An Arizona homeowners' association is facing backlash from locals after telling multiple residents to remove their Christmas decorations due to community rule violations.
"I was kind of bummed out because we provide so much cheer around here," said resident Cindy Choquette, who received a violation notice last week. "Every day people walk around and express the joy we provide putting up decorations."
Multiple residents of the Cooley Station Community in Gilbert have been asked to take down their festive lawn decorations by the HOA following the implementation of the association's new management, which strictly enforces community rules and regulations. These regulations ban turf decorations, reported WCSC.
"Humbug," said homeowner Jerry McKarge. "I don't think it should happen. It's the time of year when things should be overlooked. It's only artificial grass."
The backlash from the local community prompted the HOA to change its policies, stating that removal notices would be rescinded as long as the decorations did not damage the turf.
However, FS Residential later released a statement on behalf of the Cooley Station's board of directors which doubled down on the prior rules forcing residents to remove their decorations.
"While we encourage our residents to celebrate the holidays and decorate their homes, the safety of our residents and preservation of our property values are top priorities," the statement reads.
"Our community's rules prohibit decorations on the artificial turf and trees between the sidewalk and the curb that are maintained by the association, and any power or extension cords on sidewalks that can pose a trip hazard for our residents, guests, and staff," it continues.
However, defiant residents plan to keep their decorations up, unwilling to relinquish their holiday cheer.
"We're going to keep them up and not take them down. We will keep them up until New Years, and whether we get assessed a penalty that is yet to be determined. We're spreading joy; that's all we want to do," said Choquette.
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