NYPD Retiree Living in Florida Told to Remove 9/11 Commemorative Flag or Face Fines
- Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:04pm by
Christopher Santarelli
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A retired New York City Police officer living in Florida does not plan on budging to demands made by his homeowners’ association, who have given him 10 days to take down a 9/11 commemorative flag or face fines and possible legal action. Local 10 reports on Richard Wentz, the retired NYPD with cancer who refuses to take down his flag which he sees as a commemoration but the Fairways at Heron Bay association sees as a detraction from the “aesthetic harmony” of the surrounding properties:
“The commemorative flag lists the names of everyone who died on Sept. 11, 2001, and is a replica of the ones placed in Battery Park during the 10th anniversary of the attacks.
‘When I received the letter, I actually stood out in front of the house yelling in anger about it,’ Wentz said.
Wentz, a retired New York City police officer, said he ran into the Tower 1 and started pulling out people before the building collapsed. Wentz said he lost 43 friends and colleagues that day. The inside of his home is a shrine to the friends he lost.
Wentz now has cancer, he said, from breathing in all the particles during the cleanup of Ground Zero.
The letter from the Fairways at Heron Bay association said the flag detracts from the aesthetic harmony of the surrounding properties.He said he was confronted by Patricia Favata, president of the Board of Directors.
‘She pushed the issue and said, ‘Do we really need to get lawyers involved?’ Her demeanor got very nasty,’Wentz said. “
The association claims that they have received complaints, and that the rules say that there can only be one flag per home. Still, several neighbors who spoke with Local 10 last week did not agree with the association’s actions, and were disgusted to hear of their treatment to the 9/11 first responder.
Wentz spoke about the matter on Fox & Friends Sunday, and his stance against the homeowner’s association:
Wentz said Sunday that he agrees we need to follow rules and laws, but equates his situation to drivers asking for a “break” when pulled over by a police officer for a traffic violation.
“Everyday laws are broken. Laws are bent.”
Wentz does not plan on complying with his association’s request to remove the flag by this Monday.
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Comments (59)
4xeverything
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:18amI’m looking them up online in just one minute and writing them a strongly worded letter on Mr. Wentz’s behalf. I suggest everyone else to do the same.
Report Post »NOBAMA201258
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:31amAmen! Doing so in 1 minute
Report Post »BlackAce41
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:26amCall the Association and tell them how you feel! Let us stand behind this man and make sure this does not happen to anyone at all..954/344-5353, call them and tell them how you feel.
Report Post »Ronald Wilson
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 3:42amPlacing private property under the “protection” of a non-governmental association should not be tolerated. I can understand the government needing a small amount of access to the property; easements, zoning and such. If the HOA wants to rent or lease the land and/or buildings, that’s fine, but don’t try to fool me by “selling” it to me without ownership rights.
Report Post »If you think you are being harmed by someone’s free expression, take them to court. Hell, have the whole neighborhood file a class-action suit for damages to property values. Let a jury decide, not some bureaucrat who determines what “aesthetic harmony” is.
LovinUSA
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 2:16amThat’s why I would never live in one of those communities, they are snobbish, over bearing and think their —- don’t stink.
Report Post »mexneck
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 2:04amTake your rules and shove them. Anyone who stands against this man stands against me. Who’s got my back? Thousands of battle hardened vets who will NEVER FORGET.
Report Post »Get off your butt and join the Marines
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 1:44amI hate HOAs! Mr. Wentz knew the HOA rules and regs before moving into that community, so it should not surprise him that much. I feel really bad for Mr. Wentz; he is one of the many, true American heroes from 9/11! And to now be battling cancer, it is just awful that the HOA decided to come down hard on this poor guy and his 9/11 commemorative US flag. I do realize that all HOAs have numerous rules and regs and if you don’t like them you should not move there; simply buy a home in a community without an HOA! And if the HOA made an exception here for Mr. Wentz’s flag, they would be in a bind enforcing other rules and regs that other people disagree with! Having said this, I feel REALLY BAD for this US HERO but, I think he will have to take the flag down and/or suffer the fines and consequences. Of course, he could get a petition going and see if other members of this community and HOA would sign it to ask the HOA board to amend the rules to allow Mr. Wentz’s flag.
To an American HERO, Mr. Wentz: I hope and pray that your battle with cancer is successful and you beat that SOB into remission! I also hope and pray that you get your amendment or allowance to fly that 9/11 flag PROUDLY!!
Semper Fi!
