I have attended MOST of the meetings and I must say there is quite an issue with the sheds. I beieve that most of the neighbors around the "lake" do NOT want sheds (as it would block their view of the "lake"), while others seem to be "for" it. What seems to concern me is that quite a few of these very residents who are agianst sheds) have no pride in their yards (weeds in the flower beds, hideous window blinds, cars parked in their yards) and disobey the restrictions as much (if not more) than those NOT on the "lake" (garbage cans in view, boats in the driveway). This, I realize, is another subject .
The problem is that when the restrictions and covenents were written, it stated that a certain percentage must vote for any change. As a matter of fact, I believe there was a conflict in the percentage (between 2 different documents). We have never even been close to the requirement in attendance at the meetings-regardless of which document was used. I know (sometime last year), we were going to try to get a formal change in the required percentage of homeowners needed to initiate a change. I believe the percentage responding was about 11% (I could be wrong, but I know it was very low).
Anyway, to make matters worse, looks like we, as a neighbrhood, are powerless to initiate ANY changes without first changing this strict set of rules.
Regarding above ground pools, I personally have no problem with them as long as they are well kept. I can tell you that, when selling a home, a pool can make or break a sale. I think having an option to take it down is a good one. Some folks really don't want a pool (like us), but would consider buying the property if they had an affordable option to get rid of an existing pool.
As for the sheds, we would love to have one too. Most of the people I have talked with would love them. The problem is this: PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS!!! If we want a change, we really need to be willing to give up a little time and be heard.
What concerns me it this: People pay a lot of money for their homes. They want to be comfortable. If they are hamstringed everytime a change is desired one of two things WILL happen. Either folks will begin to ignore the rules or they will move. Not a good outcome either way.
