Your Thoughts
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Beautifying the median
Vote for your favorite option
After reviewing the proposed options for the front median — adjacent to Highland Road, vote on the one that you like the best. To see larger images of each option, click the option on the drawings above.
Landscape architect, Bill Reich, has developed a draft set of renderings for beautifying the Delgado Drive median in the front of the subdivision. You can see larger pictures of each option by clicking the option on the drawing above. (The larger images are quite big and may require that you scroll the image.)
Once you've had a chance to evaluate each option, send your comments to:
your_thoughts@universityhills70808.net and we'll post them below. Note that Bill has prepared four options for the front median as well as two options for signage. The 2nd Median drawing in the box on the right is for the north median which contains the centennial oaks. As Bill wrote to remind us, "there is really only the one option for the second median and it does not mess with anything but perimeter bollards or low hedging. Not really anything else to monkey with. Leave the Asian jasmine or replace with mulch."
If you have any questions for Bill, such as what types of foliage he's suggesting or more information on the signage, send them to:
your_thoughts@universityhills70808.net and we'll send them on to Bill for answers.
Bill reminds us that these are first drafts. He's looking for your comments to determine the direction we want to go with the median's beautification. So let your imagination have free rein.
I like the 2nd median option, with the open area in the middle for kids and families to play and the BBQ/sitting area at the end. If shrubs are placed around the sides as per the drawing that would reduce the chance of landscaping the area by punks and help with safety.
Kyle Schwab
Great job on these designs. All are interesting. I like D, followed by A. B clutters up the middle area too much, and C (while interesting) may be a bit messy. No preference on the signage option.
[name witheld]
My humble opinions: I vote for Option A which seems to be the only one with a play area. Children do go out there now to play and throw ball, and people walk dogs. It would be good if they could still do so.
Option B would require upkeep by residents who choose to have a garden (if that is what is envisioned) and if anyone quit caring for their space, we’d be back with an unsightly area.
Option D is too busy. My criteria would be that the space have a lean, simple, low maintenance design, using native plants as much as possible, where people are able to walk but cars are blocked.
Thanks so much to those who are making this happen and working on the project.
Cathy Coates
Editor's note: The options only apply to the south median (the adjacent to Highland Road). The 2nd Median Option is the only plan for the north median (adjacent to Tulane Drive). The north median will continue to have a large open area. (See Bill Reich's comments above.)
All the designs have something appealing about them. Thanks for all the thoughtfulness.
I like the taller entry sign for a few reasons. One, it is more likely to be visible, even if the plants grow up. Two, it is distinctive and not like the ones you see everywhere else.
Regardless of which design for the median is chosen, it would be most helpful to have a wooden sign at the entrance that says something like: "Please be careful driving in our neighborhood." A sign made of wood indicates that we as a neighborhood care, because it differs from the metal yellow signs that people seem to ignore.
Also, a sign of some sort to post neighborhood news (dues, meetings, and such) on that you would see while driving IN would be nice. Then you can write things down when you get home soon. When it's on the way OUT of the neighborhood, it is too easy to forget by the time you come home, often hours later. Also, if the size of letters used for postings can be sufficiently large, that would be ideal.
The designs that have more than one place for people to gather and sit are to my liking. The ones with the defined perimeter (fence or hedge) are also nice, so one can feel like going inside is a special place, a safe little park. This will enable people with young children to meet, and not worry so much about kids getting into harms way. My preference is for Option D, especially if it includes the benches with arbors and some benches over in the more open area (to be able to sit and watch kids play). If one of those benches were a swinging bench seat, that would be lovely.
Paula Arai
Hi, I prefer option A.
David Barnes
Having lived on the median for twenty years, I have observed many people enjoying the open green space. Children from all over the neighborhood come to the front to play games on the large oval. I would be extremely disappointed if the large open space were filled up with plants, and I daresay all the other people who enjoy this small park would, as well. In earlier years the median green spaces were used as a place for neighborhood picnics. It would be difficult to have those without an open space. The median closest to Highland used to be an open area for recreation, but now it is cluttered with plantings.
Irrigation is important for the trees. Perhaps the grant could fund having the irrigation pipes buried underground. It would be safer for the pipes and much more attractive than the current installment.
I hope that there will be a great deal of discussion before any project is begun.
