neigh·bor n.

1. One who lives near or next to another.
2. A person, place, or thing adjacent to or located near another.
3. A fellow human.
4. Used as a form of familiar address.

There are many different reasons why we chose to live in a neighborhood like McConnell: the look and feel of the neighborhood, the friendly people, the proximity to downtown Davidson, the relationship with the college, etc. Needless to say, the dichotomy of our neighborhood is somewhat unique and perhaps that is its best quality?!

Most of us have found great friends in the neighborhood and have developed good relationships with our immediate neighbors. In general, the health of the neighborhood is good and it is an inviting place to live and meet people. McConnell is a great place to come home to.

Occasionally, the HOA board will receive requests or concerns from neighbors that range from the most trivial to the more serious. Some of the requests we receive fall outside of the responsibility of the board, some are common sense issues, some are not so obvious. We've decided to post some concerns/requests here as a reference for our neighbors to remind them of the small things that can be done to "be a better neighbor". We will update these on occasion as we receive new items...if you have questions or concerns and would like to share them with the board, please do not hesitate to contact us.

How can you be a better neighbor!

First and foremost, get to know your neighbors! If there is an issue with a neighbor, the best approach is to address the issue directly and in a timely manner. If it is a touchy situation, approach the situation in a diplomatic way. Sometimes a direct and honest approach can be the most effective and the least "confrontational" in the long run! Most of the time, a simple misunderstanding or "what is important to me is not as important to you" can be straightened out with a simple, neighborly exchange. Below are a few items that you should review and take into consideration to make McConnell a more "neighborly" place.

Safety

• There are more kids than houses in our neighborhood. When driving, KEEP YOUR SPEED DOWN in the neighborhood...especially around our parks, over hills, around corners, etc. Really, EVERYWHERE you drive in the neighborhood warrants a safe speed.
• For those with pools or hot-tubs (or even ponds), please ensure your fence gates are closed and properly latched at all times. Kids are known to wander!
• We are our own "Neighborhood Watch" program. If you see something suspicious, REPORT IT! If you know you are going out of town, have a neighbor or two keep an eye on the house in your absence. Lock your doors at night (including your car doors!). If you see someone trespassing, call the neighbor and let them know. If they are not at home, don't be afraid to call the police!
  

Common Courtesy

• Be aware of loud noises or activities during odd hours. A few items: lawnmowers, leaf-blowers, loud saws or power tools, music, basketball, fireworks, dogs barking, kids screaming, etc. While these activities are OK and have there place, be respectful of your neighbors. Running your table saw in your driveway at midnight is not being respectful...nor is mowing your lawn at 06:00 on a Sunday morning.
• Be prompt with your garbage and recycling containers. Don't put them out too early and try to pick them up within a day of emptying. If you are out of town, arrange for a neighbor to put them away for you.
• If you put brush or sticks out in the street for pick-up, please clean-up any residual that is left in the street after it is picked-up. Anything left can plug up our street drains, is a traffic obstacle and not to mention is an "eye-sore" .
• Public decency...there is a law regarding this issue. If you have a pool or hot tub or are just sun-bathing, etc. Please ensure appropriate attire is always worn. There have been a few reports of "peeping Toms" so ensure you have the proper privacy screening (blinds, curtains, etc.) and exercise common courtesies.
  

Our Parks and the Pond

• Our parks are privately owned and maintained by US! Please help by picking up any trash, etc. Also, you should not leave any toys, chairs or other items at the park. What you bring to the park is what you should take back home.
• The pond is privately owned as well, fishing is a priviledge for our homeowners only. Catch and release is preferred...if you catch a fish, take caution and release it with care.

Animals

• Please make efforts to clean-up after your pet. If you are walking your pet, please take a bag or other container with you to "pick-up" after your pet. There are a number of pet stations around the neighborhood that have been recently installed to help you with this "duty". Also, some neighbors would appreciate some restraint from pets urinating on their bushes, flowers, etc.
• Be aware of your own pet barking, etc. Granted, dogs bark, we know that, but please be aware of excessive barking (more than a few minutes)...especially at night!
• Multiple pets. There is an ordinance within Davidson regarding pets and the number of pets you can have in a single residence.
• Dogs must be restrained at all times.
  

General Home Items

• When you are changing the appearance of your exterior , in any way, you MUST fill out an Architectural Request Form. Also, please respect your neighbors if you wish to make a noticeable change. That includes paint colors, landscaping choices, fences, etc. You may LOVE the change on paper, but your neighbors may not in the end...causing some definite strife. Sometimes, an initial discussion can help appease or may offer an alternative that is "OK" with everyone. The "shock factor" can be avoided!
• Do your best to keep your lawn and garden maintained and under control. Please pick-up and put away any lawn equipment, toys, garbage, etc. that is visible (for an extended period of time) from the street.
• "Street Trees" that are near the sidewalk are the homeowner's responsibility and should be pruned appropriately to allow for easy passage on the sidewalk. If you need assistance, let us know, we have neighbors that have volunteered to do this for free.
• Irrigation should not interfere with the sidewalk during "normal walking hours". This can be a safety issue and YOU could be held liable.