Poor Maintenance of Our Community Center at Quail Valley

The Quail Valley HOA is neglecting maintenance of our Community Center.

The first photo shows a large slate about 8 feet above ground that used to shed water from the side of the chimney (where it narrows from the wide fireplace to the stack). The slate came loose from its moorings more than 6 months ago. From the ground, we can't tell whether the slate is being held in place by a branch of the bush or by one, last, rusty brad. Rain can now erode brick and mortar from above. [*** UPDATE: The repair was completed about 1 month after this article was published.]

The second photo shows weeds growing in the gutter at the front of the building. The facia stays moist. When gutters are clogged with leaves and other debris, water damage to the roof begins. ("The Holmes Inspection" by Mike Holmes, Toronto: HarperCollins, 2008, page 56.) This gutter is only about 10 feet up, and easily reached with a short ladder. [*** UPDATE - After another personal appeal to the HOA president, the muck was finally removed from the gutter in November 2021.]

The third photo shows a digital cable where it emerges from the ground and enters the building. This arrangement does not appear to meet the rules for neatness that the HOA inspector applies to homeowners. The gap in the brick is large enough to allow insects, such as cockroaches, into the building.

Thank you, neighbor (a carpenter) for pointing out these maintenance problems seen on a community asset that belongs to all of us. I'm glad to report them here on PATCH.com.

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(Read the "Cuckoo Court" series at tinyurl.com/CuckooCourt. -- Steve Lapham)