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Neighborhood yards Ridgeway/Stone Hollow

Discussion in 'Broadlands Community Issues' started by Capricorn1964, May 20, 2020.

  1. Capricorn1964

    Capricorn1964 Well-Known Member

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    Went on a walk/exercise today and was shocked by the conditions of some of the yards throughout-

    Some of the yards look horrendous where there was zero maintenance and very sparse mowing. Gardens completely or partially full of weeds. There is one house on Stone Hollow where there are tons of cars including one with a ugly cover over a car that has never been driven in ages and some of the cars are hanging over driveway and I’ve seen people having to walk out into the road to go around the cars.

    There was one house where you could see trash bags from kitchen on deck that is viewable from the road.

    With respect to trash bins, there are quite a number of homes where they continually leave the bins out the ENTIRE week each week- I know because I drive by those homes on the way out of neighborhood at times. Sometimes they are knocked over and left there thr entire week in that position. (House with many cars had both bins in driveway for weeks too). I think its because they can’t put it garage as it’s blocked by all the cars outside (my guess is garage is full of junk that they can’t put cars inside!).

    I was kinda disappointed my walk as I can see some parts of the neighborhood area slowly deteriorating and I feel bad for their neighbors having to live next to the ones that are so unkempt.

    Thought they would have pride in their yards, etc- guess I was wrong. I’m lucky that I’ve got good neighbors that love to take care of their yards, bring in trash cans in afterwards, etc. because when it’s time to sell the house, I don’t have to worry about offering less or not wanting to buy it due to unsightly properties next to my house.

    To each to his/her own, I guess!
     
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  2. PDILLM

    PDILLM Well-Known Member

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    That house is so very frustrating. I had a visitor in a wheelchair and they literally had to go out in the street to get around that house since the sidewalk is blocked. It's been like that for years, but I never realized the impact until then.

    Another issue you didn't mention is the sidewalks. Some are at varying levels which is a huge tripping hazard. Those sidewalks are 15-16 years old by now, so guess it's expected.
     
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  3. Excelsior

    Excelsior Southern Walk||IMPERIUM IN IMPERIO||

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    What phase of Forward Virginia does the Covenants inspector come back out? In all seriousness, some of this is really inexcusable, but maybe a couple people got sick or have sick family members that don't have time to care for the exterior of their homes? Maybe some folks lost their jobs and can't pay their landscaper?
     
  4. Capricorn1964

    Capricorn1964 Well-Known Member

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    If I got laid off and NOT sick, I would be busting my hump mowing the yard and trimming, etc. IF they lost their job and aren’t sick, would you expect them To avoid mowing the grass until they found a job or can pay the landscaper? I think that’s a bit of a stretch to make that assumption- If one person is sick, if they have older kids, the kids can mow the yard- my father was sick in the past and I had to mow the yard- family pulls together to help around the house.

    But I think it’s more of an apathy because they know HOA isn’t enforcing anything right now— especially with the garbage bins. Some are leaving them out a lot longer before bringing them in. I would have thought just one covenant inspector could be driving around throughout the week to see who is leaving trash bins out and not taking care of mowing (I’ve seen some yards grass a lot before someone in the house finally gets off their duff to mow.). I believe it’s because HOA did say that they wouldn’t be enforcing the regulations during COVID so this naturally would happen as a result; hence, this nullifies the need for an inspector.

    FWIW- Maybe they can’t afford to spend $5 on gas for mower or they don’t own a mower because they had landscapers before losing their jobs? If so, maybe they are asking landscapers to mow less frequently or not at all.

    I do feel bad for those that lost their jobs or family is sick but letting your property go down doesn’t do the neighbors any justice.

    But yeah, some areas in the neighborhood are starting to look run down. Just my .02 -
     
    Last edited: May 22, 2020
  5. shim

    shim shim

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    When I was a youngster in Virginia someone would have cut their grass for them, no questions, no expectations for a return favor. Just a nice neighborly gesture, a chance to help and do something nice for someone. My how times have changed...
     
