M EM O R A N D U M

TO: HOMEOWNERS IN THE COMMONS

FROM: HARRINGTON GROVE HOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SUBJECT: PARKING SITUATION

DATE: 12/4/2009

BACKGROUND
As the City of Raleigh was set to take control of the previously private streets in The
Commons, the HOA distributed petitions to homeowners in order to:
1) Prevent the speed limit1 from being raised to 35 mph, and
2) Continue the “no parking policy that had been in place for approximately ten years.2
This was done with the best of intentions in light of the narrow streets: 3 most notably, to
maintain a generally safe environment, and allow emergency (and other) vehicles to navigate
the streets without incident.
Since the petition has passed and the City installed “no parking” signs, we have heard
concerns and/or complaints from several homeowners, including but not limited to:
1) The petitions were confusing because they combined two separate issues into one
document;
2) The current (new) policy appears to be more restrictive than what was previously in
place;
3) Homeowners did not realize there would be so many signs installed; and
4) The appearance and quantity of signs has a negative aesthetic impact on the
neighborhood.
PROPOSAL
Given the above, the HOA proposes creation of a temporary committee to determine the
desires of the majority of residents in The Commons and, as needed, develop a proposal to
implement any necessary changes. This would likely include:
• Working with the City to understand viable alternatives to the current parking situation;
• Working with Charleston to survey homeowners and determine which of these is the
preferred alternative;

1
Previously 20 mph
2
As noted in the Covenants (p. 40, 1. PARKING ALONG STREETS AND RIGHT-OF-WAY OF PRIVATE
STREETS): http://www.scribd.com/full/3198604?access_key=key-2lq3j1l8z85e9wzsvcjq; and also in memo
distributed January 2000: http://www.scribd.com/doc/22925480/Commons-Street-Parking-Information-2000
3
The streets in The Commons are twenty feet wide with no curb & gutter and no sidewalk. In contrast, a
typical residential street in Raleigh is constructed from twenty-six feet to thirty-one feet wide with curb &
gutter on both sides and side sidewalk on one side. Source: David Thompson (Residential Transportation
Safety Engineer, City of Raleigh - Public Works Department).
 • Assuming the majority want to make a change, working with Charleston to distribute
and collect a petition calling for said change; and
• Assuming majority (confirm – 70% or 75%?) in favor, submitting petition for a) validation
and review/approval by City staff, and b) then finally presenting to the City Council.
We recommend that homeowners from The Commons who are present tonight nominate one
of their own to chair this Committee and act as the primary liaison with the Board, Charleston
Management and the City.