I am a homeowner who has experienced firsthand, the negative impacts of a Homeowner's Association (HOA) that doesn't consider the wellbeing of its residents. The supposedly "nice neighborhood" I moved into turned into a dictatorship of excess overregulation, and my home - the second house in the vicinity, seems to be their prime target. 

Four years ago, when I moved in, we had a brand new wooden swing set and a trampoline with a volleyball net attached. My children loved to play outside, engaging in physically active, joyful pastimes. Fast forward to now, my children can hardly pry themselves away from their digital devices. The reason is simple: our Homeowners Association deemed our outdoor swing set and trampoline as "unsightly" even though you can hardly view it from the street.

Despite conducting my own survey among my immediate neighbors, I found that none of them had any issue with these facilities. These are beyond mere play items; they represent an essential avenue for children to stay fit and enjoy wholesome outdoor activities. We have a large corner lot and do not bother any neighbors with our activities.

Yet, under current U.S. law, HOAs have far-reaching powers over homeowners in their communities. A 2019 survey reports that 60% of homeowners feel their HOA is "obstructive" or "a nuisance." (Sourced: U.S. News and World Report). We are not alone in this debate.

We implore lawmakers to limit the overreaching powers of HOAs on private property. Property owners ought to have more say about how they utilize their properties, especially when these decisions positively impact the wellbeing of our children. This is not just about my family; it's a national issue that needs prompt attention to prevent the further erosion of our picturesque neighborhoods and our children living within to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Save our communities. Protect our children. Limit HOA power on private properties. Sign the petition and let our children enjoy outside again!