Retirement community wants 6-year-old evicted

Posted on Friday, October 23, 2009 8:53:41 AM by InvisibleChurch

Pinellas Park, Florida-- A six year old girl sent to live with her grandparents as a baby is now being evicted from her home, for being too young.

The grandparents, Jimmy and Judie Stottler, live in a Pinellas Park retirement community that doesn't allow children. The Home Owners Association now wants the child removed.

"For some reason, there's a few, just a few who don't want Kimberly. And I just don't get it," said Judie Stottler.

The granddaughter was taken from her home at just six months old after the state discovered her mother was abusing drugs. She's lived with her grandparents against the rules ever since.

The family says they want to move out of the neighborhood, but by the time they put their home up for sale, the housing market crashed.

"They have no more assets to go out and purchase a rental property," said attorney Robert Eckard who is representing the family free of charge. "If they sell the home they can move. If not, they're homeless on the street."

The H-O-A president has been quoted saying he is only trying to enforce the rules. And while some residents argue the rules need to be followed, others suggest a compromise.

Either way, it will be up to a judge to decide what happens to the six year old next.

If the grandparents are unable to sell their home, the granddaughter could be sent to foster care.

That's something the Stollers say they will never let happen.

"They will have to drag me out in handcuffs and tear her from my arms," promises Judie Stoller.

"I'm not putting her out on the streets."

[link to www.wtsp.com]