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Comments
or suggestions
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I
think you should of asked these questions, estimated costs of
improvements upon voted agreement, and then charged the neighborhood
your 40% extra. The dues amendment, I thought was to make everyone
pay dues and support community politics. Obviously, your idea
of Democracy is quite different then mine.
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We
need Sidewalks.
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Thank
you for all your time and effort.
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Some
of these questions were difficult to answer because the answers
I would have selected were not listed. also, some of the questions
were poorly defined such as in #23 in which it is difficult to
know if you are for or against revisions without knowing anything
about what revisions are proposed.
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Traffic
safety, pedestrian improvements, maintain reserves adequately,
leave wooded areas intact. Keep a usable clubhouse (not too fancy,
but functional). Thanks for asking.
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Fill
& add pipes to ditches on main roads.
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Traffic,
speed, reserves/views, parking - not addressed in this survey.
King county taxes the "You know what" out of my property
- yet the view deteriorates and we must live and comply with their
regulations, let alone our own. A formidable task!
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Review
speed limits - 25 MPH is much too slow for many streets. Advise
in monthly bulletin - that joggers, walkers, etc. stay off the
road way, with further advice that they do not have "right
of way" when on the road.
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Why
isn't pool membership included in dues payment? Please improve
access to beach at 17th Avenue NW reserve.
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People
move into this neighborhood because there are covenants in place
that protect views and property values. Residents of Innis Arden
are not maintaining their trees and are not adhering to the covenants.
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Innis
Arden Board members should run for election as volunteers willing
to serve the community, and have no personnel agendas. Board members
are not legislators; they are fiduciaries holding legal title
to the Reserves for the benefit of all lot owners and to treat
all beneficiaries (lot owners) impartially, and to have no adverse
interest such as serving one or more of their beneficiaries.
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I
believe it is imperative that an expert in hydrology be hired
to survey all the reserve areas. The sloughing of land at the
bottom of the ravines is increasing - whole large trees have dropped
to the beach - including their valuable root structure.
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Neighbors'
trees which block solar energy in IA #3 should become subject
for discussion/arbitration. Utilization/preservation of this resource
is future planning! Also, good stewardship. Dues should be on
a sliding scale for disabled & elderly on minimum fixed incomes.
New projects should be VOLUNTARY with funding raised by those
who what them. (similar to non-profits). Mandatory dues are way
too high and a crippling taxation added to the cost of living
which could for force older residents from their homes. I am against
this kind of taxation and dues should not be raised without a
vote; also, the projects and use of increase should be decided
by VOTE.
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The
Innis Arden Club now has a guaranteed income by virtue of the
Mandatory Dues Amendment. This income will form the basis of the
Club's ability to borrow funds to invest in improvements. The
club can be remodeled into the finest private club in the Shoreline
area, the equal of the Seattle Golf, Tennis or Yacht Clubs. I
suggest that club facilities featuring meeting, lounge, dining,
health and game rooms be built. The swimming pool and tennis court
can be enclosed and be used year around as an amenity for all
Club members. This facility would be an attraction for Club members
and could provide an income if facilities are rented for private
social functions. A caterer, such as Dale's Deli, could be contracted
to provide food and drink for attending members or for social
functions hosted by others. Further, I suggest that a limited
number of memberships be sold to people who are not IA residents.
These memberships will increase in value over time and as they
are sold to succeeding new members. The resale price of these
non-resident memberships will establish the value of membership
included with IA homes as they are sold. This will RAISE THE VALUE
of all homes that are sold with a membership attached.
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There
are trees blocking out view and this is very stressful. We need
community assistance in having Mr.. & Mrs. XXXX,. to cooperate
and cut their trees. (11 are 100 feet higher than roof!). These
trees not only block our view but represent a clear danger to
people and property if they fall. The Board and association may
incur liability. In any event they are a gross violation of the
precious covenants that the Board enforces selectively on remodel
and shed construction, etc.
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Q13
- I would donate $ to a fund. Q14 - Board apply the rules after
neighbors have talked .. If Board can't solve, then go to master
on building arbitration. Q15 - Send postcard that it's out so
I remember. Q17 - Speed bumps are round bouts. Mainly for fire
and ambulances because people do not know how to drive around/over
them. Q19 - As safe as anywhere without side walks. Q20 - If people
use common sense and walk on the wider of the 2 sides they'd be
fine. Q23 - Break it into 2 or 3 sections. The first being the
easy to pass and continue on. Q24 - Advertising by residents only
like it was.
