DELINQUENT ACCOUNT.
I removed it.
Photographed it.
Placed it in the fireproof box.
Elaine smiled when she saw the photograph.
“You're building a record.”
“I feel like I'm collecting evidence for a crime that hasn't happened yet.”
“You may be collecting evidence of a governance problem.”
“That sounds nicer.”
“Lawyers prefer accurate words to satisfying ones.”
The county, meanwhile, had not been informed of the HOA's decision.
So I informed them.
I sent the county planning and coastal office a copy of the original permit, the HOA order, Glenn's landscaping proposal, and my warning letter.
Three days later, an inspector came to my property.
His name was Daniel Reyes.
He walked along the wall silently.
He examined the anchors.
He checked the drainage outlets.
He measured the setback.
Then he looked toward Karen's property.
“How long has the wall been here?”
“Since 1997.”
“Any major modifications?”
“Two permitted repairs.”
“Do you have the records?”
I handed him the fireproof folder.
He looked at the first page.
Then the second.
Then the third.
Finally he said:
“Who told the HOA they could remove this?”
“I don't know.”
He looked at me.
“Did they obtain county approval?”
“Not that I know of.”
He closed the folder.
“I'll make some calls.”
The calls changed the tone of the neighborhood.
Within a week, the HOA received a letter from the county.
The letter was polite.
That was almost worse.
It explained that the seawall was a permitted coastal structure.
Any alteration, removal, or modification affecting its structural function would require review by the appropriate regulatory authority.
The HOA was advised not to authorize work affecting the wall without proper permits.
Karen forwarded the letter to the board.
Then she forwarded it to residents.
Her accompanying message said:
The county is being overly cautious because they are unfamiliar with our community's restoration objectives. The HOA remains committed to improving the natural character of the shoreline.
That phrase bothered me.
Restoration objectives.
She had turned an unverified landscaping proposal into a community mission.
And she was beginning to believe her own language.
At the next board meeting, she stood before the residents and announced that the county's letter did not invalidate the HOA's authority.
A homeowner named Mrs. Bell raised her hand.
“Then why does the county say you need a permit?”
Karen smiled.
“We are not removing the seawall ourselves.”
“Then who is?”
“We will contract qualified professionals once the owner complies.”
Another homeowner asked:
“Qualified according to whom?”
Karen's smile disappeared.
“The association has consultants.”
“You mean Glenn?”
“He has extensive restoration experience.”
Mrs. Bell shook her head.
“He landscaped my sister's yard.”
A few people laughed.
Karen struck the gavel.
“This is not a comedy club.”
That was the first time people laughed at her in a meeting.
It would not be the last.
Garrett Hughes approached me afterward.
We stood outside the clubhouse while people slowly left.