Thanks to those of you who have taken a moment to email or leave comments! Here are a couple things that people have on their mind:
1. Trespassers in the unoccupied phases. Many of us walk, jog and play way out in the back and it's no secret that the space attracts unwanted visitors. People drive on the grass, vandalize the parks, and leave garbage all over the place back there. A couple neighbors have inquired about placing ecology blocks in the street to block vehicle access (since no one is building back there). However, we've been told that houses are planned to go up in "45 days" (they've been saying this since Sept '08) so they are unwilling to block the street. Understandable from their point of view, but frustrating for those of us who live here. So for now, the best we can do is keep our eyes open and call the police if/when we see something illegal going on back there.
2. Garbage in Grand Central Park. It's great that so many kids enjoy the park, but let's all try to make sure that it's kept in pristine shape. With spring here, more potential buyers are walking around and we should do our best to make our neighborhood look great!
As always, please provide your opinions and feedback!
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35 comments:
Clearly Grand Firs has turned out to be not so Grand. Yes, the economy/housing market have significantly and negatively impacted our community, but so has the lack of leadership of Jim Seldon and our so called "HOA". I too have attempted to contact Jim Seldon, but to no avail.
At this point, the future of our community, our safety, our families and our investments lie in the hands of a "HOA" that is essentially non-existent. Is there any CC&R that hasn't been broken, or better yet, is there one that has been enforced?
Empty lots have turned into rock and weed pits, builders are permitted to leave houses in an unfinished condition for 2+ years and they are allowed to rent their homes, all the while taking no responsibility for ensuring that covenants are enforced.
To make matters worse:
I know that a request was made to the HOA to have ecology blocks placed in the road to prevent traffic, etc... from entering phase III. The response to this request was that "home building would begin shortly" and that was last August. Since then, my family has got to witness drug deals, window steaming sessions, trash dumping, and an occasional abandoned vehicle.
I believe it is time for Jim or the HOA to call a meeting of our community to not only discuss current homeowner concerns, but future plans for our development. If there is any hope for our community to flourish, we need to address these issues before it is too late.
L
We couldn't agree more with the comment listed above. My family moved out to Grand Firs thinking that this was going to be a great place to live where our kids would be safe to play outside and not have to worry about speeding cars driving by, we also thought that this would be a neighbor hood where people respected their property and others and took pride in keeping their yards looking nice and not having cars, RV's, and utility trailers parked on the streets. This does not only look bad but creates for some narrow passes when driving down these roads. Not to mention it creates a potential safety issue.
It is frustrating as a new home owner, who put forth a lot of money to live here, that there is a lack of HOA or someone who keeps this neighborhood up to the standards that we have in our CC&R's.
My family really does love living here but it is unfortunate that things are the way they are. I hope that people use this blog to share their comments (both good & bad) and hopefully Jim Seldon will hear our voices and collectively we can hold him accountable.
I agree with this completely! On a number of occassions, I have attended the park with my children, and have been discusted with the amount of trash left behind. I feel we as parents are all responsible for making sure our children know how and where to dispose of their own personal trash, and that is is never exceptable to just leave it on the ground. With that in mind, I have also noticed alot of clothing being left at the park over night. Numerous jackets, sweaters, etc, hanging from the monkey bars. It is not a laundry mat, and I personally tell my kids, if you take it to the park...it better be coming back home with you!
In addition to that, it would be nice if there were actual trash cans inside the designated spots at the parks along with some trash can liners. I have noticed that those are not there for almost all of the parks.
We are residents here in Grand Firs as well. We have a lovely community here. But it sure seems to be getting pretty junked up lately. Note:
1. Back security gate has been broken into and a large quantity of JUNK has been dumped in the back quadrant (I believe it is section 3/4). The gate is still OPEN!
2. There is a basketball hoop just dumped in a side lot that was first obstructing the sidewalk...now it's just dumped onto a vacant lot. This resides on 228th street. It has been
for SEVERAL months!
3. Numerous vehicles are parking on the streets....not to speak of being parked incorrectly! One on the corner of 228th and the first street of Grand Firs ( the street the models are on 85th) the vehicle is constantly parked the wrong direction and close enough to the corner that it obstructs the correct flow, hiding the traffic coming the opposite direction. It seems to us that this could be a danger for pedestrians and children.
4. There is a considerable amount of junk laying around the security?? trailer.
It seems as though management no longer cares about the appearance and quality of living standards that we bought into. We abide by our covenants......are they no longer in effect??