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Is
the board going to allow un-biased people go over the results
of this survey??
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An
awful lot of money can be spent on the clubhouse area & I
think we need to balance this against the larger group who don't
use these facilities at all.
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We
are definitely interested in restoring views, views, views!
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The
mandatory dues are way too high and are a crippling taxation added
to the cost of living. The future amount of dues is solely up
to the board and the board will must likely use this as a hammer
to force old time residents on fixed incomes out of IA. I am adamantly
against allowing the Board this kind of taxing power. The Board
is a community club not the government.
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Keep
the trees there cut low to maintain the view. Add a nicer barrier
and some beaches. (Maybe with name plaques sponsored by neighbors).
The Jersey barriers were put up quickly to discourage parking
cars there, particularly a van engaged in drug sales. A permanent,
more attractive solution should be found, and view there preserved.
Right now homeowners are cutting the trees and leaving them in
a leap.
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You
let the xxxx build a house that out over north view 5 feet because
it's 5 feet farther north then there previous house; that it's
taller and ugly and out of place style wise. It remains out of
business building in downtown Edmonds. We can't do a thing about
it now?
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We
have lived in Innis Arden for 26+ years. The I.A. Club has been
of very little help to us. Boeing Creek has been allowed to erode
our property at the back until we were forced to put in a very
costly rockery - which we did in expectation that would care for
it, but during the big wash out much of it was demolished. At
one club meeting I attended it was decided the bank behind us
would be cared for and xxxx property did get some work done but
we were poor informed that was all halted. Hidden lake was restored
but nothing was done on south bank that is now sliding into the
creek, we cannot touch it. So we are not thrilled over the "Club."
Ill health & old age have us at a stand still -
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Thank
you for the effort.
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This
survey (in my opinion) could have been vastly improved simply
by asking the questions people want answered. What has happened
is that very little real opportunity has been offered to the citizens
of Innis Arden to truly have a voice. So there's two ways to look
at this. First, the board now has so little information to work
with they could pretty much do whatever they want, or second the
board can try to guess about what the IA citizens think is really
important. I'm disappointed, we could have done a lot better ...
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Let's
enforce the covenants that we have and focus our energies on traffic
issues and the safety of our neighbors. It is tragic that we do
not feel it is safe for our children to ride bikes in their own
neighborhood. Both of us, on two separate occasions have almost
been hit by speeding cars.
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Here
is an example of how our view covenant ought to work: Seattle
Times Sunday, 02/03, 2002: Home Forum/Elizabeth Rhodes. What's
it worth to chop down trees for your neighbor's view? Q: A neighbor
behind me has asked to cut down some of my trees and give him
a view easement. He's willing to pay for the work, plus give me
an amount based on the value the view will add to his property.
Is it possible to give him a view easement, and if so, how do
we figure what it's worth? A: "View easements are quite common
and can be quite valuable," says attorney Brian Lawler, of
Lawler Burroughs and Baker. To protect both you and your neighbor,
this easement "has to be sufficiently precise and non-ambiguous
to allow a third person (such as a judge) to determine the scope
of the easement without guesswork," Lawler counsels. For
example, he says a poorly crafted version would read something
like "an easement across Joe Smith's property for the purpose
of viewing Puget Sound." But that leaves a lot to guesswork,
like from where on the property, from what angle and at what height?
"The best approach is to use ascertainable reference points,
using property corners or lines to establish a base elevation
and then a height limit in reference to the elevation," Lawler
says. As for valuing the easement, the most professional way would
be to hire an appraiser, who likely would consider the quality
of the view, the impact of this easement on the benefiting property
and the burden, if any, it places on your property. Two obvious
benefits to your neighbor: higher enjoyment and a potentially
higher sales price. Potential burdens to you: The removal of privacy,
enjoyment and value if these trees go. Arborists say mature trees
can add $10,000 or more to a home's worth. You'll want to have
an attorney draw up this easement.
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The
pool house. Larger, more updated locker rooms.
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Thanks!
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The
lighting in parts of Innis Arden is terrible.
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The
discretionary dues ($52,000 already collected) should either be
used to reduce the following years dues or returned to members.
(As other community clubs do). The club should only collect dues
that reflect the fixed cost amount. Why does everyone have to
subsidize all of the luxury features of IA that are only used
by a minority of the members - the majority supporting the minority.
