Joe Mascotti and Erik Wittig lost their vacation buzz in a hurry when they returned to Colorado Springs on Aug. 17.

They came home to find their cars missing from their parking spots in front of their house on North Logan Ave. See all the details in my column.

Here’s a look at their home:

They had left them out front where they always park, because they have no driveway or garage. They figured the cars would be fine.

Big mistake.

Without written warning, city street crews came along and posted “No Parking” signs and, three days later, had their cars towed by police.

 Here’s the sign that was left behind for three days after construction crews were long gone.

The crews decided they needed the curb in front of the house as they staged construction equipment on Boulder Street, three houses away.

In the photo below, Memorial Central hospital is visible across Boulder. The Mascotti/Wittig house is out of view to the right.

Here’s a look at the area from www.FlashEarth.com:

Neighbor Edd Lukens across the street said he approached the police officer who actually ordered the cars towed, acting on a request from the street crew. Lukens said he was disturbed at how easily the city towed the cars.

Mascotti and Wittig believe the city should give homeowners written notice, a week in advance, before posting a street “no parking” or towing cars. They note that Logan Avenue is not that unusual among neighborhoods in the core of the city where garages and driveways are not universal.

Mascotti and Wittig also were upset at the attitude of the Colorado Springs Municipal Court hearing officer, called a referee, when they challenged the towing and asked for a refund of their $250.

They said the referee was rude and not interested in hearing their side of the story.

 And during the hearing, they said the police officer who ordered the cars towed  seemed to be enjoying his role in the incident.

Lukens said the episode was a lesson for him.

“I will definitely tell the neighbors next time I leave on vacation,” Lukens said. “I’ll say: ‘Here are my keys.’ I didn’t know Joe and Erik were on vacation. Had I known, I could have told police. If I had a key, I could have moved the cars for them.”

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