Ham protests homeowner's association [Archive]

N2RJ

01-07-2007, 05:15 AM

Quote[/b] (KC0W @ Jan. 06 2007,23:59)]This guy is a buffoon.

Ham radio is geekish enough without some fool sitting atop of his tower for days on end because he doesn't want to pay some kind of street tax........And the outcome of this kind of CHILDISH stunt will be what?

Hope the towers guy wires & concrete were properly #installed. Just what is the square foot rating of a man sitting on top of a tower with 1" of radial ice at 50 MPH? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #Tom kcØw
Hello, this isn't some kind of street tax.

This is an HOA. The kind that enforces restrictive covenants and deed restrictions.

The sad part is we're not seeing the whole story and I bet it has something to do with his tower. Why else would he sit on top of it for days?

My guess is that the neighbors sued or threatened him to take down the tower.

I can't believe that it has anything to do with paying for road maintenance.

n2ize

01-07-2007, 09:26 AM

Reminds me of flagpole sitting. Anyone out here remember flagpole sitters ? A fad popular in the 1920's which more or less died out in the 1930's, Dudes would sit on top of a platform attached to a flagpole and try and stay up there non stop until the broke the record of duration. Flagpole sitting regained a little popularity again during the late 1940's and early 1950's before dying out once again. Although it's more or less a dead art there are still some flagpole sitters around these days. I think one recently broke some record in 2002.

If this ham on the tower is an ex flagpole sitter then forget about it. They'll never get him down. Those flagpole sitters are tough and determined dudes.

w2amr

01-07-2007, 11:50 AM

I could get him down
http://www.robertsarmory.com/bazook1.JPG

k5phw

01-07-2007, 03:26 PM

I'd be a nut too if I were getting that hose.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

KD6NIG

01-07-2007, 04:07 PM

I can see about 100 attorneys for HOA's seeing this as they wake up this morning on the news and thinking "better add a prohibition about anything to do with ham radio in our rules" and putting it on the agenda for the next meeting. We don't need these freaks in OUR HOA!

This isn't positive publicity for us. Whenever we do something good, we're lucky to get a line in the story. We do something like this, and its all over the article.

nx6d

01-07-2007, 04:46 PM

I agree with KC0W.

This dude is a dolt of the first order. He's just trying to get out of paying something he's contractually required to pay. He knew about the HOA when he bought the property, and agreed to the conditions. Sounds pretty straightforward to me. If he and his neighbors don't agree with the HOA, nothing prevents them from getting on the board and changing things.

It's just another attempt by some yahoo to get out of paying something he's obligated to pay.

BTW, I don't see any references to antenna restrictions or anything else. If we as amateur radio ops tie our reputations to a nut job like this, we are in a world of hurt from a PR standpoint.

Dave NX6D
Modoc County, CA

w8znx

01-07-2007, 05:31 PM

he is a nut case

it has nothing to do with tower or antennas

it has to do with road repair assessment

he does not want to pay for road maintenance

so he sits on his tower, won't do him any good

Mac

n2ize

01-07-2007, 05:47 PM

Are HOA's legal ?

k9kxq

01-07-2007, 05:54 PM

I have to disagree with some of you, $1500.00 to a HOA for road repair, get real, what goes with the county tax he pays as a home owner.

The $15.00 a year has grown 100 times the amount he originally agreed to, I'd tell them to piss off too and they could stick the HOA where the sun don't shine.

I would never allow a HOA to dictate to me what I could and couldn't do on the property I pay for, first off I would never live under a HOA.

No gentlemen this man is no nut case, he is as American as apple pie, remember Patrick Henry riding into town and in the middle of the square a minister bludgeoned to death because he refused to take a permit to preach the word of GOD, then he said those famous words "Give me liberty or give me death".

Dave, nx6d I'm with you nearly 100% of the time, this one I have to disagree OM...

kxq

KI4ITV

01-07-2007, 05:55 PM

I would think he was a nut too, except for this Quote from the story.

Quote[/b] ]Spires, 61, and four of his neighbors lost a lawsuit filed against them by the River Falls Homeowners Association for refusing to join.

This man and his neighbors obviously did not want to be forced into the HOA. This means that he and they owned the land prior to its existance, based on what we know about the story.
I am usually on the side of the HOA's, but this is totally different. They are trying to force him into giving up some of his pre-existing ownership rights. I imagine the tower has alot to do with this and what was going to happen in the future. But we really don't know the full story I'm sure.

Edited to add: Based on the information given in the story, this should scare every one of us. We are vastly outnumberd and as some of you have proclaimed, even our wives find the towers unsightly at best.
Property rights in this country are a very, very, important part of our rights as individuals. Unless of course, you sign them away willingly.

And there is more:
Quote[/b] ] know Wayne Spires. He is fighting for ALL of us. Paul Henderson, another of River Falls pioneering residents and a close neighbor of Wayne Spires is my Dad. I just wanted to add my two cents in support of Wayne. I helped my father, Paul, clear the land and build his house as a young girl. We lived there before the well was dug, hauling water and washing in a wash tub, cooking on a coleman stove and sleeping on bunks attached to what is now his living room wall. He worked eight hours a day as a floor man and five hours or more a night as a carpenter, electrician, plumber, etc. carving out for himself his American dream. Wayne also worked by the sweat of his own brow to have his sovereignty over his property. This is like the 'telegraph road' song by Dire Straits in that the moneyed elite won't intrude on your liberty as long as you are doing the hard work from scratch that they don't want to do. But, then when you've worn the rocky road smooth, made a place inhabitable and appealing, they come in, see the financial gain potential, buy up the land and start to insinuate their self-appointed authority and dictate to you the rules by which they will allow you to remain.

This man is being done a severe injustice.

AE6IP

01-07-2007, 06:17 PM

There's not enough information in that article to know what is actually going on. He joined a "landowner's assocation" which the judge seems to have ruled has become a HOA.

(The roads in question, by the way are private, and not maintained via taxes, if I read the article correctly.)

Without knowing what the actual issue in the case was, there's no way to evaluate if the judge did his job right.

