Columbia Gorge #5: Rowena Crest

I am amazed!  Totally amazed!  

Ten years ago, we purchased our townhouse in Reno - the one that we have been remodeling.  As a townhouse, we are not responsible for any outside improvements - the roof, siding, landscaping, driveways or walkways.  The homeowner's association (aka HOA) is responsible for those improvements.  So, ten years ago, we requested the HOA to replace  our driveway and walkway because of the drainage issues.  Runoff from rainstorms flow down the street and into our driveway rather than to the storm drain about 10 feet further down the street - especially in big rainstorms.  The Board of Directors told us "no" then.  Then, after a very bad rainstorm in which our garage flooded and the walkway to our house flooded (and almost flooded our house), we advised the HOA again - with pictures.  Their response was to put a small drain along side our driveway - which clogs with dirt and leaves several times a year.  

Then several months ago, we made another request.  The board at that time took bids and agreed to have our driveway and walkway re-engineered for better drainage.  But, last month at the annual meeting, three new members were elected to the board and they immediately rescended the previous board's decision.  We "encouraged" them to re-evaluate their decision.  Early last week, they came by and we explained the situation, showing them pictures AGAIN!  (We've done this with three other boards).  They assured us that it was at the top of their list and that they would get it "taken care of".  We reminded them that this was a flooding and now a safety issue, and that they would be liable for any damage if their was any kind of flood.  (We also reminded them of the extensive remodeling that we have done on the place).  

Then, yesterday, there was a major thunderstorm with heavy rain in Reno.  - Now we are in Oregon, and our carpenter was working at the townhouse finishing up some moulding work.  He called and emailed today and told us that our garage was flooded, the walkway was also flooded, and nearly flooded the entryway of the house.  And he sent us pictures.  

So, now, once again, we have evidence for the HOA board.  I'm taking bets on their response.  Anyone interested?    Let's just hope that tomorrow's weather is less severe than today.  

This shot was taken on the Plateau Trail from the Rowena Crest Outlook.  I decided to convert it to black & white because of the texture and contrast.