Priest told to remove Virgin Mary Statue from Villages Home

[TheVillageChicken]

Controversy brewing over statue of the Virgin Mary in The... | www.wftv.com (http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/controversy-brewing-over-statue-virgin-mary-villag/nf76M/)

I think the most interesting thing about this is the claim that the HOA has any authority to fine or sanction. Also, I think it is more about lawn ornaments than religious statues, although the complainant might have an anti-religion agenda....just speculating.

[Chi-Town]

Uh oh. There goes my buddha.

[pooh]

Unfortunate for them, but them's the rules......however, I thought you could have it out front if it was under the eaves line. St. Francis adorns a yard on our street.....it's nice to see him. So far, no complaints about this.

[Indydealmaker]

Controversy brewing over statue of the Virgin Mary in The... | www.wftv.com (http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/controversy-brewing-over-statue-virgin-mary-villag/nf76M/)

I think the most interesting thing about this is the claim that the HOA has any authority to fine or sanction. Also, I think it is more about lawn ornaments than religious statues, although the complainant might have an anti-religion agenda....just speculating.

Typical poor reporting.

There is NO HOA in The Villages.

As far as fines go, I so far have not read of any specific structure for fines. Has anyone else?

Dependent upon which village these guys live in, the Statue is OK under the eaves of the home, front or back.

Something is not right about this article.

[graciegirl]

Lawn ornaments aren't allowed south of 466 unless they are under your eaves or an approved part of your landscaping. I don't think it smacks of anything more than that. Just a deed restriction.


Where do these boys live?

[Barefoot]

The heading on this thread is misleading.
In fact, the Villagers were not asked to remove the Virgin Mary from their home. They were asked to remove a statue from their front yard.
If they live south of CR 466, my understanding is that lawn ornaments are prohibited by deed.
There was a complaint, and they were asked to remove the lawn ornament.

I'm not sure how I feel about seeing the Virgin Mary turned into a water feature!

[Indydealmaker]

The heading on this thread is misleading.
In fact, the Villagers were not asked to remove the Virgin Mary from their home. They were asked to remove a statue from their front yard.
If they live south of CR 466, my understanding is that lawn ornaments are prohibited by deed.
There was a complaint, and they were asked to remove the lawn ornament.

I'm not sure how I feel about seeing the Virgin Mary turned into a water feature!

According to the intent of the water feature approach, I would guess that you could simply incorporate the statue into a water fountain. I don't think it is necessary for the water to pour forth from within the statue.

What is bad about this situation is the misinformation regarding the HOA fines. That is not possible since we do not have a HOA. We are CDDs with deed restrictions.

[OldManTime]

There are HOA's in the Villages

[Barefoot]

According to the intent of the water feature approach, I would guess that you could simply incorporate the statue into a water fountain. I don't think it is necessary for the water to pour forth from within the statue.

It would be interesting to know if there are restrictions on water features.
Bogie probably knows.
Does the statue have to be actively involved in water distribution?
Or can it just sit close to the water fountain.
In this case it's difficult to criticize ex Priests wanting to express their religiosity.
Who wants to criticize a statue of the Virgin Mary? I sure don't.
But is someone wanting to express their religiosity different than someone who wants to decorate a fountain with plastic flowers?

[Indydealmaker]

There are HOA's in the Villages

Where? Would they be on the OLD side where they are not a CDD?

Everything West of 441 are CDDs. Those are the only governing bodies I know of.
If you are referring to the Villages Homeowner Association. That is little more than a club. It is not a legal HOA. It has no authority.

[ilovetv]

I think it's a statue thing and not an attack on a religious statement.

Maybe they could put it on the front porch.

[Xavier]

There are HOA's in the Villages

Both the HOA and the POA have absolutely NO POWER. They could have some minimal influence just like any other group that has a number of members. If you are a resident, which I question, you should know that.

Xavier

[mulligan]

Both the HOA and the POA have absolutely NO POWER. They could have some minimal influence just like any other group that has a number of members. If you are a resident, which I question, you should know that.

