches, happy birthays, whatever we want, without concern of those with their fingers on the edit button. Please feel free to share what you like here at OUR blog, you won't be censored! Just keep in mind that most everyone who reads this blog are your neighbors and you will likely need to deal with them at some point on a much more personal level than this web space. I take no responsibility for the words of others, only for my own (that's my disclaimer).Also, please take the time to read over the blogger rules at http://www.blogger.com/content.g Welcome to OUR space!!
~The Ghost Lady~
Posted by The Ghost Lady at 11:06 AM
About Me
- The Ghost Lady
- Woods at Mill Valley, Marysville, Ohio
- Some of you may know me by my user name, but I choose - for now - to remain somewhat anonymous for the sake of this blog. I live in the Woods at Mill Valley, Marysville, Ohio and have been here since we built our home in 2000. I have been somewhat vocal about some of the issues here concerning the Homeowners Association (specifically deed restrictions) but would rather stay out of the newspapers at this time, so for now, I'll just be the Ghost Lady. I hope you enjoy this forum as a place to share your thoughts with your neighbors, or anyone else who might wander in.
35 comments:
Hello everyone!
I think our neighborhood should take control of the Association. Do we really need it? I don't see many Campers parked in driveways or streets. What's with all this crap about statements being said at a meeting? If it was such a problem what was really said? Why send a letter with obviously one-sided statements? Why can't we all just get along?
What does everyone think?
I agree with you about the letters. Mr. Quinlan was on our street and one of the neighbors called us to warn us he was on the way, and then I in turn called the next person. Hmmm he didn't stop at our house. He must have gotten word that we weren't going to sign.
I had such hope for this new HOA Board. But after the forum was removed and no actual CLEAR reason given as to why, it seems like the same old routine again. Something obviously happened at that August meeting. Whether it was an intentional remark, or not, we deserve to know what happened. If the response I was given is correct, Mr. Smith used the word "Ghetto". Don't people think before they speak? To some the word doesn't mean a thing, to others it is a racially charged word. As to what Ms. Richmond did, I am still in the dark there.
drewski - by "take control" do you mean dissolve the association or just rename another board? I think that an association can be a very good thing if its purpose is to take care of common grounds, establish a Welcome Wagon (LOVE that one!!! thanks guys!), plan neighborhood garage sales and block parties, that kind of thing, but when an association gets it into their heads that they should be able to govern the livelihood of the members/residents, then it has gone too far (in my opinion).
thatgirl... I love that the neighbors on your street are looking out for each other! I don't think he's made it to my street yet but I would very much like to answer the door and hear what he has to say and what his ideas are. I still won't sign over my proxy vote but who knows, what he says may just influence how I vote if/when the special meeting happens.
so over... lmao - love the name! I agree that this still, to me anyway, is a very one sided issue. I would very much like to hear from the other side(s) about what was or was not said, and if it was said, what was meant by it, if anything at all. You know the old saying, there are three sides to every story...
ghost lady,
Thanks. We all look out for each other over our way. I just love this neighborhood. We use the same method for unsavory salespeople also!
I applaud Ghost Lady for setting up this forum. I also need to thank my wife for the use of her account.
A quick intro, I am Todd Lewis, the trustee not listed in Mr. Quinlan's letter.
Firstly, I was saddened by the removal of the forum. However; since it was sponsored by the HOA there was a legal responsibility to the content. Offensive material was posted and no one wanted the legal liability. This is a wonderful outlet that fills that void.
I am very happy to see that the homeowners have found a way to keep in touch. Community activity is something that is important, I just wish is was under better circumstances. I guess it is true that scandal grabs people's attention.
I would very much like to provide the details regarding the August meeting. It is a very lengthy tale and will require an understanding of historical events to truly grasp what transpired and continues to be a topic of concern. Please allow me a day to provide the appropriate text, it is late and kids still go to school regardless of HOA business. I am not trying to sway anyone's opinion, just provide the sequence of events.
