The Sunnyvale Sun

News

Stratford Gardens forms neighborhood alliance

By Stephen Baxter

A neighborhood association has been formed at Stratford Gardens, a gated community near the Sunnyvale Community Center. Don and Charmaine Thomas sparked the new group, which includes 64 townhomes on Ives Terrace.

The Thomases also founded the Cherry Orchard Neighborhood Association about eight years ago. They moved to Stratford in 2006. Charmaine Thomas says neighborhood associations strengthen ties between residents and the city.

"We have always felt that whatever community we live in, we want to be a part of the community and make a difference in it," she said.

In Cherry Orchard, near Mathilda Avenue and Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road, the association dealt with some suspected gang activity and issues with transients in Las Palmas Park. With 100 homes represented, the association successfully lobbied for increased public safety patrols.

Quarterly meetings with the 18 other Sunnyvale neighborhood associations also facilitated problem-solving, Thomas said.

Stratford Gardens has had a homeowners association since it was built about 25 years ago, but Thomas said the new neighborhood group may eventually include the surrounding three blocks, have broader goals and provide a united voice at city council meetings. The new neighborhood association made a formal introduction at an April 26 Stratford Gardens Homeowners Association meeting, looking to recruit members. There are no dues.

"It's only to their advantage [to join], it's not negative in any way to be a part of this and keep up the city's safe reputation," said Thomas, who is a registered nurse. Her husband has a business development company.

Sunnyvale spokesman John Pilger has said neighborhood associations help city departments and public safety officers be more attentive to residents' needs.

Because Stratford Gardens has an automatic gate, Thomas said it might give some residents a false sense of security. Crime has been mostly limited to youths taking items off porches, she said.

The neighborhood has mainly working couples and retirees, but Thomas estimates a quarter of the families have young children.

A neighborhood association meeting is planned for this summer and a newsletter may follow.

For more information on the Stratford Gardens Neighborhood Association, call Charmaine Thomas at 408.733.2621. For more information on starting a new association or to join one, log on to www.neighborhoods.inSunnyvale.com or call Community Outreach Coordinator Nathan Truitt at 408.730.7472.