Outdoor Yard Lights...Rude, Rude, Rude!!

[GERALDINE]

We have friends who live in the Anita Villas in Bonita. The neighbor(s) behind them (designer houses on a cul-de-sac on Longbow Tr) recently installed large, bright, obnoxious, outdoor yard lights on the back of their houses that shine ALL night directly into the livingroom and master bedroom of our friend's villa. Even though our friends had been telling us about this intrusion for a couple of weeks now, not until we were over there last night for a party did we see the reality of the situation!! It was AWFUL!! You couldn't look out through their lanai because of these 2 LARGE, BRIGHT lights shining in your eyes. Their master bedroom is lit up like daytime ALL night long!! How RUDE & THOUGHTLESS could someone be to install a bright outdoor yard light on their house and then leave it on ALL night shining into someone else's home??????

I can maybe understand an outdoor light to BBQ by in the winter when it gets dark early, but when you are done cooking, you turn the light OFF but I can see NO reason, whatsoever, that anyone living in The Villages should need a backyard light mounted on their house. Am I missing something here??? This is just totally uncalled for in this type of community. Under no circumstances, that I can think of, should lights like these be allowed. You can't have any ornamentation in your front yard, but you CAN install a light like this and leave it on????

Our friends are quite good-hearted and new here and don't want to OFFEND anyone so they won't go to these people and "discuss" this situation. We went there last night after leaving their villa, but the rude people weren't home.

Does anyone know if there are any covenants against this sort of thing and/or who would our friends call to complain?

[F16 1UB]

chilout


May I suggest that you allow your friends to handle the situation. It's quite possible that the property owner isn't aware. You may be jumping to conclusions. I'm sure there's a simple solution.

Also it's Sumter County code to have an outside light mounted within 4' of the back door. At least that's what we were told last year when we had the lanai enclosed. The light comes on automatically and is tripped by a motion detector. I can only adjust the length of time the two 75 watt flood lights stay on at the fixture. And when it comes on the Space Shuttle can see TV.

Happy New Year

[GERALDINE]

chilout


May I suggest that you allow your friends to handle the situation. It's quite possible that the property owner isn't aware. You may be jumping to conclusions. I'm sure there's a simple solution.

Also it's Sumter County code to have an outside light mounted within 4' of the back door. At least that's what we were told last year when we had the lanai enclosed. The light comes on automatically and is tripped by a motion detector. I can only adjust the length of time the two 75 watt flood lights stay on at the fixture. And when it comes on the Space Shuttle can see TV.

Happy New Year

Dear F16 1UB:

May I be so bold as to suggest that "A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed" !! YOU have jumped to conclusions here...my friend is ill (I didn't see the need to mention this before) and not able to "handle the situation". I could go to these lit up houses myself, but you're right...it's not really my business...so I won't.

I only wanted to say, in my original post, that people need to be cognizant of their actions and how it can affect someone else. THINK before you do something as to what impact it could have on others.

I do, however, stand by my original statement that I can see NO reason, whatsoever, for anyone living in TV to have a motion sensor or any type of bright yard light. We do not have 10 acre lots, we do not live in the country, and we do not have a lot of crime. Could you maybe explain why you feel the need to have this kind of light? If it was Sumter County "code" as you say...then EVERY house here would have this type of light. I don't believe it is "code".

[Number 6]

Here is what my deed restriction says,

2.18 Except as provided above, exterior lighting must be attached to the Home and shaded so as not to create a nuisance to others. No other light poles may be erected.

That seems clear to me.

[ajbrown]

I cannot get to the deed restrictions on the district web site to check at the moment (pages are not available), but I 'swear' there is a line about outdoor lights and making sure you do not adversely affect your neighbors.... so even if folks do not do the 'right thing' there may be a way to persuade them.

[F16 1UB]

:ohdear: I said Sumter County code made it mandatory for an outside light "when we had the lanai enclosed." Obviously not everyone had enclosed lanais.

Sorry your friend is ill. Possibly more reason for their neighbor to be more understanding of the unknown to them "problem." How about contacting neighborhood watch? I'm sure they may have an idea on how to deal with these rude people that you've never met.

:popcorn:

[Xavier]

We went there last night after leaving their villa, but the rude people weren't home.

