This afternoon there was some sort of accident up the hill immediately east of the east entrance. I couldn't see that far for specifics, but there were many flashing lights from emergency vehicles.
Here's a thought - once the apartments on SH71 are built just west of our east entrance, turning left out of the east entrance of S.O. will become more difficult as there will be another source of cars below the "last" light farther up the hill. In other words, NOW we get a pulse as that light goes red. But once the apartments are in, the flow should be more intense and less pulsed.
Also by then, with more stores in the mall, when the flow is stopped by the red light on 71, that will give a green light for traffic from the mall to come east.
Anyway you look at it, more traffic is in our future.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Thursday, February 23, 2006
PET OWNERS BEWARE
Jim Lay writes:
Coyotes took out our 15 year old cat yesterday in our back yard. It was very brutal. Body parts left behind. It happen during the day between 2-4. Be on the watch for small pets. There were never any coyotes out here when I was growing up. I guess the S.O.S. type people are to thank for the wonderful animal that we now have to deal with. One of the builders told me he has seen them hunting in the day time around the creek. I propose the formation of the Spanish Oaks hunting club.
Comment:
I've seen big and little dogs run loose in the neighborhood and can't help wonder what critter they might encounter. Do they have a natural avoidance of poisonous snakes?
Coyotes took out our 15 year old cat yesterday in our back yard. It was very brutal. Body parts left behind. It happen during the day between 2-4. Be on the watch for small pets. There were never any coyotes out here when I was growing up. I guess the S.O.S. type people are to thank for the wonderful animal that we now have to deal with. One of the builders told me he has seen them hunting in the day time around the creek. I propose the formation of the Spanish Oaks hunting club.
Comment:
I've seen big and little dogs run loose in the neighborhood and can't help wonder what critter they might encounter. Do they have a natural avoidance of poisonous snakes?
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Open Spec House Weekend
From Tim Sabo:
Newsflash for blog...
There will be a big open house for all these spec homes in Spanish Oaks on Sunday the 26th.
This is important as some "momentum " is needed to get the Spanish Oaks buzz going (and some houses selling.)
Please spread the word and we'll see how the local economy is affecting this community.
Newsflash for blog...
There will be a big open house for all these spec homes in Spanish Oaks on Sunday the 26th.
This is important as some "momentum " is needed to get the Spanish Oaks buzz going (and some houses selling.)
Please spread the word and we'll see how the local economy is affecting this community.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT EAST GUARD GATE
Why don't we start a pool on when they'll come down (if ever). The money we collect could go for a serious mailbox area cleaning (like with a pressure washer on the walls and windows.)
Or maybe we should have a 'volunteer day' when we all collect trash and debris and then "party" it down to just outside the sales office.
I fear I can come off as arrogant but I think it all goes back to early education - when I was taught the importance of integrity and truth, and then age amplifies some of those issues, like what an upscale community should be and how it should behave.
Or maybe we should have a 'volunteer day' when we all collect trash and debris and then "party" it down to just outside the sales office.
I fear I can come off as arrogant but I think it all goes back to early education - when I was taught the importance of integrity and truth, and then age amplifies some of those issues, like what an upscale community should be and how it should behave.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
SLIDE SHOW
A very nice slide show of development was in our inbox upon return home. Happy to see that Discovery has finally decided to try to turn some positive vibe their way. You can tell they are very much into Golf - after all - they 'do' premium upscale GOLF communities. Maybe that's why so little effort has seemingly been placed on other things so far.
Also good to note that several items (debris, mainly) I previously listed have been taken care of, or appear to be in the works.
It does seem that compared to the West entrance, the East side has been somewhat neglected so far, but we'll see what the next little while brings.
The run down white boards on the cattle pen/field look terrible on our entrance. I realize it's not Spanish Oaks property, but why would any property owner refuse an offer of new ones?
... and have you noticed the land clearing for the apartment complex on this side of SH71? It's a biggie!
Also good to note that several items (debris, mainly) I previously listed have been taken care of, or appear to be in the works.
It does seem that compared to the West entrance, the East side has been somewhat neglected so far, but we'll see what the next little while brings.
The run down white boards on the cattle pen/field look terrible on our entrance. I realize it's not Spanish Oaks property, but why would any property owner refuse an offer of new ones?
... and have you noticed the land clearing for the apartment complex on this side of SH71? It's a biggie!
