An Editorial

Are We Good Neighbors?

Editor’s Note: This month’s Guest Editorial was submitted as an article about Hickory Ridge Subdivision, but the points Marsha Wilson makes apply equally to all subdivisions. We could not pass up the opportunity to showcase her piece.

Hickory Ridge is a great place to live! Those of us who live here all want the same things: to enjoy where we live; to make sure we have a safe environment; to do what we can to make sure our homes increase in value; and to have good, thoughtful neighbors. Being a good neighbor, starts with each of us.

It is approximately 60 feet from your front door to your neighbor's front door. Your fence, if you have one, is shared with your neighbor. Your yard flows into your neighbor's yard. Life in a subdivision is a shared investment with neighbors. If we abide by our subdivision and parish restrictions, these rules can actually help us to be better neighbors. It can be a win-win agreement. This is what we all want in a neighborhood.

Before anyone starts thinking, "This is my property and I'll do what I wish," remember that the restrictions are there for our mutual benefit. If you want to do anything you wish to your property, it would be in your best interest if you invested in a piece of rural property where you won't disturb your neighbors or decrease the value of anyone's property.

Subdivision life means being considerate of your neighbors. This "adjoining life" we chose means we share a neighborhood. Before making changes to your property that may affect your neighbors or their property, please discuss it with them first. They will appreciate your consideration and respect. They are also much more likely to afford you the same consideration and respect. If you don’t have one already, ask a member of the Civic Association for a copy of our subdivision restrictions. Remember, you must get a permit from the parish to move a fence, build a building, or demolish any part of your home to remodel. So, before you begin any project, call and get the proper permits to insure the planned changes are within allowable restrictions and check our subdivision’s building restrictions. In this way, we can all contribute toward improving the value of everyone's property, and you will probably save money as well.

Be considerate of your neighbors when you walk your dogs. The parish leash law states the maximum leash length is six feet. You shouldn't allow your dog to go into anyone else's yard on a retractable leash. Keep your dog on the sidewalk or walk your dog on the boulevard median. Your neighbor should not have to clean up after your dog. It is rude, ill-mannered and inconsiderate to allow our dogs to relieve themselves on our neighbor’s plants or shrubs. This is more than unsightly and inconvenient; it damages the shrubs and plants in their yards as well, because other dogs follow and ‘make their mark’ to cover where each dog has relieved themselves. Most people love pets, but we ask that pet owners be responsible for their own pets, and not expect others to clean up after them. Last, but definitely not least, we ask the following questions: Is your dog's barking at night keeping your neighbors awake? Does your dog bark excessively during the day, disturbing the peace and quiet of our neighborhood?

There is a parish noise ordinance and you can be ticketed or fined by both the Sheriff's Office and the Parish Animal Control Office. The Hickory Ridge Subdivision Restrictions also address this issue. Noise, no matter the source - loud parties, barking dogs, loud machinery, loud cars or motorcycles, etc. can be a nuisance to your neighbors. None of us should have to live with this type nuisance that can be avoided by common courtesy.

Please be considerate of your neighbors by being aware of and adhering to the ordinances that govern neighborhoods. We can all live in harmony and enjoy our homes by exercising good judgment and common courtesy. By working together, we can keep Hickory Ridge a great place to live!

Your neighbor,
Marsha Walton