HOUSTON A Houston Marine says his neighborhood s homeowners association is suing him because of a flagpole on his property.
They're suing me for $200 a day and lawyers' fees and everything, Michael Merola said.
Merola said he went through the proper channels to ask for permission to put up a 20-foot flag pole, but permission was denied. The HOA told him he was welcome to attach a small flagpole to his house.
An attorney representing the Lakeland Village Community Association said homeowners are encouraged to display American flags, if they want to, but that freestanding flagpoles are just not allowed.
Merola said the homeowners association is going too far so he has hired his own lawyers.
Being a Marine, this is a battle I m willing to fight, Merola said.
Merola's attorneys believe the HOA is violating the Freedom to Fly the American Flag Act of 2005. The lawyers are also Marines, and they are doing the legal work for free.
I just feel the liberties and things are being chipped away at, Merola said. By flying this flag, it shows my respect and honor to this country for those of us who have served before.