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  6. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    When Shim speaks, I usually hold my breath... but I have to say I like it. I was thinking something similar when I read the OP. Does not help with us sitting here wondering why, perhaps some of the neighbors in the immediate area can ask? I bet there are a few Teens or others willing to help, we just need to take that first step?
     
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  7. kevinq

    kevinq Member

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    First step that can be made throughout Broadlands:
    Trash pick-up was yesterday. Therefore, if you see someone's can(s) still out at the street today, roll them up closer to the house. While still not put away and out of sight, it is a step in the right direction.
     
  8. Excelsior

    Excelsior Southern Walk||IMPERIUM IN IMPERIO||

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    Cap, I think you answered your own questions. I will tell you my wife is paranoid about touching garbage barrels for fear of touching a contaminated surface. That being said, if I didn't constantly nag over here in my house, she would leave those barrels out all weekend. If I go out and do it myself, I am an overbrearing oaf. There are probably people out there who just do not want to touch anything, including newspapers you see at end of driveways.

    As for the lawn people, here in my home, my kids have been really down now that their lives were abruptly put on hold- as is the case with many. People's sense of self-worth is affected-is my point. Feelings of depression and helplessness. In those cases, I doubt people think maintaining their lawn and gardening is high on the priority list.

    As things turn the corner and things open up, I am hopeful this gets better.

    But the ideas about lending a helping hand are great ideas, but these should not be acts of shaming; rather offers of generosity.
     
  9. Capricorn1964

    Capricorn1964 Well-Known Member

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    Easier said than done. My buddy tried to help by doing that only to get yelled at by the neighbor telling him not to touch his “property” and to mind his own business. I was flabbergasted at this but some people don’t want to be told how to clean up or to take in their bins. The other day, I saw someone lift the bin off the street (bin was laying on its side for a week) And throw it on the neighbor’s front yard in disgust.

    I understand some people may be leery or paranoid about touching bins to put them back inside but how do they get from the house TO the curb...I mean garbage bins are always dirty...so if people are reluctant to bring them back in the house, how do they manage to bring them back in to get them filled in only to wheel them back out for pick up? Who is doing that? It doesn’t make sense to leave them out for a week only to be brought in the day before trash day to be filled up and brought out that night to curb. In other words, one day to bring them out and a week to bring them back in??

    As for the yard work, totally understand that many of us could step up to help out but what if one finds out there is nothing wrong with the family and they simply are, just like some people above have said, not up to mow the yard due to COVID dampening their lives...what if people offered and are rebuffed? I understand their reasons for not wanting to mow...but I think they need to step up to the plate themselves and do it if they don’t want others to mow for them...they owe the courtesy to their neighbors on both sides of their homes. If a few of them don’t want to mow, it’s going to lead to a potential domino effect of others doing the same because HOA isn’t enforcing the standards. I mow because I hate my yard looking like crap and both my neighbors would disapprove and tell me to mow...they don’t want their homes abutting a derelict property and I don’t blame them!

    I hope some teens can help out....perhaps Boy Scouts?

    Maybe this will encourage others to look out for their neighbors?

    I hope so.
     
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  10. Tech91

    Tech91 Member

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    Personally, I believe a lot of these derelict homes were unkept before COVID striked. Some people just do not take pride in their homes and unfortunately, it’s the neighbors that suffer the consequences. These houses have probably just gotten worse because covenants is not inspecting and they advertised as such. I had a neighbor who wouldn’t mow until they received a letter. These types of people should live in a community where the HOA maintains their properties or live in a condo without a yard to maintain.
     
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  11. KTdid

    KTdid Well-Known Member

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    Why does everyone skirt around the issue - there are folks that are just plain lazy and don't give a crap. Unfortunately, you can't legislate behavior which is why the HOA exists. And with one inspector only who lives offsite, is wholly dependent on neighbors making complaints. With the addition of more houses added to the community, it seems logical we would also increase the number of inspectors (not volunteers.) That's the underlying issue.
     
