Comments for highlandpark-colorado.com Blog

Comment on natural grass lawnmower? by Administrator

Administrator — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:21:49 +0000

Hi Chris, Having trouble mowing really bumpy ground? If you don’t have to contend with steep ditches your life is easier. What do you want to spend? Our entry level ride tractor is 18&1/2 HP Sears with a 42″ deck(Briggs & Stratton engine) which has been very reliable. This is absolute minimum, but it will do the job – just a little more slowly. We had to get weights for the back wheels for traction on the steep ditches. I see that the minimum HP now is 21HP. So.. entry level tractor will be probably be about $1400. A commercial style walk behind mower will start in the same price range…you might as well ride. Hope you get more responses, but this might help.

Comment on Compliance by Your Neighbor

Your Neighbor — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:42:52 +0000

I understand how at first blush, it can be embarrassing and surprising to get a notice that you need to do something to comply with covenants. While neighbors may get along with each other — they may not feel comfortable enough to say, “Hey neighbor — can I remind you of the covenants and that you’re not in compliance?” It’s not a fun or popular conversation-starter. In many cases, folks feel more comfortable letting the board know of such situations — and I appreciate the Board “dealing with compliance equitably” via a visit, e-mail, or phone call before going to a formal letter.

There are two things we must all keep in mind with regard to the covenants: (1) we all agreed to abide by them when we purchased our property, and (2) the covenants belong to the association members. Since we “own” the covenants — we are free to amend them to our hearts content — per the bylaws of the association. Case in point is that the covenants originally prohibited ANY parking of vehicles in driveways. Association members proposed and obtained sufficient votes to change the covenant to allow two operating, registered passenger cars (I’m not going to quote all the specifics here) in their driveway.

In the flurry of closing on our homes, most of us didn’t take the time to read every “jot and tittle” in the legal documentation. I recommend each member periodically take the time to sit back and refresh themselves on the covenants — it’s a good thing for all of us to do from time to time. They are available for reading and download from this website. After doing so — it’s very possible you may wish to propose a change — and you might have a great idea that others would support. It’s much more productive to be an active participant in our association than to sit back and throw barbs and foster an “us vs. them” mentality.

If you are not able to rise above the initial embarrassment and anger of being approached regarding covenant compliance, there are plenty of other communities that may be a better match for your lifestyle, that don’t care as much about their property values and will allow residents to do as they wish.

Comment on Compliance by PASSION4ROSES

PASSION4ROSES — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:39:59 +0000

I too believe that It DOES DEPEND ON ” WHO YOUR NEIGHBOR IS!” I strongly agree that the homeowners here in H.P have nothing better to do than complain about every thing, little or big! While in all they break the covenants and then complain when you do. I know personally, my neighbors are like that too! Not a fun place. And I have driven the neighborhood several times too and seen alot breaking the covenants too! And then there are those lucky ones living here in H.P that have the nice neighbors, that mind there own lot and not yours all the time. And you are right, they DONT CARE WHAT THE REASON IS, WHY YOUR FAMILY IS LIVING THERE OR ANY THING ELSE. Im with you! You should be able to have family there and family cars there that come with the family. And it does make you ask your self? Why are we still living here? It is very uncomfortable when your neighbors constantly watch over your property daily! And you feel like there is very little breathing room! You feel like the neighbors take care of your property more than you take care of it your self! I often wonder where this place will be in the years to come! You pay a huge amount for the properties and then they just want you to look at them, not understanding our needs for shade or pleasure or any thing else. And the true reason of wanting to live out of town and on land. It sure has made me think twice about living here much longer. And its a shame. Its beautiful here and I think we all can see that. I guess as long as you dont want to use the land your home is on or have family over to stay, because they have cars that come with them. Or when your children get there own cars and still live at home and cant even park out side in the drive way! And I also know there rude about it and dont care whats happening or what your circumstances are! I know Ive been there and heard it all. Well good luck with your neighbors and trying to find true happiness in such a beautiful place. Like Doug Barber said to us, ” IF YOU DONT LIKE IT, MOVE!”

Comment on Compliance by Shuger

Shuger — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:52:30 +0000

Dear Neighbor, I am responding as a member of the board. Everyone can park two of their cars outside their garage on a regular basis. The covenants were amended a couple of years ago to allow that. Please forgive the misunderstanding. The board member who visited you misspoke. Doing the job of Compliance as a board member (especially a new board member!) is a difficult and challenging task. Remember, we are volunteers. We are expected to follow through and make sure homeowners comply with our covenants.

Please be assured, we don’t single anyone out. A neighbor does not have to complain for the board to ask an owner to comply with covenants. We try very hard to make sure that we deal with compliance equitably. Also a visit, email or phone call, rather than a formal letter, is to find out if there are extenuating circumstances, and to discuss options. Formal letters and fines are last resorts for people who refuse to comply, even if they have other options. We are sensitive to circumstances – especially if a military person or military family is involved. But we had to inquire, because that is one of the responsibilities of your HPA board. I have had neighbors give us an email or a phone call to notify us in advance that we would see a trailer or extra vehicles at their house for a given period of time. This helps a lot and usually resolves any need for contact.
Thank you so much for your help and understanding. Enforcing covenants is in the interest of keeping up the standards and, in turn, values of our properties.

Comment on Beware of Bonafacio Sanchez – Buried Alive Tree Service by MJBraukhoff

MJBraukhoff — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:21:29 +0000

We bought trees from Facio 3 years ago. Although Facio says they are guaranteed, he will not replace them if/when they die. If you are fortunate enough to get a hold of him, he will promise to replace them, but will not follow-up. Again, we’ve tried to get trees replaced for 3 years with no success. Stay away from Facio.

Mark and Julie Braukhoff
9519 Loch Linneh PL