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ublished Weekly by the VWOA Communications Committee
December 19, 2016 Edition!
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"Successful leaders see the opportunities in every difficulty rather than the difficulty in every opportunity."
~ Reed Markham
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The opinions expressed in
"My Point of View" are those solely of the author and not necessarily those of the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association.
The Association reserves the right to refuse publication of any articles that are offensive and/or deemed as a personal attack on any individual, group or organization. Submitted articles should be Westcreek issue focus!
Opposing "Points of View" are welcome! Contact the Chair of the Communications Committee if you wish to submit your Op-ed.
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Sage Run: Why Speed Bumps Are Not the Answer
If I thought for a second, that installing speed bumps on Sage Run would save even one life, I would support it full heartedly,
B
ut not only do I feel that they won't... I feel their installation will provide a false sense of security in the short term to include less dire, but still very frustrating, issues in the long term. I plan to outline these concerns so that when it comes time for the Homeowners located directly next to a proposed bump to vote on its implementation, they vote knowing what I believe to be the facts and the illusions of the matter.
In my estimate, speed bumps are designed to reduce the speed of the majority of traffic along a given roadway but after hundreds of hours, over the last three years, of watching traffic from my front row seat (otherwise known as my front porch), the majority of the traffic already obeys the speed limit. It is a small, but significant percentage of drivers that stand-out by speeding and driving carelessly, often... recklessly. Those same individuals that blatantly ignore current limits are not going to all of the sudden be deterred by a "start and finish line"... I mean "two speed bumps"... placed along the entirety of Sage Run. They are already driving aggressively, passing in a residential zone; the introduction of a bump will only provide them with an additional opportunity to take advantage of us law abiding drivers by passing us as we slow for the bump, introducing a whole new set of potential hazards.
Houses located within a block of emplaced bumps will need to get used to the idea of two significant annoyances that will not only drive one mad but also be a major deterrent to a potential buyer once you decide to sell and move, in order to free yourself from the calamity that would contribute to the current dangers of Sage Run traffic. These two problems are the noise and additional exhaust smells directly associated with bumps. These problems will alternate depending on the time of day (traffic conditions). The four times a day when High School and commute traffic congest Sage Run, each bump location will produce a very noticeable plume (concentrated collection) of exhaust that is ten-times worse than regular exhaust of traffic just passing through unimpeded. Then at night when traffic isn't congested but still very active, nearby homeowners will have to deal with the very intrusive double "bump-bump" noise emitted by passing vehicles; even those driving over the bumps at acceptable speeds.
Now for the financial aspect that will matter-of-factly impact every single HOA member, even if you feel that Sage Run issues, in no way, impact you: Since the County has determined that Sage Run does not meet the proven and historical standard of needing speed bumps, the County will not pay to have them installed. Therefore, if they are installed, it will be at the very expensive cost of the VWOA, LIKELY increasing our annual dues even more because speed bumps are not just a one-time cost... they must be maintained or risk becoming a major eyesore to the community. Additionally, if we do decide to pay for the bumps, we are still at the complete mercy of the County as to where they are to be placed. I do believe that one of those locations is near my home which, admittedly, biases me. If I am correct in its location, then I will be one of the few homes that get to vote as to whether or not they get emplaced there. In which, I will DEFINITELY vote AGAINST speed bumps; not for the "annoyances" listed above, but on the simple fact that I feel efforts and funds should be refocused on measures that WILL actually mitigate safety issues versus masquerading as a solution and actually exacerbating safety concerns. I plan to continue attending Board meetings in which I will voice my opinions and recommendations; I encourage everyone else to attend as well, especially if you, too, have ideas to be explored.
Submitted by: Brad Meeks, Homeowner
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The Board of Directors approved title changes for the
Recreation Department at their meeting on Thursday, December 15, 2016. Please note the following changes!
- New Department Name: Community Activities Department
- Recreation Superintendent: Community Activities Superintendent
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2016 HOLIDAY LIGHTING CONTEST WINNERS!
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FIRST PLACE
Jerry and Rose Kline
11602 Fox Forest
The Woods
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SECOND PLACE
Thomas and Patricia Bennett
810 Creek Gate
The Estates
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THIRD PLACE
Amanda Peterson
338 Chloe Heights
The Reserve
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VWOA Historical Research Sub-committee - Call for Video Photographer
The
"VWOA Historical Research Sub-committee" is seeking someone who would be willing to do some Pro Bono volunteer work by putting together a short professional video in honor of our "30th Anniversary" in 2017.
This is an awesome opportunity to do something to preserve our history for future residents.
NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING
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January 9, 2017, at 6:00 P.M., in the VWOA Community Center Conference Room. This is an open meeting and all are invited to attend!
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The Architectural Review Committee will not be meeting on
December 20, 2016, and December 27, 2016.
If you wish to do any improvements to the exterior of your property over the upcoming holidays, please note the following schedule:
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Submit Your PIA by:
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The ARC will Review it on:
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December 30, 2016
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January 3, 2017
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This weekend around the house, continue your efforts to keep accumulations of leaves off your lawn, driveways, sidewalks, along the curb line, etc.
Also, with New Year's right around the corner, you will want to make sure your roof and gutters are cleared of leaves as well. Accumulations of dry leaves on your roof and gutters could pose a fire hazard in the event stray fireworks land on them.
Let's Make Westcreek Beautiful!
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Reported Crimes
Please remember to be observant in your neighborhood.
- Report any suspicious activities or persons to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office at 210-335-6000.
- If you see graffiti or vandalism in the Villages of Westcreek, please report it to the office at 210-679-8761.
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If you are purchasing toys for small children, be sure that they are safe and age appropriate. You will be surprised what a small child can swallow or what can injure them.
For additional information about toy safety, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.
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White House Greetings
Request a Presidential Greeting. The White House will send greetings to U.S. citizens for the following occasions:
- baby's birth greeting,
- birthday greeting (80th or greater or veterans 70th or greater),
- retirement for 20 years of service or longer,
- wedding, anniversary (50th or greater).
Submit request by mail or online:
White House Greeting Office
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
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Westcreek resident
Michelle de Jongh prepares a weekly list of
"Things to do in San Antonio."
To subscribe, send your email address to
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Property Improvement Application (PIA) Requirements
Application requirements are as follows:
- A completed PIA must be submitted to the ARC for approval with a complete description of the proposed improvement/change. This information will make it easier for the ARC to properly, thoroughly and promptly render a decision without causing a delay;
- Provide any applicable documents, materials, color samples, drawings, sketches, pictures, brochures, photographs and all applicable dimensions that adequately describe the proposal; if any permanent structure is proposed for placement in/over a utility easement as shown on the Plat/Lot Survey, written authorization from all applicable utility companies must accompany the request for ARC approval; and
- Include a copy of the Plat/Lot Survey (if applicable) showing the location of the improvement/change. If the Plat/Lot Survey is required and is not on hand, you may obtain a copy from your title company or the Bexar County Clerk's Office.
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In what ways do you help your community?
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