Meet Bob Robella. He’s the guy on the bicycle with the two dogs running beside him.
He’s riding onto the sidewalk outside the Village Seven home he bought in 2006.
Only problem, the Village Seven Homeowners Association has covenants requiring the dogs stay leashed. Same as city ordinance. The HOA also doesn’t allow folks to breed dogs in their homes. Guess what . . . Robella breeds dogs.
As you can imagine, Robella doesn’t like the HOA or the covenants much. So he has refused to abide by them, or gladly pay his HOA dues, for that matter.
The covenants give the HOA board authority to determine what colors can be painted on homes and fences in the neighborhood. Robella doesn’t care much for that rule, either. So he painted his fence the color he liked. You can see it in the photo.
All this conflict led to the courtroom. Robella lost and was ordered to pay $2,400. But he kept fighting.
For example, he refused to pay dues saying he didn’t own the house anymore. He gave it to a woman in Florida. And he refused to reveal her location so they couldn’t charge her for dues. He claimed harassment when the HOA persisted in in pursuing him for past dues and fines.
He sued the HOA and its president for raising dues and other allegations, including damage to his fence from HOA water sprinklers
Earlier this year, Robella agreed to pay $12,000 to settle the $30,000 bill the HOA was seeking in a lawsuit in 4th Judicial District Court. He also agreed to re-stain his fence and abide by covenants regarding dog breeding, leashes and the rest.
But before the paperwork was finished, Robella reportedly reneged. He disputes what was hammered out in mediation and refused to sign the settlement.
Here’s a look at the settlement document’s signature page. A court clerk signed for Robella, who is labeled a “Disobedient Party” in the notation.
Robella claimed his attorney exceeded his authority in negotiations during binding arbitration. He even sued the HOA again in small claims court.
But there’s hope the dispute may end someday. Robella’s house is listed for sale.
Here it is on the real estate agent’s web site:
Here’s a column I wrote in 2009 about Robella and his feud with Village Seven. And here’s a link to the accompanying blog.
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$30,000 plus for nothing. All for lawyers. $0 real dollars damage. What sort of new car will the lawyer be buying?
The house looks great. The fence is in better shape than the other fence. Lawns well kept. What’s the problem?
The HOA board must be filled with evil, vile, bitter people. Probably insist on dogs on leashes because otherwise the board would go around kicking the dogs.