Brownsboro Area Business Association

Thanks Retha for being my champion

When I moved here, several people in the immediate vacinity of my house came to my door and welcomed me and my son ( or should I say sons at the time).  It was something out of Mayberry.  That's what I thought of this wonderful "Association".  Then whilst in the air of trying to restore this old house, it went from Mayberry to everyone constantly in someone's business.  I am totally about keeping the neighborhood looking nice.  It benefits everyone.  However, take a look at the complaining.  The bickering because someone makes an opinion.  This isn't the friendly community I envisioned..  The point I am trying to make is some things aren't even worth it and when has the bylaws and rules gone to far.  You may say "oh, I obey the rules they should too", but what happened to the dream about owning your own home so you could enjoy it the way you wanted.  It seems like I don't own my own home, the neighborhood does. And if I don't own my own home no one else in this association does either. Think about that.  I have got an Association or should I say complainers, telling me how long I should take on cutting trees down, or putting up a fence or building a garage.  They aren't paying for it or doing the work, but someone is there complaining about it.. As soon as I got a warning on the tree limbs and stumps in my front yard, my immediate neighbors cleared my front yard of wood from view and put all the very large stumps in my back yard.  Not one person who complained about the tree removal offered to help.    What if I have to be out of town for a couple of weeks because of an emergency at my home in New England, my grass gets to long .  I would come home to a fine.  The community is quick to make assumptions, complaints etc. Without even knowing what is going on.  This community is becoming a place of control not happiness.  People are walking around trying to see what next to complain about.  Stop thinking about petty rules.  Like the example I was making, really, what does it matter if my RV is 2 feet in front of my house.....who does it hurt.  I could move it back and block the way to get my garbage cans out then have to move the RV but that is the point I am making, who does it hurt.  You can still see it 2 ft back.  It is petty stuff that drives a wedge between the neighborhood.  Get to know your neighbors instead of walking around and judging.  I love my immediate neighbors, I would do anything to help them, however if they see something out of place they ask me about it or they cut my grass (thanks Retha).  That is a true home owners association.  It is not just about complaining and taxing us for something we are not getting.  It should be about caring above all.  America is built on one community at a time. We should be setting a better example. 

Actually I did look at it before posting a response

PARKING
13. It shall be unlawful for any person to park any motor vehicle, boat or trailer on the unpaved portion of any lot or other undeveloped and un-subdivided property within the City of Woodlawn Park. No such vehicles shall be parked closer to the street than the front of the residence or the setback line of the lot. Ref.: Ordinance No. 1, 1994-1995. A “paved area” shall mean a solid, unbroken surface consisting of concrete or asphalt. Loose gravel or rock shall not be considered a paved area. Ref.: Ordinance No. 4, 2003. Fine:
uncontested violations; first offense - $25, second offense - $50, all others - $100, contested violations; first offense - $75, second offense - $150, all others - $300.

Where does it say RV.  And if you mean Motor Vehicles, then all cars must be parked behind the front of the house.  This is what is posted on this website as ordinances.  These are the ordinances I follow....So, now, would you not feel harassed when it isn't in there.

Wait, so did I just read that any vehicle parked before the front wall of a home will be fined?  Oh Boy, sheriff's going to be busy writing all of those up.  Half the driveways in this neighborhood stop between the front of the house and the road to begin with.  Shall they all get a permit to lay more "paved area" behind their house?  

I see now.  

Let's just all get along, hey?  

(Also, thanks to the neighbors helping to let each other out onto Westport Rd!  You're the best.)

Your gate on the drive is in violation. It cannot come past the back of the house and it appears that it does by several feet. Was this new or is this storm damage replacement? If you can prove you replaced storm damaged fence then I don't believe you should have to pay for another fence permit. Maybe this is something that needs to be considered by the council. However if the gate is new then a permit should be applied for and your plans reviewed before construction to make sure they comply. Your house has come a long way and it is noticed, but if one person gets to slide with our ordinances how can we make the next person comply. I asked to see the cities ordinances before we purchased our home and I was impressed especially with the no parking on the street ordinance. This city is a hidden gem in a great location! The ordinances were put in place many years ago to keep it that way.  Sorry you have gotten so may complaints but don't let it get you down. Your home is looking so good and your pride of ownership is showing.  Keep up the good work but try to comply.