Huber Ridge Area

Hello,

I am a new member to the community living on Montevideo Rd.  In addition I also purchased another property on Santiago.  Currently I am in the process of rehabbing the Santiago property.  However, this morning while I was working on the property I was confronted by the Blendon Township Compliance Officer.  He informed me that I cannot put trash out before trash day.  He said that one of the neighbors had called and complained twice now about my trash being on the curb too early.  First off I would like to say to this person GROW UP and think before you speak.  Before I purchased the house the grass was approximately 36" tall and there were small plants growing out the of the gutters.  The house was a real eye-sore and was bringing down the value of the surrounding properties (including the individual who made the ridiculous anonymous complaint).  My work is not only improving the house itself but also the value of all others in the neighborhood.  To quote the spring newsletter in the Property Pride section,

"With the decline in the housing market, it is imperative that we, as home owners, do all in our power to maintain our property.  Property that is not maintained depreciates at a much more rapid rate than the housing market might dictate.  In addition, such properties tend to have a depreciating effect on the other properties in the general vicinity."

So rather that thanking me for improving the value of her house this neighbor decides to call the police on me instead.  Whatever happened to just going over and talking to your neighbor.  All I know is that I am not sure what I am going to do with this house once it is finished.  I may decide to sell it or rent it out to a nice family that could be a great addition to our neighborhood.  Or heck I could rent it out to a bus full of Mexicans(No Offense Intended) who would park their trucks and pontoon boats in the lawn, just to spite this neighbor. 

I don't understand how short sighted and simple-minded some people can me.  Who cares if you have to look at some old carpet on the curb for a few days.  In the long run only good can come from the trash being out early, it is a sign that WORK is being done.  Something a few people could stand to do a little bit more of.  I'm doing my part to better our community.  So whoever called the "Dogs" on me get off my back and GET A LIFE!!!!!

Dear Neighbor,

First, welcome to the neighborhood.  My apologies for not welcoming you sooner.  We were out of town and I am just getting caught up.

Thank you very much for taking pride in the community and fixing up your homes.  Not everyone has the means or ability to be a do-it-yourselfer like you, but elbow grease always works too.  You are going beyond that, apparently.

Regarding your neighbor who called the "dogs" on you - well, here is another perspective.  Your neighbor may not even live on your street, so please hold off your frustration with your immediate neighbors.  You said you were new to the street.  I have lived on our street for over 20 years.  It would be and is very difficult for me to approach neighbors about issues such as you mentioned because ONE NEVER KNOWS HOW THEY WILL RESPOND.  Few people respond favorably and it usually only serves to create hard feelings.  That has not only been my experience, but also the experience communicated to me by a number of residents.

Officer Rhoads was doing his job, and for that I am glad.  He does a great job and has a difficult task.  His position is relatively new - and long overdue.  Things had been let go for years and the neighborhood suffered for it.  People did not like it, did not know what to do about it, so they moved out.  I can list several who did just that.  So please, do not get upset if the officer does his job.  I want him to do that job.

If ever you have trash you need to take to the curb and do not have time to get it to the curb on a Thursday evening or Friday morning, call me and I will try to help you out, 891.9176.

Personally, I do not like to see trash on a curb.  If the wind picks up, it blows everywhere.  I know you said yours was just carpet, and that would not blow, but it just does not look appealing.  If everyone put trash out early, the neighborhood would look like a junk yard.

Pam Clegg, neighbor

"It would be and is very difficult for me to approach neighbors about issues such as you mentioned because ONE NEVER KNOWS HOW THEY WILL RESPOND.  Few people respond favorably and it usually only serves to create hard feelings.  That has not only been my experience, but also the experience communicated to me by a number of residents."

Got news for you Pam. Anonymous letters create hard feelings also. My recent Dog barking letter has forced me to loose ALL respect for all of my neighbors; not just the spineless one who sent it. I would have appreciated this neighbor coming to me like an adult. Instead they took the spineless approach. You know, that letter hasn't changed my habits with our dog one bit. We do not abuse the neighborhood with our dog and never did. If my spineless resident would like to escalate this to the compliance officer, that is fine with me. Then I will find out who is complaining. Meanwhile, we will do what we always do and have done. And because of the letter, I have ill feelings with all surrounding me except the ones I can trust.

Anyway, to the new resident. I am sorry you have seen this side of our community. Unfortunately, you haven't seen the last I am sure. Too many freaks live here who would rather be in your business and disregard their own business. If I were you, I'd sell or rent as you said, to the most undesireable folks you can. Teach the neighbors a lesson to shut their mouth and think before they act. It was obvious you were in the middle of bettering the property.

Dear Neighbor,

If you would like to talk more about this, I would be happy to meet with you.  Maybe we could talk after the HRAA meeting July 10 (or before), or you can call me if you want to set up another time.  Pam