The Lawn

[Donald]

Everyday I look out my window and see people walking on the grass. I would like to have the rule enforced--or remove the Keep Off The Grass signs. If we are going to enforce the rule, we should ine sharholders $100 per offence

[Met Fan]

I am in agreement with that, what is worse the use of the hill in the winter time for sled ridding. A fine of $100 is not bad, besides it can simply be added to their maint.

[pookie]

are you both serious??? you are going to penalize people for walking on the lawn? and for children playing in the snow? the grass looks fine even with the occasional person walking across it. It's not like we have a little league game going out there. You should be more concerned with other issues in the building rather than the grass outside.

[Met Fan]

I have had to walk on the lawn but that was far and few between when the door was broken, I think there are parks around and people should not take their kids sled riding there they should find another venue.

[dj]

A 40lb child running on the lawn for 10 minutes does not ruin the lawn even though a lot of board members would like you to believe that. Nor will it bring the property values down. What will bring the property values down is when Garth Road gets the reputation for not being kid friendly and family friendly. Take a look around at who lives on Garth Road.

[dd]

It would actually bring the property value up, if young couples walked through and saw young kids playing and having fun. We dont live in an assisted living complex, and we shouldnt be treated and talked to like we do. I would suggest an open forum at the next board meeting to discuss these issues. Also I would be very curious to see how many board members actually have young children!

[Met fam]

I do agree a fine would solve many of the problems associated with the lawn, but as shareholders individuals should make use of the parks, there are signs posted and we do spend in excess of $50K per year to keep the lawn maintained. If people do not like it pay up or move. No other options exist!!!!

[shocked]

just got a letter today asking people to not let their children play on the lawn. I'm sorry but we all pay maintenance fees (which arent cheap). I dont have kids but if I did and they wanted to play on the lawn so be it. That is why we pay to live here. If they are going to start dictating where we can walk than that is ridiculous. lets just build a wall around the lawn so we can all look at how pretty it is but never enjoy it.

[Donald]

Who the f**k does Ray think he is. A dictator. Let's overthrow the board.

[goh2]

It is amazing how much time people have on their hands...just try to fine me...whose brilliant Idea was it to carpet the basement...MILDEW!!!!!! My kids do not deface our property...they run off the school bus and play for a little while...these people have serious mental issues. I'd rather look at children playing than a green lawn..How about we make the courtyard into a family friendly shaded area...benches, a little play stuff for the kids....Maybe then the courtyard can become a place where neighbors meet, get to know each other, AND GET ALONG!!!!!

[fedup]

So no one has anything better to complain about? That there are items in the building that do not get repaired, that we pays the supers a salary and benefits and STILL contract out much of the maintenance work. That there are not enough storage areas, that we have security problem when the laundry was robbed.


Let's address some of the ongoing problems like the ones listed above instead about the d**n grass!!!

[smo]

The way I look at it, those "Keep off the Grass" signs have been around since the building was a rental apartment; they certainly were here when I purchased. Its one of the many, many rules I knew about when I purchased and I don't see a reason to fuss about a simple rule like that. In fact, SINCE I purchased, the Board created a GORGEOUS area to the south of the South building with benches. Like someone mentioned, it IS very nice to see the children playing in the grass there, playing ball with their family and friends. I've seen families having picnics and even pizza dinners there. I'm sure that having such an area DOES help attract prospective purchasers (in the event you are selling).

As to what does and does not damage the lawn, I think if you compared the grass of the courtyards with that of that play area, you would see a distinct difference. I'm sure the play area isn't tended to or watered as well or as frequently as the lawns, but I believe that is because they are being used for different purposes.

I also agree with the person who mentioned that they pay their maintenance. We all do. I'm guessing that we all would like to keep the monthly charges as low as possible. And while I'm sure when someone takes a shortcut across the lawn because they are late and running for the train it doesn't do much harm by iteslf, it will, eventually, leave marks that the landscaper will be all too happy to repair at our expense. Our expense.

I think we currently have a win-win-win: Monthly maintenance costs that are about as much "under control" as any can ever really be, a GREAT play area where you can play ball, jump on a pogo stick, picnic, have a smoke, and party all day (and night) long. and a GORGEOUS pair of lawns that are the envy of EVERY SINGLE building on the street. I don't think we should mess around with a good thing!!

[megsoda]

I have no problem with kids sled ridding on the snow. I do not think doing that would cause any danage except to the snow itself since there is no grass at that time. But during Spring and Semmer seasons, i like to enjoy the view of the court yard with out it being disturbed by kids playing, and throwing garbage on it.

[gaucho85]

I, personally, don't really care if kids play on the lawn, as long as they're not taking a flamethrower to it, but I can see why it might bother some people. Maybe the best thing to do would be to have one of the older residents sit outside in a rocking chair, cane in hand, and shaking it angrily as he/she says "Darn whippersnappers! get off of my lawn." This will not only provide security for the lawn but will help create jobs (You're welcome Obama.) Also, I know I said that I don't care about the kids riding their bikes or whatever here but if a lot of residents don't like it, then that's that, right? everyone shares the lawn and there's a park literally 2 blocks away. If parents are too lazy to take their kids there then might I suggest getting your kids a PlayStation, now you won't even have to take them downstairs and, as some recent scientific studies have determined, they will most likely end up being very successful in life. Now let's talk about something really important. . . what's with the garage... I've never seen it full and I supposedly have 7 or 8 more years on the waiting list. Unfortunate circumstances or ploy to accommodate secret government vehicles in the garage in the near future?

[Peter]

Why single out people who use the lawn for breaking the rules. If we're going to enforce the rules, let's enforce ALL the rules:

No animals--how many people have cat's in violation of the rules.
No items on doors -- how many people have flowers, Mezuzzas, drawings, etc.
No items in hallways --statues, carpets.
No junk in garage -- people have stuff behind their spaces.

I'm sick and tired of board members who send out pronouncements SELECTIVELY announcing rule enforcement.