|
Article Courtesy of News
Channel 8 On Your Side
By Melissa Marino
Published November 22, 2021
|
WATCH VIDEO |
|
WESTCHASE — One Tampa Bay area homeowner is calling his homeowners association
grinches after receiving a letter for decorating his home too early.
|
On Nov. 6, the Moffa
family hired a company to put up Christmas lights outside
their home.
“That was their only availability, and I can’t climb up on
the roof myself,” said Michael Moffa, who does not plan to
take down the lights.
The Westchase homeowner is now facing fines for violating
his HOA agreement.
“The holidays and the pandemic, I think the kids are wanting
something that’s more bright to look at,” said Moffa.
Moffa told 8 On Your Side he had no idea
it was against the rules, but days later, the family
received a letter that they are in violation of HOA rules
that decorations can’t be put up until Thanksgiving day. |
|
|
If the family does not correct the violation they could be fined 100 dollars
a day, up to $1,000, according to the letter.
Peppa Pig Theme Park will include sensory guide, sensitivity training as
Certified Autism Center
“Right before Christmas, who could be a grinch to hand this out?” Moffa said
about the letter.
So is it holiday humbug, or just asking people to play by the rules?
Eight On Your Side went to the Westchase Community Association, which
referred us to their attorney.
Attorney Jonathan Ellis said a neighbor complained about the lights,
“Which led to community manager to investigate it,” said Ellis. “One of the
things they’re preventing is from the person that has the holiday lights up
all year-round or things along those lines.”
Ellis points out the rules are in place to be followed, but said the board
is open to discussing change.
“If there’s enough the community that wants to change I believe generally
the Community Association of Westchase will listen to the residents and will
make changes,” Ellis said.
The Moffa family said the association has not been receptive even after they
offered to keep the lights off until Thanksgiving.
|