Xavier

However, Community Standards does have the power of enforcement, as do some CDD"S north of 466, where the owners make up 100% of the boards. They have enacted a schedule of fines and penalties which may become leins upon property.

[Indydealmaker]

It would be interesting to know if there are restrictions on water features.
Bogie probably knows.
Does the statue have to be actively involved in water distribution?
Or can it just sit close to the water fountain.
In this case it's difficult to criticize ex Priests wanting to express their religiosity.
Who wants to criticize a statue of the Virgin Mary? I sure don't.
But is someone wanting to express their religiosity different than someone who wants to decorate a fountain with plastic flowers?

Most of the fountains that I know of that have been approved incorporate some sort of a statue in the center on top. They are all usually earthtone, concrete-like structures that must have moving water. Pretty sure plastic flowers would not fit in.

Something like this with a virgin Mary statue instead:
42315

[DonH57]

I thought all the villages are CDD controlled and any HOA's are mainly a homeowners group you may join mainly for information or advocacy as a homeowner.

[DougB]

I thought all the villages are CDD controlled and any HOA's are mainly a homeowners group you may join mainly for information or advocacy as a homeowner.

My CDD can beat up your HOA!

[Indydealmaker]

I thought all the villages are CDD controlled and any HOA's are mainly a homeowners group you may join mainly for information or advocacy as a homeowner.

I believe you are correct. However, I don't think the historic side (east of 441) is in a CDD. Don't know whether there is an HOA there. However, this particular issue is not on the old side from the photo of the home.

[Xavier]

I thought all the villages are CDD controlled and any HOA's are mainly a homeowners group you may join mainly for information or advocacy as a homeowner.

You are "Totally" correct.

Xavier

[njbchbum]

Aren't the residents in the townhomes @ Glenbrook, behind Sapnish Springs and the residents behind the gates of Hickory Hill Hammock governed by the rules of an HOA?

[Indydealmaker]

Here is a link to our deed restrictions and the chart delineating the fines for violations in CDD 7.
http://www.districtgov.org/departments/Community-Standards/images/compliance-standards/District7_Rules.pdf

[Indydealmaker]

Aren't the residents in the townhomes @ Glenbrook, behind Sapnish Springs and the residents behind the gates of Hickory Hill Hammock governed by the rules of an HOA?

I did find reference to a HOA incorporated for Hickory Hill Hammock. Could not find one for Glenbrook yet.

I wonder if this means that those communities are not part of a CDD? It would seem that would not be a workable arrangement.

I was just informed of yet another legal HOA in The Villages in the Villas de Laguna. I am learning a lot today. Anybody know of anymore?

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

incorporated into a fountain setting, holy water, and LED lighting would allow the couple to enjoy what is important to them. restrictions or not, some people obviously have nothing better to do with God given time here on Earth. Instead of pictures and complaints, go out and enjoy your day.....one day you won't wake up, and your complaints are meaningless.....and you will be dead a long time!

[obxgal]

According to property records it's on Day Lily Run in the villages of Duval (South of 466). He moved in when the area was built and being he bought from The Villages he would have gotten a copy of the deed restrictions. The house is not listed under the priest name but under Charles Mione's since 2007. Apparently he didn't read the deed restrictions or just feels he doesn't have to follow them.

[Cathy H]

Where? Would they be on the OLD side where they are not a CDD?

Everything West of 441 are CDDs. Those are the only governing bodies I know of.
If you are referring to the Villages Homeowner Association. That is little more than a club. It is not a legal HOA. It has no authority.

correction: the area of lake county (Lady Lake) that is west of Rt. 441 does not have CDD's but the same quality of life in TV.

[Taltarzac725]

This does look like it has nothing to do with the religious beliefs of this couple. They would have got the same result if it had been a statue of Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, George Clooney, George Patton, the Venus de Milo, or Harold Schwartz! http://thevillagesdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2010/02/statue-of-harold-schwartz.html

[Number 6]

According to property records it's on Day Lily Run in the villages of Duval (South of 466). He moved in when the area was built and being he bought from The Villages he would have gotten a copy of the deed restrictions. The house is not listed under the priest name but under Charles Mione's since 2007. Apparently he didn't read the deed restrictions or just feels he doesn't have to follow them.

