4 days ago
‘We were definitely very relieved;' Mahomet mother wins court case to keep autistic son's trampoline and their home
MAHOMET, Ill (WCIA) — A mother in Mahomet is breathing a sigh of relief after she won a court case keeping her from being evicted from her home.
Angela Palivos said that after more than two years of back and forth with threats of eviction, she is finally able to feel secure at her home in Candlewood Estates. According to her, it was over a trampoline and swing set in her yard.
She said they've been there to help her son, Elijah Sisney, with his autism for years.
'He loves to swing with children that are autistic,' Palivos said. 'They like the repetition.'
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But new management took over the trailer park three years ago, and Palivos said they had a problem with both pieces of equipment.
'In April, May of 2023, they issued those new leases and the rules and regulations,' Palivos said.
The new leases banned trampolines from people's yards, but Palivos said hers is necessary for her son's wellbeing.
'The trampoline, that's his favorite,' she said. 'He likes to lay on his back and just bounce and listen to his music. It's his happy place. It's safe for him.'
Palivos said she had a doctor's note backing up her claims and sent it to management. But it was only met with violations from the leasing agency.
In September of last year, the company filed for eviction.
'I told them, 'Look, I need these things in place,'' Palivos said. 'I'm willing to sign a waiver, to not hold this company responsible for any accidents that may happen.'
Palivos said she even agreed to move both off her property if Candlewood Estates would move the abandoned trailer next to hers. She said they refused.
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The two parties went to court, and last week, the judge ruled in favor of Palivos.
'They broke Illinois's Human Rights Act, and they also broke the Americans with Disabilities Act by not requesting a reasonable accommodation,' Palivos said. 'We were definitely very relieved.'
Worries like this have even made it to State Senator Chapin Rose. He said complaints have been sent to Springfield for more than a year.
'They have treated the residents horrifically,' Rose said. 'It's about damn time, frankly, that the State of Illinois stepped up as they have.'
Palivos' lawyer said Candlewood Estates has 30 days to file an appeal. Management declined an interview with WCIA.
Palivos said she's happy to get back into her normal routine and is excited her son can have his happy place for years to come.
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