Post date: Jan 27, 2010 2:26:57 PM
A bit of background history.
The storm water issue goes back much further than the current proposed development. The association has records for at least 50 years of people complaining about storm water issues - flooded streets and property, ice, etc. This affects ALL neighbors (those that have to drive icy roads, or whose kids wait at bus stops in the pouring rain, or the families that like to take walks around the neighborhood). Attempts have been made in the past to get these corrected with little to no improvement on the current system.
At this time we are attempting to get these problems taken care of once again. In talking with the county, the ONLY way to fix our issues and bring us up to date is to begin the process of installing curb and gutter (and sidewalk for those that want it). They will no longer install or replace the asphalt berms surrounding properties - and this would have to be done by each homeowner at their own expense!
We have been told that the process is "long and difficult", and that for some of our residents it will be easier than others. But we believe that the results will be worth it.
Here's what will happen:
We will need to petition to make this happen, and also incur some of the costs. 67% of the residents on a block need to approve before the construction can begin.
The county will come in and drop the road 7 inches below current grade, update the storm water management system with larger capacity, more storm drains, etc. During this time other utilities may come in for updates as well (sewage, water, gas and electricity, power, etc.)
What does this mean for us?
1. We will be expected to pay a small portion. Details will be listed below.
2. Updated storm water control that will make our streets and our property safer.
3. Curb, gutter, and sidewalks if chosen are an attractive feature to any neighborhood.
4. Updated utilities and roads.
For curb and gutter right now, this is 13.50$ for linear foot and an extra 16.00$ per linear foot if you want sidewalk. Sidewalk - while a nice addition - is not our primary goal right now. This amount is added to your tax bill and paid for over a 5 year period.
To quote the attachement - with curb, gutter, and sidewalk:
"The total cost of these improvements in 2009 is typically less than $30 per linear foot of frontage. On a 60’ width lot, this cost would total $1,800 or $360 per year for 5 years. "
Most residents in Hillendale Park have 50' in front of their property that would need curb and gutter. This means 11.25$ a month, 135$ a year, 675$ over 5 years for JUST curb and gutter. We believe this would be very inexpensive for the residents in Hillendale Park, especially for the benefits listed above.
If you wanted sidewalk, it would cost slightly more (800$ more over the 5 years, for a total of 1475$), however taken monthly, it still only adds up to an additional 25$ a month.
Again, we can only stress that this is the path the county suggests for improving our neighborhood, and the path that they have been suggesting for many years. If we choose again not to make these improvements, we will continue with the same problems, and the costs to fix these will only increase.
We would like to start acting now. We will be taking comments and suggestions throughout the month of February, with a final vote to proceed during February's regular meeting.
Please let us know your comments and suggestions!