Community Notice from Earlier Today
The Community Notice posted by Board President Jason Williams earlier today did not include the ability to respond, so I am doing so here.
While I agree with the sentiments expressed in the notice, the notice causes me concern. I can’t tell whether there is an abundance of harassment occurring in Ashton Woods, requiring a community notice, or if this is a single incident. If the former, a lot more information should be provided so residents know that we need to be concerned about our safety and well-being. If the latter, it seems like the incident should have been handled directly with the parties involved and the community doesn’t need to be involved. I’m left wondering if I need to be concerned or not.
As a former Board member, I would suggest that, according to the by-laws, the Board does not have any authority in personal disputes unless they involve the covenants. As far as harassment goes, that is a legal matter to be handled by the police and the courts. The only exception to that is if the harassment occurs on the AWPOA website (in which case the offender should be banned from using the site) or if it occurs at an AWPOA event, in which case steps should be taken to remove the offending party(ies). I encourage the Board not to get involved in other disputes, as it could open up the association to lawsuits, which all community members end up paying for.
I want Ashton Woods to be cordial and friendly place to live just as the Board has expressed. The tone of the Notice leads me to believe that a serious problem exists, as it talks about bringing in the police and a “zero-tolerance” policy, but I am left wondering whether I should be concerned or not. Clarification from Jason would be appreciated.
10 Responses
Gee, what is going on?
Paul,
Thank you for your comments. We are grateful for your perspective and wealth of experience that you provided for the Board and also continue to provide to the Ashton Woods Community. While we can’t get into specific details, we felt it necessary to communicate the recent notice. Local law enforcement and an attorney (that has worked with the community for years) have also been contacted. Beyond that, the Board believes things have been covered. Thank you again for reaching out.
Warm regards,
Jason T. Williams
I too (and I suspect many others), have concerns over what occurred and am left wondering what exactly happened? Jason’s reply to Paul stating “While we can’t get into specific details, we felt it necessary to communicate the recent notice” doesn’t help the community in any way better understand the situation or what occurred. If the situation was severe enough to warrant the highly concerning Board notice it also warrants substantiating detail(s) to the residents so all can better understand what occurred and determine individual safety concerns.
I’ve been an AW property owner for over 10 years, and we make it out regularly. To say this is of concern is an understatement. I’ve met a lot of residents and their guests throughout the years, and everyone has been warm, welcoming and friendly; and it’s one of the main reasons we enjoy Ashton Woods so much. For the sake of the community, hoping this is an isolated incident/issue and not a more widespread problem.
Shawn et al,
Thank you and agree that more information is warranted if it’s more widespread.
At this time, this is an isolated situation and the Board is working very hard to keep it that way.
The Notice yesterday was to inform that this type of behavior is not acceptable and we’re being proactive about how future incidents, hopefully there won’t be, will be handled.
Thank you all for your concerns and feedback.
Regards,
Jason T. Williams
I’m a recently resigned member of the BOD. I was surprised at this notice as I had never been informed of this kind of behavior. I believe the community is deserving of some answers from the present BOD who clearly took action without a notified BOD meeting.
1. What date and time of the “occurence” and who was and what was involved?
2. What actions rose to the necessary intervention of the BOD?
3. Under what authority of the Bylaws or Covenants, was legal counsel engaged?
4. Under what authority of the Bylaws or Covenants was the Sheriff’s department engaged?
5. At what point in time did the BOD implement at “Zero Tolerance” harassment policy and is it within the definition of “Harassment” as provided with the WV Code and was the community given opportunity on vote for such?
I, and members of the community look forward to the BOD’s responses.
Cathy,
Good evening and due to this type of situation, the Board will not provide information that is sensitive in nature.
Thank you for your previous service on the board.
Regards
Jason T. Williams
I agree with all the comments of concerned owners. The Notice was very broad and not helpful, especially, if it was an isolated incident. However, it did include language regarding “zero tolerance” harassment policy, without identifying of what is included in “harassment”. Nowadays, it can be pretty much anything, and I don’t think we want to create a police-type community.
Marina,
Good morning and agree that we do not want a police-type of community and we’ve stated that in prior posts.
This is an initiative and not a policy at this time.
We informed the community that belligerent and/or harassing behavior will not be acceptable.
While broad, it is defined and can be in verbal, written, physical or visual in and unwanted or repetitive nature.
Due to what occurred, the Board decided that this needed to be communicated to our external authorities before additional escalating behavior took place and to remediate.
We will not provide information that could identify individual(s) or discuss the details in these situations similar to how things would transpire in an organization. We respect all parties involved and want to mitigate/remediate now and for the future.
Regards,
Jason T. Williams
First let me wish everyone in AW a safe and enjoyable 4th of July.
I arrived in AW around 2pm today and noticed that the bottom section of Trough View Rd has not been graveled. I thought graveling had been completed. I noticed that one of the owners along the left side of Trough View Rd has piled dead trees and brush along the length of their property next to the road. This is very unsightly and sets a very bad precedent. Finally, I was nearly run off the road by a speeding side by side on Trough View Rd.
Stephen P Dargusch Lot 282
Stephen,
Good afternoon and Happy 4th of July to you and your family.
The graveling has been completed, but we’ll look to fix areas that may need more.
The lot with the row of down trees has been addressed and the Board is working with the property owner.
As for the side by side speeding and nearly running you off of the road, we’re glad that you are safe. We’ll continue to advise property owners and their families/guests to keep the speed down.
Have a wonderful 4th of July!
Regards,
Jason T. Williams