Thursday, December 10, 2009
Missing Cat
Karen (8308 229th) is missing a cat. Buddy is a fluffy black cat and is just over 1 year old. He is fixed and declawed in the front. If anyone knows of Buddy's whereabouts, please contact Karen. Thanks!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
News Articles
In case anyone is interested, we thought we'd start posting some of the latest articles relating to the Mastro bankruptcy. Click here for an article regarding Mastro's alleged transfer of assets.
And here's another article about our favorite developer. An investor is now accusing Mastro of forging his signature.
And here's another article about our favorite developer. An investor is now accusing Mastro of forging his signature.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Moving Forward
The following email came from Mark tonight, who asked that we put this info on the blog:
"Just wanted to let everyone know that as of tonight almost 70% of the homeowners that have paid the special assessment and have agreed to join our fight to save our neighborhood. We are not done trying to improve on that total either."
As always, we'll do our best to keep the blog updated with information as we receive it.
"Just wanted to let everyone know that as of tonight almost 70% of the homeowners that have paid the special assessment and have agreed to join our fight to save our neighborhood. We are not done trying to improve on that total either."
As always, we'll do our best to keep the blog updated with information as we receive it.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
We Are Failing In Our Votes
Received the following information from Jim E:
THE COURT WILL NOT RECOGNIZE OUR REQUEST if we do not have at least a 2/3 vote (67%) of the homeowners supporting our objectives as required per our CCRs. We would prefer to have 100% - 65 homeowners.
Committed: 29 homeowners (45%)
Two Thirds Percent: 45 homeowners – SHORT 16 HOMEOWNERS
Eighty Percent: 52 homeowners – SHORT 23 HOMEOWNERS
NEED 36 HOMEOWNERS FOR 100%
THE COURT WILL NOT RECOGNIZE OUR REQUEST if we do not have at least a 2/3 vote (67%) of the homeowners supporting our objectives as required per our CCRs. We would prefer to have 100% - 65 homeowners.
Committed: 29 homeowners (45%)
Two Thirds Percent: 45 homeowners – SHORT 16 HOMEOWNERS
Eighty Percent: 52 homeowners – SHORT 23 HOMEOWNERS
NEED 36 HOMEOWNERS FOR 100%
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Guest Post
The following is a post written by our neighbor Jim Ehnborn:
Phase 2
I heard today from a reliable source today that Sterling is planning to build smaller homes in Phase 2 under the Afford A Home company. They will be a lower quality home than the Sterling line. Presently they are starting at about 1400 sq ft. They started the business building starter homes under the Afford A Home company and then formed the Sterling line. They are going back to the basics.
Phase 1
I also heard from a reliable source today that Horizon Bank has a builder ready to break ground by the end of November on the remaining Pacific Coast lots in Phase 1. It is hard for me to believe that Mastro has not already changed the CCRs for Phase 1 to allow 1200 sq ft homes. He just hasn’t recorded the document with Pierce County.
We need to get the injunction issued to immediately stop this type of construction in Phase 1 and 2. Let them build the homes in Phase 3.
We have a real deadline for raising the money. We will need to have a higher percentage of homeowners showing an interest in saving our community. The 45% participation won't work. We can’t consider going to court with less than 80%. Either we believe in and support the cause or we don’t.
Phase 2
I heard today from a reliable source today that Sterling is planning to build smaller homes in Phase 2 under the Afford A Home company. They will be a lower quality home than the Sterling line. Presently they are starting at about 1400 sq ft. They started the business building starter homes under the Afford A Home company and then formed the Sterling line. They are going back to the basics.
Phase 1
I also heard from a reliable source today that Horizon Bank has a builder ready to break ground by the end of November on the remaining Pacific Coast lots in Phase 1. It is hard for me to believe that Mastro has not already changed the CCRs for Phase 1 to allow 1200 sq ft homes. He just hasn’t recorded the document with Pierce County.
We need to get the injunction issued to immediately stop this type of construction in Phase 1 and 2. Let them build the homes in Phase 3.
We have a real deadline for raising the money. We will need to have a higher percentage of homeowners showing an interest in saving our community. The 45% participation won't work. We can’t consider going to court with less than 80%. Either we believe in and support the cause or we don’t.
Notary?
**UPDATE** A notary has been found. Thanks everyone.
(Original post)
We are looking for a notary living Grand Firs who would be willing to notorize some documents. Please contact Jim Ehnborn or grandfirs@hotmail.com if you can help.
Also, Jim is continuing to collect checks for the legal fund. Even though we have passed the initial Nov 2 deadline, we are going to continue building the fund and begin filing paperwork. So far there has been no opposition, so there is no reason to quit. If needed, Jim will accept post-dated checks and hold onto them.
Several neighbors have been granted access to the private blog (see post below). If you'd like access, create your Google account, email the blog, and we'll send you the invitation link. We'll do our best to update that blog as information becomes available.
(Original post)
We are looking for a notary living Grand Firs who would be willing to notorize some documents. Please contact Jim Ehnborn or grandfirs@hotmail.com if you can help.
Also, Jim is continuing to collect checks for the legal fund. Even though we have passed the initial Nov 2 deadline, we are going to continue building the fund and begin filing paperwork. So far there has been no opposition, so there is no reason to quit. If needed, Jim will accept post-dated checks and hold onto them.
Several neighbors have been granted access to the private blog (see post below). If you'd like access, create your Google account, email the blog, and we'll send you the invitation link. We'll do our best to update that blog as information becomes available.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Grand Alliance Association Blog
A private blog has been created to serve as a sister blog to this one. This will still be our main blog for community events, news, concerns, etc. The private blog will have detailed outlines and summaries of meetings, the latest information on any legal proceedings, etc. It's stuff that Jim, Jen and I feel is important to share.
