At certain moments, we might receive instructions that conflict with our sense
of fairness. In such instances, we are faced with a decision. We can either comply with the request or we can resist.
Living in a neighborhood with a homeowners association can be a source
of frustration for some individuals. The HOA has the authority to create
and enforce rules in a very strict manner, which can pose challenges for residents.
Straying from the rules set by an HOA may lead to encountering issues down the line.
Consequences could range from fines to more severe actions outlined in the association’s regulations.
Etienne Constable resides in the coastal neighborhood and encountered a distinctive
problem with the homeowners’ association. By July 2023, he received notice that
storing his boat in the driveway was no longer permissible due to complaints from his neighbors.
He was informed that he needed to conceal the boat to prevent it from being seen by his neighbor, or else he would face a $100 penalty.
The city clearly outlined in their regulations that “boats and large pickup campers,
motor homes, recreational vehicles, utility trailers, and vacation trailers”
are permitted to be parked on driveways only if they are “screened on the side and front by a six-foot-high fence.”
The constable believed it was most appropriate to adhere to their requests, but he did so in a manner that left a lasting impression. Essentially, he placed the boat behind a fence and proceeded to paint a mural of the boat on the fence.
He mentioned utilizing his boat for fishing, which had been sitting in his driveway for four years prior to the complaint being filed. Initially considering leaving a scathing message at City Hall, Ethan ultimately opted for a more subtle form of retaliation.
“I’m a big proponent of public art in spaces,” Panni mentioned. “It engages people in ways that reaching out and having conversations doesn’t sometimes.”
Ever since this became super popular, lots of people living nearby have been begging him to paint murals on their buildings. He’s pretty sure the city knows what’s going on, but he hasn’t gotten any updates yet.