Just so that I understand it, he moves into the Villages, agrees (in writing) to the deed restrictions and then thinks he has a moral commitment to contest one he doesn't like.

Like Baretta said, "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time!"

[OBXNana]

Rules are rules. We have a neighbor that has their front porch covered with all kinds of statues, silk plants, and things not everyone likes. I see the décor when I walk to the side of the villa to get to the back yard. This is how the neighbor solved the issue. They can still enjoy their individual taste and stay within the guidelines of the community.

[duffysmom]

I believe it's another case of entitlement and has nothing to do with religion.
As mentioned we signed off on the deed restrictions and rules are rules. To whine about it's removal after knowingly violating the restriction is entitlement. Some people worship Mickey Mouse should they be allowed to display a MM in their front yard, ad infinitum.

[Indydealmaker]

correction: the area of lake county (Lady Lake) that is west of Rt. 441 does not have CDD's but the same quality of life in TV.

Do you know if there are similar deed restrictions in that area of The Villages in Lake County?

[Bruiser1]

Complainer has incredible vision or telescopic lenses. Imagine being able to see a 2' statue from 3 miles away! Are there any ordinances about having a Hubbel telescope in the village? Better keep your blinds closed!

[CFrance]

Lawn ornaments aren't allowed south of 466 unless they are under your eaves or an approved part of your landscaping. I don't think it smacks of anything more than that. Just a deed restriction.


Where do these boys live?
True, but somebody with a religious objection may be hiding behind the deed restriction to object without having to state the real reason.

[rdhdleo]

We're in Marion county and some years ago we had a statue of St.Francis in the garden in front of our porch thing is his hand was out with a tray on it to be able to hold a plant and we still had to move the "monk" as the neighborhood watch person called him to under the eaves.... yes there are deed restrictions and yes we read them but figured he was a planter. Sometimes I truly feeling like big brother is watching and some people have nothing better to do.... but that's just me, still love it here but don't always "like" everything. LOL

[TVMayor]

Typical poor reporting.

There is NO HOA in The Villages.

As far as fines go, I so far have not read of any specific structure for fines. Has anyone else?

Dependent upon which village these guys live in, the Statue is OK under the eaves of the home, front or back.

Something is not right about this article.
“There is NO HOA in The Villages.”
That would be wrong. San Pedro Courtyard Villas has one and it cost $50/yr that covers the painting of wall that surrounds San Pedro.

[Taltarzac725]

True, but somebody with a religious objection may be hiding behind the deed restriction to object without having to state the real reason.

That's true but I doubt if this is the case. Not to get political, but if this were some kind of Islamic art I can see that happening. But with a statue of the Virgin Mary not so much. I may also be based on some other kind of animosity rather than religious. I mean the person who reported this couple's placing of the statue.

I did see what seemed to be a group checking out flag displays on my Loop. Not sure whom they thought they could complain to however. This was near Memorial Day. They seemed upset by one of the small flags that had fallen and gotten a bit wet.

[DonH57]

My CDD can beat up your HOA!

I don't have an HOA to beat up.:throwtomatoes:

[CFrance]

That's true but I doubt if this is the case. Not to get political, but if this were some kind of Islamic art I can see that happening. But with a statue of the Virgin Mary not so much.
Could also be an atheist or a Jew, or that group that goes around trying to get religious stuff out of the public eye, name of which escapes me.

[TheVillageChicken]

Could also be an atheist or a Jew, or that group that goes around trying to get religious stuff out of the public eye, name of which escapes me.

No one from the Jewish faith that I have ever met has revealed an intolerance to Christians, so my money would go on either an atheist or a radical Protestant opposed to the veneration of Mary. Yes, they exist. I know a Baptist minister who has spoken to me of his feelings on this issue. He feels that veneration of Mary detracts from the worship of God and borders on idolatry.

