Peace on Earth, just not in Colorado

[Dregor Thule]

A homeowners association in southwestern Colorado has threatened to fine a resident $25 a day until she removes a Christmas wreath with a peace sign that some say is an anti-Iraq war protest or a symbol of Satan.

Some residents who have complained have children serving in Iraq, said Bob Kearns, president of the Loma Linda Homeowners Association in Pagosa Springs. He said some residents have also believed it was a symbol of Satan. Three or four residents complained, he said.

"Somebody could put up signs that say drop bombs on Iraq. If you let one go up you have to let them all go up," he said in a telephone interview Sunday.

Lisa Jensen said she wasn't thinking of the war when she hung the wreath. She said, "Peace is way bigger than not being at war. This is a spiritual thing."

Jensen, a past association president, calculates the fines will cost her about $1,000, and doubts they will be able to make her pay. But she said she's not going to take it down until after Christmas.

"Now that it has come to this I feel I can't get bullied," she said. "What if they don't like my Santa Claus."

The association in this 200-home subdivision 270 miles southwest of Denver has sent a letter to her saying that residents were offended by the sign and the board "will not allow signs, flags etc. that can be considered divisive."

The subdivision's rules say no signs, billboards or advertising are permitted without the consent of the architectural control committee.

Kearns ordered the committee to require Jensen to remove the wreath, but members refused after concluding that it was merely a seasonal symbol that didn't say anything. Kearns fired all five committee members.

Isn't the whole "peace on earth and goodwill towards men" sort of a christmas theme?

[noel]

Isn't the whole "peace on earth and goodwill towards men" sort of a Christmas theme?

It is, but it will not be tolerated under the current regi*cough* administration.

[Marbus]

Yes obviously these people are idiots... not sure what else is going on here except for the fact that there are probably a bunch of people in that area with nothing better to do that to dream up things to get pissed off about, what a wonderful Christmas idea!

Marb

[kyoukan]

God I hate hate HATE HATE HATE HATE homeowner's associations.

They are all little drama republics that have absolutely no power to do anything and are always run by fucking jackasses that see themselves as kings but have never been in a position of leadership ever in their lives. Nothing good has ever come out of homeowner's association; they do nothing but cause problems.

[Boogahz]

God I hate hate HATE HATE HATE HATE homeowner's associations.

They are all little drama republics that have absolutely no power to do anything and are always run by fucking jackasses that see themselves as kings but have never been in a position of leadership ever in their lives. Nothing good has ever come out of homeowner's association; they do nothing but cause problems.

I agree 100% on this. I have been recently shopping for a new home, and one reason I will not go with a custom built home in one of the new "communities" being built around here is that they are all in these associations with "rule books" thicker than any college textbook I ever had.

[Lalanae]

God I hate hate HATE HATE HATE HATE homeowner's associations.

They are all little drama republics that have absolutely no power to do anything and are always run by fucking jackasses that see themselves as kings but have never been in a position of leadership ever in their lives. Nothing good has ever come out of homeowner's association; they do nothing but cause problems.

I agree 100% on this. I have been recently shopping for a new home, and one reason I will not go with a custom built home in one of the new "communities" being built around here is that they are all in these associations with "rule books" thicker than any college textbook I ever had.

Not to mention that newer communities typically have identical cookie cutter houses that are all one of 3 shades of tan, if your part of the world is anything like mine. Eric and I bought a house in a community developed in the mid 50's. Homes from that era are build with better materials and each home has its own look (I fell in love with the unique brick used on our house). Our community association is practically non-existant, only there if there are obvious problems. Those "new" subdivisions are all the same. All that tan and gray paint with no trees and some community associatian whore sending you a letter because you left your flip flops outside or you planted blue flowers and that is not an approved flower color. Makes me nauseus.

(Both of those community association violation examples actually happened to some people I know!)

[Niffoni]

Homeowner's Associations are for white girls whose whole world came crashing down around them when they left high school, and found out no one gives a shit about what they think.

[Animalor]

There's a homeowners association where I live but they're really only there to organise activities for residents of the area. Right now they're planning on building an outdoor skating rink for residents.

Thankfully, there's no rule as to what you can do or not do with your house. I plan on getting a gargoyle that's 3-4 foot tall and putting it in my flower bed. Most of my neighbors are in their 50's and 60's so it should be entertaining watching people walk by and noticing it for the first time.

[Niffoni]

There's a homeowners association where I live but they're really only there to organise activities for residents of the area. Right now they're planning on building an outdoor skating rink for residents.

Thankfully, there's no rule as to what you can do or not do with your house. I plan on getting a gargoyle that's 3-4 foot tall and putting it in my flower bed. Most of my neighbors are in their 50's and 60's so it should be entertaining watching people walk by and noticing it for the first time.

I guess I MAY have been generalizing, just a little

[Winnow]

Ever see a non home owner's street? There's that one house with weeds as tall as the roof, that junker car parked in front of the house that hasn't run in years with the oil slick, and more dog shit visible on the lawn than grass.