I was a visitor at my daughter's home in Grand Firs this weekend. One of the other guests took their son for a walk to the park. The one further back. I asked hin how it was and he said, "We picked up a lot of garbage". How sad is that? Visitors picking up the garbage left behind by who knows who?
I think we need to just take charge and make things happen ourselves. I hear a lot of people saying whats wrong with grand firs but nobody stepping up to get things done. Here's my plan...
If you want a HOA then we should call Jim and tell him that we want control of the HOA right now or we will simply talk to every prospective buyer and tell them about the real problems in Grand Firs and that we wouldn't have purchased here if we would have known about all these problems. That will stop sales until he give us control of the HOA.
If you want the trash taken care of then we should buy a couple of garbage cans and a few boxes of trash liners and simply install and maintain the garbage cans ourselves. Simple fix
If you don't like the way people are parking, then lets go talk to them and ask them to park so everyone is happy... Maybe we can give everyone (10) friendly reminder forms that we can nicely put on any mis-parked car or any inappropriate trailer or such. If you get one of these you should do your best to make it right. Even without a functioning HOA we can still move forward if we try.
How come nobody is talking about the biggest problem that faces Grand Firs? The problem is the 10,000,000 fly's that infest our community every summer! Does anyone want to know where they really come from? I understand they come from the wolf refuge that lies just south of us. The problem is not the wolves them selves but the building where they grind dead chickens and other animals to make the wolf food. I an currently looking for the proper agencies to report this fly infested area to. This is unacceptable to have use live with an unbelievable amount of flies!!! I purpose we all kick in some money and hire a Lawyer to get both the wolf food area cleaned up and continue to kill the flies until we have a normal number of flies again. Who is ready to get this handled? I would certainly kick in $200.00 and with everyone contributing money if we could get the fly problem under control.
I'm ready to take action to get our community headed the right direction... Who's in?
One of the real estate agents had been in contact with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, and apparently they are aware of the fly issue. I used to have the contact person for that but can't find the email.. all I have is a general phone number (253-798-6500). I guess the health department paid them a visit at the end of the summer but who knows if they will comply with the rules this summer amd freakin' clean up.
On a side note.. last year when the flies were driving me insane, I looked up how to deter them. Apparently they don't like the smell of mint, basil or eucalyptus. I might be planting some extra herbs this summer :)
M
From what I have been told, the Wolf refuge will be putting all the wolves back at NW Trek this year sometime. I thought it was the mink farm that caused all the flies, from them leaving the carcasses out in the sun to dry out. That is what caused that awful smell also.
We were told that the Health Dept. did make a trip out there and told them to do something different with the mink so that the smell would not be as bad...we shall see what it turns out to be like this summer.
I agree on the garbage can issue. We should just throw a couple cans in the parks in the designated areas and monitor it for the time being...although I thought the yard crew that comes around every once in a while was supposed to be taking care of that? I did notice that the park in Phase 2 did have a can with a liner this last weekend.
Same goes for the missing planks on the fence...I have no problem running up there with a cordless drill or some nails and putting the fence boards back up myself.
I have not asked, but the way I understood the HOA thing was that the entire development had to be around 80% full...that would be forever it seems.
Okay, first of all, this blog is a new concept, created by two Grand Firs residents, in order to find out how many people living in the neighborhood, are actually on the same page when it comes to some community issues and concerns. It has been the first attempt, a trial run, to create a forum for people to address personal issues. I don't believe that the comments left on the blog are being done so by people who are not willing to try to fix, restore, and assist in the overall improvement of the neighborhood. I completely, and whole-heartedly believe that anyone contributing to this "stepping stone" of a project, will be willing to put forth action to see his/her complaints addressed. We are all willing to put forth the foot work, Im sure! Now, having a plan to do so is alittle more complicated. Hopefully, the next phase of the blog, will include a meeting of minds, where we as concerned residents can actually create a concrete plan. I understand Rome was not built in a day...but atleast this blog has created an outlet for us to come together and unitedly get things done, one issue at a time.
Some of the issues like the wood planks in the fence, and the trash cans at the park are easy fixes. Yes, Im sure the neighborhood would be greatful for someone taking time out of their day to nail some new planks up, or to even clean the park, and put out new trashcans and liners.
I also believe that this blog was created to provide alittle awareness...whats the point of constantly cleaning up after one another? So, as easy as a fix some of these minor issues are, they will be doomed to repeat themselves, over and over again. We definitely need some sort of system where we all as homeowners become alittle more aware of our part in keeping Grand Firs a nice place to live.