Catherine White
Editor's note: We hope that there will be a lively discussion of this proposal. Remember this is just a first draft.
On subject of the irrigation pipes, the current irrigation system is above ground in order to protect the root structure of the centennial oaks in that portion of the median. It was feared that burying the pipe would damage the roots and kill the trees. Future irrigation, away from the centennial oaks, is planned to be buried.
The plan to beautify the median looks great!!! It’s so smart to apply for this grant. Let me know if you need help with anything.
[name withheld]
Like others, I would not want to see the open area in the second median closed off or filled with plants. The ability from anyone in the neighbor to use this to "play" is one of the wonderful qualities of our neighborhood. Perhaps concentrating on the first median make more sense and then "tinkering" with the second.
MaryAnn Coleman, 35-year resident.
Editor's note: Have comments of questions, send comments to:
your_thoughts@universityhills70808.net and questions for Bill to:
your_thoughts@universityhills70808.net.
Reactions to the vandalism of the median
Several of you have commented on the April 28th vandalism of the median. Send your comments to your_thoughts@universityhills70808.net.
What about getting some cameras for the entry and exit ways?
Ross Grimball
1. Vandalism isn't new, and argues for a camera to record who comes and goes and possibly commits other crimes like burglary…
2. Slow growing trees last a long time - Live oaks seem to have withstood our storms well and thus have my vote.
Charles Leonard
Last week I had to repair the water pipe again when someone crushed it.
Marc Zebouni
2 or 3 folks on Delgado Drive have had the tops taken from their garbage/recycle bins. We seem to have some extremely unwanted guests in the neighborhood! Let's keep an eye out; vandals shouldn't be as hard to catch as burglars!
Tom Bergman
That infuriates me.
Mary Norris
I wish we could find out who did this.... it's awful.
Bobbie Carey
The neutral looks awful... I was wondering if you measured the width of the tracks to determine if it was a Jeep or full size truck???
Cletus Robinson
Editor's note: Some have speculated that it might have been an ATV because of the size of the tracks and the tightness of the turning radius.
More than likely this is just kids (high school or college) looking for kicks. With that, any moderate amount of fencing should deter them. Probably the only thing that will be of any effect would be to put a small fence/barricade up. It could be basic but would need to be tough. Something like thick wooden posts sticking 3-4 feet out of the ground every 5-10 feet and linked with thick chains should do the trick.
I’m not sure as to how effective cameras would be for this particular issue (although I am all for them). If the vandals see them and cannot get to them to turn them off/blind them, or if the cameras are aimed in the correct direction (and have good enough resolution) then there may be enough evidence that the police can use.
It’s too bad we can’t bury some spiked strips there ;)
Bill Mann
Editor's note: We looked into the price of security cameras. Depending on what kind of camera and where it is installed, prices run from about $5,000-15,000.
As for installing barricades, remember that the median is city-parish property; and, therefore, the Department of Public Works sets the standards for erecting barricades. The Todd Sumrall in Traffic Engineering provided the following guidelines:
- Recommend 6” x 6” posts
- No concrete may be used in the installation
- With cable, use 15’-20’ spacing between posts; without cable (using a chain) use 8’ spacing between posts
- 3’ maximum height
- Install a minimum of 3’ from edge of pavement
- Provide layout plan for DPW approval
- Notify DPW for inspection
The median is supposed to be a NO PARKING area. It has been posted for years. Over time, several of the signs have disappeared. I believe there is only one left.
Is anybody going to fix that? I really get tired of seeing cars parked out there. There were some tonight.
James Mitchell
Resident reports theft
I am sending this to you in hopes that you will let our neighborhood know. On Friday, April 3, we were robbed. I narrowed it down to the time between 10 p.m. and 7:30 Saturday morning. Although we did not see them, we know there were at least 2 people. They broke open a locked storage door and took a new generator (about $1000) and 2 weedeaters. While they were there, they opened both cars (left doors partially open) looking for valuables.
We filed a report with the police. The officer does not hold out much hope for finding the equipment, but he was thorough in looking for clues. He was able to get several fingerprints from the cars and the doors to the storage room. He advised that it was best not to lock vehicles (but of course keep no valuables in them) since thieves can cause costly damage breaking in.
