Community Tensions Rise Over Flag Display at Oakview Terrace in South Albany
In South Albany’s Oakview Terrace Mobile Home Park, tensions are simmering as residents navigate regulations imposed by management regarding the display of American flags—an issue that has become particularly sensitive in the context of the country’s political climate. Among those caught in the middle of this dispute is Annette Bell, a widow of a Vietnam War veteran and a long-term resident of the park, who relies on various federal assistance programs, including Social Security disability payments and Medicare.
Living in Oakview Terrace with her family, including her daughter Allie, who identifies as a historian, and son-in-law Daren, an Eagle Scout, Annette Bell embodies a deep-rooted sense of patriotism often seen in military families. However, this sense of duty has now turned into a source of discontent. Following the 2020 presidential election and the inauguration of President Donald Trump, many residents, including the Bells, have become increasingly apprehensive about the future of their federal benefits. This fear has spurred them to protest against what they perceive as an ongoing threat to their way of life.
A pivotal moment occurred when Annette Bell noticed a neighbor flying an American flag upside down—a distress signal as defined by the United States Flag Code. The code stipulates that the flag should only be displayed in this manner in instances of dire distress. As a response to their anxiety about the state of the nation, Annette, alongside her neighbors Linda Lunski and Kevin Rasor, decided to display their flags in the same manner, symbolizing a collective message: “We are not okay.”
Their actions were met with resistance from the management of Oakview Terrace, which issued a notice demanding the removal of the upside-down flags, citing a violation of community regulations. According to the property management, displaying flags in this manner is seen as a political statement, contrary to the guidelines that restrict political signage within the park. They faced fines starting at for noncompliance, a prospect that deeply worried the residents, especially given their precarious financial situations.
In addition to these regulations, the living arrangements in mobile home parks introduce complexities regarding property rights. Residents own their homes but rent the land they sit on, which subjects them to stricter rules set by park management. Legal expert Ken White clarified that the First Amendment does not apply in this context since it only restricts governmental action, not private property owners.
The broader implications of this dispute reflect ongoing national dialogues about freedoms and individual rights, particularly in rental or cooperatively owned environments. While the “Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005” allows homeowners within associations certain privileges to display flags, mobile home residents like the Bells and Lunski-Rasor may lack comparable rights, resulting in feelings of disenfranchisement.
Their protests are fueled not only by a desire to express discontent but also by a palpable fear regarding health care and welfare programs they depend on for their livelihoods. Annette Bell articulates her apprehension, stating, “This is very scary for us,” as she grapples with the precarious nature of her financial situation and the prospect of losing critical support.
As the 2024 election season approaches, tensions are expected to escalate further within the community. While some residents have expressed desire for change in the management practices at Oakview Terrace, others are looking towards relocation as a means of escape from the emotional toll of the conflict.
The narrative unfolding in Oakview Terrace serves as a microcosm of larger societal struggles, illuminating the intricate balance between individual rights and community regulations in a politically charged environment.
