GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The saga continues in Goodyear between David Martin and his homeowners association.
For four years, Martin has been giving away free water to whoever wants it with a cooler and a "Free Water" sign on his driveway. In May, his HOA started fining Martin for having a cooler and signage in front of his house.
“There’s nothing wrong with it,” Martin said. “My water cooler isn’t going anywhere. I’m not paying your fines.”
The fines increased to about $100 a month, however, David didn’t get fined in September and so far, not in October.
“They stopped fining us, but then they sent the letters,” Martin said.
The Canyon Trails Unit 4 West Community Association, Inc. board of directors sent the community a letter on Oct. 4., stating they will not penalize Martin if he agrees to relocate his "water-related items to the front porch (behind the front porch columns) so as long as they are adequately screened as not to be visible to neighboring properties or the street."
“Thank you. I appreciate the suggestion, but it’s never going to work,” Martin proclaimed. “How would anyone know it’s there and or for them.”
Separately, the HOA also sent Martin a 13-page letter to say what they want changed and how if David doesn’t make the changes, it will "assess fines to his account and/or file a lawsuit against him for injunctive relief to have a Court order you to cure your violations."
“If they file suit I’m going to have to hire a lawyer,” Martin said. “The only problem is the financials of it.”
However, David doesn’t plan on stopping.
“I appreciate you taking the time and spending the money to draft this up three different ways, but this is absurd,” Martin added.
12News reached out to CHDB Law who represents the HOA asking multiple questions and requesting an interview. We got a response saying, “The Board appreciates the offer, but declines to participate in an interview/additional dialogue at this time.”
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