neighbors harrasing woman over small white gate (Rockport: rental, home)

[Bo]

My interpretation is that the board here was lazy and didn't get around to responding to her request. Then the management company, getting little/no guidance from the board, realized she had pressed forward without approval, looked in their limited bag of tools and started applying fines. If she had left this alone much longer, the fines would have turned into liens against her property. Hopefully the HOA board can unring this bell and cancel the fines if she makes the gate conform to whatever standards they require. A coat of paint on the gate in a color that blends in with the siding or the trim is probably all that is needed to conform.

Something else I wonder is if the gate might be a violation of the fire code. There are rules about obstructing exits. Hopefully someone looks into that before the city starts coming after these people.

[TexasRedneck]

Interesting thoughts, Bowie...although, if she listed the color in her original app and the time elapsed, then they "approved" the color by default as well. As to blocking fire access - I'd doubt there'd be an issue there, since window bars are allowed by code.

[Mom2Feebs]

Originally Posted by majormadmax

I will tell you from firsthand experience that anyone who thinks that autism equates to "a lack of smarts" is badly mistaken. We are constantly amazed at what our autistic son can do, and he is simply "wired" differently than other children.

What has been so amazing is that in our son's elementary school, the other children have been wonderful with him. He is accepted, and in many ways pampered, by the other students. The kids understand that he is a little different, but treat him the same (if not better) than the other students.

What is sad is that some adults are still ignorant of this spectrum disorder, and treat it like some kind of debilitating disease.

I do not doubt a word of what this lady claims, she has no reason to lie.

However, all evidence points to the fact that the HOA screwed up and is now trying strong arm tactics to cover for their mistake.

I hope she holds her ground, and would be more than willing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with her in this battle!

Amen. Tried to rep you but I still have to spread it around!!

[majormadmax]

Originally Posted by Mom2Feebs

Amen. Tried to rep you but I still have to spread it around!!

No worries, we both know the joys and challenges of raising an autistic child! It's not for the weak of heart, but I think God realizes that when He sends them our way!

But such stories really irk me. I am about ready to show my mean, ugly face to the HOA and ask them if they really want to pursue this...

As for the neighbors, I cannot say on a public forum what I would say to their faces given the opportunity!

[TexasRedneck]

M2....obviously, I have no firsthand knowledge on any of this, but I just hope that you're SURE that they filed the proper paperwork with the HOA. Many years back I was President of the Timber Ridge HOA, and we got raked over the coals for supposedly "abusing" a homeowner who got in front of the cameras and cried a river. Well....once the REST of the story came out (multiple letters - not only from the HOA, but from the city as well), it was proven that not only did she KNOW she was in violation of HOA rules, but city code as well - she had ignored repeated visits trying to get her to work things out. I still put up with several months of nasty calls/letters, and finally just started sending copies of ALL the info back to 'em.

[mamatotex97]

TexasRed, I see what you are saying but why is everyone so quick to believe she didn't mail it and believe the HOA instead?
Ok so let's take all the letter filing out of this for a moment and the he said she said and lets look at the situation and rectify it for the safety of this child . In the midst of lawyers arguing this should be the focus.

[TexasRedneck]

Mama, let's look at the safety of the child. There should be a child-proof lock on the DOOR of the house - not some gate of a short "fence" that most kids'll scale in seconds. THIS is what gives me pause on the whole thing....

[majormadmax]

TRN

Like I said earlier, I am a supporter of HOAs. I think when they work properly they preserve the standards of a community. I was also adamantly behind the Heritage Lakes Homeowners' Association in Frisco that foreclosed on the Army Reserve captain's house when his wife failed to pay the HOA fees. That couple tried to use his orders to Iraq as an excuse, but the truth is they were warned about the potential for foreclosure months before he went on active duty (story).

However, in this case it is clear that the HOA is making a big issue out of nothing. I am sure if you drive through that Stone Oak community you will find many more violations of the by-laws that deserve the attention.

Secondly, there is no reason that mother should have to lock her special needs son up in the house. The gate was installed so he could spend time outside. It is not obtrusive nor is it an eyesore. I believe the issue is being driven by her ignorant neighbors, and instead of addressing them the HOA is trying to strong-arm her into compliance. It failed to do its job, and now it is failing to do the right thing!

A more acceptable solution would be to approve the gate (even though that is no longer necessary), and to tell the neighbors of that decision. They can go suck an egg if they don't like it.

End of story.

[TexasRedneck]

You certainly have a better perspective on it than I, and I've no doubt that this issue is way outta hand. You know your HOA MUCH better than I - and if this is atypical for them, they SHOULD be spanked publicly. I just try to look at things from a more detached aspect when I don't have direct/firsthand knowledge, and it IS difficult to fathom why they'd be SO upset over something like this.

[stoneoak]

Originally Posted by majormadmax

They can go suck an egg if they don't like it.

End of story.

best quote of the day