Does anyone know if there are any covenants against this sort of thing and/or who would our friends call to complain?

Ballsy move on your part and totally out of line. Did you ever think that perhaps the people in the offending house had to an emergency of sorts or something and that may be why they weren't home. You're coming down pretty had on someone without any knowledge of who they are or what is or isn't going on in their lives. Not well or not, your friend should, if they want to, be able to handle their own problems. Did they ask for your help?

[downeaster]

I do, however, stand by my original statement that I can see NO reason, whatsoever, for anyone living in TV to have a motion sensor or any type of bright yard light. We do not have 10 acre lots, we do not live in the country, and we do not have a lot of crime. Could you maybe explain why you feel the need to have this kind of light? If it was Sumter County "code" as you say...then EVERY house here would have this type of light. I don't believe it is "code".

A number of homes have been broken into. Motion sensor lights are a deterrent. I have them as do my neighbors. They are not aimed to illuminate neighbors' houses. They are aimed to illuminate my backyard close to the house.

[Larryandlinda]

I cannot get to the deed restrictions on the district web site to check at the moment (pages are not available), but I 'swear' there is a line about outdoor lights and making sure you do not adversely affect your neighbors.... so even if folks do not do the 'right thing' there may be a way to persuade them.

We have wondered why there need to be any outside lights on.
We keep a CFL on the signpost, but everything else goes out.

It's a waste of energy especially in a place where boogeymen seem to be a non issue.
We have some CFL floods on the back wall that we might use for volleyball one summer or to see if there are any gators on the lawn before we step out.

Just wondering why people light up yards and even more why people aim lights at their homes.

L&L

[k2at]

Why doesn't someone just knock on the offending neighbor's door and explain the situation? I cannot believe that there isn't an accommodation that could be made that would satisfy all parties. At the least, by contacting the neighbor, one is giving them the opportunity to recognize the existance of a problem. If after advising them it does not resolve the issue, then hit them over the head with a bat.

[actor]

I didn't realize breaking and entering is a problem in The Villages. How many homes are you talking about?

A number of homes have been broken into. Motion sensor lights are a deterrent. I have them as do my neighbors. They are not aimed to illuminate neighbors' houses. They are aimed to illuminate my backyard close to the house.

[bjlutz]

Just a quick question after reading this thread....when you say ""several homes broken into.....what exactly is the crime rate in The Villages? has it been more than usual? Our future plans include moving to The Villages but this is the first time we have seen crime and need for outdoor lights...is this is all areas of The Villages? any information and insight here would be appreciated. thanks,

[dfn8tly]

I have to agree with k2at that a friendly overture can readily resolve this issue. All these lights are adjustable both in spread of light and timing. Why not invite the neighbors over for a glass of wine or a cup of coffee after dark so they can see for themselves how annoying this issue is. I can't imagine anyone who has lived in close proximity to others wouldn't be willing to make a necessary adjustment. There's no need at this point to call in the National Guard.

[bluedog103]

Why doesn't someone just knock on the offending neighbor's door and explain the situation? I cannot believe that there isn't an accommodation that could be made that would satisfy all parties. At the least, by contacting the neighbor, one is giving them the opportunity to recognize the existance of a problem. If after advising them it does not resolve the issue, then hit them over the head with a bat.

Well put K2at. In my experience almost all neigborhood issues can be resolved with a simple conversation. Usually the offender isn't even aware that there's a problem.

[Xavier]

Just a quick question after reading this thread....when you say ""several homes broken into.....what exactly is the crime rate in The Villages? has it been more than usual? Our future plans include moving to The Villages but this is the first time we have seen crime and need for outdoor lights...is this is all areas of The Villages? any information and insight here would be appreciated. thanks,

Over a year or so ago there we some empty homes in the newer section of Sumter County that were broken in to. For the most part they were off golf courses or preserves. There was talk about someone on golf carts doing the deed, perhaps adult children of residents. Soon after that was published everything came to a screeching halt as far as I know. Haven't heard anything more. Even though we live up here in Gods Country, Marion County, and I haven't heard anything of that nature up here, I installed a solar motion sensor light in the back of the house mostly for our benefit and use.