The people who use the facility, service, and various activities
or features of IA should be the ones to pay, individually. The
mandatory dues are way too high and are a crippling taxation added
to the cost of living. The future amount of dues is sorely up
to the board and the board will most likely use this to force
out old time residents of IA on fixed incomes. I am adamantly
against allowing the board this kind of taxation power for it
is a community club and not a government.
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Trees
are on issue that pales in controversy 2 degree to remodels. The
covenant regards trees is very clear the not enforced. The covenant
regards remodels is very unclear and enforcement varies dramatically.
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Previous
Block watch experience as Captains was very disappointing due
to very little participation of neighbors.
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Lighten
up the verbiage on the first dues statement.
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Q13
- We feel it would be impossible to allocate costs equitably among
homeowners. Q17 - What about increased police presence, or hiring
security patrols. Q14 - The reserves (and the Board) should be
subject to same requirements as homeowners.
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Thank
you to Board and community members who dedicate themselves &
time to preserving views, fostering a friendly and family oriented
community. We feel safe here - that is also critical.
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We
do not have DSL access for our computers in our area 13th NW.
How can we as a community get DSL, public Radio reception, etc.
Would appreciate the Board to work to get these and other services
into our area. Thank you for your hard work.
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Provide
- info packet to new members. I was here 18 month before getting
key to the beach and finding clubhouse and pool.
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We
appreciate that our current covenant is not highly restrictive,
and our dues are relatively low, and are interested in keeping
it that way. We are concerned about the possibility of elaborate
"east-side" type covenants. Also, regarding the view
issue - we think it is likely that more clear wording of guidelines
may help prevent misunderstandings, but we would rather they not
change in meaning. Perhaps some mention could be included that
when trees are taken down/out it is because (owners & they)
are honoring the covenant, so that other parties nearby won't
take such offense (the "other side" of one situation).
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Unfortunately
this is a very limited survey with very obvious emphasis on view
restoration and traffic safety, clearly the preferred interests
of these who wrote the survey. What a shame! "Community"
has the potential for so much more than gazing out a window or
feeling safe. What about an emphasis on book clubs, discussion
groups, family sports, etc. Wouldn't these activities build a
strong community? We need to "get over" the view and
safety staff and more on to becoming a real community. Can the
Board not help us do this?
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No
speed bumps.
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Pertaining
to Q14. - The Board needs to come to concerns as to what a "view"
actually is & be consistent in needing.
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I
believe the Board should publish clear and objective guidelines
on new house and remodels, enforce them (e.g. height, roof pitch,
building lines) and rely less on subjective objections of neighbors
related to view obstruction. The current process strikes me as
coming close to violating property rights -- So long as objective
guidelines are followed by the owner doing the construction, and
definitely breeds animosity among neighbors.
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Remodeling
Pool House (locker rooms, office, except kitchen) or rebuild adding
a hot tub.
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We
have no control over the world issues, economic cycles, fraudulent
activities that effect many of our investments. People specifically
invest in view homes in I.A. because the covenants were designed
to protect their investment. The importance of protecting those
covenants must be the primary focus of this community.
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Thanks
for this questionnaire.
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1st
- Thank you for all your work and for taking the time to do this
survey. Our family realizes all of you invest hundreds of hours
- again thank you. 2nd - In any group endeavor - not everyone
can be happy - if we can just make chances in a relatively quick
time frame, be clean, and move on. Times have changed - people
are busier, I think IA needs to focus on fewer activities and
less calls for volunteering. Lets just do a couple community things
and leave it at that.
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We
moved to the I.A. development in part due to its covenants and
continuity i.e. no trailers, boats or junk stored in view or driveways.
However, we have found that lately the covenants have only worked
to protect those owners with a water view. There are several homes
in violation with "boats, cars and junk" in view or
even on lawns. To sight one in particular has several junk cars
stored on the lawn. This is quite an eye sore. Of course this
is only one of many such covenant violations in IA which should
be of concern to the Board (not just view preservation).
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I
think the board does a good, probably thankless job overall -
As a 25 years resident I.A. is by large a pleasant place to live.
My main problem is speed limit enforcement & unsightly toys
parked in view. I would like a directory addition listing ====
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Tough
job - no matter what you do about 1/2 the residents are happy
and 1/2 mad at you!! I'm glad you guys do it and not me!!!
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Thanks
for all of your hard work!
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Thank
you for all your hard work! Well thought out survey.
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Sidewalks
in I.A. is a high priority for us. Maintenance of reserves is
also a high priority, in the sense that they are maintained for
community use with trails and healthy ecosystem. View maintenance
is a secondary consideration for our family.
