Child With Drug-Addict Mom Lives With Grandparents

POSTED: 2:04 pm CDT April 1, 2007


LARGO, Fla. -- A Florida homeowners group wants 3-year-old Kimberly Broffman to take her Big Wheel and hit the road.

They've banded together to oust the toddler from their Tampa-area community, which bans residents under 18.

The child's grandparents, Judie and Jimmy Stottler, admit Kimberly's been living there in violation of homeowners' association rules for three years. They said her mother has a drug problem, and isn't capable of caring for the child.


The grandparents said they live on a fixed income and can't afford to move until they sell their house. So far, there have been no takers to buy their house, even after they lowered the $189,000 asking price by $10,000 six months ago.

They also said they can't afford to hire an attorney.

Judie Stottler supports the family with her $18,000-per year dishwashing job because Jimmy Stottler is disabled and is unable to work.

Judie Stottler's friends told the St. Petersburg Times that they are worried.

"It is so ridiculous that this has gone so far," said Keith Tinsley, a cook who works with her. "She's trying her best to sell her house. It's like they are trying to force her to put Kimberly in foster care.

"These people keep batting her down and batting her down. They're just mean."

Judie Stottler said she is scared that she wil lose her house before she is able to sell it.

"We don't have any family to take us in," Judie Stottler said.

The Lakes homeowners association filed suit to oust Kimberly last month.

dang...

funkpill said:

How sad!

To me this is just as if they were banning disabled people or black people for the matter.

I thought the US subscribed the Human Rights Act (well, except for the death penalty )

I think the Lakes Homeowners Association is doing what's right for the child. The Stottlers are obviously poor parents, their own child is a drug-addict FFS, so little Kimberly would be better removed from their care.

This is one-sided sensationalistic journalism at it's worst.

fathermcmeekle said:

They're doing it for the child. Right

PANDURITO said:

Jimmy "disabled"? Drunk more like!

So when Judie is working, who's looking after the little girl? And if she's not meant to be there, they probably keep her in a cupboard during daylight hours! Unbelievable! These people should be locked up!

PANDURITO said:

You know, I really see nothing wrong with the community's rule. I know I don't want to live in apartment buildings with small children... but I would think under the circumstances they would be more compassionate. It's not as if they aren't trying to move.

They admit 18 and over, huh?
Do they have to be castrated first? Because it's only natural that if a couple between 20-45 moves there there will be children sooner or later.

Anyway I still think it's discrimination based on age.
Not saying they couldn't regulate noise, ban parties...but they are banning people, for Christ's sake.

fathermcmeekle said:

iz u serious?

PANDURITO said:

Plenty of people have no desire for children.

sweet said:

sure he isn't that's fathermcmeekle

CarrieMpls said:

OK. I see we talk different languages here

I still like you though

PANDURITO said:

I still like you too, Pandy!

PANDURITO said:

Yup, I just hate it when prospects come in to tour the property and ask if there are a lot of children living there. My favorite line is "I'm sorry, I can't get into detail about the specific demographics of the community because it's a violation of the Fair Housing laws"

gemini13 said:

Seriously? Knowing my neighbors and what kind of people live in the nieghborhood/building is of the utmost importance to me when choosing a place to live. Children is a big part of that.

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[Edited 4/4/07 7:35am]

cborgman said:

I saw that.

CarrieMpls said:

i forgot about fair housing laws, and as a former real estate agent, i should really know better.

CarrieMpls said:

I know, but I can't influence other people opinions like that. It's a big no-no.

its their house that they paid for. why the fuck should they have to choose whether to put their 3 year old grandchild out or move? if it bother's the community so much maybe they should buy the house. People can be so fucked up. its a child who has nobody else. gee i wonder what is their take on owning pets

I love children big time, but the bottom line is that they are in violation of the community's rules. While I wouldn't choose to live in a child free community myself, I can understand why some people would. Sure, they are not family friendly, but they're not meant for familes. I have seen a few neighborhoods in my area that are strictly for people of retirement age (not nursing homes, but apartment buildings). Aging folks wouldn't want to be kept up at night with the sound of screaming babies, or have to maneuver their walkers and whatnot around toys scattered in the walk ways.

I don't think the girl should be thrown out onto the street, but I do understand why the community has it's rules. By choosing to live there, the grandparents were agreeing not to have children live with them. They should at least give them a timeline to either move, or find a new home for the girl.

UCantHavaDaMango said:

agreed. i just think they are being a bit harsh. its not like they moved in with her knowing what was allowed and not allowed. the girl doesn't have anybody but her grandparents and giving up their granddaughter should never be an option-family takes care of family. for them to gang up on them like that and knowing the situation is just inhumane imo.

brownsugar said:

But it appears this has been going on for a long time...




That means they've been trying to sell the house for over 6 months. They don't state it in the article, but you'd think they were only trying to sell once the child came into the picture. Perhaps the association is finally saying something cause it's gone on so long...

CarrieMpls said:[quote]

brownsugar said:

nobody should ever have to sell the house they've invested in and worked hard for. its ridiculous. and 6 months is not enough time to find another house i could see if it was an apartment. btw i guess rules are rules even if they lack compassion.