American flag presented to next of kin at American military cemetery. Photo by Beverly and Pack.
Realtor facing fines
Scottsdale Realtor, Brock O’Neal recently hung an American flag in the window of his condominium and is now facing fines from an unresponsive HOA.
O’Neal says he put the flag up just weeks ago but got a letter from his homeowner’s association on August 17th demanding removal of the flag as it violated property values and the aesthetic appeal of the property. Failure to remove would result in fines for ongoing HOA violations.
O’Neal told CBS5 that he loves his country and wants to show his allegiance by displaying the flag. As a Realtor, he disputes the ability of a flag to diminish the value of the property and claims he would have already removed it if he believed that to be the case.
At first glance, one could argue that the homeowner put up curtains in his home which is likely within HOA guidelines, and the curtains happen to be in the pattern of the American flag:
If the HOA dictates blinds must be kept up, then aesthetic appeal rules have been violated- perhaps O’Neal will put them back up then raise them in protest?
O’Neal claims no neighbors have complained to him and it is unclear whether or not someone called the HOA or if a board member saw it on the property.
“I’m proud to be from here.”
“I’m thankful for a lot of the stuff we have here. I’m proud to be from here and I think flying a flag shows that. It’s a reminder every time I drive in here that I’m from the states and I’m proud of it,” O’Neal told CBS5.
The homeowner alleges he has attempted to contact the HOA who has not responded. He has 15 days from the date the letter was sent to remove the flag or face penalties.
O’Neal isn’t the first to get a letter from the HOA disputing patriotic displays- the Burr family installed a sign in Louisiana supporting their son in the military and faced similar penalties.
Liz Benitez
August 23, 2011 at 11:31 am
This is very sad. I can't believe any HOA in America would do this.
Mullins Farms
August 24, 2011 at 10:55 am
Absolutely amazing how things have changed these past 100 years.