[Editor's note: We checked with the Baton Rouge Police Department about the advice of not locking your car. Representatives from Crime Stoppers, Community Policing, and Burglary all said that this is not an official police department recommendation. The sergeant in Burglary I spoke to volunteered that his personal policy is to always lock his car. Also, a list of safety tips on the police department Web site states: "Always lock your car and take the keys, even if you’ll be gone only a short time."]
I want to make sure that everyone knows about this and is vigilant. These thieves were bold. Our storage room is not visible from the street or from adjacent yards, so the thieves had to have cased our property previously. They were quite bold, since there were two cars in the garage and lights on in the house — obviously the residents were home. We believe that there were at least 2 thieves, since they carried the generator down the driveway. There were no track marks anywhere on the ground that was soft from recent rain.
The policeman told me that there is currently a "wave" of crime in Kenilworth. He and I believe that this was done by someone working in the neighborhood. If anyone has noticed anything or anyone suspicious, please let me know so that I can ask the police to follow up.
[name withheld]
We were also the victims of a robbery. The incident at our home occurred on Tuesday, March 21st and was exactly the same as that described. It occurred between 11:30 pm and 5:30 am; Our storage shed as well is not readily visible from the street and is located right next to our house. The thieves took a generator as well as multiple power tools. There was no attempt to get into our vehicles or our home. We also filed a report with the police that morning and were told they would investigate but the chances of recovery were slim.
I agree we need to keep vigilant and report any odd or unusual behavior.
Thanks,
T’lane Field
Since UHills is a single access subdivision, what about installing a video camera at the front entrance and exit to monitor thieves casing the neighborhood and have a short term record to go back to to share video with police after burglaries?
Ross Grimball
There are at least three other thefts that were not mentioned. Another generator was stolen from a carport, a laptop was stolen from a car, and a camera was stolen from a different car.
Ross' idea is excellent: set up security cameras that take photos of everyone entering or leaving, positioned to get license numbers. Many other single-entrance subdivisions in town have such cameras, including the one where we now vote.
There is a lot of crime up and down Highland Road. It is very clear that the police cannot prevent it. Let's put up security cameras, both to deter further crime in our neighborhood and to help the police actually catch some criminals. It might even save lives.
John Johnston
We all appreciate our neighbors’ reporting the incidence of crime in our neighborhood. This is surely the first step in preventing further occurrences. I have noticed, however, the incorrect reference to certain crimes which can be misleading. The most prevalent of these is the use of the word “robbery.” A robbery is essentially the taking of anything of value from the person of another by the use of force or intimidation. In other words, the offender actually confronts the victim.
A burglary is the unauthorized entering of any inhabited dwelling or any structure or movable where a person is present, with the intent to commit a felony or any theft therein. It’s a burglary if the offender enters your house, whether you are there or not.
A theft is the taking of anything of value which belongs to another with the intent to permanently deprive the other of the thing. This could be the taking of your car or anything in your carport or yard.
To say one was robbed should be stated only under the circumstances noted above as it implies a more dangerous situation than burglary or theft and is a greater cause for concern.
Tommy Watts
I would help pitch in for security cameras. It would be worth it. It sounds like there have been several robberies in the last month or 2. Also, if you see someone suspicious, take a picture with your phone of the car if you can.
Kyle Schwab
My husband was awakened by the unmistakable sound of someone trying to open the side door to our sunroom this past Monday night, May 4. It was locked so they were unable to enter. We have not noticed anything missing, but we also keep our cars locked.
Bettejean Cramer
If you have any information about other thefts in the area, let us know. Send your reports to web@universityhills70808.net.
Should the dues be increased?
I would vote "yes" to a dues increase for our neighborhood. I would like to raise them to $100 per year, and have our neighborhood build up some funds to take on large projects or have an emergency fund set up. Why not have a "Spring Fling" each spring, and boil crawfish for a neighborhood get together. There is a lot we could do with a dues increase, and I have only made a few suggestions.
J.J. Webb
If we could get $35.00 from more of our residents we would not need to raise dues. How about another idea, one that will get our current dues collected?
Van Wade-Day
Have y’all thought about increasing dues to $50? I know with the economy being as it is it’s probably not a great time for it, but if y’all present some good ideas for the use of the extra money, like the medians, it may be worth it. $35 are the cheapest dues I know about in Baton Rouge. $15 isn’t much more, but could bring in an extra $1500-$2000 (I don’t know what the actual payment of dues rate is?)
