WEAZEL NEWS: HOA PRESIDENT ARRESTED AS CELL TOWER BURNS, RESIDENTS FACE MASSIVE DUE INCREASE
The peaceful suburban enclave of Roxwood Hills, renowned for its pristine landscaping and zealously maintained community standards, found itself thrust into controversy this week following the arrest of longtime Homeowners Association President Snaren Daren and the destruction of a controversial cell tower.
Daren, who has overseen the Roxwood Hills HOA for nearly a decade with what residents describe as an uncompromising approach to community enforcement, was taken into custody by police on charges including failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, assault on a peace officer, and evading arrest, according to public records.
The arrest coincided with a fire that completely destroyed a recently installed Whizz Wireless 5G tower located within the community the night before. The blaze, which officials preliminarily attribute to "fireworks from a nearby celebration," knocked out cellular service for thousands of residents and left behind only twisted metal and debris.
The tower had been a source of significant community tension since its installation on former green space earlier this year. The HOA board approved the project after receiving what they termed a "beautification grant" from Whizz Wireless. However, residents have questioned how those funds were ultimately utilized, particularly after the community acquired new entrance signage that had security cameras on them, professional-grade landscaping equipment, and what sources indicate were vehicles for board members totaling over $300,000.
"We were assured this would enhance property values and improve connectivity," said one resident, who requested anonymity citing concerns about potential HOA violations. "But the whole process felt rushed, and there wasn't much transparency about the financial arrangements."
Whizz Wireless has declined to provide detailed comment beyond a mass notification to customers announcing a new "Emergency Connectivity Surcharge" to address service disruptions.
At an emergency community meeting held last evening, interim President Brad announced that monthly HOA dues would increase by 40 percent, effective immediately. The increase, he explained, would fund Daren's legal defense and a "Tower Reconstruction Initiative."
"Due to unexpected legal expenses and the unfortunate destruction of community infrastructure, we face significant financial obligations," Brad told a packed and increasingly agitated audience. "Ms. Daren has served this community with dedication for years, ensuring compliance with our standards and maintaining property values. She deserves proper legal representation."
The announcement prompted considerable pushback from residents, with several questioning both the size of the increase and the decision to fund Daren's defense through community resources.
Complicating matters further, the HOA's insurance coverage on the tower reportedly includes provisions that may not cover damages resulting from "negligent or reckless conduct" in the vicinity of the equipment. The dues increase will also address potential insurance shortfalls and fund enhanced security measures around any future tower installation.
"This whole situation has been mishandled from the start," commented longtime resident Jessica. "First we lose our green space, then our HOA president gets arrested, and now we're being asked to pay for all of it. People are fed up."
The controversy has divided the community, with some residents defending Daren's tenure and others calling for a complete restructuring of the HOA board. Several residents have indicated they plan to challenge the dues increase through legal channels.
