History Hunters Creek North Neighborhood Association

History Hunters Creek North Neighborhood Association
By Joel H. Klein, Founding President (1989-1992)

Hunters Creek North was conceived as an upscale subdivision in 1978 by great
America Properties, a development company whose leading force was Israel Fogiel. Fogiel and Great America (GA) continued to build out Sections I and III up until the mid-80’s, when GA’s sales slowed, along with the economy and GA began selling off lots in the almost complete Section III and the newly opened Section II to other builders.

By 1989, GA was in serious financial trouble, and was unable to continue the maintenance on the pool, tennis courts, and perimeters and entrances. The pool was a cesspool of stagnant water, just a disaster waiting for an opportunity to happen. A small group of residents met and decided to approach GA with a proposal to take over the pool and tennis courts together with Park Forest. A non-profit owners association was formed, and I agreed to serve as president for the first few years. The Hunters Creek North Neighborhood Association, as it was called, also took over the responsibility of the Architectural Control Committee, which oversees the approval of all new construction and enforces the deed restrictions.

The association was conceived based upon voluntary membership; however in 1993, it was felt that the association, to be effective and financially solid, needed to be based upon mandatory membership. An extensive campaign was conducted and with the leadership of Marc Ross, enough residents of Sections I and III voted to amend the Deed Restrictions to require mandatory membership.

Section II was left for later inclusion due to the fact that Ellison Industries had purchased almost all the vacant lots from GA and was unwilling to vote for the amendment. As a result, the residents of Section II either choose to support the Association or not, on a voluntary basis.

So, for the last 20 or so years, the HCNNA has hired security patrols and worked with the SA”PD to bring safety and security to our neighborhood; administered the Architectural Control Committee, to enforced the Deed Restrictions as to new construction, as well as including planting of perennials at the Lockhill-Selma entry and Hunters Trail entry; installation and maintenance of lighting and irrigation at Lockhill entry and Hunters Trail entry; legal prosecution/defense regarding Deed Restriction violations; monitoring the city’s maintenance of drainage right-of-ways; installation of speed bumps to slow speeding traffic, opposition to indiscriminate widening of Lockhill-Selma (where all trees and perimeters would be eliminated); and liaison with our San Antonio City Council person to insure we receive proper response to our few requests.

No one enjoys being told he has to belong and to pay dues to any organization; however the benefits of our Association far outweigh this minor objection. Don’t you think?