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Improve
the path around the field. Allow garage sales in I.A.. At child
events, there is minimal opportunity to meet new people. The events
feel very insular with people talking only to those they know.
How about more meet/greet "Get to know your community) events
- with activities that allow neighbors to meet new neighbors."
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Rewrite
covenants - by a professional. Rules for the Board, for view corridor(s),
night lights (floods), sound, building materials, landscaping.
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Until
everyone is required to comply with view covenants, legally recognized
in court then this neighborhood will always be unpleasant in the
extreme. There should be fines required for those who do not recognize
court orders. Individuals have had to personally take on huge
legal bills with absolutely no support from the board. Having
a board that changes from not supporting views to being unable
to act is pointless.
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Separate
forum of candidates for board positions with the community before
election time. Board should hold open house at least once a year
to socialize with residents. Conduct a demographic study of residents
- (age, sex, occupation, ethnicity). Organization of small block
parties - get to know your neighbor.
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Please
do not sell out our reserves for the benefit of those people who
do not live in I.A.
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Sidewalks/sidewalks/sidewalks.
View preservation re: trees/remodels.
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How
about mandatory rules for keeping up your property! Example: on
167th. There are others that look just as trashy. Restoring views
are important but so is cleaning up those properties that are
total eyesores! I would also love to see the entrance completely
redone, professionally, not just with leftover plants from peoples
yards. It's a mess during the 32 years that we have lived here,
its always been a mess! Thank you.
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Thank
you very much for taking the time and trouble to draw up, send
out, and collect these questionnaires.
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The
walking paths in the green belt areas are overgrown & very
dark. I no longer feel safe walking in these areas.
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Since
most residents are affected by reserve trees, this appears set
up to favor action in reserves paid for by all dues - since those
residents, of course, will want the rest of us to pay. Data should
be broken out by whether or not respondent is affected by reserves.
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4
homeowners on (this block NW 167th St) have more then lost $40,000
dollars since 1999-2001 in property value, due to 1 neighbor closest
to the water, that will not abide to the covenants. (What's the
use???!). (The tree huggers need a JOB!). Roger and Kate are doing
fine - we support you. We tried over and over. Please help us.
We want to see the sunsets again! Thanks.
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During
Board meetings when discussing remodels etc, the Board must insist
that those opposing refrain from calling their neighbors liars,
cheats, lacking integrity and otherwise insulting neighbors. I
have been appalled by the comments of a certain community member
towards their neighbors. Allowing these people to chair committees
means there are a lot of people who won't participate.
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We
are very concerned about the unsafe streets due to open ditches
and lack of safe walking spaces and speeding cars. We are disappointed
covenants are not enforced pertaining to oversized vacation vehicles
and boats permanently. neighbors who are unable to maintain their
yards/property should be given notice and then after a certain
period of time the board should take action. Blue Heron reserve
is very unsafe and is frequented by many people who are not from
IA. Party goers park there and dump their garbage - beer and cigs.
fast food wrappings. A fence system would be welcome.
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I
feel the people were elected property. Thanks for all you do!
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Community
money should not pay for view restoration or view management.
The covenants are why we bought here and they should not be updated.
Everyone here has bought a house knowing the rules governed by
the covenants. Any rule change may benefit some at the expense
of others. Also rule changes will be subject to new interpretations
challenged in court without the benefit of residence.
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Thanks
for doing this survey. I think the Board focus is on amenities
that are used by a minority (but heavy users) of residents: playfield,
pool, clubhouse. Board efforts and community dues need to be focused
more on issues that impact the majority of residents: reserves,
views, clear covenants, traffic safety. The Board should evaluate
who benefits from expenditures and whether they are cost effective
rather than making a decision to fine a solution. I would like
to participate in meetings more but they are SO long and inefficient.
I'd like to see a better way to take community comments outside
of the meeting and limit the comment period during the meeting.
I'd like to see the most global agenda items dealt with the earliest
in the meeting.
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Thank
you for this. Please find a way to assist homeowners in maintaining
their views without undue time and process. I believe creating
new views is a different matter and is not protected by the covenants.
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Designated
bike lane Avenue. Richmond Beach to Shoreline Community College,
to be paid for by city.
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Instead
of seeking ways do spend the increased revenue from mandatory
dues the board should consider lowering the dues.
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Keep
the monorail at the playground make the see-saw bigger.
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This
is a beautiful area because of our views and the surrounding trees.
Tree maintenance needs to be maintained to preserve our views.