KI4ITV

01-07-2007, 06:29 PM

I belonged to a land-owners association at one time. This organization was incorporated to provide a community water/sewer system for the homes in the area.
It seems that, in this case, some of the owners have come together and changed the language. And again I am drawn to the "refusing to join" the homeowners association. So even they knew there was a difference initially or the ham in question would have already belonged to it from his original contract for the land owners group.

k9kxq

01-07-2007, 07:29 PM

Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Jan. 07 2007,12:55)]I would think he was a nut too, except for this Quote from the story.

Quote[/b] ]Spires, 61, and four of his neighbors lost a lawsuit filed against them by the River Falls Homeowners Association for refusing to join.

This man and his neighbors obviously did not want to be forced into the HOA. #This means that he and they owned the land prior to its existance, based on what we know about the story. #
I am usually on the side of the HOA's, but this is totally different. #They are trying to force him into giving up some of his pre-existing ownership rights. #I imagine the tower has alot to do with this and what was going to happen in the future. #But we really don't know the full story I'm sure.

Edited to add: #Based on the information given in the story, this should scare every one of us. #We are vastly outnumberd and as some of you have proclaimed, even our wives find the towers unsightly at best.
Property rights in this country are a very, very, important part of our rights as individuals. #Unless of course, you sign them away willingly.

And there is more:
Quote[/b] ] know Wayne Spires. He is fighting for ALL of us. Paul Henderson, another of River Falls pioneering residents and a close neighbor of Wayne Spires is my Dad. I just wanted to add my two cents in support of Wayne. I helped my father, Paul, clear the land and build his house as a young girl. We lived there before the well was dug, hauling water and washing in a wash tub, cooking on a coleman stove and sleeping on bunks attached to what is now his living room wall. He worked eight hours a day as a floor man and five hours or more a night as a carpenter, electrician, plumber, etc. carving out for himself his American dream. Wayne also worked by the sweat of his own brow to have his sovereignty over his property. This is like the 'telegraph road' song by Dire Straits in that the moneyed elite won't intrude on your liberty as long as you are doing the hard work from scratch that they don't want to do. But, then when you've worn the rocky road smooth, made a place inhabitable and appealing, they come in, see the financial gain potential, buy up the land and start to insinuate their self-appointed authority and dictate to you the rules by which they will allow you to remain.

This man is being done a severe injustice.
You are correct in your assumption, the tower is next, then the fence, the shrubs,color of the home, no pick up trucks and it goes on and on and on...

Loss of liberties,rights as a home owner turned into privileges and privileges can be taken, he has drawn the line...

kxq

k4kyv

01-07-2007, 08:28 PM

I would say to him, "Right on, brother."

First of all, there is nothing in the article that mentions anything at all about ham radio. He could be a CB'er, or the tower could be for a commercial two-way (land mobile) radio.

In today's American Corporate State, anyone who protests the escalating disappearance of common sense and loss of civil liberty is instantly labelled a nutcase or a buffoon. I have heard people say the same thing about me when I raised hell at the grocery checkout because, at age 64, they tried to card me for beer, and I didn't just sheepishly "show my papers" as requested.

His publicity stunt with the tower is a less expensive way to call attention to the situation than taking out ads in the newspaper or buying TV time.

Read the comments following the article. When the guy bought the property he never agreed to join the then-nonexistent HOA, or pay their exorbitant "membership" fee. I have heard of cases before when HOA's tried to pressure people living adjacent to new housing developments into "voluntarily" joining, even though they had owned the property years before the devolopment came along, and had never agreed to join ANY association, land owners, homeowners or whatever. If I were in that situation, it would be a cold day in hell before they got a penny from me.

The ultimate direction where this is going is illustrated by the CT case where the US Supreme Court allowed the city to use eminent domain to seize private property so they could sell it to another private owner who would generate more tax revenue for the city.

Most people don't realise t hat you don't "own" your land. You just lease it from the state. If you fail to pay your rent (AKA real estate tax), your landlord (the city or county) will serve you with an eviction notice, just like an apartment dweller who fails to pay his rent. If the apartment owner wishes, he can evict you anyway, if he decides to quit renting the apartment and put the property to some other use. If your landlord (the local gov't) decides to quit leasing the land to you, they can have you evicted by eminent domain, so they can put it to other use, such as building a road or school.

Now just who are the people in this story who hate America and what it is supposed to stand for?

n2ize

01-07-2007, 08:50 PM

I remember in high school. By my senior year I had completed virtually all my academic requirements so I took an "advanced electronics" course. It was a vocational course, was 3 periods long, and was run by the schools industrial arts department. Like most ind arts courses the students were all male, except in this one instance one was female. She was an instant hit with the guys in the glass. Good looking she was and guys were constantly swarming around her. Like most industrial arts classes the teacher did next to nothing. It was a freebee class. You do nothing, the teacher does nothing, but you'll get a passing grade at the end of the semester just for showing up.
It so happens that unlike most of the guys this girl took the course because she actually wanted to LEARN electronics. Lerning was something the teacher, nor the students, nor the industrial arts department had ever heard of in those days.

When this girl discovered that she was not being taught electronics nor was she going to be taught electronics she began complaining. First to the teacher. But beyond raising his ire against her nothing changed. next she complained to the principal. This got so far as to get the teacher to conduct a couple of mock lessons while the assistant principal supervised. It also got the teacher to order some expensive electronics books and some fancy electronics kits, none of which were ever used. As soon as the assistant principal stopped showing up the mock lessons ended and the class went back to doing absolutely nothing. Eventually she complained to the board of education hich drew in a supervison from the board of ed. But the result was the same. As soon as he left the teacher went back to "do nothing" mode.

By this time this girl went from popular and well liked to hated and condemned. Her fellow students hated her because she wanted to make them learn and do work. The teachers hated her because she was demanding they do their jobs and teach. She was called every derogatory named in the book. She was labeled a psycho, a wacko, a nutjob, a freak, , etc. Eventually defeated and unable to withstand the brutal humiliation from students and teachers alike and the failure to get results, she ended up dropping out of the class. She paid the price simply because she was willing to stand up for what is right.

We see so much of this nowadays. A woman stands up against the Iraq war in which her son died and she is labeled a nut, a freak, a wacko, a commie, anti-American.

