NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR

Drayton Place/Kernan Chase News Letter

September 2006

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“SPEEDERS BEWARE”

Dear Home Owner or Resident:

      “Gentlemen, start your engines!” So, commenced the “Drayton Chase”. Sure, it’s not Daytona or Talladega, but regarded by many as super-speedway. Thinking they’ve heard a starting gun, our racers start at the Mantle Drive entrance to the neighborhood. Sometimes reaching speeds of 50 mph, they fly down Mantle, oblivious to children playing basketball, Dad mowing grass, or Mom riding her bike. Why should they care? To them, the goal is simple, get to where they have to go as quickly as possible regardless of risks---otherwise, they may have to acknowledge a shout to “SLOW DOWN” or loose a couple of “precious” seconds. Sadly, in their minds, a price to steep as compared to the life of a child.

      You never hear their tires screech to a halt as they approach the “Stop Sign” at Ripken Circle West….no way! That would minimize the “ roll over risk” as they make that hair pin turn on to Ripken Circle West, or worse, slow them down—we cant have that! You see, to ensure maximum danger, these immensely important speeders must get their speed up to at least 80 m.p.h. before they hit Ripken Circle North with engines “revving” and music “blasting” —plus, its just not fun to avoid a child while safely traveling 10 mph or, unimaginable---stopping. To them, the only possible stopping would be to make a quick pit stop at their home. As soon as morning hits, rest assured, they are right back in the race, fighting to hit that Gering Finish line to save a couple of seconds.

      But folks, here is the problem, when they win, we all really loose. You see, despite the metaphor, this is really not a super speedway. To those of you who know this, are conscientious, obey the speed restrictions, careful, and slow down, thank you—you need to read no further (the “you” referenced below is not “you”). However, for the rest, in NASCAR vernacular, this “Bud is for you” even if you think you are Dale Earnhardt Junior.

      There seems hardly a day when I do not see or hear about reckless speeding throughout the neighborhood. In retrospect, what saddens me the most are not necessarily the speeders, but the realization that most speeders are residents. To those speeders, not only do you not care about the law, but you also do not care about the safety of neighbors, that is a travesty is need of expeditious resolution.

      For these reasons, the DPHOA has decided to implement a “Speeders Beware Program” that is dedicated to those certain residents that, mindless of the consequences, choose to speed. Contrary to my satire, the life of child is far to steep a price to pay because you are in a hurry. Thus, the DPHOA believes it must do whatever it can to address this situation even though some of you will demand my “recall” or threaten “impeachment”-so be it. The preservation of life has a higher priority and weighs far heavier than any threats. With this being said, the DPHOA is enacting the following “Speeders Beware Program”:

      1. All residents will remind themselves of the traffic laws (35 mph in residential areas), be conscientious (not waking their neighbors with high-beams, pounding music, screaming engines—at 2:00 A.M.), and if they see nearby children, residents, parked cars, SLOW DOWN (not speed up). The good neighbors will gladly agree to do (and already are doing) the first step, no need to read the rest—and thanks. If not, “you” had better read on…

      2. Don’t Speed “or else” (I think this is pretty simple). 

      3. “Or else”. We hear regular reports of certain SUV’s, Range Rovers, etc speeding through the neighborhood. If any residents see a speeder, please e-mail the DPHOA a vehicle description, tag number, date, location and time of speeding, and if possible, address of speeder. Upon receipt and verification, the DPHOA will commence “violation process” against the speeder and seek the imposition of fine because this is covenant violation. This will be deemed an “offensive activity and nuisance” that is prohibited by Article XI, ¶4 of Covenants. In addition, the DPHOA is requesting that no vehicles be permanently parked on the streets—use your driveway or garage. Sure, we all have those guests that frequently visit that park on the street---no big deal; however, if you live at the house, park in your garage or on the driveway. There is ample space if resident is single family use. If not, this is covenant violation that will also be enforced (some homes have six cars with three on street—this will not be tolerated and will be fined)

      4. The DPHOA will provide the Sheriff’s office with the names of speeders and request speed enforcement at identified peek hours and locations. In other words, the DPHOA will work with the Sheriff’s office to slow you down.

      5. The DPHOA is currently is discussions with the Public Works department regarding the installation of speed bumps, speed restrictions, signage, and painting of cross walks, children at play signs, etc, to slow down speeders. All final decisions regarding location, resolutions, cost will be discussed at duly noticed Board meeting with resident input requested.

      Hopefully, the preceding will help, but the greatest help is simply DO NOT SPEED. As we start this program, I would like to know you thoughts, suggestions, and particularly, whether you are supportive of these efforts that many will oppose. Together, we can all make our neighborhood a better place to live—so let’s do it, if not for you, for the kids (our kids) that play outside, they are worth whatever price. 

      Thanks for all your help in improving our neighborhood. Hope to see you at the next meeting. Please watch for the date, posted at the front entrances shortly

                                                Sincerely,

Sandy Taylor

                                                President, DPHOA