HOA orders Black Lives Matter signs to be removed from this Ohio neighborhood
An Ohio homeowners association has asked its residents to remove their Black Lives Matter signs from their yards by July 26.
The request Wednesday from the Hampsted Village HOA, located in New Albany, led to criticism from some homeowners.
Some people commented saying they should not have singled out Black Lives Matter signs. The Facebook post by the HOA has 321 comments as of Friday morning.
“I have lived in Hampsted since 1995 and have seen many, many yard signs for various reasons,” Jennifer Haught Perry said. “I’m guessing no one has complained about them. That says a lot about racism in our society.”
Other homeowners in the Columbus-area neighborhood said they will put up a Black Lives Matter sign after the HOA’s request, while some asked how they can acquire one.
The HOA clarified its stance and apologized Thursday. It said the message was “intended to remind residents to promptly remove signs after the event.”
“The reminder to promptly remove a sign after an event was not intended to apply only to the BLM signs and should have clearly stated it applies to signage for all events, celebrations and programs,” their post stated.
A 1994 declaration from the HOA states “no signs of any kind” should be displayed unless they are approved by the committee. Its website states temporary signs supporting a family member or a charitable event “are permitted for a reasonable period of time and should be removed after the event.”
Hampsted Village Communities created a Facebook event in June in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. It suggested residents show their support “by displaying a sign of support in your yard between now and then (July 26).”
Signs in yards at the neighborhood state “This Hampsted Home Supports Black Lives Matter. First change your heart, then help your neighbor change theirs.”
One woman asked in the HOA’s initial post when the Black Lives Matter movement is considered to be over.
“To be clear, I think all of these signs should be displayed and enhance the feeling of camaraderie during an exceptionally difficult time,” Andrea Caron Wiltrout wrote. “I believe that we should display our pride in New Albany schools and our belief that Black Lives Matter. But taking down one set of signs and not the other is simply not fair.”
Some residents commented that there are also presidential campaign banners hung at some homes. HOA guidelines state political signs are not allowed until two weeks before an election.
The HOA said it will review its design guidelines.
This story was originally published July 17, 2020 at 9:35 AM with the headline "HOA orders Black Lives Matter signs to be removed from this Ohio neighborhood."