Rebecca Cunningham, don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched!
Ms. Cunningham is handicapped and four years ago installed a lift on her porch to allow her to avoid the stairs. No problem. The HOA approved it. All of a sudden, the HOA said she had to repaint it to exactly match the new cream color of the trim. She talked to the manufacturer who said it shouldn’t be painted, because it would make maintenance too difficult. So she appealed to the HOA, and lost.
Rebecca then appealed to a local television troubleshooter who got some attorneys involved, and hoo boy, did this HOA ever stumble and scramble backwards.
Rebecca, listen carefully because I’m going to give you some inside dope. HOAs hate disabled people. It’s not about you, it’s the fact that you’re disabled. Really! We’ve seen this thing happen time and again across the country where HOAs seem to come down especially hard on the handicapped. You’re persona non grata. Your very presence apparently brings down property values.
But, Rebecca, it gets worse. You embarrassed your HOA board by going public and getting your story broadcast on the Durham, N.C. ABC-affiliate. They were further embarrassed by having to rescind their illegal order against you. Babe, from now on you are a target. You’ve got a big target on your back. They will harrass you mercilessly. Not only is your disability bringing down property values, you failed to worship at the feet of the neighborhood Nazis. Watch your back Rebecca. But don’t ever back down.
(link to ABC-TV story in Durham, NC)
By the way, below is the management of this HOA if you’d like to thank them for accommodating handicapped people. Keep it nice!
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