Todd, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! for coming forward with these details (and for the compliment on my little project here) :o)
I'm sure we all look forward to your post. You can either post it as a comment here or if you would like to email it to me as well as post here, I will be more than happy to copy and place it on the front page as a new topic - word for word, of course. (and thanks to Mrs. Lewis, too)
Oh, I almost forgot (getting late here), I do understand that there may have been legal issues involved with the hoa's web forum things were out of hand, I hadn't been to read it in a while so I totally missed all the bad stuff. I just wish the bad posts could have simply been deleted rather than take away the entire forum, but I'm sure it was easier just to remove the whole thing.
I posted on the forum and didn't write anything that would cause a legal 'hub-bub', yet my postings would get deleted also. They questioned things that the board did, so I suppose they didn't like being questioned. In fact, I also emailed them on multiple occasions to get answers to some things and I NEVER got replies--I still have the emails. I also know a few others who this same thing happened to....so much for the communication that was supposed to happen.
I also find it disconerting that things are supposedly planned, then cancelled without the homeowners really knowing about them because we don't get newsletters, etc. There was a kid day that was on the front board saying there would be flyers out...then to my knowledge it didn't happen. The next thing I know is I heard it was supposedly cancelled due to lack of interest from homeowners. How in the crud are we supposed to show interest in things when we aren't even notified about them??? Another example was when there was a notice on the sign that there would be an HOA meeting....when in fact it was a board meeting. That's all the baloney that's gone on since April
......well, I take that back. They've also told homeowners with violations that they don't have to do anything, even though some are clearly in violation AND others have had to fix those same issues. You've got to be kidding!!!
I also reiterate that I find it quite ironic that every time there is disharmony in the neighborhood, it revolves around a current board member. Hmm, isn't that strange?
You make an excellent point about all the issues seeming to revolve around the board members of the moment. I have to ask, though, are these the only issues that we're hearing about because they do tend to be more public? I really don't want an answer to that because I'm not asking about people's personal issues, but these things are out in the open for all of us to talk about is my point.
I am beginning to wonder if those who are talking about getting rid of the association altogether don't have a point. I don't think most of us have issue with the board members, they are just doing what they feel is expected of them. I think many of us have a problem with the board, itself. The fact that any board of any people has a piece of paper that I inadvertantly signed giving them a right to govern me in my own home tends to piss me off. And I say "inadvertanly signed" because it was not explained to me what an HOA does or what was expected of me, nor was I encouraged to read it in detail before I signed, and I had my own realtor present for the signing of the paperwork at Dominion and she didn't even warn me! I've never owned a home with an HOA prior to this and certainly didn't know what I was getting into.
My point is that I think it's the board as a whole and not the individual members that irks me the most. I've met most of the members on all of the boards and have liked most of whom I've met. Of course, they weren't telling me how to live at the time, either..lol.
Oh, and I didn't know that the Kids Day was cancelled!! I thought it was a wonderful idea but we had to be out of town that day and couldn't have attended. Why post something before the planning is finished? Shouldn't something have been sent around to get feedback prior to actually stating that it was going to happen? Even though my family couldn't have made the Kids Fun Day, I'm really very disappointed that it didn't happen at all. And any other community events, where do I find out about them before they happen so I can participate? I knew about the community garage sale as it was happining! Admittedly, though, I may have missed it if something was sent around.
As promised, here is the situation as I have experienced it.
I shall begin with the offensive term, “Fawn Ghetto” and where it stems from.
It starts innocently enough with the annual Chiprock block party. I must preface that this is not an HOA activity, but a neighborhood event established by the residents of Chiprock. Many are confused and believe HOA dues sponsor this event which is not at all factual. This party is always organized by a group of women who have been a good example of the very essence of community. This event is not solely limited to Chiprock residents. Many families from Fawn Meadow attend, but it has always been advertised as the Chiprock block party. Fawn Meadow residents joke that they are not good enough to be seen with residents on Chiprock and they had dubbed the road "Fawn Ghetto". This was never to be taken to have racial undertones. Words taken out of context and meaning can easily be misconstrued.
