October 06, 2005

84-year-old woman could end up in jail...over vinyl siding

Remember, comrade...the government owns your land...not you...

An 84-year-old woman is facing up to 10 days in jail or a fine because she had vinyl siding put on a house she owns in a historic Nashville neighborhood — nine years ago.

Margaret Hudson faces a hearing tomorrow in which she could be held in contempt of court for not removing the siding from a house in the Woodland-in-Waverly neighborhood. Metro officials say the siding violates rules designed to protect the historic appearance of the community.

Hudson has been fighting Metro over the siding for nine years, but the day of decision may have finally come: Her appeals died on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court in January, when the high court declined to hear her case.

(ht: Franklin Circus)

Update: From Nashville is Talking:

One of the videojournalists covering this story for News 2 said they are seeking to grant the woman amnesty without setting a precedent. Let's hope so.

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