Originally Posted by MDLNB
(Post 1089344)
Just out of curiosity, and not out of vindictiveness or whatnot, I wandered my neighborhood examining the nice homes, from the street. I noticed that technically, the majority of homes were in violation of one or more community standards. But, in my opinion the violations are in good or tolerable taste. We have a neighborhood email system that keeps us up to date with the local goings-ons. Some of the older/senior residents that have lived here since the homes were originally built have been quite adamant about "no change." Yet, they have established their small deviations to the rules and have no problem with it. I am referring to driveway changes, yard ornaments, etc. They have been quite vocal about any "new" residents making subtle changes to their homes. Every time I hear of someone complaining about a change, shortly after, it seems I get an email saying that the compliance board has changed their position on the issue, such as door color, home color, driveway color, back wall color (CYV) etc. It seems that once someone in "the clique" wants a change, someone takes action. A petition went around about a year ago to allow home color changes in our one color neighborhood. It was passed by the majority and a color pallet was posted. One our fairly new neighbors, wanting to comply and be accepted in the neighborhood, was first to change their home color. The next door neighbor walked over and examined the newly painted color and declared it to be ugly. Of course, that was from a senior neighbor that was an original owner. The home owner that had the newly painted exterior, also received numerous/many compliments from neighbors throughout the community. Now, others are starting to change their color. Doors are changing from the once standard white to more individually preferred colors, personalizing their homes. A new neighbor moved in recently and installed an interesting, small yard ornament of painted cast iron. It appears to be vintage or antique. I found it interesting, but I heard of a few rumors of disgruntled neighbors making slight of it. Those same complainers have violations in their yards, in form of yard ornaments. Although, I don't find their yard "art" to be ugly or offensive, and don't care.
I hear many of you state "rules are rules" with no semblance of tolerance suggested. I wonder how many of you are "tolerated" by your neighbors, even though they may not "condone."
Neighborhood rules are NOT laws. Yes, we need rules to motivate some folks to comply with majority set standards. But, some rules should have a certain amount of flexibility and tolerance. I see a neighbor's landscaping or lawn ornament that I would not have in my yard. Since I don't like it, does that mean I should find a violation and report it?
Don't get me wrong, I am not suggesting the blatant violation of community standards, rather a certain amount of tolerance. The ones complaining about violations of community standards seem to be violating the most important Villages standard: "America's Friendliest Town."
But, rules are after all, rules. :police:
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