Neighborhood decision upsets wife of war vet

[Sam]

Heh, this is my neighborhood. Our HOA deleted their facebook page presumably because it was getting bombarded with negative comments.

http://chronicle.augusta.com/latest-news/2011-06-23/neighborhood-decision-upsets-wife-war-vet?v=1308827043


Just days after burying her father, Sharon Gittens was saddened again this week when she learned construction on a new home for her disabled veteran husband and their children was blocked by the neighborhood property owners association.



“We’re all just very disappointed,” Gittens said, adding she found out about the problem late Tuesday.. “We got real excited when we saw that they cleared the lot, cut the trees down and everything, and started doing some work.”
The homebuilding group, Homes for Our Troops, worked with the Knob Hill Property Owners Association for about a year planning the home to be built free of charge for Gittens’ husband, Sgt. 1st Class Sean Gittens. He was injured during his third tour of duty in Iraq about three years ago.
While deployed, Gittens said her husband suffered multiple concussive head traumas from improvised explosive devices. After returning home, a brain aneurysm caused a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak.
Homes for Our Troops – a national organization that builds and remodels adapted homes for severely injured veterans – purchased a lot at 1475 Knob Hill Circle, not far from the home the family has rented for nearly a year on Cornerstone Place.
The association gave “conditional approval” on June 2 pending a review of the home design, according to an association member. That decision was overturned at a later meeting because the 2,700-square-foot home was too small and neighbors thought it would bring down property values, said John Gonsalves, founder of Homes for Our Troops.
“You worked with people last year, you should have made your final approval then,” Gittens said, adding the two groups have worked together “side-by-side and step-by-step” since at least October. “It is not just today. It is not just June 2 that they said we want to build a house here for an injured solider.”
Crews graded the lot and were preparing to pour the home foundation when they were served last week with a cease-and-desist order.
“We’ve done everything they’ve asked. For them to do this at the last minute is very disturbing,” Gonsalves said. “I don’t think there is a community in America that wouldn’t embrace this family after what they’ve sacrificed.”
But association member Tom Rogers said Homes for Our Troops did not do everything asked of it. The group did not have written approval from the association’s architectural review board, but negotiated through email only.
“What’s important to understand is the family already lives here,” Rogers said. “They’re a great family. We have no qualms with them. The problem is, that street down there has 5,000-square-foot homes all the way up and down the street there. ... It just doesn’t fit. That’s the whole issue.”
According to county tax maps, the home directly across from the corner lot purchased for the Gittens boasts a 3,310-square-foot home. Only a few homes nearby on Knob Hill Circle are larger than 4,000 square feet. Most of the 55 homes on the street are between 3,000 and 5,000 square feet.
Four homes on the street are described as less than 3,000 square feet, while five are about 5,000 square feet.
Gonsalves said his team checked association documents, which do recommend that at least 2,700-square-foot homes be built, but Rogers said homes in that section are much larger.
“We want to protect our homes that we worked hard to achieve, and we want everyone to be treated equally,” Rogers said. “These people will have to go through the same process as everyone else did.”
Gittens said she wonders if the design was not approved because the home is single-story, which is needed to make the home accessible for her husband.
Gonsalves gave her the option to continue working with the Knob Hill association or look for another site.
“The decision is mine,” Gittens said. “I like the neighborhood, because I feel safe over here. My kids like it over here. I have kids in school over here.
“I’m not saying I’m ready to get out of the neighborhood. But I don’t want to … live somewhere where we don’t feel welcome.”

[g++]

I would prefer our armed forces kill HOA board members rather than the taliban personally. We would have alot less wounded soldiers and some real good would come of it.

[WRoss]

Wow, I hope they sort this out. If they are worried about lowering property values, they should have considered all the negative media for messing with an injured vet.

[Bobmuhthol]

I'm glad I didn't grow up having to listen to some irritating fucking homeowners' association. Tom Rogers should be shot.

[Gnome Rage]

Wow, I hope they sort this out. If they are worried about lowering property values, they should have considered all the negative media for messing with an injured vet.

x2

Also, I feel like they can't even stand by their decision (they know its wrong man!) because they deleted their facebook due to the attacks they brought on by all of a sudden denying the approval.

[Sam]

I didn't even know this was going on 'til I read google news today. Came home from work and there were a couple news vans on the road, and I realized what lot they're talking about.

