Every city in the United States has its own set of guidelines for the upkeep of residential properties. But how strict and picky are HOAs or homeowners associations? If you’ve ever lived in one, you’ll know. However, if you live in an area with a large number of local laws, it can be difficult to know exactly what you can and cannot do on your own property. For example, local officials can even take action against a property owner if the grass on their yard is overgrown, dead, or appears neglected.
Having your own property makes it simple to feel a sense of responsibility for it. All that effort to get a roof over your head and even more effort in making that roof your own isn’t wasted. Gerry Suttle bought her house with the intention of staying there for the rest of her life, and she was doing just that until she was threatened with being arrested for violating the city’s code regulating the height of grass on yards and lawns.
Gerry Suttle, 75, had lived in her house in Reisel, Texas, for the past 59 years. The length of the grass on a lot she owns across the street violated the city code, and she had received a summons to appear before a judge. A few weeks prior to serving the notice, officials had measured the grass on the property in question and discovered it was 18 inches tall, which was clearly excessive.
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As a result of Miss Suttle’s failure to appear in court, a warrant for her arrest was issued, capturing the attention of the local media. She explained to the reporter that she never received the summons in the first place, and that’s why she didn’t show up for court.
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In the United States, each state has its own unique character. The places, landscapes, architecture, people, cultures, and even the laws are all very different. This is how Gerry was taken completely by surprise by a rule in her hometown.
The city code stated that homeowners who fail to maintain their lawns might be subject to a fine or perhaps criminal prosecution. Yes, the police can intervene if the owner’s grass is greater than 18 inches long. She was mortified when the 75-year-old lady discovered that she violated the law because she could not mow her own huge lawn. For her, it was a very vulnerable situation to be in.
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This 75-year-old woman was content in her home, but she found it more challenging to maintain her property efficiently as she grew older. But that didn’t make her any less fiercely possessive of her home and possessions. So when she realized what four young boys were doing to her yard, she burst into tears because she didn’t want anyone messing with it. However, she knew that they were doing it to help her out.
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Four young Texas boys were carting lawn equipment the following day when Miss Suttle looked up from her house. They wanted to help because they had seen her on the news the night before. So when the boys learned that a 75-year-old woman was at risk of being arrested and imprisoned for failing to mow the grass on the property she owned, they couldn’t believe their ears. Blaine Reynolds, one of the brothers, argued that it was the least they could do.
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The Reynolds brothers, who lived close, were the four boys who Gerry saw walking over her land. Initially, she had no idea what they were doing or why they entered her personal space in such a bold and intrusive manner. Then she caught another sight of movement, and she wasn’t sure if she should say anything to them or shoo them away. Finally, the four boys unzipped their bags, took out their tools, and sat down on the floor, ready to execute their own plan of action.
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The brothers got to work right away and began mowing the lawn. They knew it would take a long time because they only had push mowers, and it was over 90 degrees outside. However, neighbors who saw what was going on were also inspired to take action. Many people showed up with riding mowers, which was a huge help. After two hours of mowing, the lot had been brought into compliance.
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The boys’ generosity deeply moved Miss Suttle as she watched them. The simple act of mowing the lawn restored her faith in young people who helped her out without asking for anything in return.
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It was announced the following day that the warrant would be dropped if she simply went to the courthouse and signed some papers indicating that she hadn’t received the original notice to appear. However, she was unable to do so because she received yet another court summons the following day. Municipal officials had previously disallowed the boys and her neighbors’ hard work, but this time she decided to take on the alleged violation of city code.
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When the boys learned that Miss Suttle would have to appear in court, they offered to mow the lawn once more to assist her. Even at 75 years old, no one would want their mother or grandmother doing hard yard work in the Texas heat. There may be a better way to work with her than threatening to arrest her because of the length of the grass.
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