Neighborhood Association for the Old Brook Farm Addition to the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana

WHY DO WE HAVE AN ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL COMMITTEE?

"5. APPROVAL OF IMPROVEMENTS a) No building shall be erected, placed or altered on the lots in this Addition unless the plot plan and proposed finished grades have been determined for the location of said improvements and the design and plans shall be first approved by the Architectural Control Committee. An Architectural Control Committee is hereby established consisting of Harold Palmer, Louis L. Bloom, and Howard Biggs. Any two of these three members may act on any matter submitted for approval. In the event said Architectural Control Committee fails to approve or disapprove any plot plan, design, plan, or fence location within twenty-one days after submission, approval will be deemed to have been obtained." (Quote from Covenants)

The Covenants attached to every property in the Old Brook Farm Addition specify that an Architectural Control Committee is to exist and shall have final say as to changes to the erecting, placing or altering of buildings, amenities and improvements to any property in the addition. Originally three individuals were named to serve on the Committee. When these folks passed on or moved, on the Executive Committee assumed the responsibility. In 2008, the Board of Directors felt a need to revisit this practice and decided to once again formally staff the Architectural Control Committee. The Committee now consists of one member from the Board of Directors, one Association Member who is not on the Board, and the Committee is Chaired by the Vice-President of the Association.

WHAT IS THE INTENT OF THIS PROVISION?

A drive through portions of Fort Wayne, indeed, any city, will reveal deteriorating neighborhoods. Such deterioration in a neighborhood is almost certainly accompanied by a deterioration of property values in that neighborhood--including the values of property that has been maintained. The developers and early homeowners of Old Brook Farm did not want that to happen to our neighborhood. The Architectural Control Committee, along with the Covenants and the City of Fort Wayne Neighborhood Codes, is intended to protect our property values. By regulating standards within the neighborhood we are better able to maintain the investment we have made in our homes.

In addition to enforcing the restrictive provisions stated in the Covenants, the Architectural Control Committee will be sensitive to any changes in a home's architectural style if said changes in style would bring about significant deviation to the physical appearance of the home. Homes that don't seem to "fit" into the style and vintage of the neighborhood and surrounding homes can seriously reduce property values of all homes in the addition.

Before beginning construction of planned remodeling it is necessary to submit your plans to the Architectural Control Committee. AND... a Building Permit is required.