Thanks for what y’all do.
Sean Cangelosi
Editor's note: For 2008-9, 116 families paid dues. There are over 200 families in the subdivision. Dues are due every May and can be paid now. We have a running total of families who have paid does so far for 2009-10 on the Dues page. You can now pay your dues online using PayPal.
What do you think about increasing the dues? Should we have an emergency fund? Send your comments to web@universityhills70808.net.
Should the speed limit be reduced?
Recently we conducted a poll question on whether the speed limit on neighborhood streets should be reduced to 20 MPH. The vote was 73% in favor of reducing the limit. We've received some comments as well.
30 mph is too high, 20 is too low, 25 may be just right.
Jean McGuire
I strongly support lower speed limit to 20 along with speed bumps. People will slow down some even if they run them. My son and another child in the neighborhood were almost hit a year ago by some idiot speeding out of the neighborhood after running a stop sign. It would have slowed him down from the 40mph he was traveling. I started a petition and have 5 of the required 10 signatures.
[If you would like to sign Kyle's petition to reduce the speed limit, e-mail:
web@universityhills70808.net and we'll relay that information to Kyle. Kyle says that he will bring the petition to you.]
Kyle Schwab
When I lived in Metairie, the speed limit on residential streets there was 20; and we had sidewalks. Residents here in University Hills must walk in the street. Some do so at night in the dark. Children play in the street, sometimes darting out into the street from behind parked cars. Lowering the speed limit is a prudent step for safety.
Louis Castaing
20 m.p.h. is plenty fast enough, particularly on the streets with curves such as Newcomb, Tulane and the upper part of Delgado.
Jeff Johnson
Posted speed limits should be 25 mph, but better speed bumps should be installed on some streets.
Frank Truesdale, 36-year resident on Ursuline Drive
I vote for 20 mph.
Ruth Carver
Placing stop signs that are meaningless and ticketing those who run them seem to me very poor ways of solving the problem of speeders in our neighborhood. Those who ignore the stop signs are not necessarily the same people who speed. (I hear no one recommending that speeders be ticketed.) Reducing the speed limit to 20 or 25 may be prudent, but it doesn't solve the problem, either. If we want people to slow down, we must make them. I see no way around speed humps. At least they're logical and honest and they'll get the job done.
Elisabeth Spanhoff
Editor's note: Here's a question for the group: Are drivers regularly exceeding the current 30 MPH limit? Let us know what you think at your_thoughts@universityhills70808.net.
Elisabeth responded to my question above.
That's a tough one. "Regularly"? I do see a few drivers on Delgado speeding from time to time. Not as often as you would suppose, listening to our neighbors. I am, of course, concerned about these speeders; but I am also (even more, really) concerned about parents of young children on Delgado who appear to be training their toddlers to play in the street when they have perfectly fine and safe back yards and neutral grounds. To expect motorists to cater to these children on the streets is, in my opinion, unrealistic and frankly dangerous. I sincerely hope none of these children comes to harm. Parents and children both need to learn that the road is for vehicles and that pedestrians take their chances.
Elisabeth Spanhoff
I’m amazed at the school busses that fly up and down Delgado. They aren’t the only ones that go flying by either. I am personally a nervous wreck having my 2-year-old playing in the front yard for that reason. Speed bumps would be the one thing I think would control it. Does anyone really pay attention to the speed limit signs? Do we have police patrol enough to actually enforce the limit?
Jennifer Mayer
The sign says STOP!
Being in the unique position of having a stop sign [on the corner of Tulane Drive and Delgado Drive] out the front of my house, I am appalled at the number of people that run it on a daily basis.
I'm not certain I should say anything, but it is scary and against the law.
Cletus Robinson
More comments from the neighborhood
I share our neighbors' concern about people speeding down our streets and running stop signs. But I cannot really blame them for ignoring stop signs that are not meaningful. For as long as I can remember (I've lived on Delgado 30+ years), there was a yield sign on the corner of Delgado and Tulane. About five years ago, it was replaced by a stop sign. Around the same time, a stop sign appeared on the corner of Delgado and Coed. The need for these signs has never been clear to me. The Yield seemed perfectly adequate, and the new Stop on Coed superfluous (Coed has no traffic to speak of). Perhaps the point was to slow traffic on Delgado. If so, a speed hump would have been more to the point. As for the stop on Tulane, drivers regularly slide through it as though it were still a Yield. Perhaps it should be so again.
