Have you ever come across an article online that made you wonder "what the hell is wrong with people?" One of my local news stations reported on an incident that made me do just that.
In Georgetown, Texas, the Costa family is being sued by their pinch-faced, lemon-sucking neighbors over a Playscape (think 'epic jungle gym') they built in their own backyard for their terminally ill 3-year old son.
Little Colton Costa has a genetic disorder called Hurler syndrome that affects the cells and tissues of the body. There is no cure and most people with Hurler don't live past age ten.
Right now, Colton is relatively healthy and enjoys running and playing just like any child his age. Colton's mom, Kim Costa, explained the importance of making the most of his healthy moments:
“So, to see him get to run around and play and be as mobile as he is right now when he can be, you better believe we want to see it. We want him to be active and enjoy his life.”
The Costas planned to buy Colton a Playscape and told him he could pick out whichever one he wanted - so naturally he picked the biggest one - a 14 footer with a lot of slides.
Heartless Neighbors and the HOA
Despite the fact that the Costas built the Playscape in their own fenced-in backyard, their loving actions still managed to trigger neighbors Richard and Carole Gottlieb, who have filed a lawsuit against the Costas for the egregious offense of forcing them to look at the playset which, at 14 feet high, can't be screened from view (oh the horror - oh the HUMANITY!).
The Costas and the Gottliebs live in the Estrella subdivision and are subject to its HOA (homeowners' association) rules and guidelines.
The lawsuit also alleges that the Costas "failed to submit proper plans and specifications to the ADRC (Estrella Subdivisions Architecture and Design Review Committee) for review prior to installation of the playscape, and the ADRC failed to review and approve Costas playscape in advance as required by ADRC guidelines.”
However, a spokesperson for the Estrella Subdivision Homeowners Association told KXAN News that the Costas did submit the required paperwork and plans, which were approved by the HOA.
In addition to demanding the removal of the Playscape, the Gottliebs are also suing for legal fees and $100,000 in "damages."
Want to show your support for the Costas? Let them know how you feel on Facebook and contact the Estrella Subdivision HOA to urge them not to cave to the Gottliebs' demands.
Grinch image courtesy of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” / Universal Studies. Todd and Margo Chester image courtesy of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" / Warner Bros.