Maryland West Neighbors

I see where it's being considered to change the CC&R's to ammend them to read, ''garage doors to remain closed as this area is a vehicle storage area and not for activities.'' My question is WHY? Why does the association feel like they should tell me to keep my garage door closed? That would mean anytime someone see's my door open they can call and complain. I do not leave me door open due to security reasons but if I wanted to do that, it's my business to be able to do so. I'm in and out of my garage more than my front door. Just my two cents worth.

Garage doors closed?

Mr. Bracken -

First, thanks for writing. The new Rules actually read ''Garage doors should remain closed as the space is intended for vehicle storage and not other activities.'' ''Should'' being the operative word here not ''shall or must''. Glad to hear you keep your garage door closed for security purposes - we've had an increasing number of thefts in the community recently. I know of one member who had computer stolen from car inside open garage during the 5 minutes he was inside before coming back out to close garage door.

Everyone gets their 2 cents! And with 1207 homes in our our HOA there's a few cents out there too who complain to us that they and their company shouldn't have to look at their neighbor's garage ''treasures'' all the time. Think it's mostly just about being good neighbors. We do try to balance interests but it is a challenge given the many diverse perspectives and opinions of our membership.

Thanks again for writing and sharing your thoughts.

Garage Door is Open

I would like to respond to any concerns about keeping your garage door closed. If you have seen some of the things I see going on in garages around our great neighborhood you would wish that it was more than just ''should'' in our rules. Ive seen neighbors that perform everything from auto repair to body building in their garage with the garage door open. Not to mention the neighbors who think that their collection of junk needs to be seen by everyone driving by. I agree with the HOA that it is just good neighbor sense to keep your garage door closed.

By Robert

Garage Doors

I agree. Sometimes the HOA can go too far with ''big brother'' policies. I live in the Wescott area of phase 2, and a couple of the retired guys keep their garage doors open when the weather is nice, and their homes act as kind of a neighborhood meeting place; it's pretty nice, and I wouldn't have met some of my neighbors without this common link.

It also helps us keep up with the rental houses and their revolving class of nare' do wells - we've had drug dealers, guys with prison tattoos, stonen car theives, and you name it. I have even had the FBI come and ask about some renters that had the house across the street for a year or so....seems they moved out just in time.

If the HOA starts to get even more petty, I'm afraid they will run those of us off who actually care for our homes - and not just use them as a commodity.