[justjim]

The only reason this is a "story" is because it's The Villages and the controversy is over a statue of the Virgin Mary in the front yard of an Ex-Priest living in The Villages. The deed restrictions do not allow such religious statues in the front yard in the Village of Duval.

If this was on the Historical Side of The Villages or in the part of The Villages within Lady Lake, it would be an allowable lawn ornament.

[CFrance]

No one from the Jewish faith that I have ever met has revealed an intolerance to Christians, so my money would go on either an atheist or a radical Protestant opposed to the veneration of Mary. Yes, they exist. I know a Baptist minister who has spoken to me of his feelings on this issue. He feels that veneration of Mary detracts from the worship of God and borders on idolatry.
You are right. Also, I'm familiar with, and have heard, that objection to the idolatry of Mary (and icons in general) from some radical Protestants.

[DougB]

You are right. Also, I'm familiar with, and have heard, that objection to the idolatry of Mary (and icons in general) from some radical Protestants.

Your penance is to say 10 Hail Marys.

[rn1tv]

One other thought that maybe people may not want to address: is the reporter of the statue a homophobe? That was my first thought. I see lots of violations in my neighborhood regarding yard maintenance, house painting, etc. and I seem to be the only one to have a problem with a red and green enamel painted house with a disgusting lanai and yard....Yes, I agree with others about the restrictions of the CDD and support those restrictions but I truly think this complaint goes well beyond this. Just my humble opinion.

[CFrance]

Your penance is to say 10 Hail Marys.
Sorry! I'm one of those Presbyterians. We don't confess... we're already saved!

[TNLAKEPANDA]

He should take down the statue and go buy the nastiest looking car (that runs) and park it in his drive or in front of his house! Let the neighbors look at that for a year. Some people actually look for things to complain about~

[rn1tv]

By no means are my comments directed at any religious group. I, myself, am a non practicing Catholic who disagrees with some of the beliefs of the Catholic church, but believe that people should be able to live the lifestyle they chose whether I agree with it or not. Unfortunately, I think the person who reported this was more offended with the "couple" than the statue. Again, just my humble opinion.

[Carl in Tampa]

This does look like it has nothing to do with the religious beliefs of this couple. They would have got the same result if it had been a statue of Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, George Clooney, George Patton, the Venus de Milo, or Harold Schwartz! The Villages (Florida) Photos: Statue of Harold Schwartz (http://thevillagesdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2010/02/statue-of-harold-schwartz.html)

If it had been a statue of Harold Schwartz the complaint might not have been sustained.

:a040::MOJE_whot::MOJE_whot::1rotfl:

Note that the Schwartz statue in the link your provided is part of a "water feature."

:clap2:

[billethkid]

I would have it installed in the garage with very prominent/focused lighting and very frequently (most of the time) forget to put the door down!!!

[Rags123]

I would have it installed in the garage with very prominent/focused lighting and very frequently (most of the time) forget to put the door down!!!

AND invite neighbors over for evening prayers ???? :)

[zcaveman]

Typical poor reporting.

There is NO HOA in The Villages.

As far as fines go, I so far have not read of any specific structure for fines. Has anyone else?

Dependent upon which village these guys live in, the Statue is OK under the eaves of the home, front or back.

Something is not right about this article.

Go to VCDD Community Standards (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/Community-Standards/community-standards.aspx)

and look at the fines for your CDD.

Z

[buggyone]

Here, north of 466, we can have our statuary on the lawn with no issue.

I am very glad there is no problem with my entire flock of pink flamingos all hoisting an ice-cold Yeungling to St. Francis. :D

[DonH57]

Here, north of 466, we can have our statuary on the lawn with no issue.

I am very glad there is no problem with my entire flock of pink flamingos all hoisting an ice-cold Yeungling to St. Francis. :D

Very good. There is a house near us with a cannon in the front yard. I don't know if it's preemptive move on his part or what.:22yikes:

[DougB]

Very good. There is a house near us with a cannon in the front yard. I don't know if it's preemptive move on his part or what.:22yikes:

Is it pointed at some pink flamingoes?