This is the first time I've had a HOA, and it's a bit of a pain in the ass honestly, but the rules do keep the neighborhood nicer, and everyone agreed to them, so I think the should be followed.

I just love how emotional civilians get when it comes to defending veterans from their computer chair. Also, I can't see a veteran argument without thinking of this.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kEfM4vY9QdQ/TImdeOHTHcI/AAAAAAAAAdE/PDubp-ontkU/s400/walter.jpg

[Sam]

I sure hope there's not a protest/march in my neighborhood. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jactoFKh-Fc

[Liagala]

This is the first time I've had a HOA, and it's a bit of a pain in the ass honestly, but the rules do keep the neighborhood nicer, and everyone agreed to them, so I think the should be followed.

I just love how emotional civilians get when it comes to defending veterans from their computer chair.
This is far from the first time you've had soldiers to fight for you. Taking care of them when they're wounded is a bit of a pain in the ass honestly, but their sacrifice does keep the country nicer, and everyone is alive because of them, so I think it should be done.

I just love how emotional civilians get when it comes to defending people who allow them to be alive and free to sit in their computer chair.

[Sean]

This is far from the first time you've had soldiers to fight for you. Taking care of them when they're wounded is a bit of a pain in the ass honestly, but their sacrifice does keep the country nicer, and everyone is alive because of them, so I think it should be done.

I just love how emotional civilians get when it comes to defending people who allow them to be alive and free to sit in their computer chair.

I'm pretty sure brute is a member of the armed forces.

The levels that people will goto to protect their property values is pretty nuts, this doesn't really surprise me at all.

[g++]

I think most people hate HOA's also. If you replaced the word veteran in the article with Blockbuster employee I would still hate them. Fuck HOA's their unconstitutional and evil.

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

I just love how emotional civilians get when it comes to defending veterans from their computer chair. Also, I can't see a veteran argument without thinking of this.

I do not understand your last sentence.

Regards the one above it, it seems like you look down on non-military folks who defend the rights of veterans? Am I interpreting that correctly? Or is it because they are doing it online rather than in person? Not sure I get it.

[Liagala]

I'm pretty sure brute is a member of the armed forces.

The levels that people will goto to protect their property values is pretty nuts, this doesn't really surprise me at all.
If he is, he sure has an odd way of showing support. It sounds to me like he's agreeing with the HOA - a 2,700 sq ft home is too small and will bring down property values, so the injured vet is out of luck.

[Sam]

I do not understand your last sentence.

Regards the one above it, it seems like you look down on non-military folks who defend the rights of veterans? Am I interpreting that correctly? Or is it because they are doing it online rather than in person? Not sure I get it.


That was a funky sentence.. I don't think veterans rights need to be defended. They (we) have the same rights as anyone. I just hate the sense of entitlement that some veterans have, and the people that rally around it when it doesn't cost them anything, just because it seems like the noble thing to do.

Maybe I'm just jealous that I didn't get disabled in Afghanistan and have no cool war stories.

I just hate the fact that being a veteran comes into play at all in any political context. I served in the military. I did it for my own reasons and I was compensated, and am still receiving money for college. I don't feel like I need to remind people that I'm a veteran to make up for my shortcomings, and it seems like I see that a lot.

Hrmm. maybe I'm just cranky because I don't want people picketing on the street I have to use to get out of my neighborhood. That and I have to go take a test in a few minutes, and I only spent an hour of the last 2 months studying.

[Sam]

If he is, he sure has an odd way of showing support. It sounds to me like he's agreeing with the HOA - a 2,700 sq ft home is too small and will bring down property values, so the injured vet is out of luck.


My house isn't even that big, but it's not in the ritzy part of the neighborhood. I can understand why the people there wouldn't want a significantly smaller house built, in addition to the fact that the family is obviously not very high-income, so they're probably afraid the yard will look like shit, etc... It sounds snobby, but the people chose where they live because of the rules, and I don't think this is a good reason for them to be broken.

Either way, I'm sure there are some unknown details, but I wouldn't be surprised if the home has already been approved after this morning's shitstorm. Hmm maybe I'll leave early for my test and see if the reporters try to stop and interview me. I'll be famous!

[AnticorRifling]

I'm in Brute's corner on this one. The fact that he's a vet shouldn't be the focus point of this issue. It's a family that appeared to have the HOA support in building a house to meet the needs of a family member that's handicap and then breaking ground starts and there's a halt on it.

