In this interview, Ashley Ramsay from our team takes some time to speak to a local resident of Wynnfield about his ordeal with the HOA regarding his “nightmare” experience getting his vehicle towed away on the behest of the HOA president.
Ashley Ramsay: Thank you for speaking with me today, Doug. Can you tell us what happened with your vehicle and the HOA?
Doug Roberts: Of course. About three months ago, I parked my truck in front of my house, as I always do. It’s a standard-sized box truck, nothing out of the ordinary. One evening, I came home to find it had been towed. My roommate had told me that the City of Mobile police and a private towing company were there. I was stunned. It wasn’t blocking any driveways or violating any laws that I was aware of.
Ashley Ramsay: That sounds frustrating. Did the city or HOA notify you in advance about any issues with your truck?
Doug Roberts: Not at all. There was no warning, no notice, nothing from the city. The HOA did send me an email about it, but I responded that I wasn’t violating any of the laws, and actually there were many other vehicles parked in the same way. I later found out that the HOA president, Chuck Thuss, and one of the board directors, Michael Hites, claimed the truck was illegally parked and blocking a driveway. That wasn’t true. The truck was parked right in front of my house, and my neighbors—on both sides and across the street—never complained.
Ashley Ramsay: Did you try to reach out to the HOA for clarification?
Doug Roberts: Yes, I immediately contacted them after retrieving my truck from the impound lot—which, by the way, cost me almost $500 (which was later refunded). I asked for an explanation and provided proof that my vehicle wasn’t violating any laws or blocking any driveways. The response I got was vague and dismissive. They told me they had received “anonymous complaints” and acted accordingly. I found out later from the city when my lawyer got the documents, that it was the HOA behind the towing.
Ashley Ramsay: Did you look into whether your truck was in violation of any HOA rules?
Doug Roberts: Absolutely. I read the bylaws and even consulted a lawyer. The HOA bylaws don’t prohibit parking a vehicle like mine on the street, and the city of Mobile’s municipal code only restricts vehicles over 10 feet long in residential areas. My truck is just under 10 feet, so it’s fully compliant. The towing was entirely unjustified.
Ashley Ramsay: What actions did you take after that?
Doug Roberts: First, I attended the next HOA meeting to address the issue publicly. I brought photos of where my truck was parked and even the towing receipt. Chuck and Michael seemed defensive and kept insisting they had nothing to do with it and that it was the city that took the action – not them. But when I asked for proof of any complaints or the towing policy they followed, they couldn’t provide anything concrete.
Ashley Ramsay: Did it stop there?
Doug Roberts: No, it got worse. I found out that Michael Hites had taken photos of my truck and posted them on Facebook, trying to “shame” me into moving it. They even harassed our local city councilwoman for months, pressuring her to enforce rules that didn’t exist.
Ashley Ramsay: That’s alarming. Did you take any legal action?
Doug Roberts: I did. I filed a formal complaint with the city and sought legal advice. My lawyer confirmed that the HOA acted outside their authority. I’m considering a lawsuit for damages and harassment.
Ashley Ramsay: How has this experience impacted your relationship with the HOA and your neighbors?
Doug Roberts: It’s been tough. Many of my neighbors support me because they’ve seen how overzealous and unfair the HOA has become under the current leadership. But I’ve also felt targeted. It’s clear that the HOA is using scare tactics to control the neighborhood, and it’s causing division. This isn’t the first time that this has happened to someone – whether the HOA is harassing someone about a fence, or about a vehicle, or even a trash can.
Ashley Ramsay: What do you think needs to change in the HOA?
Doug Roberts: Transparency and accountability. The board needs to notify residents before taking drastic actions like towing. There should also be clear, enforceable guidelines that align with city ordinances, not arbitrary decisions made by a few individuals. Lastly, the leadership needs to change. People like Chuck and Michael are abusing their power, and it’s hurting the community.
Ashley Ramsay: Do you have any advice for other homeowners dealing with similar issues?
Doug Roberts: Document everything. Take photos, save emails, and keep records of every interaction. Know your rights by reading the HOA bylaws and local ordinances. And don’t be afraid to stand up to the board. These organizations are supposed to serve the residents, not intimidate them. Record every conversation if possible.
Ashley Ramsay: Thank you for sharing your story, Doug. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, and I hope your efforts lead to meaningful changes.
Doug Roberts: Thank you. I just want the HOA to operate fairly and for my neighbors to feel safe in their own homes. Hopefully, this will be a wake-up call for everyone involved.