Unfortunately, not all of us are millionaires or even six-figure earners who can afford nicer cars. For most working-class folks, it’s good enough to just have a vehicle that can get you from point A to point B; scratches, dings, faded paint, and all.
That’s why one story in Westwood, Ohio has caught many peoples’ attention. According to Local 12 news in Ohio, one apartment complex is actively towing away residents’ vehicles for being too ugly or unsightly. Now, I understand hunks of junk being left out on jack stands in the front yard, but peoples’ daily drivers? Sounds a bit too far to me.
One resident at Montana Valley Apartments, Dennis Day, drives a 2001 Honda Civic. Not exactly a stunner or flashy car by any means, but his vehicle is in ample working condition. That’s why Day was surprised when he walked outside his apartment to find a notice on his windshield.
“Basically, I just ran into the apartment to drop off a few boxes, came back out with a sticker on my car saying that my car did not meet their high standards,” Day told Local 12.
The notice pointed out cosmetic damage to his vehicle as the reason for the notice. Day was warned that his car will be towed within 24 hours if it was not moved or repaired.
Talk about short notice!
You be the judge. Should this vehicle be towed for being too unsightly?
According to Montana Valley management, vehicles on the premises cannot have rust, dents, flat tires, or bad paint. I’m not sure what the state of your vehicle is but for many folks, this would result in their car being towed off.
When asked what people who can’t afford a nice car or repairs should do, a representative of the company simply replied, “We understand the policy is not for everyone.”
But get this, Montana Valley is said to have towed up to one to two vehicles per week for not meeting their high cosmetic standards.
The local government seems to be taking the complex’s side, unfortunately.
“It’s up to each community what kind of clientele and marketing they want to have, and that’s up to them to make that decision. If it narrows the market too much, they’re going to pay a price for it,” said Charles Tassell, director of government affairs for the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Apartment Association.
Hopefully, this isn’t the future for apartment complexes and subdivisions, but in the meantime, if you have some dents and dings on your ride or a project car, maybe don’t move to Montana Valley Apartments in Westwood, Ohio.
