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Or . . . . Venetia is where I live, but not what I live for.
I have noticed that the neighborhood is showing signs of maturing. That’s what neighborhoods do; the trees grow wider and taller, the sidewalks crack and lift in places, tufts of grass show up between concrete slabs, and paint on homes fade as do the pavers and tiled roofs. Birds have begun their yearly return to our backyards and the sound of delivery trucks, dogs barking and lawnmowers have replaced the silence of a brand new neighborhood. This aging process builds character in a community, just as it does in its people, and for some, it feels more like coming home.
Even the HOA has begun the process of change. Now that Ronnie Hotz has replaced George Sperry as President of the Board, there is no doubt in my mind that the Board will become more reasonable. Ms. Hotz keeps her cool and garners more control over the meetings. She listens to the residents and is generally more inclusive, whereas Mr. Sperry followed only his own agenda. I am hopeful that she will be more successful at making this a friendlier neighborhood and giving it a better image than it previously had.
Certain things have to change though. The Board can’t continue to make contracts like the one with Sammy Mizzle, although they probably know that now. They can’t abuse their positions by using general funds to sue people over events that have nothing to do with the community as a whole, such as the “cage debacle”. That should never have happened. Had it been a more reasonable Board, they could have grandfathered the cage in and saved the homeowners $50,000. Now we are spending more suing the resident to get the $50,000 back.
It’s time to stop wasting money, to clean up the common areas and commend the residents for taking good care of their own properties, instead of punishing the few that don’t.
Yes, Venetia is where I live, but not what I live for. There is family and friends and a whole world outside these gates. The Boards in Venetia are welcome to live for Venetia, but me? I’m taking a long leave of absence to enjoy those things I really am living for.