The address is as follows: http://grandaa.blogspot.com
If you would like access to the private blog, you will need to create a Google account (can be done here.) You'll use your email address and pick a password. Once you've created your account, email grandfirs@hotmail.com and I will send you an invitation link. You'll click the link, and enter your email address and password.
Adds and extra step, I know.. but this is the best way to let people know the latest without posting it publicly.
The address is as follows: http://grandaa.blogspot.com
If you would like access to the private blog, you will need to create a Google account (can be done here.) You'll use your email address and pick a password. Once you've created your account, email grandfirs@hotmail.com and I will send you an invitation link. You'll click the link, and enter your email address and password.
Adds and extra step, I know.. but this is the best way to let people know the latest without posting it publicly.
Brief Summary From Oct 28 Meeting
Last night's meeting was very productive and informative. Jim put several impressive Powerpoint presentations together and two hours of great discussion followed. The turnout was very good (I counted about 30 households, but I think only 23 signed in). Our largest meeting yet!
As stated in a previous post, a group of ten neighbors gathered last week to hammer out a game plan for our neighborhood. Jim presented that plan to the community last night. To keep it brief (because we don't necessarily want to advertise everything on the internet), we feel that Phase 2 is more important to fight for than Phase 3. New amendments have been made to Phase 2 that will allow 1200 sq ft homes with vinyl siding and no rock/brick siding. We are concerned that Phase 1 will be amended next, if it hasn't been already.
Last night, a motion was made that we press forward with legal action and the motion was seconded. We did a quick yay/nay vote, and all those in attendance agreed to hire an attorney. Jim ran some numbers and is asking each household to contribute $150. Several people actually wrote their checks last night! (For those who haven't paid yet, please make the check out to Grand Alliance Association and deliver it ASAP to Jim on 229th. Or email the blog and I'll make sure your check gets delivered.)
So for now.. an LLC is being formed (since we don't have control of our HOA) and an attorney is being hired. We are going to push for control of the HOA, and we are going to try and have the Phase 2 amendments thrown out. Jim wants to start next week.
HUGE thanks to the many neighbors who took the time to be at this last-minute meeting. Also, I wanted to take a moment to recognize and thank Michelle. She's devoted a lot of her own time to this process and is responsible for uncovering some very important information. Thank you, Michelle! We're lucky to have you.
Side note: As we get further into the legal process, I'm going to be reluctant to put information on this public blog. Jim, Jen and I are talking about creating a side blog that would be password-protected. It would contain info related to legal matters, and only people in our community would have access. Thoughts?
As stated in a previous post, a group of ten neighbors gathered last week to hammer out a game plan for our neighborhood. Jim presented that plan to the community last night. To keep it brief (because we don't necessarily want to advertise everything on the internet), we feel that Phase 2 is more important to fight for than Phase 3. New amendments have been made to Phase 2 that will allow 1200 sq ft homes with vinyl siding and no rock/brick siding. We are concerned that Phase 1 will be amended next, if it hasn't been already.
Last night, a motion was made that we press forward with legal action and the motion was seconded. We did a quick yay/nay vote, and all those in attendance agreed to hire an attorney. Jim ran some numbers and is asking each household to contribute $150. Several people actually wrote their checks last night! (For those who haven't paid yet, please make the check out to Grand Alliance Association and deliver it ASAP to Jim on 229th. Or email the blog and I'll make sure your check gets delivered.)
So for now.. an LLC is being formed (since we don't have control of our HOA) and an attorney is being hired. We are going to push for control of the HOA, and we are going to try and have the Phase 2 amendments thrown out. Jim wants to start next week.
HUGE thanks to the many neighbors who took the time to be at this last-minute meeting. Also, I wanted to take a moment to recognize and thank Michelle. She's devoted a lot of her own time to this process and is responsible for uncovering some very important information. Thank you, Michelle! We're lucky to have you.
Side note: As we get further into the legal process, I'm going to be reluctant to put information on this public blog. Jim, Jen and I are talking about creating a side blog that would be password-protected. It would contain info related to legal matters, and only people in our community would have access. Thoughts?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
**IMPORTANT Meeting - Oct 28**
The emergency meeting will be held Wednesday, October 28 from 7-9pm at the Graham fire station. Everyone in the neighborhood should have received an information sheet on their door by now. If you didn't get one, please email the blog.
It's crucial that we have as many households present as possible (renters too!). Important decisions will be made at this meeting that affect us all. So please, make every effort to show up so your voice can be heard!
It's crucial that we have as many households present as possible (renters too!). Important decisions will be made at this meeting that affect us all. So please, make every effort to show up so your voice can be heard!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Oct 22 Meeting
As stated in a previous post, a small number of neighbors gathered at Jim and Lousie's house tonight to discuss some of the legal issues concerning our neighborhood. Ten people were present and we spent three hours trying to hammer out a game plan and figure out a starting point.
Michelle presented us with some scary new information regarding amendments made to Phase 2 (in addition to the Phase 3 amendments that were discussed at last week's meeting). Because of these amendments, the group decided that an emergency community meeting is necessary. We feel that it's time to hire an attorney, and we shouldn't wait.
A newsletter will be sent out ASAP with a meeting date and agenda. At this point, it's crucial that we have as many households present as possible. Our homes are our biggest investments.
Michelle presented us with some scary new information regarding amendments made to Phase 2 (in addition to the Phase 3 amendments that were discussed at last week's meeting). Because of these amendments, the group decided that an emergency community meeting is necessary. We feel that it's time to hire an attorney, and we shouldn't wait.
A newsletter will be sent out ASAP with a meeting date and agenda. At this point, it's crucial that we have as many households present as possible. Our homes are our biggest investments.
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