05/07/2021
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May 2021
Message from your Carondelet Civic Association
Hello Fellow Neighbors,
As we navigate our way through this Pandemic with the hope of an end soon in sight, I just wanted to reach out to you with this letter. Last year we missed out on so much (no parade, no neighborhood get-togethers, a lot of social distancing). 2020 was a very unprecedented year for sure. Hopefully, this year will be different.
With COVID, we had not been able to hold a board meeting last year. But, we are hoping to have one in early May. There are a few things in the works as far our neighborhood.
Front Entrance:
We are in the process of a project to revitalize/modernize the front entrance, which is why there are no spring flowers. As you know we have one of the oldest neighborhoods in Brentwood (Est:1968?), and our front entrance is starting to show its age. This two-part plan involves the brick/sign and greenery/flower beds.
The aging brick has scars from various repairs over the last few decades. A coat of paint (off-white) to cover up these scars and painting the Carondelet letters, will brighten and modernize our entrance. Also, installing a spotlight below the letters on both sides will be a useful addition at night.
We will be replacing some of the old greenery with bushes that require less maintenance (the rose bushes and boxwoods will be replaced with globe arborvitae and dwarf cherry laurels). This change will allow us to cut future maintenance costs and won’t cover the Carondelet letters. We will still be planting seasonal flowers to brighten up the entrance and add some color.
We are planning a meeting on May 16th at 6:30PM to discuss this project and finalize colors for the paint on the brick and types of flowers for the front. As we are running out of spring, we would like to get this project started as soon as possible.
If able, please join us at Jason Ahlbrants house. Jason is new to the board and will be chairman of the front entrance committee. Very fitting seeing how his house is right next to it. His house is the dark gray. A-frame at the front entrance.
Street repairs:
I reached out to Brentwood Public Works about the ugly patchwork at our street intersections. This will not be replaced until the city finishes any water/sewer work that is part of their future planning. More than likely within the next two years. Until, then they will not do a more permanent or polished repair.
Traffic:
As many of you who take regular, walks, jogs, or strolls with our kids and/or pets will notice, many vehicles speed up and down our quiet streets during lunch time and in the evenings around rush hour. Many of these folks (speedsters) don’t live in our subdivision and are using it as a cut-through to other areas. I reached out to Brentwood P.D. to see what can be done. I was then told to reach out to Brentwood Public Works Department, but that Brentwood P.D. would patrol the area for speeding. According to B.P.W.D., normally, most neighborhoods can install speed bumps (of course at their own expense) at about $6K per bump “ouch.” My response to Brentwood Public Works is that most neighborhoods have mandatory dues and can raise the money for these speed bumps. Since we are a Civic Association and have no real funding source (meaning our dues are voluntary), we may need assistance from the city. The city was not aware that our dues are voluntary. So, there is a real possibility the city may assist in the paying for the cost or these speed bumps if they are truly needed. But, the city must conduct a traffic analysis to assess whether there is a definite need. Brentwood public works will be planning to put some concealed speed and traffic recording devices to monitor this issue, and if deemed necessary, assist with cost and installation of speed bumps.
Letters to Buy Your Home (sight-unseen):
Many of us, if not all, have received letters or calls offering to buy our homes without even looking at the house itself. Developers are buying any available space they can find to develop million-dollar homes and the growth around our neighborhood on Wilson Pike is rampant. Acre lots in the new subdivision (where the Dolphin club used to be) are going for $650,000 / acre (house not included). With our convenient location and the 1+ acre lots that many of us have, our homes will do nothing but appreciate!
Dues:
In a couple of months, we will send the reminder out for dues, as they are paid annually in July. Participation in dues has dropped. We saw only 50% participation last year. In order to have neighborhood functions and continue to benefit from a nice entrance we can be proud of, due must be paid. Please inform new neighbors of our board and distribution list and encourage those that may not know about dues to participate if able.
Below is a snapshot of our revenue (dues) and expense for the last four years
Also, we try to keep up with change in residents as best we can, but if you notice a new neighbor, please let them know to notify us, so we can add them to the distribution list. Or let us know what address it is, and we can reach out to them. We still need more board members. If there is a position that you would like to assist on please let us know.
Please email [email protected]
Again, thank you all for your support in our beloved Carondelet neighborhood, and I look forward to seeing all of you at neighborhood events once again.
Best,
Brian Romero
Carondelet Civic Association Preside
