August 2020 Newsletter
Dear Pollard Estates Neighbors:
I hope this Newsletter finds all of you safe and in good health. With the coronavirus still a threat, our normal schedule of events for Pollard Estates has been upended. The spring picnic was cancelled due to state restrictions in place for large gatherings. Our next planned social event is the fall Wine Walk currently scheduled for mid-October. We will evaluate the viability of that event when the date gets closer to see if we can still accommodate the crowd (usually about 30-40 participants) and under what conditions. Hopefully the virus will have abated enough by then to allow neighbors to socialize.
2020 CAPE Dues
As of this date we have collected dues from 59 percent of the homeowners in Pollard Estates. Our goal of 70 percent participation is still achievable if those who have overlooked their dues for this year will remit their payment soon. A reminder invoice will be mailed this month to those who have not paid. We have several additional expenses this year, including the license plate reader cameras installation and maintenance, repairs to the irrigation system at the front entrance, and replacement of the deteriorating Pollard Estates sign at the front entrance. We also plan to replace the CAPE website with a more modern and user-friendly site. The digital Pollard Estates directory is being updated periodically as new residents move in, so you might want to update your copy if you haven’t done so in a while.
Security
There are still a few “nightcrawlers” out there burglarizing carports and vehicles after dark. Please be sure your vehicles are locked at night and remove all valuables, lawn equipment, bicycles, and tools from open carports each night. The incidents are usually crimes of convenience, preying on unlocked vehicles and readily visible items of opportunity.
Coyotes
There is an increasing number of coyote sightings in Pollard Estates, both at night and in the middle of the day. While these intruders are usually frightened by humans, they are looking for any small animals (dogs and cats) that might be around for an easy meal. Numerous cat remains have been found in back yards around Pollard. The coyotes generally come in from the woods at the back of the neighborhood, from the cleared area of Rouzan, or from the area around Dawson Creek. Please keep your pets inside, especially after dark, to avoid an unpleasant discovery.
Traffic
There is a new four-way stop sign installed at the intersection of South Pollard Parkway and South Columbine. It was installed due to the concentration of children on bikes and scooters at that intersection and the need for slowing vehicles on South Pollard. I live one house down from the intersection on South Pollard and have observed vehicles, both Pollard residents and contractors, speeding through that intersection on South Pollard without even slowing down. Please observe the speed limit (25 mph) and the stop signs for the sake of the children. If this reckless behavior continues it is only a matter of time before there is a tragedy at that intersection.
In the meantime, stay safe and practice the usual Covid19 precautions, masks in public and in crowds, social distancing, and proper hygiene. I look forward to seeing all of you in the future at CAPE social events and at the open CAPE meeting in November.
With best regards,
Steve Oivanki, President
Civic Association of Pollard Estates