Concrete Project
Ramp will come from porch side and join existing sidewalk
Tonight’s the night. We’ll find out if the Ashburn Village Homeowners’ Association (HOA) approves our plans for the concrete project. I’m not anticipating any push-back, but you never know. As far as I can tell, we are complying with all the bylaws and county requirements.
Sue was out over the weekend notifying and obtaining signatures from our neighbors. They were all supportive. It would seem we have all our ducks in a row.
We approached (and filed applications) as three separate projects, instead of just one huge one. This way, if one is rejected, we can move forward with the others.
- Front Ramp. We’re having a ramp come off the side of our porch, instead of at the main entry. There is really no visual impact to this approach. Further, we need not tear out our existing sidewalk to accommodate nor have people walk up a ramp to get to our front door.. The ramp will slowly tie into the existing sidewalk (it’s only a 12-inch egress to the sidewalk-level). The porch railing at the ramp site will be hinged/removable so that, when closed, it will look no different.
- Patio. This is nothing extravagant. In fact, it’s a run-of-the-mill patio that will look great off the back of our house. It’s not overpowering, by any means.
- Driveway-Patio Pathway Connector. This caused us the most angst. We needed a reliable means to get a vehicle to our basement door, but felt some strong reservations from a fellow homeowner (I understand his point though). This was a major concession, as we scaled way back. So… we are getting a standard width concrete pathway. I found that there is a product that can, essentially, reinforce the lawn. It’s a grid that allows grass to grow between the mesh. If this winds up not working, I’ll simply line the pathway with a bed of gravel and decorative pea gravel on top.
I’ll let you know the outcome tomorrow.
Chick Magnet
I want to tell you all just how much we are touched by the financial support for the van repair. It just three days, the donations exceeded the repair estimate ($1,600). The van will go in the service bay today. You guys are truly remarkable!
Related articles
- A Lot to Cover (ryansrally.org) 3 weeks ago
Ken, re: your chick magnet comment. YOU and your family are the ones (I think we would all agree) who are remarkable!!! You are such an inspiration and role model. Contributing a small sum of money is easy -one just hit a few buttons on a keyboard and *poof* the money moves from one account to another – that takes little to no effort. You guys are the ones in the trenches every day – fighting to find the key that will open Ryan’s world. You keep working on your end and we’ll keep contributing on our end – with whatever is needed – even if it is just a small quick prayer, a humorous posting, or a small contribution to help reach in and get Ryan “out”!!
Ken, HOPING all will pass ,and so glad it’s getting done ….Much needed for a long time..Please say hi to Ryan and give him a big hug from me. He’ll be cruising soon in his “chick magnet” That’s great !!! Good Luck tonight. love Gail
I would think under ADA laws they have to let you do it all
ADA laws can and will supercede HOA rules should it come to that! It is something well worth pursuing should the need arise. Here’s to hoping the HOA supports Ryan’s need and does the right thing from the start.
Hello Ken,
It looks like you and Sue have every “i” dotted and every “t” crossed for this proposal. We’ll all feel better knowing that Ryan can move safely and comfortably from either the back of the house to the driveway, or, from the front porch to the driveway. This is a basic and absolutely necessary modification for Ryan’s safety and welfare, and it’s a relief this will (hopefully) be accomplished before any snow comes. Next, we need to assemble a team of snow shovelers to keep the back walkway and front ramp/driveway clear when it snows.
Thanks so much for the update, videos, and progress reports. I would be very surprised if the most recent test results don’t show continued healing.
Sending love & prayers as always,
Paula
So glad this project is moving toward completion. I can’t imagine anyone in the HOA objecting to this much needed addition to your home. It’s for Ryan, for goodness sakes! It isn’t like you are going to operate a business from your back door and need access. Sometimes I wonder what goes on in the mind of people who would object to something like this that doesn’t cost them a dime. I am sure you have thought this out from every aspect and every possible view of your home from the street. Loosen up Ashburn Village HOA! Right on, Ken! Good luck!