Goodyear HOA fines community hydration efforts

Goodyear resident David Martin, began offering free water from a cooler on his driveway at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. He filled the cooler with water bottles and ice, inviting anyone passing by to take one.

Martin described the gesture as a small act of kindness during a challenging time, as he told The Washington Post . The cooler has remained outside his garage ever since, with neighbors, delivery drivers, dog walkers, and people at a nearby park appreciating the offer, especially amid this summer’s constant heat.

Despite the community support, Martin faced opposition from his homeowners association. The association, whose complaints were first reported by AZFamily , has threatened to continue fining Martin until he removes the water cooler.

According to The Washington Post, Martin has refused to pay. So far, fines have totaled $475. The Canyon Trails Unit 4 West Community Association, Martin’s HOA, clarified it does not oppose providing water but said, “the community’s rules do not allow a resident to advertise water bottle distribution from a portable ice chest, located next to their garage that is visible from neighboring property.”

The association’s attorney, Javier Delgado, and FirstService Residential did not comment on their correspondence with Martin.