[ajbrown]

Just a quick question after reading this thread....when you say ""several homes broken into.....what exactly is the crime rate in The Villages? has it been more than usual? Our future plans include moving to The Villages but this is the first time we have seen crime and need for outdoor lights...is this is all areas of The Villages? any information and insight here would be appreciated. thanks,

I heard about a few last year..... oh wait last year was yesterday ;), I mean last winter. Not alot but a few. I have not heard of many this year.

The biggest crime I have been witness to is driving a golf cart at .09 blood alcohol level. Toungue is WAY in cheek ......:beer3:

[Julie]

My motto has always been "One is able to attract more bees with honey." If you feel the need to go over to the bright light house why not take the friendly approach? You may want to start off with why you are the complaintant instead of their neighbors, then be friendly and see if they are willing to compromise. A motion sensor may be the perfect solution.

Even though we do live in a low crime community it doesn't mean we should all leave our doors unlocked and lights turned off at night. To each his or her own, I myself feel the need to be prudent when it comes to safety.

[bjlutz]

Xavier: thanks for the info. We're sitting up here in 5 degree weather so we are really wanting to get to The Villages...."Crime" in The Villages as probably interpreted differently :cold::cold:than where we are....

[GERALDINE]

Ballsy move on your part and totally out of line. Did you ever think that perhaps the people in the offending house had to an emergency of sorts or something and that may be why they weren't home. You're coming down pretty had on someone without any knowledge of who they are or what is or isn't going on in their lives. Not well or not, your friend should, if they want to, be able to handle their own problems. Did they ask for your help?

Hey...chill out!!!!chilout What is YOUR problem???? Do you think me an idiot??? I wouldn't have considered this a problem if it had been ONE night & they weren't home. I would have thought...oh they went out and "forgot" to turn their light out...no big deal, BUT...the people in the offending house (as you call it) have had this light on at night & ALL night for over THREE solid weeks now!! I doubt an emergency lasts 3 weeks.

And yes, as a matter of fact, my friends did ask me to help however I told them I didn't feel it my place to directly intervene but that I would do some "research" on the subject and put it out on TOTV to see what others had to say, which is exactly what I have done.

I have my answers now and will pass them on.

[golf2140]

K2 Best response yet:agree:

[Tweety Bird]

Yes, I do agree that having lights shine all night long in the back of someones house is not a considerate thing to do. But, I hear quite a bit or anger and rage in the original post. If you went over there to "tell them off", it just is not a good thing. You are trying to SAVE your friend. Instead your negative energy will only HARM your friend. Is this how you generally handle things? Confrontation might be your style. I don't know this nor do I know you.

I would start by having your "friends" visit them and introduce themselves. You may be able to get to the reason WHY they have these lights installed. Once you know the reason, your "friend" can weave the light issue into the conversation. I would BUTT out of your friend's situation. It's her deal there! :D

[GERALDINE]

Why doesn't someone just knock on the offending neighbor's door and explain the situation? I cannot believe that there isn't an accommodation that could be made that would satisfy all parties. At the least, by contacting the neighbor, one is giving them the opportunity to recognize the existance of a problem. If after advising them it does not resolve the issue, then hit them over the head with a bat.

Well, tee-hee, the "bat hitting" might be carrying things a little too far...I definitely do not advocate physical violence, but what you say makes perfect sense and I will definitely pass the suggestion along. However, like I said in an earlier post, he is ill and doesn't feel much like confronting anyone at this point.

Who knows, maybe the "offender" is reading this, will take the hint, and will turn out their light.

Thanks for your understanding input.

[Dirigo]

Doesn't anyone have a pellet gun in TV? Just kidding...

Either the homeowner with the bright lights doesn't realize their lights are causing a problem for their neighbor, or they know and they don't care.

Either way, something should be done, within the rules, for the good of all concerned.

Someone should to act as an advocate in this instance IMHO.

Dirigo

[swrinfla]

I must also suggest contacting the offending neighbor. In my five years in TV, I have found that almost all the social restrictions we seem to have lived with "at home," (among other things, that may include "don't ever contact a neighbor who has bothersome lights, dogs, habits, etc., because that may stir up trouble"), go by the boards here in TV once folks recognize that a friendly word here and there may work wonders!

Our formerly rather insular lives do not / should not apply here in TV!

Whatever, Happy New Year!

