Mail Box Installation
The concrete slab for the new mailboxes will be 20 feet by 44 feet, built to US Postal Service specifications. A lighted canopy will be built on the slab with a metal roof supported by rock covered steel posts. The old mailboxes will be moved back into 3 rows on temporary skids while the project is in progress. The new boxes will have composite rust proof pedestals and will load and unload from the front. Each 16 unit box will have a parcel box and drop off box. (see the Enclave boxes). We will publish specific information on the transition to the new boxes as we get the information. One trip to the Blue Bonnet Post Office may be required for a new key. GTex construction is the Goodwin approved contractor. The project will start approximately November 4, 2009 weather permitting. When the mailbox construction is complete, a new key will be placed in your old mailbox. A trip to the Post Office will not be necessary to get a new key. There will be no cost for the new key.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will my dues increase because of this?
Not directly. As part of our dues, an amount is set aside each year to fund replacement of existing long life, Association owned, assets. The replacement fund and cash on hand are reviewed as required by the finance committee. There is sufficient cash on hand to pay for the playground (playground committee), mailbox replacement and the pool building renovation without a special assessment or borrowing. Significant upgrades or additions could affect dues, but the costs are spread over many years.
2. Why not repair the existing structures?
The existing structures are supported by heavy wooden posts. With this type of construction, now obsolete, the posts are sunk into cement and they rot below ground level, out of sight. New metal posts will be surface mounted for drainage but will require a new concrete slab.
3. Why is the Rochester/Weatherford site not being replaced?
The Rochester site has several defects:
A. The storm sewer in front of the boxes is a tripping hazard.
B. The rock border in front violates the Americans With Disabilities Act. The height of the
boxes puts them out of reach for some handicapped persons.
C. The new boxes would have to be placed on the boulevard or the existing site would
have to be regraded.
D. A new rock wall would have to be constructed behind the new boxes after regrading.
E. A separate canopy with lighting and a new concrete slab would add to the cost.
F. Several sections of the sidewalk would have to be replaced and leveled, complicating
the project.
G. The Association site by the playground has a distinct advantage because of the drive-in area.
4. Why was a survey not done of those affected?
This would be expensive, time consuming and might not lead to an optimum decision considering all the factors cited above and the limited number of other options. The Board and its committees spent several months planning this project and insuring that it would be in conformance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, the City of Austin, and the US Postal Service and contracted to a qualified contractor. Members with serious concerns are always welcome on the committees.
5. What is the time frame?
Four to six weeks starting November 4.
