Michelle,
Thanks to you and the other board members for your service to the
community. And, thanks for keeping us informed and included in the
neighborhood issues.
For the record, I want to raise a chronic and continuing concern of mine.
It may not be worthy of discussion again, as we've discussed it many times
before. That is property and personal security. My wife walks the
neighborhood extensively during early morning low light conditions.
While APD crimeviewer (https://maps.austintexas.gov/GIS/Crimeviewer/ ;) does
not indicate an increase in total reported crimes for our neighborhood by
year for the last 5 years. there does appear to be an increase in violent
crimes consistent with the State and National increases. But, this assumes
the reporting rate in Austin has not changed over time. Given that APD has
changed the phone number where different crimes are reported, that the
reports must be written and resident uncertainty in APD's timely response,
that rate may have decreased.
I have monitored incidents reported on NextDoor for the last 5 years and
while I don't see much increase in suspected or reported illegal activity
in our neighborhood, it appears to be increasing around us. But that may
also be due to increasing subscription and use of NextDoor.
Regardless, if police response times have made them irrelevant to apprehend
suspects or arrested subjects are not prosecuted, convicted and sentenced,
then, in my opinion, the burden falls even more on us to watch out for each
other. How do we do that without the rigid formalism of Neighborhood
Watch...or are we at the point where we need to consider Neighborhood Watch
again? Otherwise, are there any recommended actions we could be taking as
neighbors...i.e., street lighting locations and type, private remote video
cameras locations or seamless coverage (e.g., pointed in complementary or
comprehensive fashion, resolution quality, etc)? Have we ever had an
APD or other security appraisal or audit of the neighborhood to look at
weaknesses, vulnerabilities and recommendations?
If this concern is not shared by others, I understand. However, I will be
taking certain personal precautions and measures. I just thought it might
be more useful and effective if coordinated.
J. Roberson
On Tue, Aug 9, 2022 at 1:04 PM CONNIE TOUNGATE <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Hello and thanks for the heads-up on tonight’s agenda.
Please consider a discussion about our neighbors’ yards that are overgrown
(long term) & those on corners with growth that blocks a driver’s view when
making turns. I realize COVNA isn’t an HOA, but perhaps a gentle reminder
letter from our Board would make a difference. Perhaps such letters could
include an offer to help, if the owners are elderly or in financial
situations that no longer allow for yard care. I hope we have neighbors who
would volunteer for those in need. This could be a win overall for
neighbors & our neighborhood’s appearance.
Please know that my concerns don’t include yards that have turned brown in
the Summer heat. I’m sad to say that ours is one of those. Praying for rain
this week!
Thank you for considering my request.
Connie Toungate
9005 Queenswood Dr
Sent from my iPhone
On Aug 9, 2022, at 12:31 PM, Michelle Hendrix <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Hello Castlewood and Oak Valley neighbors,
The Board will be meeting this evening. Please let us know if you have any
pressing concerns, questions or recommendations for the agenda. I can
always be reached by email text or call at 512.736.1680.
August 8,
1. Call to order & Attendance -
2. Pending Business
a. Future newsletters -
i. Clarification on pricing/cost research on newsletter printing
ii. Next newsletter topics; deadline to print
b. 4th of July Parade discussion/follow-up – lessons learned, notes for
next year
3. New Business
a. Property owner responsibility for drainage ditch between Comburg Castle
Way & Vassal
b. National Night Out (October 4th) - discuss/decide details, assign tasks
4. Future agenda items
5. Future meeting dates - September 13 - hosted by Matt, October 11 -
hosted by Denise, November
8 - hosted by Michelle, December 13
6. Adjourn
*Michelle Hendrix*
*M* 512 736 1680
*E *Michelle.Hendrix@xxxxxxxxxxx
--
*The HZG Effect* | Where Joyful Living Meets Legacy Investments.