Unless it's ok for the rest of the neighborhood to put a bar of soap in a sock and beat the shit out of that neighbor until they wise up, there's nothing you can do but enjoy the view on your street.

I mostly hate home owner's associations but that's the reason they exist. I remember all the initial problems with satellite dishes and home owners associations.

[Boogahz]

The only times I have run into anything like that, the County Sheriff resolved the issues after a couple visits/fines.

[Vaemas]

Stepford wives!

[Arborealus]

Not to mention that newer communities typically have identical cookie cutter houses that are all one of 3 shades of tan, if your part of the world is anything like mine.

Little boxes on the hillside, Little boxes made of tickytacky
Little boxes on the hillside, little boxes all the same
There's a green one and a pink one and a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky tacky and they all look just the same.

And the people in the houses all went to the university
Where they were put in boxes and they came out all the same,
And there's doctors and there's lawyers, and business executives
And they're all made out of ticky tacky and they all look just the same.

And they all play on the golf course and drink their martinis dry,
And they all have pretty children and the children go to school
And the children go to summer camp and then to the university
Where they are put in boxes and they come out all the same.

And the boys go into business and marry and raise a family
In boxes made of ticky tacky and they all look just the same.

Malvina

[Zaelath]

Scary... that song was part of the offical Australia Broadcasting Corporation sing-a-long book for kids when I was in 5th grade

[miir]

Ever see a non home owner's street? There's that one house with weeds as tall as the roof, that junker car parked in front of the house that hasn't run in years with the oil slick, and more dog shit visible on the lawn than grass.

There is no homeowners association in my neighbourhood and there is none of what you mentioned... but then again, I probably live in a more mature neighbourhood than you with responsible people who actually take care of their homes.

[Siji]

Ever see a non home owner's street? There's that one house with weeds as tall as the roof, that junker car parked in front of the house that hasn't run in years with the oil slick, and more dog shit visible on the lawn than grass.

There is no homeowners association in my neighbourhood and there is none of what you mentioned... but then again, I probably live in a more mature neighbourhood than you with responsible people who actually take care of their homes.

Neighborhoods can change as residents change. I've seen neighborhoods that were pristine when I was younger, and to drive by them now you may as well call them slums. It also seems to me from observations, that people of different races or backgrounds have different.. let's say "styles" and preferences. Would you really want to live next to a bright blue or neon green house? How about canary yellow? Given the choice, I wouldn't. It lowers the value of your home, which may not effect you if you don't plan on selling, but it will effect you if you plan on getting an equity loan.. And it's an eyesore.

You work hard, well most people do, on making your house your home and making it a place where you want to be able to look forward to getting back to at the end of the day. Just because Joe Bob next door thought it would be a hoot to paint his house the same color as his 67 Buick, and with the same spray paint, or because Tyrone was digging that whole Africa color scheme striped on the stucco, or because Chi wanted his house to match his favorite sushi, or because Hector ran out of paint 1/4 of the way through.. 8 months ago, doesn't mean you want to live next to it and see it every day.

HOA's can be abused just like any other organization but the overall purpose is the same. Keep your home value up.

[kyoukan]

Ultimately homeowner's associations are worthless, because they represent no authority and can enforce nothing.

In our old place we had several run ins with the local HA. They tried to make us take our basketball hoop down (wtf?). We went away for a few weeks once. We hired a kid to cut the grass for us twice a week while we were gone, but I guess his master plan was not to cut it until the day before we got back and keep all the money. Anyway the grass grew really fucking long and the HA had a landscaping company come and cut it and then presented us with a bill for it when we got back. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at two people more in my entire life. They told me that "regulations" say that we have to keep our yards looking nice or they will hire someone to do it at our expense. I told them to shove their bill up their ass.

The only repurcussions were like a few families that actually took that shit seriously wouldn't talk to us. But I never had any interest in talking to them anyway.

[Cartalas]

Ultimately homeowner's associations are worthless, because they represent no authority and can enforce nothing.

In our old place we had several run ins with the local HA. They tried to make us take our basketball hoop down (wtf?). We went away for a few weeks once. We hired a kid to cut the grass for us twice a week while we were gone, but I guess his master plan was not to cut it until the day before we got back and keep all the money. Anyway the grass grew really fucking long and the HA had a landscaping company come and cut it and then presented us with a bill for it when we got back. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at two people more in my entire life. They told me that "regulations" say that we have to keep our yards looking nice or they will hire someone to do it at our expense. I told them to shove their bill up their ass.

The only repurcussions were like a few families that actually took that shit seriously wouldn't talk to us. But I never had any interest in talking to them anyway.

So because you let your lawn grow 4ft high and your cars are on blocks you think its allright for your neighbors to look at your shithole?


Take care of your house and property and shit like that wont happen. I respect the fact that they want to keep out the White Trash such as yourself.

[*~*stragi*~*]

The fucking old jew crone HoA lady down the street from me tried to have my fucking car towed for being parked on my driveway.

