Estates/Misson Hills Homeowners Association

Vice President's Report

May 11, 2000

Strange situation - writing an article again for EMHHOA after our 3 year hiatus! So much for reflection.

Our association has passed through some very good times, sad times and frustrating times. Membership has actually increased! Our dues line is still far below the CPI (consumer pricing index) for a comparable period of time. Just think; in today?’s dollars, it takes $453.00 to buy what $100.00 bought in 1969. Wrestle those numbers and see what you get.

In terms of money taken from you by every taxing entity imaginable; surcharge increases, user fee increases and other ?“contributions?” where are you? What good do you see for the $.75 on the dollar ?“someone?” separates you from? Most people don?’t even know or care that this is ?“their?” money. This association of ours does good, make that ?“great?” work for you! Look at your vacant lots, the homes, the programs, streets, someone you can gripe to when you have a problem; and then will usually solve the problem. All this for thirty-five ($35.00) bucks a year? We have every right to be proud of this neighborhood and the folks who work for us ?– for nothing-zilch-nada! And, we all should be grateful that these people have cared enough for us, all this time, to give of themselves, their time, resources and associations. Too often we take people like these for granted. Military folks will understand what I am saying. For many years I have had a plaque hanging in my house which reads: ?“FREEDOM TO THOSE WHO HAVE FOUGHT FOR IT HAS A SPECIAL MEANING THAT THE PROTECTED WILL NEVER KNOW.?” Anon.

For some time now I have observed numerous incidents of neighborhood and neighbor abuse which violates not only our property covenants, deed restrictions and rules but our County ordinance as well. A few examples.
?· Trash thrown into vacant lots by local residents.
?· Boats parked in driveways
?· Inoperable vehicles parked in driveways
?· Motor coaches, trailers or similar parked in driveways (well beyond allowable, reasonable time limits)
?· Animals (cats and dogs) allowed to roam free without restraint and to soil a neighbor?’s yard.
These are a few examples. All of these things contribute to lessening the value of my property. That concerns and infuriates me. We will not permit this, be assured. We don?’t rent or lease our home, but own it; therefore, outside forces which serve to artificially lower the value of my home will have my full attention and action to ?“force?” immediate corrective action. Does anyone else out there, member or not, recognize what I am talking about? Do any of your neighbors care? Are you satisfied to let someone in close proximity to you devalue your house as a selfish, self-serving convenience to themselves? Do you want your Homeowners?’ Association to act on this problem? If this problem continues and requires legal action, are you willing to step up to the plate as a participant? We have, I am told, tried the kind, pleasant, courteous, reasonable and friendly approach to these neighbors verbally and in writing (repeatedly in some cases). Results? Nothing, except for a couple of vague promises which still produce nothing. Personally, I am ready to take off the gloves and cause some serious hurt!! ?“You?” (the violating occupant) are hurting me financially, so now it is my turn to hurt you. The law and precedence seems to favor me. Check it out.

This is just about all of a return greeting from me at this time. Someone is surely going to accuse me of being ?“confrontational,?” ?“mean spirited,?” ?“despotic,?” ?“threatening,?” ?“undiplomatic,?” or worse! These people would be absolutely right! Popularity contests don?’t interest me. Be assured, these feelings, opinions and actions are definitely of the politically-incorrect. Do you want your neighborhood and yourself or property protected? Yes or no?? Don?’t give me a job or elect me to some position if you expect me to sit on my thumbs. Good luck and let?’s get it moving.