HOA fines homeowners for providing free water to neighbors

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) — David Martin works out of his garage, making “one-of-a-kind” sneakers, but what he’s doing on his driveway is creating a bit of controversy in his Arizona neighborhood.

“I don’t feel like I am doing anything wrong,” Martin said. “I think I am doing what we’re supposed to do, which is taking care of the people around us.”

Four years ago, during the COVID crisis, Martin and his wife set up a free water stand in front of their house in Goodyear as a goodwill gesture, inviting neighbors, kids and delivery drivers to stop by daily to grab a bottle.

“I think it’s fantastic,” neighbor Larry Marks said.

“I figured, what better way to be an asset to community than cold water,” Martin said.

The free water stand was such a hit that the Martins kept it going, stocking up on water while paying for most of it out of their own pocket.

Some neighbors have also stepped up to help out.

“Every year, I am sure I get about 30-40 flats of water,” said Martin. “Water sometimes appears at the front door, and there are two flats. I don’t know who dropped them off. It’s just a surprise, it’s fun.”

But the goodwill gesture appears to have hit a snag.

In May, the Martins received a notice from FS Residential, the management company that oversees the Canyon Trails Homeowners’ Association. They were cited for storing items in plain view and were fined $50.

The fines were increased to $100 monthly for non-compliance in June, July and August.

“It’s absolutely asinine; I don’t understand,” Martin said. “I’m sorry. I don’t care that it’s blue and gray, and my house is tan and brown; it’s a water cooler with cold water for the community.”

Martin said his HOA contacted him a couple of years ago and that he was under the impression that having the water stand was OK.

After all these years, he said he wants to know why his HOA is making this an issue again.

“I just don’t understand what fight they have and why they want to fight,” Martin said. “I have made it clear: I am not stepping away, not putting the cooler away.”

The HOA and FS Residential were asked to explain their position and whether there might be some type of resolution, but they have not responded.

Martin said that even if the fines continue to climb, he won’t stop giving out free water.

“I’m going to continue to take care of community the best way I can,” he said.

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