Back after 10 days away...
For the past week or so, Terri and I chartered a sailboat out of St. Lucia.
We are happy to be home in S.O. after a very late arrival last night.
Which was after --- Ferry-Taxi-Jet-Jet-Jet-CAR* and there's a story on the car I will share with you. We found a WONDERFUL car service* - he's also available for other concierge efforts. I am so impressed, that I will make a link for the side of the page. Believe me, if you take a taxi to the airport, you'll love his new BMW and perfect service. I doubt you can find better!
He met us here at 4AM the day we left and even though we were an hour late arriving back (at about 11PM last night,) he was there at the airport waiting for us.
FOUR STAR SERVICE by Sean
888.896.SEAN
512.441.2500
Our highest recommendation!
Bob and Terri Wood
We are happy to be home in S.O. after a very late arrival last night.
Which was after --- Ferry-Taxi-Jet-Jet-Jet-CAR* and there's a story on the car I will share with you. We found a WONDERFUL car service* - he's also available for other concierge efforts. I am so impressed, that I will make a link for the side of the page. Believe me, if you take a taxi to the airport, you'll love his new BMW and perfect service. I doubt you can find better!
He met us here at 4AM the day we left and even though we were an hour late arriving back (at about 11PM last night,) he was there at the airport waiting for us.
FOUR STAR SERVICE by Sean
888.896.SEAN
512.441.2500
Our highest recommendation!
Bob and Terri Wood
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
BEEP BEEP
I'm a ROADRUNNER, baby....
Post by Michael Reilly, Builder/Owner of Reagan Reilly Luxury Estates
For the last 2.5 years, a family of road runners has been visiting our Spanish Oaks job sites up on La Barzola Bend. The birds live somewhere in the hilltop park directly across the street from two of our homes. I literally see these road runners almost every time I go to work. They hang out in the park and the adjacent lots and really seem curious about all the construction activity. On a couple of occasions, I’ve actually caught the birds inside our homes wandering around and just checking things out. Today, I took a camera to work to take some photos of our new home and saw the birds cruising around the job site as usual. I was able to get some pictures and I’ve included a couple of the bird photos below. So, if you’re ever walking near La Barzola, visit the Road Runner Park by going up the trail along Terramundi Terrace. Let me know if you see the birds.
For additional information on road runners, I found this cool desert website: http://www.desertusa.com/mag98/sep/papr/road.html.
- Michael Reilly
Ed note: We also have a regular Roadrunner here on Overlook Pass. I didn't realize they could fly (at least short distances) till I saw it happen. Thanks, Mike! Now if we could get some pictures of the giant OWL and FOX that have been spotted.
Roadrunner on Overlook Pass in spring
Wascally Wabbit from Overlook Pass last spring
Sunday, February 05, 2006
From the NEWSLETTER
By now, most of you are aware of the new partnership between Discovery Land Company, Hillwood Development and CCNG. All of us on the Spanish Oaks team are excited about this new relationship and look forward to the next few months. We are already seeing improvements around the property, and have upgraded our Security staff and systems to enhance your community experience.
The privacy of our residents is a primary concern. Accordingly, we have engaged a new Security firm Izon Security that specializes in service for upscale, private and gated communities such as Spanish Oaks. We've hired an entirely new staff of gate personnel, expanded the hours for Security, and added a Patrol Officer during construction hours.
You'll be pleased to note that the Patrol Officer is keeping an eye on construction sites, traffic, parking, mud on the streets, etc., and is making sure that work crews do in fact enter and leave the property at appropriate times.
As part of our new Access Control system, all owners are asked to provide an authorized Access List so that the Gate personnel know who and when guests and/or contractors, deliveries, etc. can be admitted to the property.
The HOA has a new Manager!
Pam Chandler has been retained by the Board of Directors to manage our association, She serves on the Design Review Committee, and is available to answer any questions or concerns you have.
Pam can be reached at 533-2365, or via e-mail to pchandler@spanishoaks.com. She can provide information on the property, architectural issues, the status of your account, and anything you need as a property owner in our community.
Spanish Oaks Association Directory
As more residents move into the community, it's time to start gathering information for a resident directory. A directory is a great tool for owners who want to meet their neighbors, be involved in social activities, find babysitters or tutoring services, etc. Participation is strictly voluntary, and any information provided will be distributed only to Spanish Oaks residents.
