To: GHI Board of Directors
Greenbelt Homes, Inc. (GHI): First Things First and HIP Later
We urge the GHI Board of Directors to
1. Postpone the member vote on the HIP until the scope and cost of crawlspace repairs are fully known and work has started.
2. Alongside crawlspace repairs, begin the community-wide window and door replacements and frame-home siding updates with funds already paid into replacement reserves.
3. Evaluate energy efficiency achieved through window and door replacement before considering HIP updates. If HIP proceeds, develop a plan that
a. minimizes the financial impact on households; and
b. allows members to opt-in to their preferred upgrades.
1. Postpone the member vote on the HIP until the scope and cost of crawlspace repairs are fully known and work has started.
2. Alongside crawlspace repairs, begin the community-wide window and door replacements and frame-home siding updates with funds already paid into replacement reserves.
3. Evaluate energy efficiency achieved through window and door replacement before considering HIP updates. If HIP proceeds, develop a plan that
a. minimizes the financial impact on households; and
b. allows members to opt-in to their preferred upgrades.
Why is this important?
The GHI Board of Directors will soon vote on the Homes Improvement Program (HIP) and what to put to the members for final decision. They are considering which aspects of HIP to require for the entire cooperative, and which to allow members to choose for their own units.
The HIP proposal includes several items, such as insulation and bathroom exhaust fans. The proposal is not covered by reserve funds, will require a loan and result in an increase in member monthly fees.
Replacement of doors and windows in all homes and siding in frame homes is already planned and budgeted under replacement reserve funds and does not require a member vote.
Recently a Buildings Committee task force on crawl spaces released a report on major problems including standing water, sump pump failure, grading issues, and pests. The scope and cost of the issues are unknown. Crawl space remediation is necessary before envelope upgrades could begin.
As concerned residents, we feel it is crucial for other members to understand and act on this issue. Let the Board know how you feel! Sign the petition, email and write the Board, and attend meetings. Please share the petition link with neighbors.
Anna Socrates, Christopher Shuman, Cynthia Newcomer, Ellen Weiss, Kris White, Stephen Holland
The HIP proposal includes several items, such as insulation and bathroom exhaust fans. The proposal is not covered by reserve funds, will require a loan and result in an increase in member monthly fees.
Replacement of doors and windows in all homes and siding in frame homes is already planned and budgeted under replacement reserve funds and does not require a member vote.
Recently a Buildings Committee task force on crawl spaces released a report on major problems including standing water, sump pump failure, grading issues, and pests. The scope and cost of the issues are unknown. Crawl space remediation is necessary before envelope upgrades could begin.
As concerned residents, we feel it is crucial for other members to understand and act on this issue. Let the Board know how you feel! Sign the petition, email and write the Board, and attend meetings. Please share the petition link with neighbors.
Anna Socrates, Christopher Shuman, Cynthia Newcomer, Ellen Weiss, Kris White, Stephen Holland