Leveling trees to create views for homes that never had them should
be expensed to the owner. Individual home up keep needs to be
enforced, it's a crime to be taxed and to go to the expense and
effort to keep your own home and yard presentable and have your
neighbors home look run down. There are a small number of prestigious
neighborhoods in the Seattle area. IA should be one of those.
The IA Board appears to be a band aid board, little direction
with no vision for our neighborhood in the next 10 years, but
with this survey it looks like maybe things are changing. Good
show.
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The
number one problem is the traffic speed and disregard for all
rules. Before the city was formed King County did have a limited
enforcement of traffic laws. However once the City of Shoreline
took over it appears that all of this disappeared. Now when I
drive 25 mph on IA Streets I get passed. Most drivers roll right
through stop signs. About 3/4 of the driver do not stop for the
stop sign at NW 175th and 15th Ave. NW. Cars traveling eastbound
on 175th going down the hill and past the retention pond at 6th
Ave. NW are often, in the early morning, doing 35-40 mph. The
county used to have radar set up at NW 175th and 3rd Ave. NW which
helped some what but the city does not do this. We are walkers.
It should not be a dangerous activity but in the City of Shoreline
it is. The city needs to step up to the plate!
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We
purchased our property in 1955 and had a wonderful view of the
sound and mountains. It was our understanding we would always
have the view and that our house plans had to be approved by some
committee before we could build, that we would not obstruct any
ones view. Today we have no view of the sound and mountains. We,
along with neighbors, have topped and cut trees to maintain our
view only to have it obstructed by the trees in the reserves.
The view we had when we decided to live in IA was and still is
most important to us.
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Views,
whether they be sweeping, partial or minimal are of prime importance
to many I.A. residents. Blocked views devalue properties considerably
and can have an effect on non-view properties as well. A special
master could be a tremendous help.
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Enforce
boat storage on property!! Also campers, and autos not regularly
driven. Our neighbor has had huge boat stored in front yard for
2 years!!
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This
survey is a great idea to ensure that everyone has an opportunity
to voice their ideas and priorities for the neighborhood. Thank
you for going to all this work. We look forward to seeing the
results.
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Will
write a separate letter regarding homes being used for BUSINESS
in a strictly residential area - C.C. will be sent to the City
of Shoreline - Those of us who are 25+ year members of this community
do not like the "New leaf" of new board members and
new residents - too much leniency on new structures, etc.
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Obviously
a "Tree cutting" group. Your overall approach - deceptive
- will only undermine your credibility, in a way, the rest of
us are lucky that you are so biased and strategic - average resident
can smell a rat and say NO when it became necessary.
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Re:
question 14 - I think the "view" issue is not resolvable.
I can't imagine an activity involving court action, arbitration,
etc. improving relationships. Issues of the value of seeing trees
vs. seeing water aside, a covenant that allows the purchaser of
a property with no "view" or an obstructed "view"
to force neighbors to remove landscaping for his pleasure and
possible financial gain on subsequent sale of his now "view"
property is insupportable. Although I'd much prefer to see the
reserves untouched, and have worked to that end, the endless effort,
time, and money spent on trying to protect the reserves over the
nearly two decades. We've lived here again lead me to believe
this issue is not resolvable so here is a modest proposal: abolish
dues, sell the reserves for development, put the proceeds in a
trust to finance community infrastructure and simply move the
burden of resolving all these issues to the market.
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I'm
too old to make relevant answers to these questions.
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We
are pleased that the Board is becoming more view oriented.
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I
would like to see enforcement of removing the old pieces of equipment
and now running cars from the front yards of the houses - especially
on the south side of I.A. and 167th etc.
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I
think it's time for a look at the mail box situation. i.e.: Locked
mail boxes at end of each street? Eliminating the boxes would
accomplish a 2 goals positive - 1. Enhance the street, 2. Safe
mail. "Thank you" to the many hours & folks that
did this questionnaire.
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Re
#23 - Publish a detailed, section by section analysis of the need
for any revision.
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Even
though long time older residents resist changes and the corresponding
costs, the reality is that the market to get maximum value for
home equity is the young higher income persons. They expect a
value for the size of the invested funds. This can only be accomplished
by an attitude of compromise. That involves accepting the fact
that even if not personally important the quality and attractiveness
of IA is dependent on a diversity of positive inducements for
living here!