A directory information form is on page 4. You can complete and either mail to the Association (13453 Hwy. 71 West, Bee Cave, TX 78738), drop off at the East Gate, Fax to Pam Chandler at 421-8525, or e-mail to us at hoa@spanishoaks.com.
Pam will gather the information and produce a directory for all those participating. We'll do periodic updates as new neighbors move in.
In the meantime, please feel free to contact Pam with suggestions for social activities or gatherings. Please return your completed form by February 25th!
The Board of Directors has decided to appoint a homeowner to serve in an advisory capacity on the Board. If you have prior experience as a Board member, or have an interest in learning how an Association operates, please contact Pam Chandler at 533-2365, or via e-mail to pchandler@spanish-oaks.com to volunteer.
Applications will be accepted through February 25th, and the Board will then review the candidates and make a selection.
Volunteers Needed!
Working with Lori Bailes, Terri Wood, Linda Engelbrecht & Malcolm Pigford, we are trying to start up some Ad Hoc committees for the HOA. These groups can work on things like the stop light issue, social activities, communications, etc. If you're interested in helping out, please contact Pam Chandler by phone or email.
Greg Bailes and Steve Yetts, Board President, have made contact with TXDOT and are
scheduling a meeting with the engineer responsible for Hwy 71 traffic issues. The meeting is being scherduled for mid-February, and we'll report on our progress.
♦ The revised Spanish Oaks Design Guidelines are now available. There are new planting requirements, and a comprehensive Approved Plant List. If you are contemplating any exterior changes to your home, getting ready to build, or planning your spring landscape work, please call or e-mail Pam Chandler to get your copy!
♦ It has come to our attention that we frequently have pets running loose in the neighborhood. Please remember that all pets must be kept on a leash when outside your property, and should not be left unattended in unfenced areas. Construction workers are not to bring pets on-site, so if you see this please alert Security by calling 533-2369, or e-mailing them to security@spanish-oaks.com
♦ Please feel free to be our eyes and ears - Spanish Oaks is a large property, and our staff can't see everything! If you see lights out, people speeding, mud in the streets, or anything you feel needs attention, please contact Pam Chandler at 533-2365 or via e-mail to pchandler@spanish-oaks.com
Open Home Tour February 26, 2006 Noon --- 5 PM
The Spanish Oaks Sales Office will be hosting an Open Home Tour of homes for
sale on Sunday, February 26th from 12 to 5 PM. Each home will be hosted by its listing agent and the Spanish Oaks sales staff will be on site to assist the hosting agents. The Sale Office will host Open Home Tours from time to time to increase exposure of the neighborhood and showcase the fine builders and homes here. While realtors and the general public interested in viewing homes will be allowed access to the ommunity, Security will be distributing community rules, tour maps, and will have additional staff patrolling the property to protect your privacy. Please contact Pam Chandler or stop by the Sales Office for more information.
CONTACT INFO
Pam Chandler, Assn. Manager Phone: 533-2365 or 484-1303 E-mail: pchandler@spanish-oaks.com
East Gate Phone: 533-2369 E-mail: security@spanish-oaks.com
West Gate Phone: 535-7360 E-mail: security@spanish-oaks.com
Sales Center Phone: 533-2370
Design Review Committee Call Pam Chandler E-mail: drc@spanish-oaks.com
Time Warner Cable Phone: 531-7855 Telephone/Internet/Digital Cable
Sharp Community Energy Phone: 288-4511 Gas Service
LCRA Phone: 473-3200 Water/Wastewater
Allied Waste (BFI) Phone: 247-5647 Trash Removal/Recycling
Our new gate personnel are here to take care of you, and as time goes by they'll get to know all of you.
We thought the homeowners would appreciate knowing their names as well.
Site Supervisor: Tim Mershon (Patrol M-F)
Gate Personnel: Cottrill Dickerson (East/Patrol)
Anthony Draper (West)
Carole Edge (East)
Brian Evans (East)
Marcus Flores (East)
Bill McClung (West)
Thomas Mercado (West)
Al Pedron (East/Patrol)
These folks are working very hard to make Spanish Oaks a safe and happy neighborhood for you and your guests. We appreciate your input and cooperation with our new systems and are confident that you'll seea great improvement in our program.