[Axhinde]

Publicly showing support for veterans has sort of become a commodity it seems like. Its a way to bring people to your side even when it has nothing to do with an issue. Also, as a veteran who did deploy to Iraq, and Afghanistan I don't agree with people who honestly think that we were fighting for their personal "freedom" here in the states. You really think that is what we were sent there to do? I can't speak for all vets, but every guy in my platoon knew we weren't fighting for American freedom. That doesn't even make sense.

[Bobmuhthol]

I can't speak for all vets, but every guy in my platoon knew we weren't fighting for American freedom. That doesn't even make sense.

Fuck you. Accept the fact that you personally fought so that I can be free.

[Axhinde]

Fuck you. Accept the fact that you personally fought so that I can be free.

For you I will.

[AnticorRifling]

I tried to imagine I was a Lorax only for boobies and not trees.

[Tgo01]

If you say it was for oil I'm going to have to smack you.

[Showal]

Fuck you. Accept the fact that you personally fought so that I can be free.

And then remind me that freedom isn't free.

[Axhinde]

If you say it was for oil I'm going to have to smack you.

I wouldnt say that. I was only there because...

a.) it was my job

and

b.) i wanted to be there for the guy to my left and to my right


Btw, how would you smack me? Email it?

[Tgo01]

Btw, how would you smack me? Email it?

Yes.

[Drew]

And then remind me that freedom isn't free.

It costs a hefty fuckin' fee.

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

That was a funky sentence.. I don't think veterans rights need to be defended. They (we) have the same rights as anyone. I just hate the sense of entitlement that some veterans have, and the people that rally around it when it doesn't cost them anything, just because it seems like the noble thing to do.

Maybe I'm just jealous that I didn't get disabled in Afghanistan and have no cool war stories.

I just hate the fact that being a veteran comes into play at all in any political context. I served in the military. I did it for my own reasons and I was compensated, and am still receiving money for college. I don't feel like I need to remind people that I'm a veteran to make up for my shortcomings, and it seems like I see that a lot.

Hrmm. maybe I'm just cranky because I don't want people picketing on the street I have to use to get out of my neighborhood. That and I have to go take a test in a few minutes, and I only spent an hour of the last 2 months studying.

Ah that makes perfect sense. I disagree only slightly with you. I do think we "owe" something to military veterans, but I wouldn't say they deserve special treatment like exemption from HOA rules. That it’s a big deal because he’s a veteran is stupid, agreed.

I would say the HOA fucked up and should have noted it earlier as an issue, instead of after they broke ground - and that’s for any case, not just a veteran. IMO, the HOA should compensate for monies lost to the contractor, and then the contractor can either move elsewhere, or revise their plans to suite the area.

Besides that, fuck HOAs. I pay $600 annually to mine and I participate in the quarterly meetings, and have yet to see what value they bring. I mean, only 10 colors for house paint doesn’t seem like it requires $600 a year to decide on. The pool for the 100 odd houses it supports doesn’t seem like it’s a $60k a year maintenance fee, and the streets are always plowed really shitty when it snows. Fuck HOAs.

[Sam]

Besides that, fuck HOAs. I pay $600 annually to mine and I participate in the quarterly meetings, and have yet to see what value they bring. I mean, only 10 colors for house paint doesn’t seem like it requires $600 a year to decide on. The pool for the 100 odd houses it supports doesn’t seem like it’s a $60k a year maintenance fee, and the streets are always plowed really shitty when it snows. Fuck HOAs.


Yeah I have no idea where our fees go besides the pool and landscaping. Hopefully they've been saving some to use for PR.

[WRoss]

My feeling about any member of the military is the same as police and firemen. Many sign of up for the job for multiple reasons and discover along the way that their reason for staying in the job is much different, whether it be personal reasons or a higher calling. Regardless, they are there to provide a service of protection to the United States. Those in the military aren't the politicians picking the fights, but they would be same soldiers defending our soil if we ever were invaded.

When it comes to an injured veteran, police officer, or fireman, I do go out of my way to assist them, if they choose to have the assistance. When instances like this come along and the HOA, from what I've read, approves then blocks, it does evoke stronger emotion than it would if it was just some regular person. The fact that this specialist was willing to put his life on the line for this country and got injured not doing so because of political decisions out of his hands does not exclude him from having the support of the American public.