Wherever you see someone standing up for what they truly and honestly believe in or feel is right in their hearts you will find a mob condemning them.
But then again, the crucified Jesus, didn't they ? How little humans have changed.

KI4ITV

01-07-2007, 08:59 PM

When opportunity knocks...n2ize answers.

I did like the story about the shop class though.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

N2RJ

01-07-2007, 09:11 PM

Quote[/b] (nx6d @ Jan. 07 2007,11:46)]He knew about the HOA when he bought the property, and agreed to the conditions.
No he didn't.

They are trying to force him to join a HOA.

n4sva

01-07-2007, 09:26 PM

Quote[/b] (KC0W @ Jan. 06 2007,21:59)]This guy is a buffoon.

Ham radio is geekish enough without some fool sitting atop of his tower for days on end because he doesn't want to pay some kind of street tax........And the outcome of this kind of CHILDISH stunt will be what?

Hope the towers guy wires & concrete were properly #installed. Just what is the square foot rating of a man sitting on top of a tower with 1" of radial ice at 50 MPH? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #Tom kcØw
You mean even more "geekish" than having a picture posing with a cow on a QSL card?

K1OU

01-07-2007, 09:53 PM

Great PR.

Hardly.

KI4CIA

01-07-2007, 09:56 PM

Source (http://manonatower.blogspot.com/)

Quote[/b] ]The short version is this: When Robert and Donna Spires first purchased their land, there were no restrictions on it. After they received their deed, a homeowner's association was formed and tried to enforce their restrictions on them. They refused. Now the homeowner's association has a judgement against them that they can't pay. If they don't pay then the homeowner's association will place a lien on their land and probably take it from them.

Quote[/b] ]A recent story on the situtation mentioned that a lawyer for the homeowner's association said that most of the members have paid. This is a misleading statement. Their are 54 lots in the area. One man owns 39 of them. Therefore he automatically has 72% of everything. Since he's paid, they claim that "a majority" of residents have paid.

Rick and Bubba (local radio show) also interviewed the local sheriff and asked if there was anything that could be done to make the guy come down ... the sheriff said that as long as he was not endangering himself or endangering others, there was nothing they could do. Mr. Spires' family and neighbors have been keeping a watchful eye on him.

And yes, he's an amateur radio operator - KF4BJT. Last time I checked, it's a free country and he can protest anyway he wishes, as long as he is not endangering himself or others ... and last I heard, the police department does not believe he is.

I wish him the best.

73,
Melinda / KI4CIA

KI4ITV

01-07-2007, 10:02 PM

Quote[/b] (KI4CIA @ Jan. 07 2007,09:56)]Source (http://manonatower.blogspot.com/)

Quote[/b] ]The short version is this: When Robert and Donna Spires first purchased their land, there were no restrictions on it. After they received their deed, a homeowner's association was formed and tried to enforce their restrictions on them. They refused. Now the homeowner's association has a judgement against them that they can't pay. If they don't pay then the homeowner's association will place a lien on their land and probably take it from them.

Quote[/b] ]A recent story on the situtation mentioned that a lawyer for the homeowner's association said that most of the members have paid. This is a misleading statement. Their are 54 lots in the area. One man owns 39 of them. Therefore he automatically has 72% of everything. Since he's paid, they claim that "a majority" of residents have paid.

Rick and Bubba (local radio show) also interviewed the local sheriff and asked if there was anything that could be done to make the guy come down ... the sheriff said that as long as he was not endangering himself or endangering others, there was nothing they could do. Mr. Spires' family and neighbors have been keeping a watchful eye on him.

And yes, he's an amateur radio operator - KF4BJT. Last time I checked, it's a free country and he can protest anyway he wishes, as long as he is not endangering himself or others ... and last I heard, the police department does not believe he is.

I wish him the best.

73,
Melinda / KI4CIA
Thanks Melinda.
Everyone of us who thinks we are free from restrictions should take a second look at this. This is bad news for all of us as home owners. Amateurs or not.

K1OU

01-07-2007, 10:05 PM

Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Jan. 07 2007,15:02)]Everyone of us who thinks we are free from restrictions should take a second look at this. #This is bad news for all of us as home owners. #Amateurs or not.
Why, because this just positions us in the eye of the public as unreasonable whack jobs who resort to hackneyed PR stunts?

N4AUD

01-07-2007, 10:05 PM

So am I to believe that a great number of you are FOR forcing people to join HOA's, or have I misread the comments?

KI4ITV

01-07-2007, 10:24 PM

Quote[/b] (K1OU @ Jan. 07 2007,10:05)]Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Jan. 07 2007,15:02)]Everyone of us who thinks we are free from restrictions should take a second look at this. This is bad news for all of us as home owners. Amateurs or not.
Why, because this just positions us in the eye of the public as unreasonable whack jobs who resort to hackneyed PR stunts?
Jerry,
You know better than that. I am a strict constitutionalist kinda guy. I don't care whether they have a steal-your-face for an avatar or not. (BTW, I like it very much)
Sometimes when you have no money to fight the big groups, you have to resort to behavior that is recognizable as desperation.
I mentioned earlier that I once had association with a rural group who built a water and sewer system around a lake.
This was in rural Mississippi and we soon found ouselves being bought out by memphis lawyers buying up the surrounding properties. If that property was my actual home at his age I would be climbing towers too. I was young enough to move and it was probably in my kids best interest anyway.
I still own property in the deep south and I keep a close eye on whats going on there.
I personally feel sorry for the man. He is at the mercy of the courts, mainly because we don't see the eventual dangers involved with this and similar cases.

Shame on us.

edit--I'm a teerible speller too.

KI4ITV

01-07-2007, 10:35 PM

And Jerry, I do share your concern that this makes us all look silly.
But, I don't blame him for doing what he can afford to do.
It may be a call to us to try and help. You know, some of us deep rural southern types may not ask for help outright. I found a email address for him. We'll see what happens.