The next detail to understand is the relationship between the current board and Mr. Quinlan. I feel free using the homeowner’s name since he has signed the flyers. Mr. Quinlan began his involvement with the HOA as the treasurer and active member of the DRB. The board quickly began having doubts regarding Mr. Quinlan’s capacity in the treasurer role. When homeowner's began requesting information, we had no option but to remove Mr. Quinlan from this position. This was done according to proper procedure and was a unanimous vote by the board. I will not go into detail regarding the decision out of respect for Mr. Quinlan.
Mr. Quinlan was removed as treasurer and the process did not go smoothly. I never felt that any board member held contempt for Mr. Quinlan, however; we were informed by Mr. Quinlan’s lawyer that we were not to attempt to contact him. The entire affair ended poorly and was not necessary.
Now we come to the eventful meeting. The meeting in August was attended by the board, the vice-president, the remaining member of the DRB, (Mr. Quinlan quit the DRB on his own accord) and four homeowners including Mr. Quinlan. The meeting was conducted according to our usual procedure. Financials, DRB activities and the issues with the front pond were all discussed. The floor was then open for discussion. We discussed safety issues with regards to speeding. Mr. Quinlan made a recommendation that the board adopt parliamentary law in conducting meetings. Steve declined this idea since it is excessive and there is usually never a need for such formalities, the board was in full agreement. Mr. Quinlan became visibly agitated. The last homeowner wanted to discuss throwing a HOA sponsored block party for an OSU game. We rejected this since we can not use HOA dues for such activities. Meeting was then over.
At this point, we continued discussing the block party since the homeowner lives on Fawn Meadow, we proposed a bi annual Chiprock, Fawn Meadow, and Edgewater party. It was during this conversation that Mr. Smith jokingly used the terminology to reference Fawn Meadow. You need to understand that Mr. Smith’s comment, whether in bad taste or not, was never racially motivated. Mr. Quinlan was present to hear the remark and from that one statement circulated three flyers.
It is my opinion that Mr. Quinlan took a very opportunistic leap to attack Mr. Smith to even a very personnel score due to his relationship with the board.
That is the story in a nut shell. Please consider what I have stated and form your own opinion. The take home message is that no matter where you are or what you do, be careful what you say. You never know what could be taken out of context, manipulated or used against you.
I thank you for your time or attention.
Todd Lewis
Board of Trustee
Mr. Lewis, thank you for your post. I was not at the meeting but I heard the same story from another source. I am sorry that you are involved with this mess, it seems very unnecessary.
Wow, what a very lengthy topic. It really takes some time to get through these issues.
So many very unhappy people. People are unhappy with the Board for getting involved, unhappy if they don't get involved. Unhappy if we enforce the restrictions, unhappy if we don't.
Shall I expound further on the success and failures of the HOA? Does anyone truly care? I have no problems discussing and chatting. I quite enjoy it. However, life's many responsibilities does not alot one the time for every joy in life.
If there is such a desire, I will put out yet another blog. I find this a wonderful success and again I will extend my heart felt gratitude to ghost lady.
I hate to publish without due respect to the topic and will require some time to express my thoughts. Other wise the text just rambles.
I will try clarify what the board has been doing. However; Work, family, and my education are just as important as HOA. I remind everyone that life must have balance and to dwell on one thing will slowly lead to insanity.
Sincerly,
Todd Lewis
I wasn't at the August meeting, so I can't say what did/did not happen. However, based on what I personally saw written on last year's forum by a board member about other people, the accusations made, etc. I am inclined to believe that VERY unnecessary things about other people. What a shame!! Mr. Lewis, you ran on 'the same ticket' as the two who seem to have personal vendettas and that truly disappointed me. I would have thought you could have stood on your own for others to see you---not what you combined with them to do, etc. Also, you have not answered many emails from people right along with the other board members. Thanks for your side of the story. Esor
Todd, I applaud your time and effort to give us a real explanation of what's going on. As you describe it is pretty much as I had suspected happened, but again, I wasn't there and didn't want to make assumptions. I would very much like to copy your explanation to the front page because, yes, this blog has taken off like I had never expected and it does take some time to get through it all and find you.