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Dues
are for maintaining, improving & installing new & existing
community resources. The "view" from a particular property
lot is NOT a community resource. It is disturbing to see question
13 on this document. This implies that the Board is entertaining
the notion of using community funds for "improving"
views for particular privately held lots. This is exactly analogous
to using community funds to pay for home improvement projects.
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Get
more professional watch City of Shoreline meeting on TV duplicate
setup and procedures
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Clubhouse
dues are now mandatory. The IA covenants were exclusive for white,
Christian persons. The community gatherings hosted in the clubhouse
which is maintained with mandatory dues should be NEUTRAL and
available for all IA residents (i.e.. Secular). The signs posted
in December for a family Christmas party are disturbingly prejudice.
Please, host gatherings for all IA residents, a simple change
to a winter community party with secular songs & activities
is a progressive & equitable change.
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The
Board is putting too much emphasis on view rather than on other
items to benefit all residents and property owners.
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Could
we abolish the covenants altogether? And let all homeowners work
out their problems one on one or with the city? This survey is
questionable at best ... It really needs questions about how long
residents have lived here, worth of house, age of residents, type
of family: retired, single mom/dad, how many kids etc. IA I, II,
or III, then you can create cross tabs of info and look at the
data in different ways ... Then you would be able to see "retiree's
feel this way, new residents feel that way etc.
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I
was on the board when we took the ceiling off the fee, and we
raised it to $100. Now, it had doubled as predicted. Our taxes
are extremely high now. There must be a balance, a plan, and steady
(controlled) progress.
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Thank
you for all your efforts!
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The
boards inability to deal with the City of Shoreline concerning
the management if the reserves needs to be improved. We as a community
should demand (through our board) that they be responsive to our
request for reserve management.
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Some
thing's, like the pool and playgrounds, are not important to me
personally, but I think they are important for the community overall
and I'm willing to support them with my dues. We don't use the
clubhouse except to attend meetings occasionally, so I'm not aware
if it is really adequate or not for swim meets, etc. If the kitchen
and shower areas need upgrading I would be in favor of supporting
that.
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It
would be prudent to "revisit" the issue of signage:
1. For sale signs (of homes). 2. "One-day" garage sale
signs. 3. Need to enforce parking rules.
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I
bought my lot in 1950 and I had a very nice view when I moved
in 1952. My property has been devalued $40,000 due to loss of
view because of trees on neighbors property and reserve there
was a time I could stand and see if tide was in or out from my
back yard not any more.
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Please
remember and be guided by the fact that we all pass through I.A.
in so very few years, and that this land and its natural life
were here before and will endure long after - if we are wise and
kink. Selfish interests and actions can also endure, to our shame.
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The
sidewalk need is imperative! The neighborhood looks unfinished,
but could be a true model neighborhood with the addition of sidewalks!
Who can we light a fire under to get this subject discussion moving?
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I
believe this questionnaire leans heavily towards residence with
view or potential view properties. I would like to see any money
(dues) that are collected to go towards projects that benefit
everyone whether its monetarily or just plain better living for
our children. We need to make I.A. a more desirable place for
young children to hang out and play at the park. If any trees
need to be maintained - its down at the park. So kids are seen
playing.
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Thank
you for all the work involved in putting this survey together.
It is much appreciated.
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Thanks
to those who volunteer their time!
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The
various issue appears to be the most sensitive issue. A "view"
is not limited to a view only of the matter, it also should include
mountains, trees, and territorial aspects. Some residents do not
appear to be inclined to maintain their plantings according to
the limits of the covenants. - as did some residents respond to
payment of dues, could preservation of views somehow be made mandatory?
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Been
a beautiful, friendly place to live. I plan to remain as long
as the "good Lord" gives me the health to handle 14
step between floors. (And I don't poison myself with my own cooking).
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The
reserves and views can coexist. This issue urgently needs to be
solved - it is splitting this community and making it an unattractive
place to live. Thank you!
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Activities
for children need to be encouraged & supported by I.A. but
don't need to necessarily be organized by I.A. (examples: Allowing
Hillwood Soccer & Richmond Little League to rent fields at/or
below cost; allowing Sunset to use Boeing Creek Trail, etc. are
things that should be encouraged.). Activities/interest groups
for the residents of IA can also be encouraged/supported but again
don't need to be organized by IA Board (ex. Bridge Clubs, Book
group, etc., can advertise in Bulletin and use club house.). This
was a great survey! Thank you!
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Thanks
for putting out this community survey. Hope we get a really good
response. It covers the issues which we feel are very important.
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Trees
in the green belt owned by the King County are obstructing view.
