General Meeting Notes:

• Our road is our sidewalk
• Representative Avila spoke with a paving contractor who examined the road and said that the paving equipment had malfunction (causing uneven application of tar) and that gravel that is too large was used.
• Representative Avila reported that paving was done by DOT's own crew, not a contractor
• Representative Avila has asked a real estate expert to suggest how the property values / saleability have been affected
• Representative Avila has asked a real estate expert to suggest how the property values / saleability have been affected
• There has been lots of finger-pointing at DOT--hard to get an answer from anyone
• Gravel has been swept into the lawns--at least 4 feet from the road. Sometimes further
• Seed was put down, but without removing the gravel first
• There's a question of uniformity / fairness among neighborhoods
• Need to know DOT's policy

Problems that still exist:

• Can't walk
• Can't bike, can't push baby carriages
• Dust kicked up by traffic
• Gravel in yards
• Quality of life is hurt
• Discourages home buyers
• Micro-particles (the invisible ones) are a health concern

Next steps:

• Challenge Assessments
  • Rep Avila has contacted Marti Hampton to get her advice-we can use her insights in our informal appeals
  • Informal appeals are due Decmeber 20
• Petition to Lyndo Tippett at DOT
  • use the Saturday bonfire / Santa Visit to collect signatures, then remaining houses will be approached
  • Donna and Tony Correale agreed to draft the petition and to coordinate the petition drive
  • the petition to be provided to Senator Hunt who will present to Secretary Tippett
  • when the petition is presented, it should be accompanied by a proposed press release describing the road situation and the petition (hopefully it won't need to be sent)
• Prepare press releases / additional publicity
  • arrange interviews with Wade Ponder re: health effects of micro-particles
• Leverage other neighborhoods
  • Rep Avila will provide list of state road numbers to be paved soon
  • The state road numbers will be translated to actual road names
  • the WVHOA board to alert other neighborhood associations as appropriate
• In a mailing to homeowners - Can the WVHOA send a letter in the next day or two to:
  • summarize this meeting
  • provide draft language for an informal appeal to the assessments (Tony Correale to provide sample language)
  • tell homeowners about the petition and how/when to sign