SWR
:beer3:

[graciegirl]

We have motion detector lights for the very reason stated before; security. It was recommended by the "experts"..... But sometimes I believe the wind turns them on. They illuminate about 15 feet out into the yard.

It is interesting to me how different people handle sticky situations. I think that I would make every effort to avoid a nasty interchange because you are going to live there next to them and it would destroy my happiness to be on the "outs" with my neighbors.

If it troubled me, I would call the deed restriction people and ask them to handle it.

Everyone is different. VERY different.

[dillywho]

Crime/break-ins are not the problem in TV as in Orlando. However, we do have occasional "rashes" and if your house and/or your neighbor's becomes the target, then you will perceive it as a problem. About a year ago, at least 3 houses were hit within a 2 block radius of us....with 1 being just 3 doors down. The only thing the thieves targeted were cash and jewelry. Entry was gained by breaking a window on the back of the house while the owner was out of town, and 2 of the others occurred when the occupants left to go out to dinner (apparently someone was watching) and were only gone between 5:30 and 8:30. Please don't assume that just because it is TV it doesn't happen....it does.

Along this same line, it was reported to the SO that some (3 - a girl and a couple of guys) people had been going door to door offering to do yard work, handyman work, etc. The SO suggested that we call their office and ask them to check out anyone that we are not familar with as being neighborhood regulars. If they are on the up and up, no problem. Better safe than sorry and they are happy to check for you.

Maybe the "rude" people have had a bad experience that they just don't want repeated and are not intentionally being inconsiderate. Surely some sort of compromise can be reached. IMHO

[Mintjulep]

We have motion floods outside.
And we were one of the ones robbed last year, in Feb. '09.

But the main reason we have the lights is that we ALWAYS walk our dogs in our own back yard, and we need to see what they are doing (we think they do too but probably not). And we have to take them out several times after dark this time of year.

We have no house behind us, but do try to be considerate to the one house next door it may possibly bother and to turn the light off if we notice the wind or something tripping it over and over.

I think the 'rude' people may not have any idea of how they are affecting their neighbors, and could easily re-aim the lights so as not to shine so directly into your friends house.

Hope it can be worked out...

[joannej]

Perhaps the light can be redirected not to shine onto your friend's house. Another suggestion: go directly to the deed compliance office after your friend's have spoken directly with their neighbors if they find the condition still exists. Give them a week or so to fix the situation. :o

[graciegirl]

I am going to hijack this thread to say that Joannej and Jojo both have sunsets as avatars.

Just thought that was interesting considering that their names are so similar.

Lovely...both of them.

[Russ_Boston]

Seems to me that the rule about making sure it is shaded so it does offend neighbors covers this. No need to have a huge debate. First just ask them nicely (since they may not even be aware) and then if they balk just call the deed police on them.

Making sure they follow the rules isn't being a bad neighbor.

[Pturner]

Of all the conclusions that could be drawn without knowing the circumstances, assuming the neighbors are "rude, rude, rude" is perhaps the harshest.

Maybe neighbors had the lights installed just before leaving town? Maybe the installer aimed the lights poorly. Maybe the neighbors then left town before dark, not realizing the lights were left on? (That could explain the lights being on all night every night for three weeks. Maybe they were on during the day too, but just weren't noticeable). Maybe not. Maybe there's another explanation. Maybe the neighbors are rude.

Either way, code enforcement can probably resolve the issue. I can't see the advantage to assuming the worst. If the neighbors were unaware, and turn out to be nice, gracious people, I would feel terrible for having talked poorly of them on TOTV. I probably would have wasted an opportunity to make a worthy friend. I surely would have wasted unnecessary anger and hostility. If they neighbors turn out to be rude, well, it wouldn't have cost me anything to have given them the benefit of the doubt.

Patches, I'm not being critical. The situation was unpleasant and frustrating. I'm just suggesting another way to look at it, for what it's worth.

[joannej]

I am going to hijack this thread to say that Joannej and Jojo both have sunsets as avatars.

Just thought that was interesting considering that their names are so similar.

Lovely...both of them.
________________________
Hi Gracie.............My sunset picture was taken by my daughter when we were on a cruise together. Ahh, the memories & the fun!! It is a calm scene, isn't it? We all want to see a good outcome for the bright light situation, don't we?

