Editorial Comments

By Katie Shepherd

 

 

~What an exciting year we have seen so far. Progress is being made in many directions. Signage for the entry is quickly becoming a reality and it is possible that, by the time you read this month’s newsletter, our ground breaking ceremony might have already taken place. If February Heights meeting is any indication of what’s to come we are truly coming together as a neighborhood and as a result of it- everyone wins. This year brought with it some new board positions and with the sharing of responsibilities more goals are being achieved and our neighborhood is now an even better place to live. Even this month’s paper was a little less daunting. With an abundance of articles to pick from, we are finally seeing the well rounded paper we have strived for all along.

 

Our activities directory has been hard at work and you’ll note in the proposed activity line up that there are plenty of events in the making. The need for more help however is not over yet. More opportunities to be a part of your neighborhood are just there for the asking. With the construction of the entry sign we are still in need of experienced and/or handy workers willing to help with the construction. Last I knew this neighborhood had plenty of individuals that would qualify for such a worthy task. Are you a mason, carpenter, painter, sign company, landscaper, etc? Don’t know a trade but willing to help by giving some money- no matter how you choose to help, what matters most is that you DO help. Donations of material and/or money to buy needed supplies are a great way to do your part when construction is not among your list of talents. Check out the material list of needs posted to the Heights web page and see where you might lend a hand. Let’s not forget that over the centuries many a job was completed simply by Neighbors helping Neighbors. Let’s all plan now to attend our next Heights meeting on Thursday, March 8^th.. With April’s meeting come new elections and the quest for new faces and new ideas.

 

We have had some added concerns that need addressed first and foremost is the rash of burglaries. Our hearts go out to any homeowners that have had this invasion of not only their privacy, but their peace of mind as well. The Heights board reminds you we are here to help- if there is anything we as a community can do for you during this time of need, please let one of the board members know. The Jupiter Police would like to once again remind all of us that many of the crimes committed have been crimes of opportunity. Please remember to keep windows and doors locked, garages shut and lock your cars up as well. On the weekend of February 10th & 11^th, seven auto break-ins occurred!! Many of these were yet again- crimes of opportunities, meaning cars were left unlocked. Don’t hand the burglars your car on a silver platter. Think you don’t have something valuable in it? How many of us have our garage door openers clipped to our visors? Do you really want this sort of visitor in the middle of the night just because you handed them the key?? Let’s all exercise caution and keep those doors locked.

 

Dogs have been yet another issue of concern and not just about one dog or one street. Several complaints have come in on how best to deal with this overwhelming problem. Certainly the most desirable answer would be to share your concerns with the pet’s owner in hopes that they will help to rectify the problem, however, we all know that while there are some individuals that would work with you on this problem there are just as many more that won’t. Check out this month’s editorial for just one of the many emails presented on this matter. Having a pet is a responsibility. While they can offer great companionship to you the owner they may not be the type of company your neighbor desires. Just like you might not appreciate their teenager blaring loud music all hours of the day and night- they don’t appreciate dogs constant and disruptive barking. One individual stated it was impossible to enjoy the fresh air because keeping the windows open meant they had to listen to the constant barking of their neighbor’s dog- even when the neighbor was home. Another stated that they would better appreciate living in the Heights if they were able to enjoy sitting outside in their yard. An impossible luxury thanks to the neighbors dog. It’s regrettable that anyone should be deprived of the peaceful opportunity to enjoy their home. Let’s all try a little harder to be good neighbors. Don’t force your neighbor to have to enforce laws that you should respect in the first place. At the request of a couple of people I am including the town ordinance as it appears. If you have any further questions or problems please feel free to contact code enforcement or the police non-emergency number.

 

Sec. 5-14. Animals creating nuisance.

(a)   Any dog, cat, household pet or other animal which habitually barks, whines, howls or causes other objectionable noise; or which is at large or chases or runs after persons or vehicles; or which destroys or damages any property of another person; or which causes serious annoyance to a neighboring residence or interference with the reasonable use and enjoyment of that person's property; or which is otherwise offensive to the public so as to annoy, disturb, injure, or endanger the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of the citizens and residents of the Town, is hereby declared to be a public nuisance, and is an act in violation of this chapter.

(b)   Any person who is the owner of such a dog, cat, household pet or other animal as described in subsection (a) of this section; or, who keeps or maintains such animal on his premises, is guilty of maintaining a public nuisance, and is in violation of this chapter.

(c)   In addition to the penalties provided in this chapter for the violation of the provisions hereof, the Town may institute any lawful civil action or proceeding to prevent, restrain or abate any acts or failures to act hereunder, which constitute a public nuisance.

(d)   The Animal Control Officer shall sign an affidavit, made under oath before an individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments, which shall set forth any acts which are complained of as being in violation of this chapter, setting forth the nature and the date of such act, the name of the person who is the owner, keeper or harborer of the animal in question, such person's address and a description of the animal doing such act; and shall deliver same to the Town Attorney for prosecution of such violation in the county court or for appropriate relief in a civil action in the circuit court; providing reasonable cause for such action is presented and contained in such affidavit.

(Code 1975, § 4-27)

               

It’s always regrettable when the actions of a few have to spoil it for many. Please don’t let yourself fall into the category of the “I Don’t Care”. We must always care enough to remember-- what if it was happening to you, would you care then?

 

Till next month, I once again challenge you to get involved, be kind to a neighbor, and most of all - I wish each of you a life filled with health, happiness, good fortune and peace.

 

 

To send your submissions, responses or request- email NPBHeights@bellsouth.net.