KE5FRF

01-07-2007, 10:51 PM

Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Jan. 07 2007,17:35)]And Jerry, I do share your concern that this makes us all look silly.
But, I don't blame him for doing what he can afford to do.
It may be a call to us to try and help. You know, some of us deep rural southern types may not ask for help outright. I found a email address for him. We'll see what happens.
an E-MAIL ADDY? I hope he has a laptop up there with him and a wifi router in the house. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Trey, I feel mostly the same way you feel.
My impression is that there was some kind of land agreement from years ago that has absolutely ZERO to do with a homeowners association. Often times in these cases someone builds a home, and then years later wealthy developers come along and build subdivisions in proximty to these already existing homes. Then, once the developer has finished, he turns the development over to the neighborhood to incorporate the HOA. Sounds to me like these neighborhood nazis are trying to bully this fellow into JOINING an association and paying dues when he was there FIRST. It also does sound like they simply don't like his antenna tower and played politics with the local judge.

Clearly, I stand in the camp that when you purchase property in a restricted area, which is fully legal, you must abide by the contractual agreement set forth. However, I believe that this fellow has rights because he clearly never signed an HOA covenance and shouldn't have it forced down his throat.

The judge is clearly wrong, but this is the sign of the times with land ownerships rights in this country.

I'm with you, Trey, more power to him. It is not a kooky thing to do to make a statement, any more than our beloved Cindy Sheehan's demonstrations in Crawford are kooky..(uhm, did I just say that?) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

KI4ITV

01-07-2007, 10:52 PM

Quote[/b] (n4aud @ Jan. 07 2007,10:05)]So am I to believe that a great number of you are FOR forcing people to join HOA's, or have I misread the comments?
This deserves an answer from every one of you.
Bunch of weenies if you ask me.

n2ize

01-07-2007, 11:07 PM

Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Jan. 07 2007,13:59)]When opportunity knocks...n2ize answers.

I did like the story about the shop class though.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Yep, she learned a hard lesson about life and how easy it is to tear someone all the way down, whether they are right or wrong.

N4AUD

01-07-2007, 11:09 PM

I'm not calling anyone a weenie, but I think it's a valid question.

If the guy joined the HOA of his OWN FREE WILL, he should probably come down and shut up.

If he had the HOA FORCED on him, more power to him. There may be a better way, but what are you to do in a situation like this? What if you can't out-lawyer the HOA?

I live in a very rural area by choice, and probably the majority of you would never consider living here but there aren't any kind of restrictions on my property and I can't express on this board the feelings I would have if I were forced into an HOA. Reminds me a great deal of being forced to join a ruling political party like the Nazi's or Communists.

So did I misunderstand, or do some of you think it's okie-dokie to force someone into an Homeowner's Association?

K1OU

01-07-2007, 11:13 PM

Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Jan. 07 2007,15:35)]And Jerry, #I do share your concern that this makes us all look silly.
But, I don't blame him for doing what he can afford to do.
It may be a call to us to try and help. #You know, some of us deep rural southern types may not ask for help outright. #I found a email address for him. #We'll see what happens.
I merely think that there are other ways that are more effective than looking like Sideshow Bob.

KI4ITV

01-07-2007, 11:35 PM

Quote[/b] (n4aud @ Jan. 07 2007,11:09)]I'm not calling anyone a weenie, but I think it's a valid question.
Why not?
These are the same people who, when faced with a beautiful Tri-bander yagi in a neighborhood that was only built three years ago, scream "travesty" and "power to the ham" in every breath.
But, given a man with a real argument, they stand aside and say that I might not want to be associated with this ham because he made a fool of ME! I see this most days in people and I think it is one of the defining features of our "dumbing down of society" LOL.
Yep, Bunch of weenies, all of them, for not standing up when right is right, and when right is not beautiful.

I'd bet if the photo's we saw were of the actual antenna...things might be a little different.

n0jaa

01-07-2007, 11:53 PM

If they guy knew joining an HOA was required as part of his house purchase, and he didn't join it, then he's liable for whatever they assess. #The only outs he might have are if HOA membership wasn't clearly stated when he made the purchase, or if the antenna restrictions were NOT in effect when he put up his tower, which is unlikely. #When you sign the lease or purchase agreement, you're also signing an agreement to join the HOA.

I don't like HOA's any more than I like Adolph Hitler, but they are there, and they are legal. #The only way to aviod them is to not move into an area that requires HOA ownership. #I know that is becoming harder to do these days, but there are still non-HOA neighborhoods to be found, and some HOA's might allow a small antenna to be put up if it isn't visible from the street.

KI4ITV

01-07-2007, 11:57 PM

Quote[/b] (K1OU @ Jan. 07 2007,11:13)]I merely think that there are other ways that are more effective than looking like Sideshow Bob.
And just when did this get picked up by this ham radio website?
During his initial stages of interaction with the HOA?
While he was preparing for court?
Or, maybe, after he climbed the tower and acted like a desperate man?
like I said before, and many have said before me...
Desperate times call for desperate action.

KC2ESD

01-08-2007, 12:00 AM

I first saw this story on Hamsexy, ok I admit I do go there 3 times a week.
Here are some links
Hamsexy (http://www.hamsexy.com/cms/index.php) Scroll down a little to se the story.
WSFA TV (http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=5883357)

I stand behind KF4BJT for his efforts to get the HOA off his land, his back, and out of his pocket. HOAs are little Brown Shirt NAZI clubs INHO.

KI4ITV

01-08-2007, 12:01 AM

Quote[/b] (n0jaa @ Jan. 07 2007,11:53)]If they guy knew joining an HOA was required as part of his house purchase, and he didn't join it, then he's liable for whatever they assess.
This guy cleared the path for the neighborhood to be built in the first place.
Read the whole thread.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

AE6IP

01-08-2007, 12:30 AM

Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Jan. 07 2007,16:01)]Quote[/b] (n0jaa @ Jan. 07 2007,11:53)]If they guy knew joining an HOA was required as part of his house purchase, and he didn't join it, then he's liable for whatever they assess.
This guy cleared the path for the neighborhood to be built in the first place.
Read the whole thread.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I have yet to see the "whole story" published.

Anyone have a pointer to the court documents?

My SWAG is that this has nothing to do with HOAs and everything to do with developers trying to clear all the prior property owners prior to setting up a subdivision.