  12. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    And there in lies the quandary. There is about an equal number of people who say the HOA is overbearing, nasty, and meddling with people when they receive a violation notice. The other half want the HOA to be strict and cite every violation possible out there.
    If the community wants more inspectors than the HOA costs go up to pay for them...which would lead to far more violation notices being written which, as outlined above, will irritate half the community even more.
    I am fairly comfortable with our current process.
    If someone sees a violation they want addressed, then call the HOA with your concern and it will be looked into.
     
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  13. Capricorn1964

    Capricorn1964 Well-Known Member

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    well, I have been informed that some neighbors have complained endlessly about this particular home on Stone Hollow road to no avail and their offending behavior thus continues over the years. Guess perhaps they did get all thr notices, etc but it continues unabated. I’m surprised that they are allowed to cram 4 cars in driveway with tails blocking the driveway to the chagrin of those that want to use this hr sidewalk.

    I know that if I was a homebuyer, I wouldn’t buy a house next to them or even on that block as it screams ‘Manassas’ to me.
     
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  14. KTdid

    KTdid Well-Known Member

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    Stands to reason - the folks who think the HOA is overbearing and nasty must be the same ones getting violation notices, so your point is moot. Who cares about the other half if they're in compliance except they're the folks abiding by the rules and living next door to some schmuck whose house has peeling paint and rotting trim.

    The point being - there's an insufficient number of inspectors to cover the entire community.
     
  15. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    Actually KTdid, there are numerous inspectors as a good number of citations are the result of a neighbors complaint.
     
  16. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    Being a member of the Modifications Sub-Committee, I will let management know when I see a violation. I want to keep our community one of the best around and I think it is "our" obligation to help enforce the rules that the vast majority of us live by.
    Now, that does not mean I actively look for things. If a pole light is out for a day, I will give the neighbor a chance to replace or I will replace 1 bulb myself. I roll trash cans on my street up to the garage doors, you know, as a hint. I often toss newspapers up towards the front door when I walk the dogs. I also will not hesitate to remind a neighbor, very politely, that they need to correct a violation. People get busy, have other serious things on their minds and a friendly remedy or reminder helps out at times. Hell, I have even received a couple of pole light violations.
     
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  17. KTdid

    KTdid Well-Known Member

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    Let's just say multiple residents phone in complaints in any given day anywhere in Broadlands. In a community our size and the fact that the inspector has to see the violation before a write-up, makes it impossible for one inspector to do the job. It may be days or weeks before the inspector visits or even makes it out. Point in fact - my neighbor had Christmas tree lights on their over grown (and dying) shrubs for 'at least' 8 years. (Okay, so they used them once.) But several calls were made and no one ever followed up. Maybe it was a priority issue and the thought was they are not as visible as their rotting trim. Our street alone is a mismatch of door / shutter colors, dying and untrimmed shrubs and trees - gosh, there's even a house with turquoise shutters and door. The reason it was overlooked? The committee reasoned that it would eventually fade to the pine green color which was original to the house.

    Yes, people get busy but we're talking people who are always 'busy.'
     
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  18. SK8R

    SK8R On the Clover Meadow

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    Maybe instead of violation notices, some one could write a nice letter and ask them if they need help.
    If they get grumpy, then at least we know it is a case of irresponsibility.

    Perhaps they are living in a nice house despite their dysfunctional family.
    Or, they could be busy or tired and they should pay someone to maintain their lawn.

    I remember in 2006 when our old neighbors went through a lot of drama, split up, they both abandoned the house and Broadlands hired a lawn company that came in and mowed and cleaned up the entire exterior of the property. I am certain the cost was sent to the owner to pay.

    That being said, before covid and now during covid, there are a lot of depressed people out there. As what was stated above though, some people need to be living in a maintenance free situation. No one wants to continually do good deeds for one specific property
     
    Last edited: May 25, 2020
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  19. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    There are many neighborhoods I have been to in Manassas that I would be happy to live in. I even know some nice people (gasp!) that even live there.
     
  20. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    Well, your "mootness" is incorrect. You know what they say about making assumptions, eh?
    I, for one, do NOT want to live in a community with an army of inspectors creating havoc, hate, and discontent with the residents. And that is the way I have governed on the HOA Board and one of the primary reasons I have run to remain on it...to ensure we do not become that type of place.
     
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