Elisabeth Spanhoff
Changing stop signs to “yield,” would seem to do nothing to improve safety.
Frank Truesdale, 36-year resident on Ursuline Drive
I think there needs to be an occasional policeman here to hand out tickets to those that run the stop signs. It'd be great to have a policeman spend some time here in the morning and late afternoon when the area is busy. They would make a tidy sum!
School buses also run through the subdivision. I hope no one is talking on their cell phone and running stop signs at the wrong time. . .oh, well. . .I may be just a voice in the night. Thank you for letting me rant. . .I just don't want to see anyone be injured.
Cletus Robinson [addendum]
I have a different perspective on what is a “Meaningful Stop Sign”. We’ve lived on Newcomb for 17 years. A few years ago when our son and some other neighbor kids were 6, 7, 8 or so years old, just getting proficient on their bikes and scooters and occasionally traveling up or down the street to one another’s houses, we parents often discussed our concern about the number of people who drove by at excessive speeds and what could be done to try to at least slow them down a bit. One looked into the speed bump idea, but it apparently requires a petition signed by a large majority of the residents to get them put in. We figured that was not viable since most of the worst offenders were residents and most others would probably see the bumps as a nuisance. Next they called the city parish and requested an all way stop at Newcomb and Normal. We figured that would at least get them to slow down half way down the street. Soon the stop signs were put in and most people obeyed them, but the ones who we were hoping most to slow down pretty much continued (and still continue) to zip right on through. I’m sure they don’t think it’s a “Meaningful Stop Sign” (Normal has no traffic to speak of), but maybe if they read this they will realize there is a reason for it.
Jeff Johnson
I could only support a reduction in the speed limit to 25 if something is done about the stop signs at the intersection of Delgado and Tulane and the intersection of Delgado and Coed.
The former needs to be returned to a yield sign, the way it used to be.
There is no excuse for it being a stop sign. The three-way stop at Delgado and Coed is simply a joke. There is no way on earth that there is enough traffic to justify it — heck, I doubt if the amount of traffic on Coed is 10% of the volume needed to justify one. Whoever used their pull to have that joke of a three-way stop put in must have a whole lot of it.
As things stand, with there being THREE stop signs between Highland and the back of Delgado instead of the one that there should be, there is no way I could ever support a speed limit reduction. As a result of the extra stop signs the street takes too long to travel as things are.
As to small children being trained to play in the streets, I have been amazed to seen that myself. I have even seen small children laying down on Delgado Drive in the middle of the roadway while there was traffic on the road with their parents looking on in approval! Small children should play under supervision in yards or in the median and never, ever in the street. That can only end badly.
John Johnston
I like the stop sign at the end of Delgado. People walking along that curve are in danger without it.
Kyle Schwab
Editor's note: As someone who walks by the corner of Delgado Drive and Tulane Drive, as do many people in University Hills, I can appreciate the concern. I am never certain whether a driver will stop at the corner or glide through without stopping. This is especially a problem with drivers rounding the curve on Tulane Drive at a high rate of speed. Let us know what you think and whether the speed limits on University Hills streets promote safety. Send your comments to your_thoughts@universityhills70808.net.
New resident with questions. . .lots of questions
Recently we received the e-mail below from new resident Tracy Molidor about the neighborhood. Let us know what you think about some of the issues Tracy mentions. Send your comments to your_thoughts@universityhills70808.net.
Subject: getting connected
I would like to get a little more connected with the association.
My family and I are relatively new to the neighborhood, having moved in at 475 Delgado last summer. Since the move, our yard has been less than ideal, first due to pool construction then as a result of the storm. We expect to have the front landscaping complete very soon and we apologize to our neighbors for the ongoing work.
