Homeowner’s Association bylaw bans kids from playing

The Homeowner’s Association of a gated neighborhood in Lakewood Ranch, Florida recently passed a bylaw that outlaws children playing on their streets and will fine those found in violation of the new regulation. As reported by WFTS ABC Action News, the Miramar at the Country Club Homeowner’s Association passed the bylaw to make their neighborhood safer. The community has one main road, which is narrow, winding, and drivers often speed through it.

Parents who supervise their kids while they are outside playing and encourage them to spend time outdoors, are not too happy about the HOA’s new rule. Mom Luisa Capra said, “Never, ever, ever have I heard anything so absurd." "I was just completely appalled. You know it's just getting to the point where I don't know where they want the kids to play. Inside on an Xbox I guess," said Anne Sofie Hait the mother of 3 and 7-year-old boys.

But HOA Board and Committee members defend their decision. Bill Rompf told WFTS, "We're trying to make the place safe. We're trying to make it safe for those people who have kids in the community and they should be the ones that should be happy about that, not upset."

Another HOA Board member, Tony Olender, said that the Lakewood Ranch of “Live, Work. Play,” still holds. “You know, that's the idea and there's plenty of place to go do that too…Just not here in the street.”

The HOA board members have yet to come up with an amount for the fine, saying that they would prefer to have a conversation with the parents before issuing a fine.

Video and more info: WFTS