We would like the Board to talk to the county about possibility
of solving this problem. Get some interest and be more helpful
to the senior residents especially those who live alone.
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Explore
possibilities of making IA a gated community or several small
gated area. i.e.. - specific streets.
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Please
uphold the covenants.
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Do
whatever it takes to strengthen and enforce the view covenants.
Some neighbors say they will top their view-blocking trees, but
never follow through with their promises!
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I
think this survey is a great idea and I hope the response is strong.
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Our
major issues are - View preservation. Clubhouse & pool house
Important. Traffic problem - speeding. Entrance and road beautification.
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Board
needs to collect dues from everyone. Board needs to put an end
to tree & reserve issue been decided in court and with existing
covenants. If trees are a problem they must come down! Board take
a stand, quit pitting neighbor against neighbor.
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Do
not allow residents to park boats, campers or motor homes in their
driveway or on the street. Allow residents to have posted "For
sale" signs. A large percentage 25% sell as a result of a
sign in the yard. More expensive areas allow signs (i.e.: Woodway,
Blue Ridge, Windermere, Laurelhurst). This covenant is outdated
and affects the price that sellers get - particularly in a slow
market. Residents who don't maintain their houses or yards should
have a penalty assessed against them.
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The
Board needs to recognize there are some seniors and/or widows
living here that cannot spend on limited dollars for increased
dues and major projects. We do not want to be priced out of our
homes.
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Police
patrols had been discussed at some recent Board meetings - when
are they on the survey?
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IA
is a sound and mountain view community from the beginning. It
should be maintained as such. If anyone objects, just look at
the tapes. We noticed most of the objectionable trees are growing
behind the homes of those who want to keep them - away from their
view.
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Please
do not improve access at Boeing Creek without a concurrent increase
in gate security. I'd prefer an electronic card system that logs
who goes in and out. In the summer time people are making all
sorts of noise down there virtually every Friday and Saturday
night until early AM. other days of the week sporadically.
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I
would just like to thank you for all the words you do to benefit
this neighborhood. I walk my dog everyday through this beautiful
community. Over the past five years, I have come to appreciate
this area more each day. Sidewalks would be a major improvement
for the safe of safety.
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If
a revision of the covenants could in any way dilute or impair
the view covenants (remodel restrictions or neighbors tree height
consideration), we would not want to chance it. Upholding the
view covenants is huge for us. We grew up in Edmonds and have
family in Richmond Beach - We know what can happen to views without
covenants.
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Thank
you for taking time do this survey. We appreciate the Boards efforts,
dedication and time.
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Our
children are grown and we did not live here when they were young.
The answers about pool, playground etc are marked accordingly.
We do however recognize a need to have and maintain for the benefit
of IA. A warm thanks to the Board for their fine efforts, and
contributions to make our community a better place.
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Sidewalk
expresses should be assessed of the entire IA community, not just
bordering property.
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That
notice re: mandatory dues was obnoxious to someone who has regularly
paid dues for 30 years. Should only have been sent to people who
have not paid dues and published in the paper.
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Thank
you. We appreciate the chance to respond.
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We
are senior citizens most interested in having and maintaining
a nice place to live and swim.
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1)
Determine if our covenants are now enforceable since previous
boards at their discretion have broken the covenants 100's of
times? 2) Is Innis Arden and the covenants in compliance with
the Washington State GMA (Growth Management Act). 3) Lets see
action - not talk. However everyone who resides here is not wealthy
- so let's keep our dues and expenditures within a reasonable
budget and within covenant rules!
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Covenants
that prohibit the following: 1) No vehicles which are dilapidated
and do not function allowed on any property. 2) No storage tents
or housing for same purpose in public view. 3) No construction
materials in public view during a building project.
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Do
not take actions that pit one neighbor against another, and cause
disruptions and legal entanglements in the neighborhood.
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How
about instituting an Innis Arden email list for important notices.
I think the traffic issue is very important to quality of life.
We need safer streets! Re: the tree issue - why not just send
out a simply worded reminder of our responsibility to our neighbors
and encourage people to talk about disagreements openly and clearly,
would think that would address a significant proportion of issues.
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My
greatest desire would be to turn the building at the swimming
pool (or the club house) into a very attractive and larger building.
Both families and seniors use the pool and yet the building is
so small and outdated. My most important issue would be to update
the pool area into an inviting environment! Or, to update the
clubhouse, that would be used with the pool.
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Thanks
for all your hard work.
