The Clear Lake City Boulevard Association (CLCBA) has what would seem to be a simple purpose compared to most associations: maintain one boulevard. This organization runs smoothly while resolving some challenges and initiating some progressive programs.

CLCBA maintains a 3-1/2 mile stretch of Clear Lake City Boulevard from Hwy 3 in Houston to its end in Pasadena. The 2,690 residential and commercial property owners from the Bay Pointe, Northfork and Pine Brook communities all contribute to the maintenance costs. The Board is composed of appointees from each of the three community associations.

Over the last two years, CLCBA amended their Bylaws to allow the first annual meeting quorums since the developer left, they have settled all land ownership and maintenance issues associated with the developer and they have permanently resolved a nagging problem with two non-member community associations along the boulevard regarding irrigation cost sharing.

From a landscaping standpoint, CLCBA keeps the boulevards attractively maintained and completed another phase of major landscape improvements. In addition, last year the Board authorized two outstanding initiatives. First, the Board learned about the long term benefits of converting to an organic approach to fertilization, weed control and pest control. Although the short term costs are higher, the Board agreed to a two year experiment where the center esplanade utilizes a fully organic approach and the side setbacks utilize a conventional chemical approach. We are exciting seeing the visual difference as we enter the second year of the experiment.

Second, we have installed advanced irrigation controllers along the full length of the boulevard. These controllers utilize local weather data along with station-by-station detailed descriptions of the soil, plant materials and grounds slopes to determine the amount of water needed, the watering duration and the watering frequency. This system will save water, eliminate run-off and apply the right amount of water to meet the plant materials needs.

We are very pleased to be managing the Clear Lake City Boulevard Association and to be a part of this forward-thinking organization.