guest blog by Nila Ridings
Life is very different for those who have a severe handicap or live with someone who does. Social events are rarely, if ever, attended. Most outings are spent at a medical office or hospital. Transportation is restricted to a specialized vehicle that comes with a hefty price tag. And vacations are nearly out of the question.
Above all, these families deserve compassion and kindness. But all too often, life in an HOA shows us how cold-hearted, selfish, and ridiculous some people can be towards others.
At nineteen years old Eric Doyle has suffered 500 bone fractures due to a disease over which he has no control. He can’t go out dancing or downhill skiing like others his age. But because his parents purchased an ambulance for his transportation he can occasionally go to the movie theater or to a BBQ dinner.
But Eric and his family had to go through a nightmare of threatening letters, fines, and a battle with the Harbor Cove Homeowners Association in Las Vegas and their First Columbia Community Management, Inc. property manager. Listen to this! They demanded he re-paint the ambulance and remove the lights because that’s what THEY wanted in order to keep their perfect little HOA in pristine condition. You know, so the property values don’t go down. HA!
Harbor Cove Homeowners, welcome to decreased property values with your $65,000 settlement to Eric Doyle and all the media exposure that comes with it! Keep your noses in the air and your hearts on dry ice. But never forget the day could come when life isn’t perfect for you either!
Kick ’em harder must be the motto in the HOA and property management rule book when they know somebody can’t stand up and fight back! And threaten them with fines, liens, and lawsuits until you bankrupt them or run them out through your golden gates.
Readers, we must never stop fighting against these injustices! We are better people with bigger hearts than to let others be hurt like this.
The Doyle family has now moved to a non-HOA community with the $65,000 check in their hand. I wish them the very best in their HOA-free life!