The privacy of our residents is a primary concern. Accordingly, we have engaged a new Security firm Izon Security that specializes in service for upscale, private and gated communities such as Spanish Oaks. We've hired an entirely new staff of gate personnel, expanded the hours for Security, and added a Patrol Officer during construction hours.
You'll be pleased to note that the Patrol Officer is keeping an eye on construction sites, traffic, parking, mud on the streets, etc., and is making sure that work crews do in fact enter and leave the property at appropriate times.
As part of our new Access Control system, all owners are asked to provide an authorized Access List so that the Gate personnel know who and when guests and/or contractors, deliveries, etc. can be admitted to the property.
The HOA has a new Manager!
Pam Chandler has been retained by the Board of Directors to manage our association, She serves on the Design Review Committee, and is available to answer any questions or concerns you have.
Pam can be reached at 533-2365, or via e-mail to pchandler@spanishoaks.com. She can provide information on the property, architectural issues, the status of your account, and anything you need as a property owner in our community.
Spanish Oaks Association Directory
As more residents move into the community, it's time to start gathering information for a resident directory. A directory is a great tool for owners who want to meet their neighbors, be involved in social activities, find babysitters or tutoring services, etc. Participation is strictly voluntary, and any information provided will be distributed only to Spanish Oaks residents.
A directory information form is on page 4. You can complete and either mail to the Association (13453 Hwy. 71 West, Bee Cave, TX 78738), drop off at the East Gate, Fax to Pam Chandler at 421-8525, or e-mail to us at hoa@spanishoaks.com.
Pam will gather the information and produce a directory for all those participating. We'll do periodic updates as new neighbors move in.
In the meantime, please feel free to contact Pam with suggestions for social activities or gatherings. Please return your completed form by February 25th!
The Board of Directors has decided to appoint a homeowner to serve in an advisory capacity on the Board. If you have prior experience as a Board member, or have an interest in learning how an Association operates, please contact Pam Chandler at 533-2365, or via e-mail to pchandler@spanish-oaks.com to volunteer.
Applications will be accepted through February 25th, and the Board will then review the candidates and make a selection.
Volunteers Needed!
Working with Lori Bailes, Terri Wood, Linda Engelbrecht & Malcolm Pigford, we are trying to start up some Ad Hoc committees for the HOA. These groups can work on things like the stop light issue, social activities, communications, etc. If you're interested in helping out, please contact Pam Chandler by phone or email.
Greg Bailes and Steve Yetts, Board President, have made contact with TXDOT and are
scheduling a meeting with the engineer responsible for Hwy 71 traffic issues. The meeting is being scherduled for mid-February, and we'll report on our progress.
♦ The revised Spanish Oaks Design Guidelines are now available. There are new planting requirements, and a comprehensive Approved Plant List. If you are contemplating any exterior changes to your home, getting ready to build, or planning your spring landscape work, please call or e-mail Pam Chandler to get your copy!
♦ It has come to our attention that we frequently have pets running loose in the neighborhood. Please remember that all pets must be kept on a leash when outside your property, and should not be left unattended in unfenced areas. Construction workers are not to bring pets on-site, so if you see this please alert Security by calling 533-2369, or e-mailing them to security@spanish-oaks.com
♦ Please feel free to be our eyes and ears - Spanish Oaks is a large property, and our staff can't see everything! If you see lights out, people speeding, mud in the streets, or anything you feel needs attention, please contact Pam Chandler at 533-2365 or via e-mail to pchandler@spanish-oaks.com
Open Home Tour February 26, 2006 Noon --- 5 PM
The Spanish Oaks Sales Office will be hosting an Open Home Tour of homes for
sale on Sunday, February 26th from 12 to 5 PM. Each home will be hosted by its listing agent and the Spanish Oaks sales staff will be on site to assist the hosting agents. The Sale Office will host Open Home Tours from time to time to increase exposure of the neighborhood and showcase the fine builders and homes here. While realtors and the general public interested in viewing homes will be allowed access to the ommunity, Security will be distributing community rules, tour maps, and will have additional staff patrolling the property to protect your privacy. Please contact Pam Chandler or stop by the Sales Office for more information.
