I wrote about this subject in my book, Neighbors At War, but now that the court cases are before the Minnesota Court of Appeals, it’s worth discussing again.
At issue is an ordinance in the college town of Winona, Minnesota, which prohibits some property owners from renting out their properties. Landlords have to register their properties with the city. But once a ratio of renters to homeowners is approached, property owners are prohibited from leasing their properties to others. That means that in some neighborhoods, owners are prohibited from leasing their properties, while people on the adjacent block are allowed to lease. It’s apparently the first case in the nation where property owners are prohibited from exercising their historic rights.
If this law is ruled constitutional, the implications are enormous.
It wasn’t cash in a bank bag. Nope, these crooks just sawed the hoofs off a bronze deer, stole the deer and a dozen maple leaf light covers from the Rockwood Falls community entrance. It’s the second time they’ve done that!
Who would think it’s a good idea to place tens of thousands of dollars worth of art out in the open alongside the road? If it was to provide a visual indication of the prosperous residents that reside within, it did not serve them well. However, it did make them a target for thieves.
It’s undecided if the board will be replacing the sculptures. Really? Call in some common sense here folks! The news is broadcasting daily about the theft of copper from air conditioning units at schools, churches, light poles, and more. And bronze statues have been stolen before around Kansas City. Shall we hope the HOA members will stop the madness of their money going to the scrap-metal yards?
And since this happened in the city where I live, my tax dollars are now being spent to find and arrest the culprits. So that makes us all losers in the expense of the missing bronze deer.
It’s come to my attention that some people haven’t been able to add comments to my posts. It’s incredibly easy. Right beside my photo at the upper right corner of each post there’s a bag.
Think of this as YOUR punching bag. Imagine that you were aiming at my head and missed and hit the bag! Then let us all know whatever’s on your mind.
Standard laws of Internet etiquette apply! No cussing, swearing, flaming, threats, all the standard stuff. Oh, and don’t use all caps. that means you’re unnecessarily shouting and you’ll probably get deleted. And if I see something that looks libelous or slanderous your comment won’t appear.
Finally, I do make a rare change on a post regardless of which side you’re on. I only do it to correct occasional grammar and spelling problems just to make you sound more articulate.
For you readers who are CAI members (and I know you’re there by your IP addresses!) here’s a fantastic idea for you! Debtors’ prisons!
A few local courts here and there have revived the illegal practice of throwing debtors in jail until their debts are paid. Since Homeowners Associations are de facto governments they certainly could take people who are late on their dues payments, fines or special assessments and toss them in jail. Heck, HOAs don’t have to abide by the Constitution so a debtor’s prison would be perfect! With the help of some local judges who are in the pockets of the CAI it would be a breeze!
If some miscreant homeowner is a problem, don’t just sue them, lien them, and foreclose on their home! If they’ve planted an illegal shrub, or left the garage door open beyond the 10 minute time limit, don’t harass them or pass out tickets. Throw the bums in jail!
It’s legal! If all the other ‘stuff’ you do to homeowners is legal, then this surely is.
