The family of Pahan Salgado, who lives in Germantown, Maryland, about 31 miles from Washington, DC, has unexpectedly received a letter from a lawyer representing Middlebrook Manor South Homeowners Association, through which they have been fined for the Christmas decorations on their property. The fine totals $650, $50 per day, claiming that their decorations violate nuisance rules.
In statements to WJLA, an ABC affiliate, Salgado explained that they follow the same tradition every year, have never had any problems, and are not the only family with lights and decorations on their property, so they do not understand why they are the only ones being penalized. Some neighbors in the area, like Hinda Al-Awar, have also stated that they enjoy their neighbor’s lights and that they are in no way a nuisance.
Problem with the Christmas lights
In Germantown, Maryland, which is about 31 miles from Washington, DC, something is happening that defies all logic. As every Christmas, families in the area have put up their holiday decorations, adorning their homes and gardens as usual. The same was done by Pahan Salgado’s family, but the consequences for him and his family have been completely different. The family received a $650 fine from the Middlebrook Manor South Homeowners Association, alleging that their Christmas decorations violate the neighborhood nuisance rules.
In his statements to WJLA, an ABC affiliate, Salgado said, “It’s a wonderful time of the year for everyone. It’s a time to reflect on our faith and our values—our Christian values, we believe in Christ. That’s why we decorate our house and put up our lights. With our grandmother, after she passed away, we put two angels in front of our house”. The family, who carries out the same tradition every Christmas, had never had any kind of problem until now. The letter specified that the family would be fined $50 per day, reaching a total of $650, and it continues to increase.
What does the Salgado family have to say about this?
Salgado insists that they are not causing any kind of trouble in the neighborhood and still cannot believe that they are not the only neighbor with decorations, but the only one being reprimanded. “We are not attracting anyone. No one comes to the neighborhood causing disruption,” he said.
“We are not waking anyone up. We are not bothering anyone. The lights are strictly within the limits of our property. They won’t go outside. They don’t touch anyone else’s yard,” he added. “Other houses have decorated their homes for Christmas. Even down there, there’s a house that has a nativity scene and some lights outside. Our neighbors across the street have a house outside, but it’s only us being harassed”.
Neighborhood testimonials
According to WJLA, many neighbors who also have lights and decorations on their houses have not received any type of warning or fine about it. Hinda Al-Awar, a neighbor across the street, stated, “The decorations are beautiful. They don’t bother me at all. They don’t affect my living room, my dining room, nothing. I enjoy them. When my kids grow up, they love them”, she said.
“I don’t understand why the HOA keeps bothering them. They bring us joy. I don’t know what it is. Why are they targeting these wonderful people?”. The Salgado family said they would not take down their Christmas decorations despite the fines due to the great emotional significance they hold for them. On their part, the South Middlebrook Manor Homeowners Association did not respond to The US Sun’s request for comment.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the Salgado family fined?
The Middlebrook Manor South homeowners association (HOA) imposed a $650 fine on them ($50 for each day passed), claiming that their Christmas decorations violate the neighborhood’s nuisance rules.
What is the stance of the family and their neighbors regarding the fine?
The family believes they are being selectively harassed, as other neighbors have similar decorations and have not been penalized. For their part, the neighbors consulted say that the lights are not bothersome and, on the contrary, bring joy to the community.