This is a continuation of “Homeowners’ Associations = UGH!” As promised, the letter is attached as fcca_letter.jpg. Now, open it up and follow along… it’s time for me to take the letter and rip its arguments to shreds, for it hopelessly lacks common sense.

Basically, here’s a quick breakdown of what’s going on:

• When we got our house, there are these rocks in the landscape bed that lead up to the front porch.
• Over time, these rocks became buried or discolored, so we replace them.
• First Colony Community Association sends us a letter about this unauthorized modification.

A picture of the front of my house. The white rocks are the thing they’re complaing about.

By performing the maintenance work, we feel that we are doing our part in “an effort to maintain property values in [our neighborhood].” There is no need for “a full understanding of [any] restrictions.” It is simply common sense. I went to this Andrew Vacek’s office in an attempt to get it resolved, but I was merely handed this:

That’s right, folks! A 1/8″ packet of their by-laws that is totally irrelevant to the issue at hand and describes all the bureaucracy.

For the record, this association seems to lack common sense, and I could probably come to the conclusion that this Andrew Vacek is a stubborn blockhead. This lack of common sense stems from one thing: Greed — greed for revenue. Consequently, I will state again that after I get my degree, I shall not live in First Colony, for “common sense revolts at the idea”¹ that I am required to submit a “modification approval” request to keep my yard in decent order.