[Kaldaur]

It's your house. If you junkers parked out front and grass high, so be it. Let the city handle it, not some jacked up Homeowners Association. I read that article a few days ago, and they just sound like fascists who want to get involved in your business and your home.

[vn_Tanc]

Ultimately homeowner's associations are worthless, because they represent no authority and can enforce nothing.

In our old place we had several run ins with the local HA. They tried to make us take our basketball hoop down (wtf?). We went away for a few weeks once. We hired a kid to cut the grass for us twice a week while we were gone, but I guess his master plan was not to cut it until the day before we got back and keep all the money. Anyway the grass grew really fucking long and the HA had a landscaping company come and cut it and then presented us with a bill for it when we got back. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at two people more in my entire life. They told me that "regulations" say that we have to keep our yards looking nice or they will hire someone to do it at our expense. I told them to shove their bill up their ass.

The only repurcussions were like a few families that actually took that shit seriously wouldn't talk to us. But I never had any interest in talking to them anyway.

So because you let your lawn grow 4ft high and your cars are on blocks you think its allright for your neighbors to look at your shithole?


Take care of your house and property and shit like that wont happen. I respect the fact that they want to keep out the White Trash such as yourself.

No YOU are

[Arborealus]

Kearns ordered the committee to require Jensen to remove the wreath, but members refused after concluding that it was merely a seasonal symbol that didn't say anything. Kearns fired all five committee members.

Sounds like it is pretty much one guy to me.

[miir]

Ultimately homeowner's associations are worthless, because they represent no authority and can enforce nothing.

In our old place we had several run ins with the local HA. They tried to make us take our basketball hoop down (wtf?). We went away for a few weeks once. We hired a kid to cut the grass for us twice a week while we were gone, but I guess his master plan was not to cut it until the day before we got back and keep all the money. Anyway the grass grew really fucking long and the HA had a landscaping company come and cut it and then presented us with a bill for it when we got back. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at two people more in my entire life. They told me that "regulations" say that we have to keep our yards looking nice or they will hire someone to do it at our expense. I told them to shove their bill up their ass.

The only repurcussions were like a few families that actually took that shit seriously wouldn't talk to us. But I never had any interest in talking to them anyway.

So because you let your lawn grow 4ft high and your cars are on blocks you think its allright for your neighbors to look at your shithole?


Take care of your house and property and shit like that wont happen. I respect the fact that they want to keep out the White Trash such as yourself.

No YOU are

No.. wait...
You didn't just do....

[Cartalas]

Ultimately homeowner's associations are worthless, because they represent no authority and can enforce nothing.

In our old place we had several run ins with the local HA. They tried to make us take our basketball hoop down (wtf?). We went away for a few weeks once. We hired a kid to cut the grass for us twice a week while we were gone, but I guess his master plan was not to cut it until the day before we got back and keep all the money. Anyway the grass grew really fucking long and the HA had a landscaping company come and cut it and then presented us with a bill for it when we got back. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at two people more in my entire life. They told me that "regulations" say that we have to keep our yards looking nice or they will hire someone to do it at our expense. I told them to shove their bill up their ass.

The only repurcussions were like a few families that actually took that shit seriously wouldn't talk to us. But I never had any interest in talking to them anyway.

So because you let your lawn grow 4ft high and your cars are on blocks you think its allright for your neighbors to look at your shithole?


Take care of your house and property and shit like that wont happen. I respect the fact that they want to keep out the White Trash such as yourself.

No YOU are

No you are

[Breagen]

There is a family that lives down the street from my parents that was trying to repaint their house when the HOA told them that the color they had picked was unacceptable. They ended up going through around four or five different colors all being turned down and then they showed them the original color again, without telling them, and they approved it.

From what I've seen/heard most HOA's exist as nothing more than a way for some control freaks to try and pump themselves up by trying to exert control over other people. Any real offences can be handled through the police or local government, most HOA's just go around bitching about a trash can left on the curb for an extra day or a lawn being four inches instead of three.

[Kaldaur]

When you move into a community that has a Homeowners Association, do they have any actual authority? Do you sign an agreement moving into that neighborhood that you will respect the wishes of the HA? Why exactly do they have the power to do this?

[Boogahz]

When you move into a community that has a Homeowners Association, do they have any actual authority? Do you sign an agreement moving into that neighborhood that you will respect the wishes of the HA? Why exactly do they have the power to do this?

You agree to that as a part of the purchase of the property in many places.

[kyoukan]

It still is not legally binding.

[Aabidano]

You agree to that as a part of the purchase of the property in many places.

That was one of out requirements when we were house shopping. Dirtbag neighbor? Just call the county, thy take care of it pretty quick around here.

[Boogahz]

Most of the Homeowner's Associations I have seen are in "private" subdivisions. You must sign the HA contract if you want the house. If you agree to the HA contract, what portion of it is not legally binding? That's why I won't buy where there is a Homeowner's Association. There is nothing worthwhile that they can do which I cannot have done as well through other legal means (like the above-mentioned call to the county/sheriff).