CONTACT INFO
Pam Chandler, Assn. Manager Phone: 533-2365 or 484-1303 E-mail: pchandler@spanish-oaks.com
East Gate Phone: 533-2369 E-mail: security@spanish-oaks.com
West Gate Phone: 535-7360 E-mail: security@spanish-oaks.com
Sales Center Phone: 533-2370
Design Review Committee Call Pam Chandler E-mail: drc@spanish-oaks.com
Time Warner Cable Phone: 531-7855 Telephone/Internet/Digital Cable
Sharp Community Energy Phone: 288-4511 Gas Service
LCRA Phone: 473-3200 Water/Wastewater
Allied Waste (BFI) Phone: 247-5647 Trash Removal/Recycling
Our new gate personnel are here to take care of you, and as time goes by they'll get to know all of you.
We thought the homeowners would appreciate knowing their names as well.
Site Supervisor: Tim Mershon (Patrol M-F)
Gate Personnel: Cottrill Dickerson (East/Patrol)
Anthony Draper (West)
Carole Edge (East)
Brian Evans (East)
Marcus Flores (East)
Bill McClung (West)
Thomas Mercado (West)
Al Pedron (East/Patrol)
These folks are working very hard to make Spanish Oaks a safe and happy neighborhood for you and your guests. We appreciate your input and cooperation with our new systems and are confident that you'll seea great improvement in our program.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
OUR DISCOVERY
Since Discovery Land came in on this development, we see little if any change in the following areas: If you feel differently, please add your comment.
1- Trashy worksites.
As I write this there are three homes in construction or just finished at the bottom of our street (Overlook Pass) - one, now occupied, has a large pile of trash on the front (street side) of the property. The trash has been there for at least a week.
The house across the street from that has trash scattered all over the lot - oh - sorry - "the building envelope." They also have a loaded dumpster.
The third home passes muster.
2- Christmas lights.
They're still up at the guard house. Or maybe it's being converted into a cheap restaurant.
2a - Lights
At the guardhouse are still on in some daylight hours. Last we heard someone was looking into that.* Just like someone was "looking into" which state reps to contact (for a year, since last HOA meeting in 2004) about Rt 71 - I looked them up in 30 minutes and posted.
3 - East Gate Mailbox area
Is just ridiculously dirty. Filthy. In this premium community? WAY out of place. This was brought up in our meeting. Why hasn't there been action?
What bothers me most are the resassurances we've been receiving that someone in authority rides the property to notice such things. If noticed, action takes WAY too long. If UNNOTICED there's simply no excuse.
Unless I read the "room" wrong, which I admit IS possible, I think Discovery Land needs to understand the low regard they have placed themselves in, due to their lack of communication and apparent inaction. Yes, the lot prices went up. That means nothing to someone who plans no sale, to stay here. Their stewardship is 1) lacking and 2) disappointing. And assessments went up. Yet it seems like there is LESS attention and ROI on that money now!
Personally I can wait for a fishing hole. I can wait for new offices. I can't wait for a filthy mailbox area to be cleaned or attention to normal detail which is sadly missing here in our slice of paradise.
1- Trashy worksites.
As I write this there are three homes in construction or just finished at the bottom of our street (Overlook Pass) - one, now occupied, has a large pile of trash on the front (street side) of the property. The trash has been there for at least a week.
The house across the street from that has trash scattered all over the lot - oh - sorry - "the building envelope." They also have a loaded dumpster.
The third home passes muster.
2- Christmas lights.
They're still up at the guard house. Or maybe it's being converted into a cheap restaurant.
2a - Lights
At the guardhouse are still on in some daylight hours. Last we heard someone was looking into that.* Just like someone was "looking into" which state reps to contact (for a year, since last HOA meeting in 2004) about Rt 71 - I looked them up in 30 minutes and posted.
3 - East Gate Mailbox area
Is just ridiculously dirty. Filthy. In this premium community? WAY out of place. This was brought up in our meeting. Why hasn't there been action?
What bothers me most are the resassurances we've been receiving that someone in authority rides the property to notice such things. If noticed, action takes WAY too long. If UNNOTICED there's simply no excuse.
Unless I read the "room" wrong, which I admit IS possible, I think Discovery Land needs to understand the low regard they have placed themselves in, due to their lack of communication and apparent inaction. Yes, the lot prices went up. That means nothing to someone who plans no sale, to stay here. Their stewardship is 1) lacking and 2) disappointing. And assessments went up. Yet it seems like there is LESS attention and ROI on that money now!
Personally I can wait for a fishing hole. I can wait for new offices. I can't wait for a filthy mailbox area to be cleaned or attention to normal detail which is sadly missing here in our slice of paradise.
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