GRIT Newsletter: February 1990

PDF Link: Click Here to View PDF Issue

A zoning change request faced opposition from Sandia Heights homeowners concerning a proposal for commercial zoning on a parcel of land near Tramway Blvd. and San Bernardino. Despite efforts to reach an agreement, residents objected to the commercial zoning, leading to an indefinite continuance on both zoning change and special use permit requests. In a separate initiative, a recycling program generated interest among residents, with a survey revealing 92 homeowners willing to participate in recycling, leading to plans for a two-location depository system to be implemented, along with community education efforts. Keywords: Zoning change, commercial zoning, opposition, indefinite continuance, recycling program, survey, depository system, community education.

The Sandia Heights Homeowners Association shared updates on various community initiatives, including a recap of individuals who positively impacted the neighborhood, such as defending against Tramway rezoning, organizing the Christmas lights contest, and promoting recycling opportunities. The newsletter emphasized civic involvement and the importance of balancing risk-taking with caution in community development. Additionally, a call for civic-minded members was made to join the Government Liaison Committee to monitor issues affecting the community, such as infrastructure projects and rezoning proposals, highlighting the need for active participation in preserving the residential character of Sandia Heights. Keywords: Community initiatives, positive impact, civic involvement, Government Liaison Committee, community preservation, civic participation.

Sandia Heights is experiencing rapid changes and is seeking support to strike a balance between progress and caution. The newsletter includes details about the upcoming Spring Fling event on Memorial Day, featuring various activities like basketball shooting and a barbecue, with free entry for Sandia Heights Homeowners Association members. Additionally, the document highlights winners and honorable mentions from the 1989 Christmas lights contest, recognizing residents for their festive displays.

A new Homeowners Referral Program is introduced, aiming to assist residents in finding trustworthy contractors for home maintenance and repair projects, initiated by a SHHA member following a personal experience with roof repairs. The program collects feedback from homeowners about service providers and categorizes it for easy access, maintaining two files for reference. To participate, members are encouraged to review the referral file in person and contact the program organizer or SHHA Executive Assistant for additional rating forms.

The Sandia Heights Homeowners Association discussed the challenges of planting trees in the area due to low humidity and the harsh climate for many tree species. They highlighted issues with invasive species like Russian olives, mulberries, and tamarix, advising against planting them due to their water requirements and invasive nature. The newsletter also mentioned the Sandia Heights Wildflower Club's upcoming meetings on topics like wildflowers and drip irrigation, inviting interested residents to attend, and a call for volunteers to serve as Covenant Support Representatives to address covenant violations in different units. Keywords: trees, planting, invasive species, wildflowers, drip irrigation, covenant violations, volunteers.

The Tramway Improvement Project update was provided, describing it as a "plain vanilla" project focusing on road construction without landscaping, with plans for jogging and bike trails and noise abatement measures. The newsletter outlined the project phases, funding sources, and a shortfall for completion beyond a basic roadway, prompting the SHHA Board to seek additional funds for landscaping through various channels. Additionally, the Covenant Support Policy and procedures for handling covenant violations were approved, with homeowners encouraged to engage in amicable discussions initially and volunteers sought for Covenant Support Representatives to monitor violations and aid in legal actions. Keywords: Tramway Improvement Project, road construction, landscaping, covenant support policy, covenant violations, funding shortfall.

The newsletter contains information about the Sandia Heights Opera Club attending a performance at the Kimo Theater, along with details about a potluck brunch before the show. Non-commercial advertising for services like babysitting, house sitting, and pet sitting is also featured, with various individuals providing their contact information for interested residents. Additionally, there is a section dedicated to neighborhood coffees where new and old residents can meet, including dates, times, and host information for each gathering.

Keywords: categorization, House Sitting, reference file., Neighborhood Coffees, feedback, Resident Gatherings, Services, Spring Fling, Non-Commercial Advertising, trustworthy contractors, service providers, Babysitting, Homeowners Referral Program, For Sale, Community Events, maintenance and repair, Wanted, Memorial Day, Christmas lights contest, Opera Club, Potluck Brunch, Pet Sitting