What is going ''wrong?''

Martha and Kim suggest the obvious that appearances tell a lot and probably those who try to keep their family home in great shape feel (almost) hurt by others seemingly careless ways.

Martha raised an interesting point about whether the owners for renters actually show them their responsibilities of property upkeep we owners all know about. I know it is the owner's responsibility to do this, and as a landlord I have had my grief with tenants - let alone what my neighbors of that tenant must have felt!

Five evictions in eight years, five evictions out of six renters. I wonder what the HOA knows about this history? I wonder if when new renters come in should we as a neighborhood ''help'' the newcomers ''learn about responsibilities they may not know about?''

Email me address and I can make some inquiries, if you wish.....

Share with us too what you LIKE about living in Parkwood!

6 renters, 5 evictions - Owner??

This story sounds like maybe the HOA should Evict the Owner? I don't mean to be rude, but is the owner paying any attention??

Be Helpful and Concerned

We believe the ACC Committee should do more than simply approve or deny a landscaping application. Not everyone can afford to pay a company to do their landscaping and/or make repairs to their property. We would like to see the ACC Committee:

1. Offer free help with the application;

2. Offer free advice and guidance on landscaping, gardening, etc.

3. With the development of a ''talent coop'', residents would have the names and telephone numbers of fellow residents who have the time and energy to do the work necessary. (There are over 1,200 houses in Parkwood - surely we are a community that wants to be helpful and concerned about each other.)

Styles of landscaping are as numerous as the number of cultures and backgrounds of Parkwood's residents.

We need to start focusing and caring about the people of Parkwood instead of filing complaints and dwelling on rules and regulations.

Sincerely,

Tom and Pamela Newton

Beautification Committee

Perhaps along these similar lines our Beautification Committee could share ideas, invite the City's Chief Gardner or Staff Member of the Botanical Garden to come and discuss ideas at our Rec Center, and/or find ways to make suggestions for improvements or arrange contacts with knowledgeable neighbors in Parkwood who could share.

An idea I learned from a neighbor the other day (would use their name here, but haven't checked with them yet to get their permission first) would be that the HOA arrange with local trades people to give discounted services to our neighborhood residents in the areas of work on landscapes, yards, fences, doors, roofs, etc. as needed. Even to invite the plant nursery or do-it-yourself home fixit representatives along Bandera Road/Loop 1604 to come to the Rec Ctr and explain the right things to be doing for each of the seasons could make for good economy and better results in these areas.

Why don't we try some of these ideas, just like the ones suggested for the capable committee members of the ACC?