Care as an Effective Strategy for Compliance

Rethinking How We Support Our Neighbors and Achieve Our Covenants

Over the past few years, many Ken Lake residents have expressed frustration — and even hurt — over the way compliance issues have been handled. Fines have been issued for everything from yard upkeep to storage, and some neighbors feel singled out or embarrassed.

We hear you.

While the intent behind compliance rules is good — to preserve property values and maintain community standards — the way those rules are applied matters just as much as the rules themselves. Fairness, compassion, and consistency are the foundation of trust.

The Mowing Posse: The Original Care Committee

Not too long ago, there was the Mowing Posse — a group of neighbors who quietly helped each other long before it was policy.

When someone fell ill, left town unexpectedly, or just fell behind, they showed up with mowers, rakes, and goodwill. They didn’t need an agenda or a committee; they simply understood that maintaining a neighborhood was a shared responsibility.

The Care Committee is, in many ways, a return to that original spirit — just with a bit more organization. By formalizing this approach, we ensure that kindness doesn’t depend on who happens to notice. It becomes part of how we operate — a built-in response that keeps small issues from turning into crises.

When Rules Start to Feel Unfair

Homes located along the main loop or more visible corners receive more citations, while similar issues in less visible areas may go unnoticed.

No one should feel that their visibility determines their vulnerability. Whether intentional or not, this creates a perception of bias — and that perception erodes confidence in the system.

We can all agree that compliance should never feel like surveillance. It should feel like stewardship — a shared effort to care for our neighborhood, not police it.

The Human Side of Compliance

When a yard becomes overgrown or a home falls into disrepair, it’s easy to assume neglect. But often, the reality is more complex:

• A neighbor may be recovering from illness or surgery.

• A family might be struggling financially or emotionally.

• An elderly resident could simply need help finding resources for maintenance.

Fines alone don’t fix those problems — compassion and connection stand a chance. Both are tools that need to be used deftly. 

That’s why we’re excited about the new Care Committee championed by Friend of Ken Lake Quinn Haithcock.

When All You Have is a Hammer... There’s an old saying: When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

In governance, that “hammer” is often the fine — a blunt tool meant to correct behavior by applying pressure. Fines can be useful, but only when the issue is willful or chronic. When used too broadly, they stop correcting problems and start creating resentment.

The Care Committee gives us another tool. Instead of a hammer, it offers a hand — one that reaches out, asks what’s wrong, and works toward a solution that lasts.

Some problems need enforcement. Others need understanding. The goal is to solve the problem.

Introducing the Care Committee

The Care Committee’s purpose is simple: to reach out before the fines do.

When a potential compliance issue is identified, the committee can:

• Check in discreetly and respectfully with the homeowner.

• Ask if support is needed — whether that’s physical help, resource referrals, or just a listening ear.

• Connect neighbors with community volunteers or services who can assist.

• Report back to the board if the issue is resolved or needs further attention.

The Care Committee’s role is to connect volunteers with neighbors we can support, and to set those neighbors up for long term success. We can think of the Care Committee as a temporary support that allows us to sidestep expensive legal action by being good neighbors. Just like the ACC or the Compliance Committee, the Care Committee will have responsibilities and will need to clearly outline requirements and communication expectations. The goal isn’t to replace compliance — it’s to add a layer of care that ensures we respond to challenges humanely and consistently.

Why This Matters

Ken Lake is more than a collection of houses; it’s a network of relationships. We want every resident to feel seen, respected, and supported — not just monitored.

By pairing accountability with empathy, we:

• Reduce conflict and resentment over enforcement.

• Ensure fair application of community standards.

• Help neighbors in need before problems escalate.

• Strengthen our sense of belonging.

Fair rules, applied with compassion, keep a community both beautiful and kind.

Our Next Steps

The Care Committee does need volunteers to get started on the work. If you’re interested in volunteering for organization or to roll up your sleeves — or if you’ve been affected by compliance issues and want to share your experience — please reach out.

You can also share here. Your feedback will help shape a system that reflects our best values: fairness, transparency, and care.

A Final Thought

Rules keep us organized and protected.

Empathy keeps us connected.

We can make space for both.