Recently, one of my neighbors on Fairway Drive informed me that our home is located on a local access road (LAR), and that we are responsible for repairs. That’s how I came to understand why roads around us received maintenance while ours was collecting potholes. This began a small research project, and kicked off a discussion among homeowners on our road in an attempt to work out a solution.
I spoke with people at Lane County and in our neighborhood who knew more. By the end of a few weeks I was thoroughly frustrated by the growing realization that without County or City intervention we have no good options. We have no HOA or any other device to prompt folks to save for repairs, we know little to nothing about street maintenance, and some of us still don’t even know we’re supposed to be responsible.
There are over 20 homes located on our little block. After talking with more than half of our homeowners it’s apparent there’s almost no chance we’ll agree on a course of action. Even if we could, a number of folks can’t afford to do the work. The only realistic option we have is for some of us to step forward and fill potholes each year as we watch the road slowly crumble around us, and pray for a governmental intervention.
Sadly, it seems like the County and City are locked into a game of waiting, each hoping the other entity will take up the roads and maintain them first. Meanwhile, the problem gets worse and worse, and neighbors are left to suffer, wait, and hope.
– Joshua K, Fairway Drive homeowner