David vs Goliath: Goodyear water samaritan's battle with HOA continues amid Halloween hypocrisy

Goodyear, Arizona: Four years ago in May 2020 during the COVID pandemic, Goodyear resident David Martin started leaving a cooler full of cold water out the front of his home so any passerby could find some liquid solace from the oppressive heat. That act of kindness has resulted in a four-year battle with his Home Owners' Association.

In 2022, Martin received a warning from the HOA about his water distribution, but that was then followed by an apology letter. So Martin continued.

A whole two years after that, in May 2024, the situation escalated. FirstService Residential, the company managing the Canyon Trails HOA, began issuing Martin fines, starting with a $50 charge. Each month, the fine has doubled to $100. Martin, needless to say, has refused to pay any of these fines.

Recently, the HOA sent Martin a 13-page notice outlining their concerns. They claim Martin's cooler violates community rules and have urged him to move it to his porch, screened from public view. The HOA has imposed hundreds of dollars in fines from May to August due to the alleged violations. Despite making changes, Martin insists on keeping the cooler visible. He told 12 News: "What's the point of giving away free water if no one can see it?"

Martin says has not been fined for the cooler in September or October, raising questions about the consistency of the HOA's enforcement. Additionally, Martin pointed out the 'contradiction' between the rules on water coolers and the allowance for Halloween decorations visible from the street.

If the dispute escalates further, David may be forced to seek legal counsel to defend his right to keep the cooler on his driveway.