Occasionally, we are confronted with requests that put our sense of justice to the test. If anything like that occurs, we have the option of either complying with the demand or fighting against it.
Such predicaments are frequently brought about by homeowner’s associations (HOAs). HOAs have the ability to adopt stringent rules and have them strictly enforced. There is a possibility that you will be subject to fines and other penalties mentioned in the HOA documents if you cross their borders.
In the month of July 2023, Etienne Constable, who resides in a community that is located near the water, came across a peculiar problem with his HOA. It was informed to him that he could no longer keep his boat in the driveway since the neighbors had voiced their displeasure. They threatened to punish him $100 if he did not cover the boat so that it would be hidden from view.
“Boats and large pickup campers, motor homes, recreational vehicles, utility trailers, and vacation trailers” were the only types of vehicles that were permitted to be parked on driveways if they were “screened on the side and front by a six-foot-high fence.” This was the definition of the municipal law.
Despite the fact that Constable took the decision to cooperate, he did it in a manner that left an indelible mark. Through the use of a fence, he concealed his boat and then proceeded to paint a mural of the boat on the fence.
Prior to the filing of the lawsuit, Constable, who is a fishing enthusiast, had his boat moored in his driveway for a period of four years. At first, he was of the opinion that the circumstance was ridiculous, and he contemplated leaving a scathing message at the City Hall. However, he decided to take a more inventive approach to exacting his revenge.
“I am a big proponent of public art in spaces,” stated Constable. “I will always support it.” The act of reaching out to people and having discussions does not always engage them in the same way that it does.
Since his artwork went viral, a number of his neighbors have approached him with requests to paint murals on their properties that are identical to his. Constable has not yet received any communication from the municipality, despite the fact that they are aware of the conflict.