[CFrance]

Is it pointed at some pink flamingoes?
That's a long shot from Tamarind Grove to Buggy!

[DonH57]

Is it pointed at some pink flamingoes?

I'm not sure but the next time I pass by with the cart I'll stop and see where it's aimed. If he comes out to ask what I'm doing I'll ask him how it set him back because i'd to have a couple. Great lawn ornament.:D

[HMLRHT1]

Folks, if you don't like something like the red and green house for instance then you need to file a complaint with Community Watch or Community Standards. Community Watch will not take it upon itself to file a complaint. So I'm sure you will see violations but unless reported there is nothing that's going to happen.

[Baileysmom]

I'm not sure but the next time I pass by with the cart I'll stop and see where it's aimed. If he comes out to ask what I'm doing I'll ask him how it set him back because i'd to have a couple. Great lawn ornament.:D

Ummmm that would be NO. :)

[DonH57]

Ummmm that would be NO. :)

Better a cannon than a statue of the Brussels urinating fountain boy.chilout

[Shirleevee]

Unfortunate for them, but them's the rules......however, I thought you could have it out front if it was under the eaves line. St. Francis adorns a yard on our street.....it's nice to see him. So far, no complaints about this.

St. Francis must be careful, the hate patrol is out there!

[Shirleevee]

Lawn ornaments aren't allowed south of 466 unless they are under your eaves or an approved part of your landscaping. I don't think it smacks of anything more than that. Just a deed restriction.


Where do these boys live?

I think one should read between the lines.......I pass many many homes south of 466 and none of them have been turned in for this:police: horrific violation!

[KittyKat]

By no means are my comments directed at any religious group. I, myself, am a non practicing Catholic who disagrees with some of the beliefs of the Catholic church, but believe that people should be able to live the lifestyle they chose whether I agree with it or not. Unfortunately, I think the person who reported this was more offended with the "couple" than the statue. Again, just my humble opinion.

:agree: I think you hit the nail on the head! One of the partners said he thought he knew who it was and that the person lived 3 miles away. So the person drove all the way over there just to take that picture & start trouble. They said they have lived there for 7 years so apparently the neighbors are OK with the statue unless there are some new neighbors.

On Odell Circle, a house right across from the Amelia pool complex used to have a Virgin Mary in the backyard (facing the street.) The homeowners had landscape rock & a border around it and I enjoyed seeing it. It was up for a little while and then suddenly gone. This was several years ago. Poor Virgin Mary.

Personally, I think they need to add NO PLASTIC FLOWERS ALLOWED! to the deed restrictions.

[uprivergirl]

Thank you Steven for the link.

[gerryann]

Personally, I think they need to add NO PLASTIC FLOWERS ALLOWED! to the deed restrictions.

If plastic flowers make someone happy and "they" think it looks good......why does anyone else care? I understand all of these "rules" that we agreed to when we moved here, but really, what difference does it really make in the end? I don't believe that statues, flamingos or plastic flowers will affect anyone's property value. Anyone who calls and complains about such petty things, needs to find a hobby and get a life.

[Sanibel7]

The travesty of this whole thing is that couple who are complaining are blaming the wrong person for reporting this. The gentleman they named on facebook and in the news works for the community Stds dept and was just doing his job responding to a complaint. Pictures are taken when a deed compliance infraction occurs. They unjustly went after the gentleman without checking any facts and were just looking for someone to blame for their own error. If they have a problem they should contest it with the District 7 board not the hard working folks of this community.

[Taltarzac725]

The travesty of this whole thing is that couple who are complaining are blaming the wrong person for reporting this. The gentleman they named on facebook and in the news works for the community Stds dept and was just doing his job responding to a complaint. Pictures are taken when a deed compliance infraction occurs. They unjustly went after the gentleman without checking any facts and were just looking for someone to blame for their own error. If they have a problem they should contest it with the District 7 board not the hard working folks of this community.