I am interested in doing what I can to help beautify the neighborhood entrance medians. I understood from the website last summer that the median was to be redone early this spring. Is this still the case? If the association increased the dues, which are almost nil at this point, we could perhaps have a nice gazebo and or sculpture put in with more extensive landscaping, then have someone maintain it on a weekly basis. Just a thought. Even doubling the dues over a year’s period would make the payment less than any HOA fee I’ve ever known. Another idea might be just to have a fundraiser. I bet many people would be happy to pitch in to make a difference.
Along these same lines, is there any information you can share regarding the status of the extremely messy home on the corner of Tulane and Delgado? It’s sort of an embarrassment each time I have visitors. Is there a petition going around or a number I can call to be supportive in resolving what surely is a frustration for many of us?
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Abandoned house at the corner of Delgado Drive and Tulane Drive |
Finally, I’d like to send out a warning for a company that has been advertising in our neighborhood. Yellow signs offering tree/stump removal have been posted. We used this company to take down three large trees after the storm. We paid them in good faith and they did not finish the job. Even after several respectful requests and, finally, a threat to go to the Better Business Bureau, they refused to complete the job, stating we misunderstood both their communication and their contract. Neighbors beware or, better yet, just steer clear.
Thanks for listening (reading), Tracy
Tracy W. Molidor
Editor's note: In partial answer to Tracy's questions:
The Association board is still looking into ways to beautify the median. Unfortunately, some residents and utility company crews are parking on the median in violation of city-parish ordinances prohibiting parking. The median is city-parish property and "No Parking on Median" signs are clearly posted. This illegal activity makes beautification problematic.Association president Chris Liddy is working on a grant application for funds from the Metro Council for median beautification. Tracy, who has some experience writing grants, has volunteered to help with the application.
We'd like to hear your ideas about improving the median. Send them to your_thoughts@universityhills70808.net. We will keep you up-to-date on the plans as they develop.
Tracy also brought up the question of raising dues. If we beautify the median, the cost of upkeep may increase. How do you feel about raising Association dues from the current $35/year? Send your comments to your_thoughts@universityhills70808.net.
Finally, Tracy brought up the problem of abandoned houses. Some of them are eyesores, others are downright dangerous.
This abandoned house at 4665 Tulane Drive is obscured by overgrowth and is barely visible from the street. Two citations (dated 7-14-2008 and 11-12-2008) posted on building indicate that the owners have been informed that it is in violation of Chapter 8, Sections 12:520-526 (Dangerous Buildings) of the city-parish code. The November 12 citation directs that the house be either repaired or demolished by December 12, 2008. This photograph was taken February 7, 2009, almost two months after that deadline. The latest information on the status of abandoned houses is available on the Zoning Committee page.Abandoned houses is a complicated legal matter involving ownership rights. Bob Benedict who heads the Association Zoning Committee has recently posted a report on the current status of our efforts to bring this problem under control. If you have any comments about abandoned houses or want to notify us of any you are aware of, please send your comments to your_thoughts@universityhills70808.net.
Update: Since the Metro Council ordered the demolition of the house at 4665 Tulane Drive on February 25, certain problems have developed with the notification process. Because of these problems, the condemnation will be rescinded and the re-condemnation will be introduced at the council's April 22 meeting. The final vote should be May 13. For more information, see the Zoning Committee report.
Update (4-13-09): The convoluted story of 4665 Tulane Drive has finally come to a happy ending. If not for the house, at least for the neighborhood.
If you remember, when we last heard from city-parish government, a mistake in sending the demolition notice to the wrong party was supposed to have set the demolition back until the middle of May when the Metro Council could re-condemn the property.
Apparently, the parish attorney found a way for the council to rescind the incorrect demolition order and issue a corrected new one at the same council meeting instead of waiting for several weeks to issue the new order.
More comments from the neighborhood
I think that the median beautification project is a wonderful idea — maybe we could even put up a little fence to discourage (let’s hope!!) people from parking on it. I’d be willing to pay more in dues to get this done — Tracy’s right, the dues for UH are pennies compared to most HOAs, and it would be for a very good cause. I’d also be willing to help write a grant (I have a little experience in this area, too).
Or what about a fundraiser like an all-neighborhood yard sale? Anyone who participated could split (or simply donate) the proceeds to the median project, and we get a chance to clean out our attics.
I’m also concerned by the speed at which people drive through the neighborhood. 30 MPH is much too fast for a neighborhood in which kids play in the street. Any chance of some low-key speed bumps?
