My biggest concern tonight was...what to wear? Should I bring cupcakes? According to Kim, "this should be a slam dunk. It has already been rubber stamped." Friends, beware those words. Nothing is ever final until it's officially signed. This was being televised because, for some reason, people watch this on local tv. Bizarre. Glad I wore a dress but I did notice my OPI toe polish had chipped. Kim asked me if I wanted to speak. Uh...that would be a no.
There was a full quorom: six people, including the Chairman. I was introduced to most of them and had already met one of the officials at our previous meeting. I think my hands were clammy.
Kim flawlessly presented the plans, modest addition and improvements. My next door neighbor was even present for support as well. I was sitting up straight, looking them in the eye, iphone turned off. The Board asked a few questions and Kim responded in a manner that resulted in affirmative nods. Wow...this is a slam dunk....until...some suit behind me got up to speak.
It was an attorney that represented the empty lot (I call it a dog park) adjacent to my home. Two trustees from the church were also present. What was this? Kim had attempted no less than six times to meet with them and explain the plans. Three different people, countless unreturned calls, a certified letter even sent to the church.
My shoulders sagged, I started to slump...the attorney stated that he had only been contacted two days prior by the church and asked to speak on their behalf. They wanted a continuance to review the plans as they had concerns. Unfortunately, the attorney said he could not be specific about the church's concerns and that was all he was at liberty to say at this time. A continuance??? This had already been delayed one time. The Chairman asked Kim if he wanted to respond.
Naturally, I wanted to jump up and make a fool out of myself, whip my head around and yell, "What are you doing? We've been planning this for ages. I even had wine and food at my neighborhood meetings when the plans were discussed. Where were you??" That is why I didn't speak.
Kim mentioned that he had made contact with three different people at the Church, offered to present the plans and answer any questions. His offers had been met with silence. Now, he said, his client ( that's moi) would suffer a hardship due to another delay and this would cost me more money. No...not that ...more money??? This could cut into my wine & beer budget.
The Board and three members chimed in. They said that although they sympathized with the Church, they had ample time to meet with Kim. They said that Kim and I had gone "over and above" in communicating the plans to the neighbors and due to the fact that no one in the 'hood objected, that spoke highly of the plans to improve the residence.
They also added that another delay would be costly to the homeowner and would present a hardship. I started sitting up straight again. The decision was made unanimously to approve the plans. Just like that! Maybe I should have brought cupcakes.
Next step: Kim will send out the plans to his pool of contractors. Then, they present their bids to me and I make a decision. Stay tuned. All is good.
