Due to recent neighborhood crime and homeowner concerns of pedestrian traffic through the greenbelt areas between 208th and 21oth and above 25th Drive, in addition to an increasing number of dangerous trees in these areas, the Board would like to remind homeowners that the greenbelt areas remain closed to everyone— homeowners, their family members, guests and non-residents.
It has been brought to our attention recently that these greenbelt areas, especially that area above 25th Drive, are used by residents, and folks in the development above our neighborhood, as a shortcut to the top or bottom of the hill. Although we were under the impression that these areas have been closed for a number of years, we need to remind everyone they must remain closed for a number of reasons:
1.) Dead trees, dying trees, loose branches and even partially fallen greenbelt trees are not cut when they are beyond striking distance of homes or other property. So, within the greenbelt a danger always exists of limbs, branches, sections of trees or even entire trees falling on someone. Because the HOA is aware of the fact that there are dangerous trees, and we have not cut them for cost saving reasons, also means that there is a legal liabilty for the HOA if we were to let folks access these areas.
2.) There have also been confirmed sightings of bears, cougars, coyotes and other large wildlife within the greenbelts, so there is the danger, especially to small pets and children of encounters with this wildlife. Although the animals are usually as afraid of people, as we are of them, there still remains the chance that an encounter could result in an attack.
3.) Digging, building, earthmoving and other unsanctioned activities in the greenbelt has resulted in erosion of tree roots and other damage that has had unfavorable results downhill in the neighborhood such as diverted water and erosion of hillsides. One location on the hillside above 25th Drive, has resulted in a portion of it collapsing onto the road from people taking shortcuts down the side of the hill, off the established path.
4.) Allowing foot traffic through the greenbelts also establishes a path for individuals to enter the neighborhood unobserved. Once we allow anyone to enter or leave the neighborhood through established paths through the greenbelts, criminals can do the same. With recent break-ins and other incidents, neighborhood residents have asked that the Board to again actively enforce the closure of the greenbelts to all activities, as a security measure.
We have tried to close these greenbelt areas by simply asking folks to not access them. Unfortunately, we had a homeowner that was overly aggressive and confrontational about his child being allowed in these areas in spite of the closure. He refused to keep his child from going into this area even after being told of the danger and the HOA’s policy of denying access. He told us that without no trespassing signs he would allow his child to go into the greenbelt. So, in order to enforce the closure, we have been forced to post no trespassing signs and erect temporary fencing. Furthermore, we are asking residents next to the greenbelts to report any unauthorized folks entering or leaving the area to the Bothell Police. We understand that these are strong measures to take, but we feel obligated to take them in order to discourage unauthortized access to these areas and ensure the safety of the community and financial security of the HOA.
If, as a community, we wish to use the greenbelts for walking, hiking and other non-invasive recreational activities, we certainly can. But, in order to do so we need to maintain the trees, paths and access areas in a manner that is safe for users and will not damage the greenbelts. We also need to find some way to fund this effort, because currently the HOA’s budget is too small to cover greenbelt maintenance or the creation of safe pedestrian paths. In the end it is up to you, the community, to tell us if you support spending the money to do this.
As always, your feedback and suggestions are welcome and appreciated.
Sincerely,
Jason, John and Gregg