Thank you, also, for your compliments on my efforts here. It does take up a bit of time but I think it's important to have a sounding board. I think for many people it is easier and more comfortable to speak freely here rather than in a meeting or even face to face. I would certainly be a regular visitor to your blog if you were to build one! Alternatively, there is a message board link on the front page of the blog where anyone can post any topic they choose and discuss it. The downfall of this type of blog is that only the administrator can begin a topic and others can only comment on it. I hope that folks find the message board as useful as they seem to have found this.
Once again, thank you for your post. I hope you'll stick around long after this issue is resolved or forgotten.
Some friends of mine brought this website blog to my attention and I just wanted to say that I think it’s a great idea. The forum on the website has always been less than positive for the most part, and the new board didn’t really expect that that would change (they HOPED, but didn’t expect) therefore, when it went downhill they refrained from “fueling the fire” so to speak by not adding their own opinions to the forum. But one posting went too far and they had no choice but to remove the forum entirely to prevent future postings of that sort. Personally, I hated to see the forum go but I hated even more the thought that some kid might get up online and read something so racially charged. Hopefully, nothing like that will happen on your blog. I know that as a homeowner you don’t have the same legal liability for what someone else says on your website that the trustees did, so WAMV Uncensored may be a perfect solution for all involved. The “uncensored” part is a bit of a jab, but it does get people to your website and it is understandable if you don’t know the background as to why the official website had to be “censored”.
On a personal note, I’ve seen what the board is about and believe me, if you went to the meetings or talked to them personally, you would understand that this is as good as it gets. The homeowners voted in three board of trustee members whose sole goal is to help people. They’re volunteering their own time, energy and money to try to help straighten out this mess that the HOA has degraded into. I know and work with them all personally, and they’re all amazingly upfront, honest, caring people whom I’m proud to be associated with/married to. They are of course frustrated about the negative rumors that keep circulating about them, but that just goes with the job. They’re pressing on, they’re doing the job and they’re trying desperately to not feed the negativity so that our neighborhood can finally get past this petty fighting that has been going on for so long and start becoming a respectable community that people are proud to be a part of. I just wish it were happening faster. A lot of people have been helped door to door (Of course, you never hear about those stories in flyers). But Steve, Todd, and Debbie (by the way, Debbie has done absolutely nothing wrong, yet she is included in the “impeachment”. Could it possibly be because she was an officer last year who supported Steve? Hmm.), spend hours after work nearly every single day working to try to help the neighborhood. Beating the streets, talking to homeowners, managing the finances and properties etc. while asking for nothing in return. They don’t deserve the rumors, the slander or the angry emails. I can understand people wanting Steve to speak out and he HAS in fact given the facts on the front page of the official website, he’s simply not debating the issue. Put yourself in his position. Can you really blame him? As Todd said earlier, anything you say can be manipulated and used against you…no matter what it is. Those of you who know my husband know that he’s quite the talkative fellow. This silence is not due to anything other than protection of our family. His good name has been dragged through the mud, he has been screamed at in public by a past member and we have had our home vandalized on the morning of a Homeowners meeting. So he’s trying to do the best job he can do while trying to keep our family out of the spotlight. He’s a good man and he has a good heart with good intensions so I support him in his efforts but it’s simply not worth getting the family hurt over. We just have to keep reminding ourselves that it’s just a small group of people, who have an axe to grind, who are causing the problems…. not the majority. So I’m hoping that this website can get the truth out into the open so that people can start focusing on something good. Best of Luck to you and your website. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
Kelli Smith
What a joke! Lest we forget how many people he 'slandered', etc. (as you put it) last year? When there's trouble in the community, he's always involved. Isn't that odd?
