Huber Ridge Area

 Can't put a lien on the house, but can have them cut down and charge you out your you know what. I suggest cutiing off alittle at a time so they have to leave you alone.

I may be one of those neighbors you refer to, but it has nothing to do with pride in ownership.  I work a lot of hours and the economy has it everyone.  Instead of getting upset and issuing threats, why not start a bartering link/group for the neighborhood?  For someone like myself who has many things they'd like to improve, but isn't the most handy person, I'm great with computers.  I'd be happy to help whoever could lend a hand with the task by fixing their laptop or desktop in return for the assistance.  Most of the things around here are simple if you have the skills or equipment.  For example, I'd love to clean up the siding on my house, it is in good shape but could use a little TLC, no need to replace, but I don't have a powerwasher and would likely strip the paint even if I did because I'm not familiar with how to use one.  If someone would lend me a powerwasher for an afternoon, show me how to use it, I'd be more than happy to help them with a task I'm familiar with.

Perhaps others would be willing to offer assistance, discounts through their businesses, or barter to improve all of our property values.

This is our community.  There's no reason to alienate our neighbors when maybe all they need is a little help.  Who knows what they can offer in return!

I love it that you expressed your need - who would have known?  As one who has used a power washer before, I can tell you to be prepared for your water bill to skyrocket.  Instead, I now hand wash our siding (when I get the time) and it does not take too long, nor is it too labor intensive.  Last time I used dish soap and a rag; the time prior I used soft scrub.  I did a little at a time, and frankly, never finished.  Still on my list.

But if you are serious, then I will ask my nephew if I can borrow his power washer and I will show you how to use it.  I hope you are stronger than I, because it takes a lot of strength to start it.  When I borrow anyone's equipment, I do so with the agreement that if I ruin it, I will pay for it. That would be the deal.

But I hear you about the economy.  The economy, however, should not deter us from the noted neglected items below.  They are the basics and take basic energy.

As far as threats go, if you mean that calling code enforcement is a threat, then no need to worry about your siding, there is no code that says your siding must be cleaned - as far as I know.

The neglected items many get upset about, as I sum it up, are:  high weeds; high grass; debris; inoperable vehicles; tires; all code infractions.  Peeling, chipping paint is also an infraction - does that describe your siding?  Probably not.  More basics:  putting trash at the curb before Thursday evening and then failing to take the empty cans back for two days or more.  Do we agree that trash is unsightly as well as trash cans? 

You still have a great idea of bartering.  We have a facebook page for items for sale or free, maybe bartering could be added to that page.  Do you do facebook?  It is well represented.

So, let me know about the power washer.  Remember, it WILL kill your water bill, hand washing will not, and that can be done a little at a time.  But I am certainly willing to ask my nephew.  I am considering borrowing it for our stone - do not want to hand wash that!

Thanks,

Pam Clegg