Unfortunately, I would like to believe that living in a "nice" neighborhood like ours, one would feel safe. I can honestly say, that is not the case. The retaliation from youngsters is one of our biggest fears. You can't ask a speeding car to slow down, you may get egged. Where were the parents of the person that live in Phase II while the individual & their friends used the road as a skating rink for cars? Same black car (loud) as well as a red one, on 82nd, race through the neighbor at unsafe speeds. There are children all over the place!!! Sometimes they forget to watch for cars.
I would like to believe that we homeowners are adults, with that being said, let's take some responsibility & help our neighborhood out by asking your young drivers to obey the rules.
Great!!! One of the real estate agents was in contact with the Health Department about the flies? Sure, I believe that like I believe they're going to start building again. Maybe we should all make a call? With enough complaints, something might get done.
I drove through the lots today (3-31-09) and found a red car (license plate not registered as living here) just sitting on one of the roads back there. It was a young couple of course and I think my driving around them enough times made them drive away.
I also went to see how badly damaged the second gate is back there. I will be sending an e-mail out to Jim to ask that it be fixed sooner than later.
As far as the retaliation thing goes, it could be a gamble, but you have to make a stand at some point and I know that if we all take a stand, it will make a difference. The next time I see people back there and the car is not registered as living here, I will be contacting them about it.
I would like to know who has a list of vehicles registered as home owners? I never released any kind of info like that when I moved in. How do we get a copy of that list?
I agree with Kurt!! I would love to meet with you so we could see if we could get something started! Feel free to stop by, we're on Lot 90.
Thanks, Tim & Paige
Okay, Im pretty sure there is no such list...registered vehicles in the area. But I too am well aware of the speeding cars, inparticularly a black hatch back Honda Civic, and a red Honda civic(older model). And I know for a fact that ONE of those vehicles belong to someone residing in the neighborhood. Please, slow down, we all agree it is so dangerous, and our streets are usually filled with children, especially now that the weather is getting warmer.
J
There are several police officers that live in here and we all have access to these sorts of things. There is no "list" of registered vehicles for this community. This was merely a check to justify asking them to leave the area if necessary.
I have talked to the young man with the black civic about the speed and the noise... I set a 30mph speed limit and told him to keep his car as quite as possible while driving in the neighborhood. I'm suspect he might accidentally forget (He is a teenager) how fast he is going every once in a blue moon? But don't worry he will slow down and he will make his car as quite as he can. This Blog is great way here for us to talk to each other person to person... I hope it does not turn into a bunch of mother-type lectures or bitching all the time? Just say what you feel without the personality and we all will make the changes to make our neighborhood a nicer place to live! Thanks for being my neighbor!!!!
I have a hard time believing that its a good idea to have police officers that live here run peoples license numbers just to find out if they belong here or not! I'm pretty sure if they are not breaking the law (Speeding, vandalism, etc) and are just parked on a public street talking or what ever, then you should mind your own business. I would assume that you wouldn't want people looking up your personal data just to see if you belong! In today's world, I could look up your car's license number, get your name, search and find your SS# and run your credit report and simply hand it to you. I would never even think of violating your civil rights (and breaking the law) by using my access to work related information, just to see if you belong. Lets not go there...
Well, I would say let the police do what they do best if it means a safer community. Obviously there is an issue with speeding, illegal dumping and vandalism here in this community so I say let them run plates all day long if they want if it means weeding out those that don't belong here.
Wow, this things is really stirring up some emotions!
I have to say, I'm glad people are getting involved. I was beginning to think building my home here was the worst financial decision I have ever made.
Wether we agree with all the above comments, we all will benefit from them if we start doing our part.
I am getting involved today:
1.)placing a call to health dept.
2.) I will stop and grab some garbage bag's on my way home.
3.) I will fix the 2 boards out on the fence in phase#2.
Thanks,
Lot#131
Just wanted to post a "thanks so much" to whomever is responsible for the new planks on the fenceline off of 86th Ave. I noticed them on my way in today, and am really excited to see the enthusiasm expressed by my fellow neighbors!All efforts to help improve our neighborhood, will never go unappreciated. Thanks, again! See, one step at a time...it feels great!
J
I too would like to say thank you to whomever replaced to wood planks in the fence!!
We have a garbage can that we will be putting in the main park on 229th Street. I also will be making a phone call to the Health Department to try and escalate things on their end. Maybe if we all signed something collectively as a group and a few of us actually went down to the Health Department and showed them how many of us have been impacted by the smell, flies, etc. Any thoughts???