KI4ITV

01-08-2007, 12:41 AM

Quote[/b] (AE6IP @ Jan. 07 2007,12:30)]Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Jan. 07 2007,16:01)]Quote[/b] (n0jaa @ Jan. 07 2007,11:53)]If they guy knew joining an HOA was required as part of his house purchase, and he didn't join it, then he's liable for whatever they assess.
This guy cleared the path for the neighborhood to be built in the first place.
Read the whole thread.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I have yet to see the "whole story" published.

Anyone have a pointer to the court documents?

My SWAG is that this has nothing to do with HOAs and everything to do with developers trying to clear all the prior property owners prior to setting up a subdivision.
Ya' know, you are probably right.
But, every link reference provided in this thread has mention the HOA and the prior land-owners association.
So a company moves in and buys up all of the remaining property (subdivided into lots) and one person decides that there is a covenant to be declared by the majority of the lot owners.
What the hell is the difference?

KC9ECI

01-08-2007, 12:49 AM

Quote[/b] ]Sorry to burst your collective bubbles, but our reporter David Black, KB4KCH, spoke to Robert W. Spires, KF4BJT, and he is NOT the tower-sitting protester. #He told David that there are only two families named Spires in that city, and he is not the one involved. #

Actually, it is now beginning to look as if the protester is not a ham and is likely sitting on a tower used for television reception. #Out in the hinterlands, having a 70' or even a 120' high tower with a TV antenna atop it is not unuual.

The other possibilities: #CB antenna support or a volunteer in a service lile fire or police. #But at the moment, the chance that this Wayne Spires is a ham seems exceedingly slim.

de
Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF
ARNewsline, Inc.

Source (http://www.qrz.com/ib-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST&f=3&t=142553)

N2RJ

01-08-2007, 12:57 AM

Quote[/b] (K1OU @ Jan. 07 2007,17:05)]Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Jan. 07 2007,15:02)]Everyone of us who thinks we are free from restrictions should take a second look at this. This is bad news for all of us as home owners. Amateurs or not.
Why, because this just positions us in the eye of the public as unreasonable whack jobs who resort to hackneyed PR stunts?
Don't be silly.

Were Gandhi or Rosa Parks unreasonable whack jobs?

Back in the day, people would probably say YES to that question.

Rosa refused to sit at the back of the bus. This guy is refusing to join the HOA.

Why? Because they deviated from societal norms and did what they felt was right to fight for what they believe in.

Ham radio operators were always positioned in the eye of the public as unreasonable. After all, we want to erect 100 foot towers in large residential neighborhoods with large, unsightly antennas.

Many people are under the impression as well that RF is going to give them cancer. There's a huge push in Trinidad and Tobago right now to get rid of cell towers, and there are a bunch of people who protest next to them and lobby for their removal.

All because they're afraid of the unknown. I understand why they would protest, because they're afraid their lives are going to change dramatically.

Just like I understand why this guy is protesting, because he fears that his tower is going to come down because of the HOA.

Like it or not we're losing our rights to do what we want with our own property. And for what?

It's not just home ownership either.

Buy an entertainment device from a major manufacturer like Sony or Apple. It's loaded with DRM. Some are so extreme they'll stop working if you modify it.

YOU can only do what THEY say you can do with YOUR device that you bought with YOUR money and are told that you OWN it now.

YOU can only do what YOUR NEIGHBORS say you can do with YOUR home that you bought with YOUR money even though you are told that you OWN it now.

Does this make any sense?

HOA's and CC&R's were originally started to keep black people and Jews out of white neighborhoods. The Government stepped in and repaired this injustice, just like they should be doing with amateur radio operators.

I'm not saying that they should allow everyone to have a 100 foot tower, but a reasonable antenna installation should be allowed, just like the FCC does for satellite and fixed wireless.

KI4ITV

01-08-2007, 01:00 AM

He's not a ham...
He is a ham...
here is another link...
and look at the feedline to the tower.
another link from somewhere else (http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070106/PROGRESS/701060328/1040)
and why do all these news organizations know it's a ham radio tower when nobody knows about us and ask us what kind of CB is that?
My guess is a family member is telling them so.

K2WH

01-08-2007, 01:26 AM

Quote[/b] (nx6d @ Jan. 07 2007,05:46)]I agree with KC0W.

This dude is a dolt of the first order. He's just trying to get out of paying something he's contractually required to pay. He knew about the HOA when he bought the property, and agreed to the conditions. Sounds pretty straightforward to me. If he and his neighbors don't agree with the HOA, nothing prevents them from getting on the board and changing things.

It's just another attempt by some yahoo to get out of paying something he's obligated to pay.

BTW, I don't see any references to antenna restrictions or anything else. If we as amateur radio ops tie our reputations to a nut job like this, we are in a world of hurt from a PR standpoint.

Dave NX6D
Modoc County, CA
For once I agree with NX6D. We have a lake association here and out of the 100 homes with lake rights in their deeds, 1/2 of the homes will not pay the $ 160 per year and there is nothing we can do about it either.

We won in court and even a court order is not getting them to pay. They are what I call trailer trash and i'm afraid I think this guy is too.

K2WH

K1OU

01-08-2007, 01:55 AM

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ Jan. 07 2007,17:57)]Quote[/b] (K1OU @ Jan. 07 2007,17:05)]Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Jan. 07 2007,15:02)]Everyone of us who thinks we are free from restrictions should take a second look at this. #This is bad news for all of us as home owners. #Amateurs or not.
Why, because this just positions us in the eye of the public as unreasonable whack jobs who resort to hackneyed PR stunts?
Don't be silly.

Were Gandhi or Rosa Parks unreasonable whack jobs?

Back in the day, people would probably say YES to that question.

Rosa refused to sit at the back of the bus. #This guy is refusing to join the HOA.

Why? #Because they deviated from societal norms and did what they felt was right to fight for what they believe in. #

Ham radio operators were always positioned in the eye of the public as unreasonable. #After all, we want to erect 100 foot towers in large residential neighborhoods with large, unsightly antennas. #

Many people are under the impression as well that RF is going to give them cancer. #There's a huge push in Trinidad and Tobago right now to get rid of cell towers, and there are a bunch of people who protest next to them and lobby for their removal.

