HOA Thwarts Boy Scout’s American Flag Project

In order to become an Eagle Scout, Kyle Tucker wants to erect a flagpole at his school, but his plans may be thwarted by the commercial complex's condominium association.

Tucker, 16, belongs to Litchfield Park's Boy Scout Troop 90. He said the idea for the flagpole at his charter high school, the Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center, came from the school's receptionist.

He is doing the project as one of the requirements to advance to Eagle Scout.

The Avondale teen obtained the necessary city permits. He raised $400 in cash donations. The American Legion Post 61 in Avondale donated the flag. Tempe-based Adolfson & Peterson Construction and its subcontractors agreed to supply the pole, concrete and labor.

Before work could begin, Tucker needed approval from the Coronado Professional Condominium Association, which sets rules for the commercial complex on Dysart and Osborn roads where the school and four businesses are located.

But the association requested additional insurance, which meant the school must purchase an additional $650,000 rider to its $4 million insurance policy, covering the association, the management company and four other building owners in the complex, said William Conley, the school's assistant superintendent of administrative service.

"It's kind of annoying, because I was hoping to have it (the project) done soon, and get it out of the way if I could. It's sort of un-American," Tucker said.

Read the whole story at AZ Central.