Report Post »pamela kay
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 2:25amI first want to thank you for your service to our country GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND JOIN THE MARINES…………………………. I have to agree with your comment although it really tics me off that this man can not fly his flag. I too wish him the best and would like to thank him as well. My son was in the Marines about 15 yrs ago. I love the Corps and am a proud mama of a Marine . God Bless!
Report Post »MidWestMom
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:40amAgree with both above.
Report Post »Retired US Marine MSgt
Posted on November 22, 2011 at 3:48pmGranted the man signed a dotted line. Got it. But the line he singed was apparently somewhere below a passage that read you can’t post anything that detracts from the aesthetic harmony of the surrounding properties, because that is what was cited in the letter. I can’t think of one inch of land in the UNITED STATES, especially post 9/11, where the AMERICAN FLAG detracts from any aesthetic harmony.
This is the United States and if the national symbol is too much for you to bear, get the hell out. This is obviously a case of a left-wing, power hungry organization trying to impart their politics on the rest of society. They scream First Amendment every chance they get, it is time the patriots scream back.
Report Post »Former Marine Master Sergeant
Warm In The Desert
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 1:37amAny one know who Benchmark Properties are, and how might they be friendly or otherwise dissuaded pursuing their Marxist position on this man?
Report Post »Warm In The Desert
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 1:18amMr. Richard Wentz,
Your years with the NYPD are to be commended and praised by all you served during your career.
I, and many reading this, do pray a full and successful recovery, your battle with that insidious disease known as Cancer.
Living in another part of the world I do not comprehend what HOA’s are, but do indeed understand the concept of “Jackboots” where ever they occur. I wish you, your family and friends, who stand firm against tyranny and oppression by what ever name-all the best.
Report Post »4BlueStars
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 1:17amWell, Patricia Favata may be the president of the Board of Directors. But I’ll bet she has a boss too. And I’ll bet if enough people burn up their phone lines and complain to home office then perhaps Patricia mat decide was perhaps a little. . .overzealous.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 1:05amFLY the US FLAG PROUD and HIGH!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »bikerr
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:36amI do not get it,when people move into a Association run neighborhood and then seem hurt,surprised ,angry or what ever. Yes he is a hero and has feelings and thoughts about 911,but maybe he should have read the rules before moving in. Yes it is America,but let’s let the market decide who wants to live in these neighborhoods. That way when one house catches fire The fire fighters will maybe take their time responding.
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:50amThat’s why when, 3 years ago, I was looking for a house if it said homeowner’s dues were x, I moved right along and didn’t even look at the house. A couple times I was disappointed, but oh well. Never will live in an HOA and if they try to get one after I’ve moved in, I’ll sue if they include me. That’s mob rule. The mob can decide we need a HOA and I have to abide? I don’t think so. In his defense, most people just think it’s like the neighborhood watch until they get involved. then they realize they can tell them what days to mow the yard, how high the grass can get, what can be displayed, etc.
Report Post »K1519
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:16amAbsolutely pathetic that liberal mouthpieces think they can tell everyone else what to think and how to live. The heroes of 9-11 should be remembered and honored forever.
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:15amThis saddens me terribly. Have we already forgotten? Or just don’t care anymore. This man to me, is a hero just like our troops serving abroad.
The NYPD officers who are being called “pigs” and chanted “shame” at by the OWSers are the same ones who were praised just 10 years ago. God help us all if this continues.
Report Post »monkeymom
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:13amHOA’s started in the very early 1900s, when “restrictive covenants” were used to keep whites from selling/renting homes blacks. With a hateful, evil background like that, is it any surprise that they continue to be the same today?
Report Post »Maxim Crux
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:03amNo one has the right to tell you what to do on your property as long as you are not interfering with someone elses natural rights
Report Post »Quencher
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:02amHomeowners associations are simply the lowest level of socialism. Most property owners detest these associations but are at a disadvantage because the members who love power (socialists) generally run for office and thereby the association becomes a socialist dictatorship. Most of the officers are using their position to violate the rules with impunity. It helps to shine daylight on the dictators. They generally can’t stand being exposed to public view. I love to see them put in their place (which I am proud to say that I had the good fortune to succeed at). Good luck to anyone who challenges the arrogant b_stards.
Report Post »Clara T.
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:39pmI’m torn on this one. I don’t think this would be as big an issue if the flag he was being asked to take down was for a college or professional sports team. HOAs enforce their little rules all the time, it’s just a problem now because of what the flag represents and because the homeowner was someone who did a great service to this country.