I am glad that's clear. The simplest explanation often is the right one. They violated the deed restriction and that's all that happened.

[mixsonci]

There are HOA's in the Villages

I agree, if it quacks like a duck etc etc. Call it HOA or Amenities, it's basically the same thing.

[gerryann]

The travesty of this whole thing is that couple who are complaining are blaming the wrong person for reporting this. The gentleman they named on facebook and in the news works for the community Stds dept and was just doing his job responding to a complaint. Pictures are taken when a deed compliance infraction occurs. They unjustly went after the gentleman without checking any facts and were just looking for someone to blame for their own error. If they have a problem they should contest it with the District 7 board not the hard working folks of this community.

What is the Facebook site?

[Culvers2Villages]

:024::wave:We live in the Marion County Portion of the Villages... Chatham... In this portion of the Villages, there are no lawn ornaments allowed (thank you Jesus) However, if it's on your porch or under the eaves of the house, it is allowed... Anything else must be part of the landscaping such as flowering pots...
I really like this restriction... if you wonder why, just drive through some of the older sections where this is NOT a restriction... You could be living next door to Pee-Wee Herman!!!
I don't believe this has anything to do with the "Virgin Mary" or any religious innuendo... It's a restriction for The Villages and I am very happy with it... Even when they told me I had to remove my very nice Wooden Lighthouse from my front flower bed...:wave:

[njbchbum]

Very good. There is a house near us with a cannon in the front yard. I don't know if it's preemptive move on his part or what.:22yikes:

Bet it is there to keep dogs off the lawn! ;)

[gerryann]

:024::wave:We live in the Marion County Portion of the Villages... Chatham... In this portion of the Villages, there are no lawn ornaments allowed (thank you Jesus) However, if it's on your porch or under the eaves of the house, it is allowed... Anything else must be part of the landscaping such as flowering pots...
I really like this restriction... if you wonder why, just drive through some of the older sections where this is NOT a restriction... You could be living next door to Pee-Wee Herman!!!
I don't believe this has anything to do with the "Virgin Mary" or any religious innuendo... It's a restriction for The Villages and I am very happy with it... Even when they told me I had to remove my very nice Wooden Lighthouse from my front flower bed...:wave:

But that's why you bought where you bought and the folks in the old section bought where they did. Is it really necessary to refer negatively to the older section? They like it the way it is.....and you like it another way...(doesn't make there way wrong)....just drive around your neighborhood and look for violations, report them and all will be good......:oops:

[PJOHNS2654]

I did find reference to a HOA incorporated for Hickory Hill Hammock. Could not find one for Glenbrook yet.

I wonder if this means that those communities are not part of a CDD? It would seem that would not be a workable arrangement.

I was just informed of yet another legal HOA in The Villages in the Villas de Laguna. I am learning a lot today. Anybody know of anymore?

I live in The Villas Of Spanish Springs. We have a HOA as does Lagos and Sonoma.

[onslowe]

This whole non-story gets me annoyed. The media stink and cause more problems than they are worth (except the Weather Channel lol)

"Controversy brewing?" Don't think so. BS controversy "brewed up by us" would be more truthful. Loaded with buzz words like "priest" "partner" BVM statue. Come on people.

Who called the station? Who went after the 3 mile away guy? I saw some usage here of the word 'homophobe.' Apart from the fact that that word makes no sense from its true roots, this is not a story about homosexuals being targeted. This is about deed restrictions - the same ones for all people. Posters here have already proven that.

It's not about religious statues, ex-priests, 'partners' and there's no controversy. We all chose to live under deed restrictions in the Villages we picked. I hope this false and sickening media nonsense stops and with it the 'poor victim' routine. Get out of the spotlight, please.

[graciegirl]

This whole non-story gets me annoyed. The media stink and cause more problems than they are worth (except the Weather Channel lol)

"Controversy brewing?" Don't think so. BS controversy "brewed up by us" would be more truthful. Loaded with buzz words like "priest" "partner" BVM statue. Come on people.

