Sign on property

We have a small complex (just 10 units) with a yard in the back that has trees and a lot of plants. It's not a place that really can be played in because of all the plants back there, but it looks really nice. One of the owners has put a sign back there by one of the trees that says "The Happy Forest". Mind you, it's not even a small sign, it's as big as a stop sign. It has little stickers all over it and happy faces drawn on it. The owner that put the sign up got a divorce and has custody of his little girl 3 times per week and pretty much lets her do whatever she wants to make her happy. Because this is a common area, can we ask him to take the sign down? I understand that divorces are messy and the children usually suffer, but this is a really corny sign and just looks so tacky. Plus, someone is trying to sell their condo and doesn't like it there. Is this one of those things where all the owners have to vote on it or can the Board just say take it down. Or, am I just way out of line. I appreciate your comments. This could be sticky and I don't like making people unhappy, but also really hate looking at that sign every day.

Thanks.
Judie
President

I second the motion ...

because it's a common area, they shouldn't be tacking things up anytime they want. It should come down.

a compromise would be to allow the HO to put up the sign only during the times his daughter is there, and remove it immediately afterwards. However, this leaves a large door through which others can enter as well, so be careful what you let him do.

Rather then send a nasty letter or just rip it down, I'd suggest having someone knock on his door and tell him in person it needs to come down and explain why. Don't turn it into a fight unless you have to.

Judi - suggest that he put the sign on a stick and when the child comes over, they can install it - then bring it in when she leaves. A nice little ritual that will make everyone happy!

JudieA - In theory, yes, making an exception is a slippery slope. However, I wouldn't worry to much about the precedent permitting the sign will have upon others following suit. Including yourself, the other 9 owners have not put up signs. I do think everyone needs to lighten up and compromise, permit the owner to put the sign up right before his daughter arrives and take it down after she leaves. It's not a permanent thing then and kids use all kinds of toys, etc. when playing.