We’ve all seen the damage done to our $50,000 fence so that people who do not have a key can get in. These people do not pay their fair share for upkeep and thus do not have a legal right to our park. They are more likely to damage the park because they have no responsibility for the costs to repair it. By participating in the maintenance costs they can have a vote on how the park is maintained and improved, they can relieve the guilt they must be feeling for using a facility illegally, and they possibly help to add additional assets (tennis anyone?) without increasing our current HOA dues.

In order to get help from the community on the other side of the park, I propose we reinstall the gate and close the fence opening, approach them again to inform them of a nightly park closure, let them know the new neighborhood watch will be approaching anyone who gets in the park without a key, again offer them a gate on their side and this time offer to install a tennis court for us all to use paid for with the small dues increase they would have to kick-in to pay for it and their legal use of the park and upkeep. We could frame it as a community building project to keep both our neighborhoods safe. I can’t imagine they are all free-loaders over there so if we present an offer right, we should be able to gather some support. It’s their neighborhood too and it could be their kids that face legal action when ARRESTED for damaging the fence so they can get in without a key. I’d also suggest we create a one-time-only amnesty period so home owners who have lost their key can get a replacement without having to spend $100. Although it may be easier to simply remove assets or increase fees, I strongly feel in the long run both neighborhoods are better served if WE don’t let these vandals and free-loaders win!

Post a reply with your thoughts and ideas or just to show support.