I dislike HOAs – precisely because of situations like this. I’m just not clear on whether or not one has a choice in joining a HOA. Do you have to join one to live in the neighborhood or is it voluntary? If Wentz joined voluntarily, then he is aware of his violation and the letter should come as no surprise.
Report Post »A Conservatarian
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:43pmClara,
If you purchase a house in an HOA it is compulsory. You have to join.
Report Post »Clara T.
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:57pmAhh. Thanks! I‘ve never had to deal with them so I wasn’t sure. HOAs are another thing that sound good on paper (an association that works toward keeping the neighborhood nice), but they all end up with nitpicky rules that wind up doing more harm than good. I’m interested to see where this goes.
Report Post »AzDebi
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:58pmIf the other members of the HOA (his NEIGHBORS) don’t stand up for HIM (and what his flag represents)…then…they deserve to be pushed around! HOA do these things because they CAN!
Report Post »Zcat
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:37pmUntil American start fighting and standing up to these anti American bunch thats come out of the wood work with this anti American president, we‘re going to end up being told when we can and can’t go to the dang bathroom! Stand up and fight for country and our traditions people! We’re on the verge of losing it all.
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:33pmwonder what loyalty those HOAs are, most likely communist-obama-democrat-muslim
Report Post »CatB
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:08amThis HOA is in Coral Springs .. halfway between Boca Raton and Ft Lauderdale .. on the east coast .. LOTS of LIberals on that side of the state … I am over on the Gulf Coast more conservative .. but those from New York tend to get on these boards .. seem to be “drawn” to them and they are usually VERY liberal .. even over here.
Report Post »ehbardin
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:31pmMaybe he should compromise and fly that flag only, after all it is an American flag, and he is allowed to fly one flag, if they object to that, then we will know their true intentions
LIBERTEA
Report Post »LoisLane1951
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:27pmBet there are some vets in the area who would be happy to drive around the neighborhood on their bikes, trikes, scooters, motorcycles and in their golf carts proudly displaying the flag. They could do this for a few weeks…or months. Whatever it takes.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:10amI checked to see where this was .. If I could help but it is on the other side of the state .. anyone in the Boca Raton/Ft Lauderdale area ?? That is where this is Coral Springs about half way between those two larger cities.
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:26pmi will do what i want with my property ……….. PERIOD
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:39pmI would never even look at a property with a “home owners association” lording over it for that very reason.
Report Post »GBMBulletsSKNRD
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:23pmI would paint the house Red White and Blue. I would paint my cars Red White and Blue. I would paint my dogs and cat Red White and Blue and tell these people to go straight to hell.
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:07amCatB is correct about them moving there. The reason they move down there is to avoid the High Taxes in NY – they retire and draw that high state/ City retirement pay from NY and don’t pay NY state taxes on it, If they stay in NY they would. Once down there they want things to be like up north.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:13pmHOA’s are nasty things .. never buy a home in one ..we learned the hard way … my son has a home in an HOA neighborhood … the boards think they are GOD.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:21pmThe people attracted to HOA offices… are Fascists!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 12:11amThat is very true .. mostly people from New York who seek to be on the boards .. they come into the HOA and form a little clic .. and once that happens the rest of the people are scr*wed.
Report Post »JLGunner
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:29amI live in a deed restricted community and would always get letters for my trash cans being on the curb, “on trash day”. As soon as the trash men came I pulled them back into my garage. They even took pictures and in the background, you see all my other neighbors cans out as well. I had to explain that my young daughter played in the front yard and anyone sitting in a car taking photos of my house will be considered an aggressor and would be dealt with as such. The letters and photos stopped.
Report Post »A Conservatarian
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:12pmHow this plays out is like so: the HOA assesses the fine. The officer wont pay the fine, the HOA can then have his house repossessed from this fine gentleman for not paying the fine after a lien is placed on the house. Then the fun will start as I’m sure the other people living in that neighborhood that are on the board of the HOA and the community management company will start receiving death threats etc etc etc. I’d like to see this play out in court, I’m interested to see if he can change the case law; I hope so!
Report Post »A Conservatarian
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 11:09pmHOA’s suck. Bottom line. They exist to walk all over property rights and the 1st amendment.
Report Post »Down2TheC
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 1:27amYou got that right! I was shopping for a house and any time I heard Homeowners Association, I instantly blew it off. I’m planning a full yardarm with gaff and I know that would never fly with a bunch of uptight McMansion owners. Long may she wave!
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