[Bonny]

Originally Posted by JCMSr

As TV as grown each new section has been given its own version of deed restrictions/covenants. It seems that the newer the area the more restrictive the covenants have become. Obviously there were issues (real or perceived) in prior areas pertaining to "lawn ornaments" or this would never have been included in the legal documents. We can debate forever over what is in good or poor taste when it comes to decorating styles and never agree. It is amazing to me that so many people seem to have signed in acknowledgement of these rules at the time of purchase but prefer to ignore them now that we are all settled in to our new lifestyle. The fact is, ignoring the rules will not make the problem go away and in fact is most likely what started this entire issue. The individual who decided to file 90+ complaints was more than likely trying to make a point and make a point he did! As has been previously speculated he probably was notified of a violation in his own yard and decided he did not have to comply until everyone else was treated the same way. Sounds reasonable even though his actions were a bit over the top (I refuse to say he is crazy, mean spirited, etc. as some have claimed). I have already been criticized for quoting my deed restrictions which state it to be our "duty" to report infractions. Like it or not it is what we agreed to. Have I reported anyone? No, but at least I have an option to do so in the event a giant flock of pink flamingos decides to move in next door or down the street. Is it fair for the developer to look the other way on such issues until they receive a complaint? Technically yes since they wrote the rules giving themselves "the rights but not the duty" for enforcement. Obviously, having neighbor tattle on neighbor is not very conducive to creating the friendly neighborhoods we thought we were moving to. On the other hand, ignoring the rules and acting as if they do not apply to you personally is not very neighborly either. So if you do not share your neighbors taste in yard art you can either keep your mouth shut and steam about it every time you walk out your door or you can do something about it and report it to the developer. At least you have choices.

I refuse to chastise anyone for exercising their rights in reporting a violation of this type although clearly in this instance it could have been dealt with in a more subtle manner. I can only imagine what this thread would have been like had he been reporting violations of the "no more than two pets" rule. I guess then I would have to break up my family of gold fish.

One of the best and most sensible posts I have seen !!!