In Goodyear, Arizona, one homeowner’s simple act of kindness has ignited a surprising war with his local homeowners association—a story that perfectly illustrates how petty bureaucrats in HOA boards can turn everyday generosity into a battlefield.
David Martin has been quietly handing out cold bottles of water to neighbors, delivery drivers, and kids walking by his driveway for five years—an act born from compassion and community spirit. “It’s for the kids, the delivery drivers, the couple holding hands walking down the street,” Martin told local media. During the brutal Arizona summers, his gesture offered relief and a reminder that neighbors still care about each other.
The idea started during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when Martin and his wife wanted to foster unity while many were isolated and scared. “What better way to be an asset to the community than cold water?” he said.
But instead of gratitude, Martin got fines. The Canyon Trails HOA and its management company, FS Residential, slapped him with a \$50 fine for storing the water bottles in plain view—and when he refused to pay, the fines escalated to \$100, hitting him for three months straight.
“Here we are in July, the hottest day of the year, and we are still talking about a water cooler with free cold water,” Martin said in frustration. “It’s ridiculous they’re adding violations for something that costs them nothing and helps everyone.”
The HOA claims it doesn’t object to Martin providing water—it just doesn’t want him to “advertise” the giveaway in his yard, citing community rules about visible signage or displays.
But let’s be honest—this is a classic example of petty HOA overreach, where rules are weaponized against residents simply trying to do good. Instead of celebrating a neighbor’s generosity, the HOA chose bureaucracy over basic human kindness.
Refusing to back down, Martin launched a grassroots petition to remove three board members responsible for the harassment. He needed 100 signatures—and he blew past that, rallying neighbors fed up with the board’s petty bullying.
At a special meeting in July, out of 210 ballots, a whopping 190 voted to oust the three board members. The board initially accepted the result—but quickly pushed back, questioning the legality of the vote, claiming technicalities like quorum and notice periods.
Naturally, the HOA management tried to invalidate the democratic decision, forcing Martin and the community into a legal battle to defend their right to simple decency.
Martin is undeterred. “It’s not just about water, it’s about the community as a whole,” he said, standing firm against bureaucratic tyranny. “I’m not paying the fines. The cooler is not going anywhere, and I’ll fight it.”
This story is more than one man’s water cooler—it’s a wake-up call about how some HOA boards abuse their power, suffocating neighbors with petty rules while turning community into conflict.
David Martin’s fight is a reminder that the power should always be in the hands of the people, not small groups imposing needless regulations on simple acts of kindness. With the support of his neighbors and a legal fight ahead, Martin is showing that standing up to overreaching HOA bullies is not just necessary—it’s possible.
In a world where small freedoms are increasingly under siege, this Goodyear homeowner’s courage to say “enough” inspires a much-needed fight for neighborly goodwill—and the freedom to be kind without fear of punishment.
