Members wanting a neighborhood sign - Explaining common property

Again have some young neighbors who are complaining about not getting a "neighborhood" sign for our new neighborhood. I guess the other builder who owns the HOA made some kind of "promise" to install one. However, since then they have basically used ever last inch of property to put up homes. The only official "common area" is the retention pond area. Which ONLY keeps water in it during rain events. Plus the developer is doing a horrible job of it's upkeep.

I am trying to explain to them why we can't have a sign. That we can ONLY install one on COMMON property. That the land at the entrances are people's PERSONAL property. They do have a "bus stop" area that kids are picked up and dropped off in the general area a sign could go. However, I don't think these people quite get the idea that they are using someone's PERSONAL property.

Just told them unless we put a sign up with a possible fountain when the pond fills, a sign isn't an option. It's hard to explain how a HOA works and what common property is to these "newbies". Yes, a sign would be nice. Part of reason they want one is for "prestige". We live between the "richest" neighborhoods in the city/county. Here in our city if you mention those two neighborhoods people recognize them. They seem to want to be "in" with them in same sentence...

Kind of just venting. Also pointing out that how little common property you have, there are still going to be issues...

99% of people buying into a community with an HOA that is incorporated and owns the common area have no idea what they are buying.

There are no "easements" unless it is the county/city. It's kind of complicated mess in my neighborhood due to 2 different "City" lines are in it. So any land along the side walks would be on the county or a city's easement.

A neighbor took a picture of 2 signs on the "Show" house of the one builder that owns the HOA. (The other builder sold their show house months ago). She wanted to know why could not put a sign up where those signs where. Explained to her that those signs are NOT on "Common property". Once that house sells those signs are on private. Plus the sign in the back would not be seen if the new owner put up a fence. So imagine that a fence is put up on the private property. Would you see those signs? If not, then they are not on common property.

Had one "karen" respond to me saying what the person posted was a "joke" and I needed to get the "joke". I am like every "joke" has a kernal of truth in it. Plus this has been mentioned multiple times now about how they want a sign.

Getting a bit tired of trying to explain that the builder didn't leave enough land for a sign unless it's in the retention ponds. You can't put a sign on the city/county easements. Which are only like 2 feet of land between road and sidewalk. Can't put it in someone's yard as future buyers may not appreciate it. Plus that owner will get stuck with the maintenance and care. Something these people who think of volunteering their land to the project not thinking of. It's a permanent item.

Thanks Tim. Exactly my point...

Look as your governing documents, Melissa, to see if there is any use of the word "common property." If not, what is the word or phrase that's used? It's best to use the correct word with other owners especially those new to an HOA. Look to see if there's any use of the word "easement. Look at the plat map of your HOA and show your neighbors that there is no common area where you might place a sign.