Hello my fellow neighbors

I am very upset with the lack of compassion and recklessness of our HOA. I had asked for approval to make the front of my house accessible for my wheelchair-bound and vision impaired wife. Our original design which was submitted and approved was installed successfully. After completion we had realized the original plan was not suitable for my wife’s needs and had to add about 30 ft.² of additional pavers to prevent my wife from getting stuck or tipping over due to the rocks separating the driveway and walkway. While we still had the workers and extra material we decided to fill in the additional voided area. Honestly, I didn’t think we needed to submit for another approval because we were within our rights to make our home accessible. Jennifer Garr did one of her drive-bys and wrote us up. When I contacted her about it she requested I submit a new request for approval of the additional pavers.

I did as I was instructed and I was shocked and appalled when I learned our HOA had denied the extra section. I have filed an appeal with the board in hopes that they have some compassion for my wife and obey federal law. I have since then submitted an appeal and I'm waiting for a response.

Our property manager and HOA are in violation of the Federal Fair Housing Act (FFHA) under this law prohibited discrimination includes a refusal to permit, at the expense of the person with a disability modifications of existing premises occupied or to be occupied by a person if such modifications may be necessary for that person full enjoyment of the premises.

Our property manager and HOA are putting our finances in jeopardy as well. The civil penalty starts at $19,787 for a single violation of the FFHA and up to $98,935 for multiple violations. Also, the violator will be likely to have to pay the attorney fees of the Victorious party. Complaints have been filed with the Attorney General's Office as well as The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Please sign this petition not only for my wife but for those in our community who are currently disabled and those who may become disabled in the future. We need to let our HOA know that we will not be intimidated and we will fight for our rights and for those who can't fight for themselves.

Thank you very much

Eli & Susan Goldstein

Meridian Homestead 22468 E Duncan St Queen Creek AZ 85142