All because they're afraid of the unknown. #I understand why they would protest, because they're afraid their lives are going to change dramatically.

Just like I understand why this guy is protesting, because he fears that his tower is going to come down because of the HOA. #

Like it or not we're losing our rights to do what we want with our own property. #And for what?

It's not just home ownership either.

Buy an entertainment device from a major manufacturer like Sony or Apple. #It's loaded with DRM. #Some are so extreme they'll stop working if you modify it. #

YOU can only do what THEY say you can do with YOUR device that you bought with YOUR money and are told that you OWN it now.

YOU can only do what YOUR NEIGHBORS say you can do with YOUR home that you bought with YOUR money even though you are told that you OWN it now.

Does this make any sense?

HOA's and CC&R's were originally started to keep black people and Jews out of white neighborhoods. #The Government stepped in and repaired this injustice, just like they should be doing with amateur radio operators.

I'm not saying that they should allow everyone to have a 100 foot tower, but a reasonable antenna installation should be allowed, just like the FCC does for satellite and fixed wireless.
Gandhi and Rosa Parks had much bigger causes than an HOA.

N2RJ

01-08-2007, 02:15 AM

Quote[/b] (K1OU @ Jan. 07 2007,20:55)]Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ Jan. 07 2007,17:57)]Quote[/b] (K1OU @ Jan. 07 2007,17:05)]Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Jan. 07 2007,15:02)]Everyone of us who thinks we are free from restrictions should take a second look at this. This is bad news for all of us as home owners. Amateurs or not.
Why, because this just positions us in the eye of the public as unreasonable whack jobs who resort to hackneyed PR stunts?
Don't be silly.

Were Gandhi or Rosa Parks unreasonable whack jobs?

Back in the day, people would probably say YES to that question.

Rosa refused to sit at the back of the bus. This guy is refusing to join the HOA.

Why? Because they deviated from societal norms and did what they felt was right to fight for what they believe in.

Ham radio operators were always positioned in the eye of the public as unreasonable. After all, we want to erect 100 foot towers in large residential neighborhoods with large, unsightly antennas.

Many people are under the impression as well that RF is going to give them cancer. There's a huge push in Trinidad and Tobago right now to get rid of cell towers, and there are a bunch of people who protest next to them and lobby for their removal.

All because they're afraid of the unknown. I understand why they would protest, because they're afraid their lives are going to change dramatically.

Just like I understand why this guy is protesting, because he fears that his tower is going to come down because of the HOA.

Like it or not we're losing our rights to do what we want with our own property. And for what?

It's not just home ownership either.

Buy an entertainment device from a major manufacturer like Sony or Apple. It's loaded with DRM. Some are so extreme they'll stop working if you modify it.

YOU can only do what THEY say you can do with YOUR device that you bought with YOUR money and are told that you OWN it now.

YOU can only do what YOUR NEIGHBORS say you can do with YOUR home that you bought with YOUR money even though you are told that you OWN it now.

Does this make any sense?

HOA's and CC&R's were originally started to keep black people and Jews out of white neighborhoods. The Government stepped in and repaired this injustice, just like they should be doing with amateur radio operators.

I'm not saying that they should allow everyone to have a 100 foot tower, but a reasonable antenna installation should be allowed, just like the FCC does for satellite and fixed wireless.
Gandhi and Rosa Parks had much bigger causes than an HOA.
Which cause is bigger is all in the eyes of the beholder.

But really, the size of the cause is irrelevant.

I always admire people who take a stand for what they believe in, regardless of how silly it may seem.

The problem with HOA's & CC&R's is several fold.

Some of them go too far in what they restrict.

It's increasingly difficult to find a home without one, or without CC&R's.

It's extremely difficult to get a straight answer from people (Realtors, lawyers and homeowners) as to whether there are CC&R's on the property. I almost get the impression that people want to force CC&R's on you, because they want the whole world to conform. Those people appear to simply like the power of controlling others.

N2RJ

01-08-2007, 02:18 AM

Quote[/b] (K2WH @ Jan. 07 2007,20:26)]Quote[/b] (nx6d @ Jan. 07 2007,05:46)]I agree with KC0W.

This dude is a dolt of the first order. He's just trying to get out of paying something he's contractually required to pay. He knew about the HOA when he bought the property, and agreed to the conditions. Sounds pretty straightforward to me. If he and his neighbors don't agree with the HOA, nothing prevents them from getting on the board and changing things.

It's just another attempt by some yahoo to get out of paying something he's obligated to pay.

BTW, I don't see any references to antenna restrictions or anything else. If we as amateur radio ops tie our reputations to a nut job like this, we are in a world of hurt from a PR standpoint.

Dave NX6D
Modoc County, CA
For once I agree with NX6D. We have a lake association here and out of the 100 homes with lake rights in their deeds, 1/2 of the homes will not pay the $ 160 per year and there is nothing we can do about it either.

We won in court and even a court order is not getting them to pay. They are what I call trailer trash and i'm afraid I think this guy is too.

K2WH
So Bill, if you lived in an area where you were allowed antennas for years, then suddenly your neighbors sued and won, and you had to take them down, without the ability to put up even a wire antenna, would you?

KI4ITV

01-08-2007, 02:38 AM

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ Jan. 07 2007,14:15)]It's extremely difficult to get a straight answer from people (Realtors, lawyers and homeowners) as to whether there are CC&R's on the property. I almost get the impression that people want to force CC&R's on you, because they want the whole world to conform. Those people appear to simply like the power of controlling others.
This is an understatement.
My YL wanted to look at a home in an area called Wyndom when we moved to Virginia. We looked at the property and I noticed the conformity, so I asked our Realtor about the covenants. He stated the one's he knew of (offhand) and said that if we wanted to see the actual deeded restrictions we would have to put down a deposit and meet the manager at the clubhouse to view them.
Wrong answer.
New Realtor.
You have probably seen this neighborhood in the news. A guy had to pay a TON of money for flying a flag on his lawn after 9/11. (this included attorneys fees for both parties)
He was in the wrong according to the restrictions he signed. But this is also how seriously they take this stuff.