/2 cents

[Showal]

I pay 270 a month for them to tell me I can't put some sort of drainage system in my yard and can only put 1x1 ft gray bricks from an approved vendor in. I bet the vendor is a friend of someone on the HIS. As far as I'm concerned, fill the pool in with concrete and fire the cunt who sits behind the management desk. I get the budget reports. I know they're swimming in money.

[Showal]

Oh, and fuck HOAs.

[Parkbandit]

I love my current HOA.. but hated my previous one.

[Tgo01]

I used to live in an HOA, it was kind of nice. My driveway and sidewalk would be clear of snow before I even woke up in the morning, they maintained the yard, at one point they even removed everyone's deck and built a brand new one at no cost to the homeowners. Either our HOA was very laid back or we just happen to do everything right because we never received a complaint nor heard from the HOA.

I've heard some horror stories about HOAs though.

[pabstblueribbon]

Fools!

My house has been here since the 1800's. Well, part of it anyways. Rough hewn oak lumber and hand made nails in some of the stuff..

Try and bring an HOA in here motherfucker!

Oh. Also, I have no neighbors on my side of the road. There is a subdivision across the road though, and they tried to force me to pay 30k over X amount of years to put in a sewer line for all those fuckles.. but I said.. FUCK YOU. My septic system is 10 years old, and I'm not in your shitty neighborhood!

Yes. I'm bragging.

[TheEschaton]

HOAs are contracts you enter into of your own free will, and thus aren't unconstitutional.

Now, if you could prove that HOAs are so pervasive that you can't own a home anywhere without being in one, and all HOAs are oppressive and awful, then you might have a case. LOL.

[g++]

So following that logic I take it human trafficking is also constitutional then?

[Androidpk]

I don't think anyone is trying to play the veteran card here. The house was being built there because of what happened and the HOA screwed up and didn't handle the situation like it should have.

[Sam]

I don't think anyone is trying to play the veteran card here. The house was being built there because of what happened and the HOA screwed up and didn't handle the situation like it should have.

Well the story wouldn't even be in the news if the guy wasn't a disabled vet. And this is a quote from his wife:


"It is sad. You have people out there risking their lives and there are people that just don't care,"

It has nothing to do with not caring, and everything to do with the fact that we have covenants and committees for a reason... that's why the neighborhood is nice. Hell they already live here, they're just renting. They must think it's a nice neighborhood.

Obviously no one knows the details of HOA's interaction with the non-profit builder, but I think it's just a slow news day otherwise, and this kind of story can get a lot of attention with little effort.

[Stanley Burrell]

I can't tell whether the HOA is wearing a bullseye or the builder. Weird. All I know is that in a co-op, you don't have an inspector going around to see if you installed an extra lightbulb to tax out the ass. Because light bulbs have anal functions.

[Tgo01]

I actually understood over 90% of a Stanley Burrell post. Something is wrong here...

[Stanley Burrell]

I actually understood over 90% of a Stanley Burrell post. Something is wrong here...

You're right. CTRL + ALT + Down Arrow.

[Androidpk]

Well the story wouldn't even be in the news if the guy wasn't a disabled vet. And this is a quote from his wife:


It has nothing to do with not caring, and everything to do with the fact that we have covenants and committees for a reason... that's why the neighborhood is nice. Hell they already live here, they're just renting. They must think it's a nice neighborhood.

Obviously no one knows the details of HOA's interaction with the non-profit builder, but I think it's just a slow news day otherwise, and this kind of story can get a lot of attention with little effort.

Absolutely, bitches should have filled out their 27B/6!

[EasternBrand]

Don't take that HOA bullsquash, build your damn dick lake on your property anyway.

[Stanley Burrell]

Don't take that HOA bullsquash, build your damn dick lake on your property anyway.

You seem to have ... forgotten someone.

http://www.pollsb.com/photos/o/78858-maybe.jpg

[TheEschaton]

So following that logic I take it human trafficking is also constitutional then?

Human trafficking, by its very nature, is not a contract, nor is it entered freely, of one's own will.

[Androidpk]

Human trafficking, by its very nature, is not a contract, nor is it entered freely, of one's own will.

It is in some cases, on both accounts.

[Parkbandit]

I actually understood over 90% of a Stanley Burrell post. Something is wrong here...

You must be high.

[Sam]

http://i.spotted.augusta.com/user/1/zoom/1051502.jpg