I’ve lived in Sundown Glen Subdivision (north Fry Rd, Katy) for 15yrs.  My front yard has been a wildlife habitat for 12 of those 15yrs.  When I started my project I read my deed restrictions carefully to be sure I wasn’t in violation.  I’m not some plant lover who stuck natives in her yard & called it a habitat!  I have a degree in Horticulture, have worked as a landscape designer specializing in wildlife habitats using Texas native plants, taught a landscaping class through Leisure Learning for several years, & I am twice-past President of the Houston chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas.  I’ve also had a garden featured in the Chronicle & one in Texas Gardener magazine.  My yard is certified by Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept, #1740!  So I know what I’m doing…I learned from the best in the business…the late Lynn Lowrey, Sally Wasowski, who has written several books on natives, and a very creative local designer, Will Fleming.

During all those years the HOA never bothered me, except to send an occasional notice to edge the sidewalk & curb.  I freely confess…I had an aggressive ground cover that would try to cover the sidewalk & take-on the street.  I would promptly attend to it. And as for weeds, there is no such thing!  The definition of a weed is “a plant growing where you don’t want it”… I wanted & planted each plant in my yard.  Then I got a notice that I was being sued.  I hired an attorney, went to mediation on July 12, 2002 & agreed to do certain things, just to appease the HOA & “make them go away” as my attorney put it.  Two items I balked at…I felt I was being discriminated against, as no one else in this neighborhood is required to do them.  But I signed…reluctantly…I had had a stroke on June 4th, then lost my job on July 8th.  I was doing good just to be upright with the help of a cane, & wondering when I would have the second stroke, as so often happens, the one that kills.

I told the HOA the items would be done by a certain date & a particular board member could inspect my property.  The items were completed but the “inspector” just couldn’t find the time to come by, even though he has to pass my street to go home.  I heard nothing else from the HOA until Jan 31st when I found a Contempt of Court notice taped to my front door.  I have to appear in court Wednesday, Feb 19th to show cause why I should not go to jail!

I have not violated any deed restrictions, I held up my end of the agreement, yet the HOA has charged me in excess of $8,000 in legal fees.  And now I have to pay my attorney an additional $750 to defend me.  I am a “national statistic”…female, single, middle-aged (55), & jobless.  I’m not on unemployment insurance & have exhausted all my money on medical bills.  I’m one month in arrears in my utilities & two months on my mortgage.  If I can’t bring it current by March 10th Washington Mutual will start foreclosure proceedings.  I’ve even had to swallow my pride to go to a food pantry & a free clinic to get my medication.  Needless to say I’ve got much more important matters to deal with than the HOA!

The HOAs in Harris County have too power, as we have seen lately.  You don’t see this happening in Austin, Dallas, or San Antonio.  My attorney advises me to get as much media coverage as possible…DonnaLee Keith with Channel 26  ran a story Weds, Feb19th, @ 12Noon after court.  The Houston Chronicle  will be running a story in the near future, as will be Channel 2.  I have gotten great encouragement from various government agencies, plant societies, & wildlife groups.

Please,  I need public support, this could happen to any homeowner!

***HOA board members are: Pres  Mike Hill,  VP Paul Orlando,  Sec Kerry Crellin (281-579-7759), Tres Pat Valdez & Trish Hendrickson.  Four apparently have unlisted #s as they are not listed in the book.  The management company is Crest Management, 281-579-0761.  Mgr Carolyn Bond,  Property Mgr Tami Martin, Asst Property Mgr Lori Bornachella.

LisaGay Wright
281-398-1900
 

Since court on the 19th my attorney has asked to withdraw from the case. & the Judge allowed an additional $1,500 in attorney fees for the HOA.