“This is the original property survey. This spring predates the subdivision.”
He placed down another document.
“This is correspondence from the state environmental agency.”
Another.
“And this explains why filling the spring may itself be unlawful.”
The room became quiet.
Karen crossed her arms.
“The HOA rules still apply.”
Mark nodded.
“I agree. But the rules don't give the HOA permission to order a homeowner to violate state environmental protections.”
A neighbor stood.
“My name is Linda. Karen fined me three times over my flower pots.”
Another resident spoke.
Then another.
Within minutes, the hearing was no longer about Mark's spring.
It was about Karen.
Chapter 6 — The Excavator
A week later, Mark came home and saw a truck parked near his property.
Behind it was an excavator.
His phone was already in his hand before he reached the driveway.
“Can I help you?”
A contractor climbed down.
“We were told to prepare this area.”