The only thing I find odd is that you could read that huge email explaining things after you've complained over and over that no one is explaining things, and instead of saying something contructive or getting something useful out of it, you picked out the word "Slander" and fought it. How sad for you. Please try to get past whatever this problem is that you have with my husband. Hurt feelings over simple disagreements are not worth tearing your neighborhood apart. You have to live here too. Is this really how you want to live your life? Think about it.
Kelli Smith
Kelli, Thank you for your posts. Anyone who got one of those letters on the mailbox knew there was a lot more to the story.
I don't recall Steve Smith "slandering" anyone. He just asked for answers, people didn't like his opinions & they took things personal. Mr. Q is the one who made it a personal attack....and took it to a ridiculous level. I applaud Kelli for speaking out, I hope & pray that that their children are left out of this mess, and that it just blows over soon!
Controversy and Smith in the same sentence. Well isn't that a freakin' shocker. Yeah...we are so much better off that the previous boards.
Sorry...I am being interrupted...what is that Yoda?..'The Great Unifier he was to be'...'much to learn he does'...'divider he is'...'association blind they are.'
The little green guy does have a point. Wise you are Yoda...see past the trees you do...or would that be...see past the six foot fences with a ladder you do. :)
Well, Kelli and all those agreeing with her.....some of us might get over things in the same respect your husband got over things--NOT!! He didn't and continued to cause trouble in the neighborhood and as we see, it continues still. First of all, I did read the huge posting--I have read them all. However, there are two sides to every story and unless we/you were there, you don't really know which one is true. After all, as someone said, Mr. Lewis ran on the same ticket with those seemingly/supposedly causing trouble. Also, the word slander was picked out because it was one Kelli used saying that's what is happening to her family when others were slandered on the boards last year by her husband. Don't tell me to get over it and get past whatever disagreement I have with him. I don't have a 'personal' disagreement, but I have witnessed what he has said and done to others. I'll get over it when you do and I know that has happened when you quit posting things about others slandering your family on this website in addition to your husband stopping the controversey in the subdivision so we can all live our own quiet little lives.
Just F.Y.I. The restrictions doesn't say you can' put on mailbox covers...basically just that the mailboxes themselves have to be of like kind and so on. Also, I'd like to hear you tell the cops when they pull you over for doing 85 that you are the exception to the rule. LOL
Thank you for your post Kelli. I was surprised that someone had to bring this blog to your attention, but then again, my signs have been knocked down more than a few times, maybe wind, maybe not. Doesn't matter, though, the blog is still here and judging by the number of hits, someone is passing the url along. Thanks!!!
Anyway, I'm sorry that I haven't been on in a while, we had some things going on and overtime at work has kept me pretty tired and out of the loop for a few days. But I did want to address a couple of things before heading off to work for today:
The title of the blog - Uncensored - wasn't at all meant to be a "jab" and I'm sorry you see it to be. I simply wanted people to know that no matter what is said, who says it, or who's opinions it differs from, that it can be said here. As the site administrator, and as a person, I believe that everyone has a right to be heard, uncensored.
I have had occasion to talk with everyone on the board at some time or another, even attended a meeting or two. I have also received the DRB letters in the past and have done my part in trying to make a difference in this community for others, like myself, who feel that they are being cheated of their rights to live their own lives (so long as they are not disrupting the lives of their neighbors or the community). I have also had a hand in some, what turned out to be futile, attempts to make some changes to the rules that would benefit not only myself, but many, many others. So believe me when I say that, while I'm not a current or past member of the association board, nor would I want to be, I'm not just talking off the top of my uninformed head here. The information I have and choose to post has come by experience.
