THE CEO of a major RV retailer has vowed not to remove the American flag outside one of his stores – after city chiefs urged him to take down the patriotic symbol.
Officials in Sevierville, Tennessee – a city located around 25 miles from Knoxville – warned Camping World the company could face legal action if it doesn’t comply.
The CEO of Camping World has refused to take down an American flag outside one of his storesGetty He vowed the flag isn’t coming downWATE-TVBosses have been left outraged after they say the company erected a 130-foot flagpole on the land, per the ABC affiliate WATE-TV.
This was despite the fact chiefs refused the company’s request.
City officials have warned the maximum height permitted is 44 feet.
They have urged Marcus Lemonis to remove the flag and he has been warned of the potential consequences.
Lemonis shared a copy of the letter on X and it said the city could take legal action.
In the note dated January 30, the city warned Lemonis that he has 30 days to comply with the request.
But, the executive is not backing down.
“The flag and flag pole aren’t coming down,” he warned.
He explained that the American flag is 40 feet wide by 80 feet long.
Lemonis, a billionaire who starred on the CNBC show The Profit, explained why he has a flagpole outside the store.
“I’ve had this flag in my family, since I was a little child,” he told WATE-TV.
Lemonis said the flag allows him to pay tribute to active and former servicemembers.
And, the apparent controversy surrounding the flag has irked locals.
“It’s represents our country,” veteran Jeff Renshaw said.
“And it represents everybody that fought for this country and it’s our independence.”
The U.S. Sun has approached the city of Sevierville for comment.
Camping World is not only embroiled in a dispute with Sevierville officials over the flag.
WHACKED WITH PENALTIES
The company had been fined more than $1,000 for flying the Star and Stripes outside its store in Greenville, North Carolina.
Officials initially slapped a $50 penalty on the company before the penalties increased.
The company was fined a second time – $100 – and then slapped with daily $250 penalties.
Lemonis was defiant and refused to take down the flag.
The city has reconsidered its position, as per the CBS affiliate WKRC-TV.
Flags have also been the cause of disputes between residents and homeowner associations.
The U.S. Sun reported how one homeowner refused to take down the Stars and Stripes that she hung proudly outside her property.
A 2005 federal law makes it illegal for homeowner associations to block residents from flying the American flag outside their home.
But, some associations might put limits on the size of flags that can be flown.
What is an HOA?
One in five Americans live in an area with a Homeowners' Association - or HOA. But what exactly is it that they do?
An HOA is a homeowner’s association – an organization that aims to maintain a clean and cohesive place to live for its residents. Entire neighborhoods, subdivisions, condominiums, family homes, or townhouses within “a planned development” will often make up an HOA. They also act as a governing body for tenants, who run and fund the HOA through monthly fees. Their principal aims are to keep the community functioning and visually appealing and to maintain property values. They primarily focus on common areas of a neighborhood, such as roads, parks, and pools – but may also stipulate what residents can do with their properties, such as yards and driveways. Often these restrictions enforce uniformity on properties, for example, ensuring most houses look the same and all driveways are clear of weeds. An HOA rulebook of covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&R) is distributed to all residents, and an elected volunteer board of directors enforces these regulations. Breaking these rules can result in penalties such as fines and even litigation – as most HOAs are incorporated and subject to state law. HOAs are often the subject of controversy, with some members feeling that the rules are too punitive and restricting, or that the leadership has too much power. But others like that HOAs give communities the power of self-governance, and can ensure a degree of harmony between residents. Read More Details
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