I find this whole Alabama story mind blowing and this particular topic is one of my peeves radio or not.

kf4vgx

01-08-2007, 03:21 AM

Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Jan. 06 2007,20:38)]Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ Jan. 07 2007,14:15)]It's extremely difficult to get a straight answer from people (Realtors, lawyers and homeowners) as to whether there are CC&R's on the property. #I almost get the impression that people want to force CC&R's on you, because they want the whole world to conform. Those people appear to simply like the power of controlling others.
This is an understatement.
My YL wanted to look at a home in an area called Wyndom when we moved to Virginia. #We looked at the property and I noticed the conformity, so I asked our Realtor about the covenants. #He stated the one's he knew of (offhand) and said that if we wanted to see the actual deeded restrictions we would have to put down a deposit and meet the manager at the clubhouse to view them.
Wrong answer.
New Realtor.
You have probably seen this neighborhood in the news. #A guy had to pay a TON of money for flying a flag on his lawn after 9/11. (this included attorneys fees for both parties)
He was in the wrong according to the restrictions he signed. #But this is also how seriously they take this stuff.

I find this whole Alabama story mind blowing and this particular topic is one of my peeves radio or not.
Very,very well said http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif .

KI4PEQ

01-08-2007, 03:28 AM

Quote[/b] (K2WH @ Jan. 07 2007,19:26)]For once I agree with NX6D. #We have a lake association here and out of the 100 homes with lake rights in their deeds, 1/2 of the homes will not pay the $ 160 per year and there is nothing we can do about it either.

We won in court and even a court order is not getting them to pay. #They are what I call trailer trash and i'm afraid I think this guy is too.

K2WH
Another name for people you don't particularly care for, "trailer trash".

Hey, why not say how you really feel! If they are black, call them ni**ers. If they are from Asia, make sure that you call them "gooks" and "chinks" just so everyone is clear on who your neighbors are. Don't forget that "beaner" Mexican family or those "spic" Puerto Ricans. How about those #"wops" whose family tree comes from Italy? If you are going to toss insults around, go for the gold!

"Trailer trash" IMHO is no different that calling them names like I just mentioned. Some of the "trailers" around here go for over $100,000 and some of the nicest people I have met live in them. There are some people who live in regular houses that I wouldn't give the time of day to, being that they are not good neighbors or model citizens.

Read the whole story. The guy joined a LANDOWNERS association. Some rich doctor type comes in, buys several lots and he is suddenly the king of all he surveys. "Let's make up a HOMEOWNERS association and clean this area up! Pave the streets! Put in utilities! And if the landowners don't want to join us, we'll hire a hotshot attorney and get my good buddy judge to tell them they have to join us and live by OUR rules or we will place liens on their property so they will be forced to sell. THAT will get rid of that trailer and that ugly tower!"

If you think that having a judge in a wealthy persons pocket is fiction, you OBVIOUSLY have never experienced Alabama jurisprudence.

KI4PEQ

01-08-2007, 03:41 AM

Quote[/b] (K1OU @ Jan. 07 2007,16:05)]Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Jan. 07 2007,15:02)]Everyone of us who thinks we are free from restrictions should take a second look at this. #This is bad news for all of us as home owners. #Amateurs or not.
Why, because this just positions us in the eye of the public as unreasonable whack jobs who resort to hackneyed PR stunts?
Jerry, when I hit the Florida lottery, I am going to come to your town and buy up all of the property around you. Then I am going to get my legal eagle to make up a homeowners association to which I will be the majority landowner. Since you are now in my little dictatorship, I will have papers served on you for not paying the $5000 a year I will assess as president of the HOA for community "improvements". And all of that amateur radio equipment will have to go, it's a danger to the residents and it drives down our property values. The color of your house doesn't meet the community guidelines I wrote, either paint in colors approved by the architectural committee (me and my friends) or I will put a lien on your house and force you out for non-payment.

My dear old friend and fraternity brother who went on to become a district judge will be most happy to see things my way, especially when I slip a few coins in his pocket for his re-election campaign.

Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? And I would in reality NEVER do such a thing. But there are holier than thou and wealthier people than you or I who would do these things at the drop of a hat and sleep through the night. Because in their eyes, it's all about THEM and not about YOU.

Living in the state with more than its share of the "condo commandos", I've seen stuff like this happen many times. Unfortunately, the guy on that tower will probably lose his home and land when the lien is foreclosed and his property is sold by the county clerk of court on the steps of the courthouse.

KI4PEQ

01-08-2007, 03:45 AM

Quote[/b] (KC2ESD @ Jan. 07 2007,18:00)]I first saw this story on Hamsexy, ok I admit I do go there 3 times a week.
There are support groups that can help with that addiction, Rick. But first you must admit that you NEED help! #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

KI4ITV

01-08-2007, 03:48 AM

Geez Richard,
what took you so long?
This thread would have been done on page one if you had come just a little earlier.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

and I think you left out us "crackers"
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

n2ize

01-08-2007, 08:38 AM

Quote[/b] (KI4PEQ @ Jan. 07 2007,20:28)]Quote[/b] (K2WH @ Jan. 07 2007,19:26)]For once I agree with NX6D. We have a lake association here and out of the 100 homes with lake rights in their deeds, 1/2 of the homes will not pay the $ 160 per year and there is nothing we can do about it either.

We won in court and even a court order is not getting them to pay. They are what I call trailer trash and i'm afraid I think this guy is too.

K2WH
Another name for people you don't particularly care for, "trailer trash".

Hey, why not say how you really feel! If they are black, call them ni**ers. If they are from Asia, make sure that you call them "gooks" and "chinks" just so everyone is clear on who your neighbors are. Don't forget that "beaner" Mexican family or those "spic" Puerto Ricans. How about those "wops" whose family tree comes from Italy? If you are going to toss insults around, go for the gold!

"Trailer trash" IMHO is no different that calling them names like I just mentioned. Some of the "trailers" around here go for over $100,000 and some of the nicest people I have met live in them. There are some people who live in regular houses that I wouldn't give the time of day to, being that they are not good neighbors or model citizens.