Thanks so much for the updates on the abandoned houses in the neighborhood. I’m pretty sure that a whole society of raccoons is planning our overthrow in that house on the corner of Centenary.
Jenell Johnson-Xenos
Opinion: Yes, dues should be raised. I’m confident we can come up with an association fee that will allow the administration to have enough money to keep the front area pristine as well as develop a really classy entrance (maybe even a sign which people can see). If raising fees is not an option, how about a one-time charge which is common with homeowner associations?
Christian E. Molidor
Unlicensed motorized vehicles
In the last couple of days I have been treated again, as no doubt other neighbors have been, to two youngsters running the streets on gasoline propelled “junior” dirt bikes.
It is my understanding that operating such unlicensed vehicles on city streets is against the law. We have enough problems with licensed vehicles and licensed drivers in this neighborhood, without parents providing young people with dirt bikes and turning them loose in our neighborhood. I said “again” as several months ago I was treated to the reckless antics of one of these youngsters riding in front of me as I entered the neighborhood.
Maybe these activities are thought “cute” or harmless by some in University Hills at least until one of these riders hits a small child or slides under someone’s car. As I write this note, I can hear one of these bikes zooming around the neighborhood.
[updated 4/6/09]
I have met one of the young riders. He is a very nice kid, and he appeared to listen when I explained to him that I had been a passenger in a car that on two separate occasions had very nearly hit him, once when he ran a stop sign without looking and once when he pulled out from between two cars without looking. Neither time, incidentally, had he noticed the oncoming car. Hopefully he got the message and will be safer in the future.
Frank Truesdale, 36-year resident on Ursuline Drive
What's up with the Highland Estates gates?
Hi, earlier this week I noticed the gate a the dev. across Highland [Highland Estates] was open, so I called the number on the sign & informed them of such, and the gate was closed that day. This morning [February 13] I noticed it was again open so I called again & was told "we leave it open during the day ." I told the person that was a violation of the agreement between the developer & the P&Z comm. He said "I'll talk to my boss ."
David Barnes
Editor's note: Highland Estates is a SPUD (Small Planned Unit Development), SPUD 3-06. The SPUD was the result of a compromise reached between the Highland Estates developer and the residents of the surrounding neighborhoods (including University Hills and College Town) to allow the development of the condominiums to proceed.
Part of that agreement restricted access to the condominiums from Highland Road to emergency vehicles. The only access for residents to the condominiums is supposed to be from Burbank Drive.
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SPUD Landscape Plan for SPUD 3-06. As is evident from this plan, the vehicle access from Highland Road to Highland Estates runs through a proposed single-family lot on Highland Road. If this lot is eventually sold, vehicle access will no longer be available. According to the landscape plan, a pedestrian/bike access way along the western side of the single-family lots is slated to be constructed. This pedestrian access way does not currently exist. For a larger image, click here. |
Observations by several University Hills residents indicate that vehicles other than emergency vehicles are using the open gate to access Highland Road from Highland Estates in violation of the SPUD.
Let us hear from you about vehicle access to and from Highland Road for Highland Estates residents. Send your comments to your_thoughts@universityhills70808.net.
More comments about Highland Estates
RE: vehicle access: What are our options?
Christian E. Molidor
Editor's note: On March 24, the Association notified Complaint Department head Neal Bezet about the problem and sent photos of the open gate. Mr. Bezet agreed that the gate should not be opened and said that he would consult with Public Works director Peter Newkirk about taking appropriate action which might include erecting a permanent fence without a gate.
More than one way to scheme a scam
After letting you know about the telephone scam involving persons pretending to represent St. George Firefighters, we got this e-mail:
A friend of mine had her identity stolen from a Hotmail account yesterday; and the thief sent out e-mails with a long made-up story about her losing her wallet in London and needing money. After the thief got into her Hotmail account, she could no longer access it.
If anyone gets an e-mail from a friend begging for money with a long-winded story ... do not reply. Call your friend and alert them to the e-mail.
Bobbie Carey
Editor's note: Know any other good scams? Let your neighbors know about them. Send your fraud-prevention tips to your_thoughts@universityhills70808.net.
Share your ideas, experiences, helpful hints with the membership at your_thoughts@universityhills70808.net.