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His name is Eric Marsh. His backyard includes a putting green, boulders, fire cauldrons, a tether ball pole, a hog roasting pit, a sport court and an infinity-edge pool. He’s a 47-year-old software developer, and he’s also a legend in the making.
Marsh was sued by the Fire Ridge HOA for violating multiple neighborhood land covenants. I’m not privy to the minutes of the HOA’s board meetings, but it appears that these people aren’t big fans of fun. That’s a shame.
The Omaha World-Herald said it best:
No neighborhood court squabble has been quite like Fire Ridge vs. Marsh. The court case has involved depositions over pin positions; has gone all the way to the state’s highest court, costing tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees; and has seen Marsh seek a protection order over a board member’s quip that officials should chip dozens of golf balls into his pool.
Here’s a little procedural history for you: after a three-day trial, the District Court of Douglas County granted the Fire Ridge Homeowner’s Association partial summary judgment, which allowed Marsh to keep his pool, basketball court, tether-ball pole and hog roasting pit. But tragically, the artificial tee boxes, two giant flagpoles, and the artificial turf putting green (he was ordered to replace the turf with grass) had to go.
Marsh appealed to Nebraska’s highest court but fell short. The Supreme Court held, “We have recognized that a homeowners’ association’s failure to enforce slight deviations from the covenants does not stop the association from enforcing more flagrant violations.” And now the pissing match continues, because Marsh is throwing up the double birds for the entire world to see. Last week, the HOA took Marsh back to court for his refusal to comply with the district court’s order. Being the bad boy of the HOA, though, Marsh isn’t giving in.
When asked whether he’s willing to go to jail, a possibility if he’s found to be in contempt of court, he said, “Hell no. I’m a law abiding citizen. I’m just a stubborn citizen.” I love everything about this story. There’s no telling how much more Marsh will drop in legal bills (he claims he’s only spent about $40,000 which seems really low), but given that he already has a top five baller backyard, funds probably aren’t an issue. Plus, you can’t put a price on principle.
I can’t imagine the neighbors care about this, and if they do, that’s on them. Being this dude’s neighbor sounds like a dream come true. You know he’s the kind of guy who hosts all the get togethers. What kind of monster doesn’t want to live next to a putting green and sport court? You get home after a long day, crack a cold one, and roll a few putts with the boys from the neighborhood. Wife’s hosting a junior league meeting? Head over to the Marsh’s and roast a fucking hog.
We’ll be monitoring this story closely as it continues to develop..
[via Omaha World-Herald]
Image via Shutterstock
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Dave
Lawyer. Writer. Dude doing business. I'm the meatloaf guy from tv.
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This suit should be thrown out on the basis it is inherently un-American to prosecute such fun.
I will move to this guy’s association and support him on the terms that he buy me a house there and allow me to play in his backyard (no homo) whenever I please.
You’d think this guys’ back yard raises property values. He can be my neighbor any day.
HOAs are a cancer to American freedom and crush the spirit of hard working people everywhere.
The majority of HOAs are good. They keep the place looking nice and keep property values up. But you only hear about the ones that are run by bored retirees and/or people who love being assholes.
The problem with them is that once Janet from two doors down gets the tiniest bit of power she lets it go to her head and attempts to control everyone’s lives. Everyone fucking hates you, Janet.
Like 80% sure I know who this guy is. My buddy’s Dad lives in that area and when I lived in Omaha I would go over with him and help his Dad out. Pretty sure this guy walked over one day and shot the shit with us, if so that guy was cool as fuck.
Hated living in Omaha every single day..
Same it was a shit hole, so glad I am in KC now.
Total missed opportunity if this guy doesn’t go full Clark Griswold with his Christmas lights this year.
#FreeMarsh
The artificial grass looks kinda shitty, but I wouldn’t tell him that so I could hit up the pitch and putt.
Google Maps Street View: 19506 Emile Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022
for a look at the backyard. Worth It.
I expected a lot more for a $350,000 backyard.