Read the whole story. The guy joined a LANDOWNERS association. Some rich doctor type comes in, buys several lots and he is suddenly the king of all he surveys. "Let's make up a HOMEOWNERS association and clean this area up! Pave the streets! Put in utilities! And if the landowners don't want to join us, we'll hire a hotshot attorney and get my good buddy judge to tell them they have to join us and live by OUR rules or we will place liens on their property so they will be forced to sell. THAT will get rid of that trailer and that ugly tower!"

If you think that having a judge in a wealthy persons pocket is fiction, you OBVIOUSLY have never experienced Alabama jurisprudence.
Excellent points and very well put. All too often people will stereotype and generalize rather than judging people as individuals.

KI4PEQ

01-08-2007, 08:54 AM

Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Jan. 07 2007,21:48)]Geez Richard,
what took you so long?
This thread would have been done on page one if you had come just a little earlier.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

and I think you left out us "crackers"
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Actually, if a Floridian is called a "cracker", it is a complement! A Florida cracker is decended from some of the original white settlers of the state. They got the name "cracker" from the whips they snapped to keep their cattle moving. Cattle ranching was VERY big along with citrus in central Florida until Walt's little rodent friend came to Orlando. I learned that bit of history in high school back when Florida history was a requirement to graduate. (no longer required)

Ever heard of the Silver Spurs Rodeo? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

WB2WIK

01-08-2007, 07:00 PM

Based on the story reported, the guy is a ham, he's obviously been well identified here, and he didn't willingly sign anything. He bought the property before any association existed, and now they're asking him to pony up $1500 he doesn't have to pay for road improvements he didn't want.

I'm on his side.

I lived in a rural part of New Jersey 25 years ago. We had our own well and septic system, as did everyone there. The municipality wanted to come through and "hook us up" to a public water supply, but the assessment was to be $100 per foot of the homeowner's property frontage, payable immediately. For me, that would have been over $15,000 to fix something that wasn't broken. My well worked fine. I didn't want it.

I view this situation in Alabama with regard to "road repairs" as similar.

WB2WIK/6

W7WV

01-08-2007, 08:17 PM

I belonged to one HOA and that was enough for me.
Having some organization made up of idiots telling me what I can and can't do just does not get it for me.
But then again I still have to deal with our government. Currently that's a task all on it's own.

AE6IP

01-08-2007, 08:32 PM

Quote[/b] (WB2WIK @ Jan. 08 2007,11:00)]Based on the story reported, the guy is a ham, he's obviously been well identified here, and he didn't willingly sign anything. He bought the property before any association existed, and now they're asking him to pony up $1500 he doesn't have to pay for road improvements he didn't want.
Actually, based on what's been reported here, he might be a ham but probably isn't, he willingly signed up for a landowner's association, and the court has ruled that the conversion of the landowner's association to a HOA was legal and still binds him to pay the road assessment.

We know nothing about whether that assessment is reasonable under the circumstances since none of the press articles have seen fit to describe those circumstances.

Reading between the lines, a developer appears to be trying to move the land upscale so as to make money from a subdivision. That developer may or may not be trying to squeeze other owners out, or may simply want them to pay for improvements that make sense to him but not them.

The developer probably hasn't subborned a judge, but rather simply knows the law better than the people he's dealing with, by the way. Crooked judges do exist, but are usually not necessary when corporations with good lawyers deal with individuals.

K2WH

01-08-2007, 09:39 PM

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ Jan. 07 2007,15:18)]Quote[/b] (K2WH @ Jan. 07 2007,20:26)]Quote[/b] (nx6d @ Jan. 07 2007,05:46)]I agree with KC0W.

This dude is a dolt of the first order. He's just trying to get out of paying something he's contractually required to pay. He knew about the HOA when he bought the property, and agreed to the conditions. Sounds pretty straightforward to me. If he and his neighbors don't agree with the HOA, nothing prevents them from getting on the board and changing things.

It's just another attempt by some yahoo to get out of paying something he's obligated to pay.

BTW, I don't see any references to antenna restrictions or anything else. If we as amateur radio ops tie our reputations to a nut job like this, we are in a world of hurt from a PR standpoint.

Dave NX6D
Modoc County, CA
For once I agree with NX6D. #We have a lake association here and out of the 100 homes with lake rights in their deeds, 1/2 of the homes will not pay the $ 160 per year and there is nothing we can do about it either.

We won in court and even a court order is not getting them to pay. #They are what I call trailer trash and i'm afraid I think this guy is too.

K2WH
So Bill, if you lived in an area where you were allowed antennas for years, then suddenly your neighbors sued and won, and you had to take them down, without the ability to put up even a wire antenna, would you?
Yes I would not take them down.

n4sva

01-08-2007, 11:18 PM

It's over. (For now.)

Link (http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=DS&Date=20070108&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=108001&Ref=PH&Profile=1001)

N2RJ

01-08-2007, 11:21 PM

Quote[/b] (K2WH @ Jan. 08 2007,16:39)]Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ Jan. 07 2007,15:18)]Quote[/b] (K2WH @ Jan. 07 2007,20:26)]Quote[/b] (nx6d @ Jan. 07 2007,05:46)]I agree with KC0W.

This dude is a dolt of the first order. He's just trying to get out of paying something he's contractually required to pay. He knew about the HOA when he bought the property, and agreed to the conditions. Sounds pretty straightforward to me. If he and his neighbors don't agree with the HOA, nothing prevents them from getting on the board and changing things.

It's just another attempt by some yahoo to get out of paying something he's obligated to pay.

BTW, I don't see any references to antenna restrictions or anything else. If we as amateur radio ops tie our reputations to a nut job like this, we are in a world of hurt from a PR standpoint.

Dave NX6D
Modoc County, CA
For once I agree with NX6D. We have a lake association here and out of the 100 homes with lake rights in their deeds, 1/2 of the homes will not pay the $ 160 per year and there is nothing we can do about it either.

We won in court and even a court order is not getting them to pay. They are what I call trailer trash and i'm afraid I think this guy is too.

K2WH
So Bill, if you lived in an area where you were allowed antennas for years, then suddenly your neighbors sued and won, and you had to take them down, without the ability to put up even a wire antenna, would you?
Yes I would not take them down.
Alrighty then!

Pot, kettle, BLACK!