As for the racial thing, you will never hear (or read) me making any negative comments about someone based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, street they live on, whatever because I'm not about that. However, this whole thing started over someone making accusations of racial slander and I felt that, as a community, this needed to be addressed and gotten past so that we can get on with our happy, diverse lives here in Mill Valley. And so, while I may not agree with the way others feel about what's going on, I certainly think that everyone should have an outlet to express their feelings and get it out of the way. So at the moment this blog is all about the whole racial slander thing, sad but true. In the next few days I have some happier ideas that I'll be posting on the front page so that maybe we can find some nicer things to discuss for a while - at least till the next blow up.
Ghost Lady,
I agree with you about posting more postive comments. Every year my family and friends take a group cruise. By collecting a large group, discounted rates and perks become available. We are looking to expand this for the residents at Woods of Mill Valley.
Don't misunderstand the intent. I am not suggesting we sit around and sing campfire songs and spend a vacation together. This offer is to provide residents an opportunity to enjoy a great vacation at a reduced price. The more participation, the lower the cost.
I will preface that this is not sponsored by residents dues or is involved with HOA business. It is simply a positive utilization of a message board.
If anyone would like additional information, there are fylers available. Please let us know if you would like to have the details posted.
Thank You
Todd & Sherry Lewis
Sure, you can suggest going to more positive things because that would keep the heat off of you for doing all of the things the Board is doing/not doing. (like not respond to emails and so on) Even more importantly, how you, as a DRB member, approved VARIANCES for over 48 homeowners who are blatantly violating deed restrictions. Variances are supposed to be used sparingly for 'exceptional' circumstances, etc. but obviously that's not the case with you and the others. I guess I am okay to put up a fence where I want it, how high I want it and so on. ...I think you get the picture. What a joke you have made our neighborhood and the restrictions which people should have abided by when they moved into this subdivision. Hey Yoda and Yoda's taller friend.......better not loan out your ladder because you are going to need them.
Todd & Sherry, I would love to post the details of the cruise thing on the front page. Sounds like a great deal and I bet there would be some takers! Please either post them here and I'll copy them to the home page or email them to me at wamvghostlady@earthlink.net.
Dear Anonymous,
I offer positive ideas to the community because that is the only way this community can grow. I feel no “heat”, which I am not sure what the implication is. I do nothing to either conceal my activities, decisions or suggestions. Do you really expect me to take issue with some unknown individual who posts some abusive and harsh rhetoric? I haven’t seen this tactic since grade school.
As I stated back in April, I want to help my neighbors and see the community grow. I am doing exactly that. I am not hiding behind unsigned documents or email. Everything I write has my signature that includes each and every variance, approval and denial. Residents can attest to have met me personally as the DRB tried straightening out each issue. I talk to people face to face rather then hide behind a computer screen or a postage stamp.
As for the activities of the DRB, you can not honestly believe that the current issues with the deed restrictions reside within the last five months. The issues with the deed restrictions are a cumulation of almost a decade of inconsistency in enforcement. Approximately 1/3 of the homes in the community have violations with regards to fence placement. Approximately 1/3 of the homes in the community have violations with regards to mail boxes, including mail box covers. Vinyl fences and vinyl shed are all examples of things specifically mentioned within the deed restrictions yet are very much allowed through previous board’s actions.
These issues just did not occur this year. The reality is that this community has accepted these “violations” by the overwhelming number of homes that are not in compliance. The DRB and this community do not have either the legal or financial resources to enforce violations that are common place through out the community. That does not mean that the deed restrictions are not being enforced. There have been and are a number of enforcement activities on going.
The DRB, myself included has approved more then 48 variances. We were entrusted with that responsibility when we were voted to the position last year. We will act on that responsibility as best we can with the resources available to us. We are not blatantly providing approvals, we have consulted with the legal council and know exactly what we can or can not do. We will not waste the dues money of the HOA in matters that we have no chance of winning.
If you do not like what the current DRB is doing, next April will be here soon enough. If you can’t wait, you seem well versed in the governing documents; get the signatures and votes you need to make a change. Regardless of your opinion, there are a number of homeowners who are happy with the direction we are heading. I wish you luck.
