Community Meeting Action

It was a typical community meeting - hot, noisy, everyone talking at once,
lots of ideas, discussions wandering all over. It was also good friends
devoted to the neighborhood enjoying each other. And, in and among it all,
the gathering at CJ Cullinan's on June 4 did make some decisions:

1. To congratulate CJ and her crew on raising $850 at the garage sale.

2. To sell the recently reprinted new style book for $35.00

3. To accept the Reisches invitation to have a joint pool party barbecue on
June 30 which Mary Mackey volunteered to coordinate.

4. To ask homeowners to define the 5 most important design characteristics
of their homes and the neighborhood at the pool party/barbecue.

5. To ask for volunteers (5 people did volunteer!) to form The Arapahoe
Acres Committee to share in responsibility for community activities and to
speak for the community.

There's more information about these items in the actual newsletter.

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What Are Your Priorities

What are the design characteristics of Arapahoe Acres homes that you believe
are most important to protect? The roof lines? The facades? The window
designs? How the roof and fence lines relate to the house next door? The
streetscapes? What five characteristics do you believe are vital to
maintaining the mid-century modern style of our community?

Two neighborhood groups have recently discussed these same questions.
Landon Jones, Kiki Cannon, Eric Crotty, Debby Pool talked about ways to
protect our homes. Each expressed their concerned about all the changes that
are occurring in Arapahoe Acres and the neighboring subdivisions.

At the last neighborhood meeting, on June 4, keeping our neighborhood
historic was the primary topic. From these two groups, came the idea to ask
all Arapahoe Acres homeowners what they believe are the key design elements
in their home and in the community.

We want every homeowner involved. All ideas will to be considered. Nothing
has been decided. It's up to each of us to have a say. What greater
property right can we each have than saying what we treasure about our
homes?

At the pool party/barbecue on June 30, neighbors will be offered the
opportunity to identify their five personal design priorities or choices.
For ideas in addition to the ones above, it is suggested that you consult
Diane's new style book. Also, there will be a list of possible design
priorities to consider available at the party.

The next step is undecided. It is possible a description of what's most
important to preserving the neighborhood -- probably 4 to 7 characteristics
for practicality -- will be developed from the ideas that everyone suggests.
The result may be a set of simple standards which will lead to the formation
of a review committee, or some such. We are still open whether that
committee will have a formal design review approval process or just give
advice and assistance to homeowners wanting to add on or renovate.

We believe the time is now. Home prices are soaring. Scrape-offs and giant
remodels are occurring all around us. Good will and a sense of community
have protected our homes to a great extent up to now. But we all can see
the increasing pressures to change.

If you cannot drop by the pool/ barbecue to share your ideas, contact Kiki,
Landon, Eric or Debby. If you are opposed to defining design standards,
don't talk over the back fence, contact us!

During this next week enjoy thinking about the designs you treasure in your
home and the neighborhood. Bring us your ideas! We are looking forward to
your suggestions!

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The Arapahoe Acres Committee

At the community meeting it was suggested, after almost 10 years as an
historic district, the neighborhood would be strengthened by having an
organization. While there was pride in our strong sense of community, there
was little enthusiasm for neighbors to share in the responsibility for our
activities. In the end, there was reluctant agreement to form "The
Committee."

Eric Crotty, KiKi Cannon, Mark and Judy Sexton, Mary Mackey and Carl Rogers
volunteered to serve for a year. They agreed to attend three meetings and
be available to help when support is needed or email opinions requested.
Please do consider adding your name to the committee by calling Debby! We
need you and your ideas!

Meetings will continue to be informal, everyone is welcome to come and
participate along with the committee. Involvement of many neighbors is
essential to continue many of our strong traditions. Old timers, Phil
Russell, treasurer, and Debby Pool, chair, will continue this year, but they
are looking for replacements.

Over 20 homeowners are currently helping on projects. New volunteers
include Larry Abel and Phil Duffy to maintain the street signs and KiKi
Cannon to coordinate flyers. Alex Smith is sending our emails and Mary
Mackey is chairing the barbecue/pool party. Yvonne Steers always needs
people to deliver flyers, Byron Nixon needs help with the calendar, and
Debby Pool needs researchers and writers for the newsletter. There will be
"volunteers wanted" lists at the parties this summer. Sign up!