Information for new (and longtime) residents

The string lights issue is case in point. Our 30-year-old rules only allowed for holiday lights “30 days before and after a holiday.” So, the popular low-wattage Edison, or café lights, that many of us like to display weren’t allowed. At the time (four years ago), staff met with the board and committee members and drafted something to review which would allow these lights to be up all year with some restrictions. The new policy was approved by the board and sent to owners. Shortly afterward, a resident organized an email campaign complaining that the new rule was still too restrictive. A board member and staff put together a survey, and invited members to fill it out and return it by email, mail or dropping it off at the association office. There was about a 10-percent response, which left the board to decide whether the remaining 90 percent of our membership just didn’t care, or maybe it was just too difficult to take part in the survey. So, at that time, the board decided to allow the lights in backyards but not in front yards. That was in 2023. A year later, staff began enforcing the policy, sending notices to homes displaying lights in front yards.

And we again started hearing complaints and reports about discussions on social media. Let’s talk about social media here for a moment. Yes, most of the board members, staff, and committee members are on Facebook. However, just like police and city officials, someone cannot always answer questions on social media. The best way to be heard is to contact staff and board members directly. Contact information is on the Northwest Landing website. You may also attend one of the quarterly board meetings. The board meets in a small conference room, so anyone not on the board must meet with us on Zoom, and a reservation is required.