You have every right to your opinion. You have managed to attack every posting and been excessively abusive. I know of many homeowners that are reluctant to post on the forum because of potential retaliation. I can see no value in your comments; there is no constructive criticism.
I would encourage other homeowners to not be persuaded from using the forum. This tool is a wonderful mechanism and should be utilized. I once again thank our gracious host ghostlady. There is always going to be issues with the Board’s decisions. Not everyone will be happy. But we will resolve nothing by continuing with this senseless banter.
Respectfully Yours,
Todd Lewis
First, I haven't managed to attack every posting. For your information Mr. Lewis, I am not the only person responding to these postings. Just because it says anonymous doesn't mean it is the same person. Unlike what you are doing on the Board, get your facts straight before you make accusations. Also, I wouldn't have to use senseless banter as you call it if you would respond to emails, etc. I personally have sent several SIGNED emails to you as well as others that have gone unanswered. I know that this isn't just an issue with me because there are other people that I know who get the same response---NONE! You can get on here and preach how wonderful you are doing all you want, but when there are those of us who actually know the other side of it from the answers we don't get, etc. know there is more to it.
You are right in one thing. There is always going to be those that don't like something the Board is doing. However, if the Board is upholding the restrictions to which everyone has agreed to by moving into this neighborhood, then those that aren't happy are obviously ones who don't follow procedures. You mentioned mailbox covers, but the restrictions do not say there can't be mailbox covers. As someone mentioned before, it says that mailboxes have to be replaced with ones that of similarity--in so many words. And even IF mailbox covers weren't allowed, then Mr. Smith is a poor example of a Board member because he has one.
You mentioned that you do things with the advice of the attorney---golly gee, guess what? You aren't the only Board who followed an attorney's advice---more than one past Board has done so.
There's some constructive criticism in what I wrote. First, don't act like you are the only ones who have tried to do 'right' for this community. Also, it would be constructive to tell you to abide by the restrictions. Yes, you were elected to the Board---by a few homeowner votes---in no election has a huge group of homeowners sent in votes. However, in getting voted in, it didn't mean you were supposed to throw out everything that 'governed' the community. Variances are supposed to be used to exceptional circumstances--not just for anyone who chose not to abide by the restrictions and then get away with it. When I put up, install, etc. all the things I am going to install that are against the restrictions that others have been allowed to do, you'll have to use some of that money you don't want to use if you decide I am not allowed to do it. Those things you gave variances for should have been taken to the homeowners in a vote instead of three people acting like God and making decisions for everyone. An unusual circumstance is obviously something DRB should make a decision on---not fence height and so on---if you decide to allow variances for zillions of things, what good is the clause in the restrictions that gives homeowners a right to vote on these issues and changing the restrictions? Evidently, you were afraid they would fail and you wouldn't be able to approve them.
There may be a few homeowners who are happy with the way you have things heading because you gave them the okay to do what they wanted regardless of restrictions. However, there are also many others who are NOT happy with the way things are heading and the decicions that are being made, the HUGE lack of communication, etc. It's good you think of so highly of yourself.
Before the discussion gets too negative, please read this:
"Any fool can criticize, condemn & complain... and most fools do." - Dale Carnegie
Criticism is the activity of judgement or informed interpretation.
"If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much."
Donald H. Rumsfeld (1932 - ), Secretary of Defense
"Honest criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger."
"People ask for criticism, but they only want praise."
W. Somerset Maugham (1874 - 1965)
You can find quotes to fit basically any viewpoint!!!
Franklin P. Jones
Hey, where is everyone?
hiya wamv.blogspot.com owner discovered your site via Google but it was hard to find and I see you could have more visitors because there are not so many comments yet. I have found site which offer to dramatically increase traffic to your website http://traffic-for-your-website.com they claim they managed to get close to 4000 visitors/day using their services you could also get lot more targeted traffic from search engines as you have now. I used their services and got significantly more visitors to my site. Hope this helps :) They offer most cost effective services to increase website traffic at this website http://traffic-for-your-website.com
To your success James
Post a Comment