You don’t have to be an organic chemist to understand the process of one bad apple producing ethylene starting the decay process for the rest. The broken windows theory states that visible signs of disorder and misbehavior in an environment encourage further disorder and misbehavior.
In our neighborhood about 90% of our homes are kept to a high standard of care. These owners demonstrate pride and care deeply for our community. A few are singled-out by the prestigious “yard of the month” as voted by the Memorial Northwest Ladybugs Garden Club. Congratulations to these individuals for setting the high standards we should all strive to achieve.
On the other hand, ten percent (10%) of the homes fall well below the standard of care we expect from our neighbors. It is one thing to find one bad house and then counting to ten to find the next bad house, yet it is intersesting to see how often bad houses are bunched.
As we transition to a new Management Company in September, if there is pine straw on the roof, gutters filled breeding mosquitoes, mold and mildew on siding, dead grass or weeds, the old fence falling apart, etc. expect the letter asking nicely to address the issue at hand. All we ask is to take a moment to care by DIY or seek a professional to get the house in order. About six percent (6%) eventually comply after recieving several more letters and the required reimbursement of expenses.
Unfortunately for the four percent (4%) of the neglected properties after receiving many request by letter, we are anticipating a court ordered judgement to compel the owner to exercise the ordinary care expected of all owners. You may read about these properties in the public record Harris County District Clerk website at https://www.hcdistrictclerk.com.
If you don’t see a property you were expecting, perhaps you may help by attending a Board meeting to participate. It may be your property being devalued by the home next door.
We all care about each other, yet we are challenged to care for those who don’t care for others.
Very well stated.
Thank you MNW board members for the actions you have been taking to address and correct these violations. It is not said enough we appreciate you VOLUNTEERING your time for the betterment of our subdivision.
Thank you for your comment. There is room at the table for more we have an opening for Secretary and the Area 2 Director. More hands will make for lighter work.
I looked at https://www.hcdistrictclerk.com. for the 4% of homes not in compliance but did not see a list. Where is it? Thanks, dp