H:)
On another note also if we are going to talk about keeping the area clean. Dog owners...bag your dogs mess please...its easy put your hand in the bag pick it up then reverse the bag. When i walk my dog I ALWAYS CLEAN HER MESS....believe me if i didnt everyone would know it was my dog. alot of people work very hard on thier lawns and i for one realize that and act accordingly.. dont let your dog mess on peoples laws and walk away...its just being a good neighbor.
Dog messes? What about cat messes. I know I am tired of digging cat poop out of my bark. They are not to be free to roam as they are. They are a pet just like a dog. I would hate to have to call Pierce County and request a stray animal trap.
Wow, I think I'm starting to see a bit of hostility coming through. There seems to be a lot of unhappiness throughout the developement. Let's get on a happier note! If it ever warms up and stops raining/snowing, is anyone interested in having a neighborhood block party/BBQ?
Clearly there are alot of issues and concerns being expressed through this blog. Please understand that this blog is supposed to be a tool in bringing the community together through ideas and good intention. There is alot of frustration it seems, and yes, while I agree that it is all infact, warranted...let's all try to remember that nothing productive ever comes from negativity.
On another note, remember, we also have a few stray dogs that live off the developement roaming our neighborhood alot of the time. They seem to be friendly, but yes, that could be contributing to alot of the "poop" problem. And as friendly as they might be, they are somewhat of a nuisance. One step at a time...I think a spring time, meet and greet your neighbors is a wonderful idea! Mandy and I will have to see if we can't maybe "cook" alittle something up with a few neighbors. Anyone interested in helping?
Jen
Tim and I are willing to help. Let us know what you need.
Lot #90
The cats themselves don't really bug me, but the cat poop in my back yard does. Because it's causing my dogs to dig, which they've never done before :(
Also, there are coyotes around here. I lost a cat to coyotes years ago and it was sad. I'd hate for that to happen to someone else's pet.
I agree about the cat poop. Our dogs have also started digging up treasures along the foundation. I'm sure it was done before we moved in, but it is still quite bothersome.
It seems to me that there is lack of communication going on in some areas. Not everyone logs in to a read a blog therefore they miss out on things. Try a newsletter or something. If someone's speeding in the neighborhood - simple fix - call the cops. Someone's suspicious - call the cops. Someone's having a party - call the cops. Those are all things beyond us as homeowners. We cannot enforce rules such as no smoking in parks, loud vehicles or motorcycles (as these are legal), excessive amount of ppl at one's house etc. I think some people are just being too knit picky about things. I just sat down and read EVERY comment posted. Seems to me there's some foolish people that like to complain a lot! On the other hand, wonderful people working together to make an effort and keep it a clean, safe community!
There is every right for houses to be rented out. There's nothing that states any homes cannot be rented out. Also, just an FYI...two realtors own houses in housing developments that rent our their houses! Come on ppl this is extra income! Helps on both ends. I think there's some hearburn over the price we had to pay with the price the new homeowners are being offered. Anyway, it's all fair, legit and legal.
I do feel that the builders should be responsbile to maintain their empty lots. What if we did dump runs for these builders to maintain their lots....could we then turn around and have the builder pay us for the dump fees? A lot of companies are folding and we that leaves no one to maintain their stuff. I think as a team in this neighborhood we have to pull together and volunteer time and services. Maybe a weekend cleanup and a BBQ to follow??
Those of us living on 230th street know better than anyone the condition of the lawns on all the vacant REICH homes on our street. They are hidious!The weeds and out of control grass on the lawn next to my own is over three feet tall. It is impossible to see the porch from the street due to the height of the weeds. I was told that since the builder of the homes is in dire straights, they will not be sending anyone to cut, weed, or fix any of the vacant homes landscaping issues from here on out. I think at this point, we are going to have to suck it up, and cut the lawn ourselves. I figure its got to be easier to just get it taken care of ourseves, as opposed to complaining about it on a daily basis. If you are next to a vacant home and are noticing the yard becoming out of control, it may just be in your best interest to just cut it, and get it over with...then to wait, thinking REICH will have someone do it. They donnot care...they donnot have to look at it, out of sight for them, and certainly out of mind.That is just my advice...maybe there is something we all can do as far as a neighborhood landscaping cleanup day goes...there is certainly alot that needs to be done, just take a look at my street!
Jennifer, Lot 41
I like Jennifer's idea. Louise and I were going to cut the grass on the Pacific Cost lot 19 next to ours, but they cut it on Thur.
The other idea is to have the land maintenance crew that cuts the grass in the parks cut the grass at the vacant Riech homes and have Jim Seldon bill Reich and the bank. The next step after not paying the bill is to place a lien on the property. Jen's idea is much easier and less stressful.
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