Who called the station? Who went after the 3 mile away guy? I saw some usage here of the word 'homophobe.' Apart from the fact that that word makes no sense from its true roots, this is not a story about homosexuals being targeted. This is about deed restrictions - the same ones for all people. Posters here have already proven that.

It's not about religious statues, ex-priests, 'partners' and there's no controversy. We all chose to live under deed restrictions in the Villages we picked. I hope this false and sickening media nonsense stops and with it the 'poor victim' routine. Get out of the spotlight, please.


Well said. As usual.

[NotGolfer]

Amen to what Gracie and Onslowe said!! Then add this to the social media and we've got a debate going! Hope the administrator closes the thread!

[Indydealmaker]

I live in The Villas Of Spanish Springs. We have a HOA as does Lagos and Sonoma.

Was your HOA formed for the purpose of making sure that everyone paid for their share of the "wall"?

[PennBF]

There are rules and when a person buys in The Village's they sign and agree to deed restrictions. I have no sympthy when somone decides they can just ignore their agreement/commitment and put others in the terrible position of
calling them on their actions. Saying it is a retired Priest is just a way of saying that because of his religion and position he/she can violate the rules. It was not meant for them. WRONG. The rules are for all. I would hold the same position if it was a Methodist Minister or any other person who relies on thier position as an excuse to ignore rules. It is annoying to see some actually have this sense of entitlement.

[EnglishJW]

Just so that I understand it, he moves into the Villages, agrees (in writing) to the deed restrictions and then thinks he has a moral commitment to contest one he doesn't like.

Like Baretta said, "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time!"

If this is the case, I agree with you. The deed restrictions are part of the fabric here. We've all lived elsewhere and selected TV for what it is as opposed to how things were where we were. We love that fine line that has somehow been maintained where everyone has some measure of freedom but lives within an agreed upon set of constraints. We love to just look around where everything is attractive and well kept but not all identical.

[Indydealmaker]

Not to excuse a violation of deed restrictions, but I believe that all too often the actual restrictions go unread. People have a tendency to go by anecdotal interpretations.

As an example: if you had not read the actual deed restrictions, would you have thought that a non-descript 2-foot tall religious statue would be considered a lawn ornament? I would not have. However, the deed restrictions, at least in my CDD clearly include religious figures under the category of prohibited lawn ornaments.

I suspect that the original notification could have been handled better. Then a line in the sand was drawn. Embarrassment experienced. Push-back. Then publicity.

The news reporter performed zero due diligence evidenced by the fact that he kept referring to a HOA rule, which in this instance did not exist. If the reporter had spent ten more minutes, he would have read the deed restriction and fully understood that there was no "religious" aspect to this incident. That little fact could have been part of the interview.

Consequently, two wrongs were involved. First, the homeowner obviously did not read the deed restrictions. Second, the reporter, who could have reported the dispute by representing "both" sides of the story,

However, I did learn something new out of all of this. There actually are small, limited purpose HOAs within the CDDs.

[kittygilchrist]

yawn. not at you indy, just the whole mess of us people.

America, America, God shed his grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.

[Indydealmaker]

yawn. not at you indy, just the whole mess of us people.

America, America, God shed his grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.

America, America, God shed his grace on thee
and crown thy good
with brotherhood,
rife with sibling rivalry
from sea to shining sea
:icon_twisted:

[gemorc]

America, America, God shed his grace on thee
and crown thy good
with brotherhood,
rife with sibling rivalry
from sea to shining sea
:icon_twisted:
Bravo! Maybe the guy, in the Village of Santo Domingo, will salute you with the canon he has in his front yard.

[njbchbum]

Was your HOA formed for the purpose of making sure that everyone paid for their share of the "wall"?

Indy - go here :
Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/deedrestrict-LakeCounty.aspx)
and then click on Spanish Springs Villas [pts 1 and 2], Vista Lago and Vista Sonoma and you can read all about the reasons for same to your hearts content - goes waaaayyy beyond your question!