Hi Rick-- I just read the first W Deer newsletter and wanted to comment on the article about a greenway on the homeowners property that runs behind Willowdell Dr and Austin Creek. I live at the end of Willowdell Drive and can attest that the HOA property there is riddled with problems not liking themselves to a decent greenway situation. First, that area is a flood plain: it is constantly wet. Second, there are a large number of snakes/ticks in that habitat, both harmless and poison ones. I can attest to killing copperheads and seeing over 6 ft blacks AND to my husband getting bitten by a lyme carrying tick last fall. I bet you cannot find a mom with young kids interested in walking there with those hazards. Third, the HOA there is loaded with dead trees or trees with dead branches that would pose another threat. If the HOA had to pay for insurance to cover any injuries from use of this, the cost would not be worth it. Finally, I can say that I only see a few dedicated exercisers in our neighborhood that would use such a feature. I have been on the greenway in the Austin Creek neighborhood--what a waste of money! I have NEVER encountered another person there!
While a greenway might seem like a good idea on paper, I don't see this as anything but a throw-away of those W Deer funds. How about if we try and get permission to pay and use the Bowling Green pool? or the pool in Northhampton? Or fix the deepest rut in the pavement on Willowlawn? That would be a great asset to our neighborhood than this.
I have lived here for 10 years and enjoy this neighborhood. I only hate to see that not everyone has a great care for their home's exterior (shutters that need paint, front porches falling apart) or their lawn/landscape. Getting homeowners on board with improving this would do so much to increasing sales in our neighborhood or at least o helping increase home values for future sales. Feel free to contact me about this. I feel strongly that it best to hang onto that W Deer money for now and not feel that it must be spent, esp. on a future money sink like a greenway.
Christy
