Baker Farm at Wythe Creek

4/28/07 Minutes from 4/23/07 Landscape Meeting

Review of Landscaping Proposals

We reviewed 4 estimates for the landscaping of the front entrance. The committee recommended the design by Tony's Landscape Designs, because it was truly a special plan that would make the entrance look really great. It features a lot of variety, color, depth and creativity. None of the other designs came close. There was some discussion on the various options.

Our plan was to submit the grant application in time for the May 12 Resource Committee meeting, at which it would hopefully be approved. We would then do the landscape installation the following weekend.

New Information

The Neighborhood Office sent 2 representatives to the meeting, and they informed us that the grant would not be fully approved at that point. It will have to go on to the Neighborhood Commission for approval, and they do not meet until June. They also said it is usually a 60 to 90 day process to get a grant approved. This was not the impression we were given when we met with the Resource Committee in March.

Needless to say, this was a big disappointment. We were ready to move ahead with the plan, but now it won't happen until sometime in the summer. A big blow, but not the end of the world. We are still continuing with the process; it will just take a little longer than we had hoped for.

We were also told that we need to get one more estimate to find something comparable to Tony's design. We are working on this now, but having a very difficult time getting someone to even come out to talk to us. The companies who have returned our call have asked for a $300 fee just to come out and meet with us to draw up a preliminary plan. Of course, our limited funds won't allow for this.

Next Steps

To keep the process moving, we need to turn in our final application by next Friday. If you know of anyone that does landscape design (not just planting and maintenance), please contact them and ask for some timely assistance.

We had planned to vote on which design to go with, but this new requirement put a kink in our plans. As the meeting was ending, I stated that we would get the last design and call another meeting to review it and take a vote. However, neighbor Jim Godsey said that wouldn’t be necessary, and that they would trust the committee to make the decision. I asked for a quick show of hands to see if others agreed, and most of the hands in the room went up.

Therefore, we’ll do just that. The committee will meet to review the 4th estimate, then vote on a decision so we can get the grant application completed and submitted.

We'll keep you posted.