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The
trend to legislate problems and increased legal focus is wrong.
Much better to accept differences and promote co-operation.
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Dues
are insufficient to support our 50 year old community. Leash laws
need enforcement. More police presence for traffic and vandalism
issues. Greater positive relationship with city. City to take
responsibility for upstream water that creates erosion problems.
No fireworks - 100% compliance with city law. Increased police
patrols summers and weekends in reserves and at "private"
beach access points. City needs to do more roadside maintenance
of overhanging trees. Stop watering playfield during summer months
and support water reduction recommendations by Water District.
Eliminate the use of fertilizers, etc. for a healthier environment,
children, pets and wildlife alike. Allow annual garage sale. Not
everyone wishes to contribute their things. Mill Creek does a
marvelous job. Not allowing house for sale signs is ridiculous!
Thank you - I'm looking forward to the board taking strong action
and getting our views back!
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The
traffic issue should be addressed with force as our children are
at risk as all pedestrians/bike riders
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I
would caution the Board to be very careful and thoughtful regarding
tree removal and or topping. The trees maintain soil stability,
provide oxygen, clean air, beauty and the natural way the land
should be. Messing with "Mother Nature" as proven to
be very unwise with many negative consequences.
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This
survey has been great! One of the best attempts the board has
made to hear how all of its residents feel, a great step! Good
questions. I will look forward to seeing the published answers.
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Speed
limits on some streets of 25 mph are too slow. Ridgefield Road,
past the clubhouse, etc. should be at least 30 or even 35. Strong
suggestions should be made in the bulletin for walkers, joggers,
etc. to move off the street for traffic. I see some walkers and
joggers using over 3 feet of the roadway (and feeling it is their
right).
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Enforce
all the 10 covenants equally, do not just pick and choose which
covenant to enforce and which to ignore.
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I
find it interesting that dues were $100 for years. Institute mandatory
dues and they go up to $200. Attorneys fees in budget from $5,000
to $20,000!!! $500/year is to come soon. I refrained from paying
dues for years as I did not want to fund or enable all the petty
squabbles over roof heights and trees. When I needed the support
of the "Club" my area of Innis Arden was ignored.
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View-blocking
trees should be cut to roof level and maintained by the owner
of the property on which the tree has grown. We wish there was
a way to strongly encourage neighbors to make some effort to keep
their lawns, etc. cut, trimmed and weed free. Many streets are
plagued with a few who simply "don't care"; it's a devaluation
of the property of others and very inconsiderate. Perhaps it would
be an encouragement to publicly recognized, by bulletin comments,
the beauty of their property so that we can all enjoy them.
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Thanks
for all your help!
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How
can all of these items be paid for? Dues will have to increase.
We can't get residents to pay the current dues.
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Thank
you!
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Equal
and consistent covenant enforcement - Residents living in Innis
Arden 2 or 3 (on the Board) can pass judgment and take legal action
against a homeowner living in Innis Arden 1 for any covenant violation.
If the Board, with members from all 3 IA sections, has sovereignty
over all homeowners, it should exert the same consistent vigor
in passing judgment and taking legal action against any IA homeowner
who is not in compliance. Your survey's view-obstruction "neighbor"
label is part of the bureaucratic process promoted by the anti-view
minority that adds to the problems within this neighborhood. Innis
Arden traffic - Stop signs, more speed limit signs, and speed
bumps will not work because they will be ignored. The Innis Arden
shortcut is promoted by county and city, virtually police-free,
traffic light-free, and too exciting a speed course to pass up.
Either address the issue of gates/barriers at one or two IA entrances,
or live with the speeding issue and the unforeseen consequences
of any proposed remedy.
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Thank
you for trying to solicit input. The Board can't change the behavior
of people who will use any method to get their way (e.g. trees
cut from neighbors' property). The more the Board tries to do,
the more people like that will use the Board to achieve their
desired outcome. Stay out of the tree issue!
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-Clubhouse
facilities and function should be re-assessed to make both the
benefits and costs relevant and accessible to a broader spectrum
of IA resident interests.
-Rewriting
covenants would likely be a very controversial endeavor. We don’t
think it would be a good idea to open that “pandoras box”.
-Traffic
is predominantly a Shoreline issue. Encouraging Shoreline to
enforce existing traffic laws would be useful.
-The survey questions about views are in some cases based on premises
that can’t be assumed and don’t provide adequate options on all
sides of the issue. This reflects a bias that we’re uncomfortable
with and so we can’t simply choose an option as our answer.
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