Are you tired of dodging the holes on our private road?
Would you like to see our road fixed properly for years to come and protect the value of the properties?
This can be done this spring as soon as the weather breaks.
We have wonderful folks that live on this street. The Evely’s have graciously taken the initiative to call multiple companies for quotes. We’re lucky to have them doing the research for this.
Last spring they had someone come out and quote fixing the road by bringing in limestone and grading. The company recommended bringing in 18" of crushed limestone (their recommendation to not only fill in the holes, but to achieve a proper crown) and grade it…at roughly $24,000. They said we could always go with less material, such as 12" or even 8" but with 8" they wouldn't expect the road to last near as long. If we’re going to do this, let’s make it count.
More recently, 18 companies were contacted. 4 of those had disconnected phone numbers, 4 others either "don’t grade" or "don’t have time", 3 referred to different companies, 2 came out for quotes and both said they need to come back when there is no snow, ice, or water. Messages were left at 5 others with no response.
We can try calling again in the spring, but to get a jump start on this…let’s assume the cost will be $24,000.
The road certainly affects the value of all homes here.
From a real estate sales perspective: It’s no secret that the road contributes to the value of properties and some lenders will even deny loans if there is isn’t adequate vehicular access. (See Hud Handbook 4000.1)
Further, if a buyer is getting a VA loan, they say: “Private streets must be protected by a permanent easement AND maintained by a homeowners association or joint maintenance agreement.”
Coming up with 24k is a daunting task, but it can be done. Plus there are 2 vacant parcels at the end of the road on the west side. If we could get those 2 owners to chip in their portions...it would be easier on everyone. The last parcel is owned by an older gentleman that lives in CA. His son lives in Troy (or at least that's the last known location). It would be nice to have them involved.
Even if they don’t participate, it would be in everyone’s best interest to get it done.
Let’s consider the 11 occupied properties – that would be 2,181.82 each.
We could look at this as a betterment tax...a hefty one, but one that would last for years to come…
We expect it to last longer than 10 years, but let's say the life is only 10 years
– then the cost would be 218.18 per year….
Looking at it from this standpoint might make more sense to some of us.
What if we could get a financing for the entire amount and have everyone pay monthly over the course of 2 years… That would be 100 a month (or so) for a 2 year period, for a road that hopefully will last for longer than 10 years.
We have to be open to suggestions and come up with a long term solution. We are all in this together.
Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could drive down our road and not have to dodge the land mine holes?
Let's discuss this and find a resolution
