“He also recommended the board not spend association funds challenging a permitted structure on property outside HOA jurisdiction without substantially stronger evidence.”
A resident near the back said:
“Then why have we been told access was under review like it was ours?”
Victoria responded quickly.
“Because I believed we had a responsibility to investigate.”
“That isn’t the question,” Linda said.
Victoria looked toward her.
Linda rarely challenged anyone publicly.
That made the moment heavier.
“The question is whether residents were encouraged to think they had a right to cross private land.”
Victoria folded her hands.
“I never instructed residents to trespass.”
Garrett finally stood.
“No.”
Everyone looked at him.
“You showed them.”
Victoria’s face hardened.
Garrett continued.
“You drove through the gate repeatedly.”
“That is between you and me.”
“It stopped being between us when other cars started following.”
A mother near the middle raised her hand.
“I did.”
Rebecca Sloan.
She stood.
“I used the road twice because I saw Victoria doing it.”
Victoria stared.
Rebecca continued.
“I assumed it was allowed.”
Another man raised a hand.
“Same.”
Then another.
“I thought the HOA had an agreement.”
Garrett looked at Victoria.
“That is exactly what I mean.”
Victoria’s voice became defensive.
“Nobody was forced to use it.”
Garrett nodded.
“Nobody said they were.”