Over the past several years, we have received many complaints regarding the mailboxes. Most are highly discolored and oxidized, many are leaking, and we have had reports of people getting injured on sharp edges. Because mailboxes are on a shared stand, the Board decided to take an HOA-wide approach to replace all the mailboxes in a phased approach to maintain consistency throughout Two Rivers. The alternative was an inconsistent approach to maintaining quality throughout the neighborhood. For example, The Shores changed their mailbox style many years ago. As a result, some homeowners have the original mailbox, while others have the new style.
Some have asked why we started with a dues increase to cover the mailbox replacement without first having identified the mailbox. There are several reasons why this was done. First, the initial increase is insufficient to replace all the mailboxes with a high quality mailbox. It will most likely take a full amount the second year and possibly a third. Second, the dues increase had to be decided at the October budget meeting or it would have been delayed another year. This approach allows us to save and set aside funds in Reserves while we are researching and proposing a new mailbox solution to the homeowners. Our goal is to have 2 or 3 ideas available for homeowners to see and touch at the annual meeting, March 27, 2024.
There have been several suggestions as an alternative to replacing the entire mailbox and stand. These suggestions include developing a repair guide, homeowner’s repainting their existing mailbox, or identifying a similar replacement mailbox. All of these ideas will be considered by the Board with options at the annual meeting.
Below is a similar mailbox style used in nearby HOA neighborhoods that will be considered at the annual meeting.