[GERALDINE]

Yes, I do agree that having lights shine all night long in the back of someones house is not a considerate thing to do. But, I hear quite a bit or anger and rage in the original post. If you went over there to "tell them off", it just is not a good thing. You are trying to SAVE your friend. Instead your negative energy will only HARM your friend. Is this how you generally handle things? Confrontation might be your style. I don't know this nor do I know you.

I would start by having your "friends" visit them and introduce themselves. You may be able to get to the reason WHY they have these lights installed. Once you know the reason, your "friend" can weave the light issue into the conversation. I would BUTT out of your friend's situation. It's her deal there! :D
Tweety: You are right...you do not know me, but those who do will tell you that I am the MOST UNconfrontational person you could ever meet and about the only thing that really angers me is when I see or know of an injustice being done...to anyone or anything. I'm kind of a "mother hen" personality type who wants all her "little chicks" to be safe and well and happy and I'd give the shirt off my back to ensure their well-being. I would NEVER be rude or confrontational to anyone and especially not to a fellow "villager". Everyone is right in their statements that no one knows "their" situation of why they feel the need to have these lights, but so be it. I'm officially DONE with this thread as of this posting. I've talked to my friend and the matter will be addressed, appropriately, by them. Thank you all for your "input" and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

[golferling]

The side of their home faces the third green of Pimlico and the Belvedere Street. They put up a large glaring flood light that shines in our villa across the street. We also think that it could bother drivers on Belvedere it is so glaring. This SHOULD be obvious to Village Watch, but our Village Watch, so far, has been oblivious. Basically, all of this is thoughtlessness and inconsideration for one's neighbors. These women must have been farmers in the past and felt a need to put up a barn light to illuminate the back 40. If we all did that, there would be a lot of howling. Yes, Village Watch people that read this, it is the first house on the left as you are turning from Belvedere to Churchill, adjacent to the third green of Pimlico golf course. Please help us all out in the villas across the street. As far as we are , it is "GLARE CITY" right in our patio doors every night. Ladies, if you are reading it, please please take it down.

[Xavier]

The side of their home faces the third green of Pimlico and the Belvedere Street. They put up a large glaring flood light that shines in our villa across the street. We also think that it could bother drivers on Belvedere it is so glaring. This SHOULD be obvious to Village Watch, but our Village Watch, so far, has been oblivious. Basically, all of this is thoughtlessness and inconsideration for one's neighbors. These women must have been farmers in the past and felt a need to put up a barn light to illuminate the back 40. If we all did that, there would be a lot of howling. Yes, Village Watch people that read this, it is the first house on the left as you are turning from Belvedere to Churchill, adjacent to the third green of Pimlico golf course. Please help us all out in the villas across the street. As far as we are , it is "GLARE CITY" right in our patio doors every night. Ladies, if you are reading it, please please take it down.

I'm not sure if this is the same problem as the original post or not.

Here are a couple numbers that may help instead of taking the risk that someone who can do something about it may be monitoring this thread.

352-753-0550 Community Watch
352-753-4508 Customer Service Center

[graciegirl]

I'm not sure if this is the same problem as the original post or not.

Here are a couple numbers that may help instead of taking the risk that someone who can do something about it may be monitoring this thread.

352-753-0550 Community Watch
352-753-4508 Customer Service Center

Xavier. Excellent help.

[bluedog103]

The side of their home faces the third green of Pimlico and the Belvedere Street. They put up a large glaring flood light that shines in our villa across the street. We also think that it could bother drivers on Belvedere it is so glaring. This SHOULD be obvious to Village Watch, but our Village Watch, so far, has been oblivious. Basically, all of this is thoughtlessness and inconsideration for one's neighbors. These women must have been farmers in the past and felt a need to put up a barn light to illuminate the back 40. If we all did that, there would be a lot of howling. Yes, Village Watch people that read this, it is the first house on the left as you are turning from Belvedere to Churchill, adjacent to the third green of Pimlico golf course. Please help us all out in the villas across the street. As far as we are , it is "GLARE CITY" right in our patio doors every night. Ladies, if you are reading it, please please take it down.

Why don't you try simply talking with these neighbors? Invite them over to see how bright it is for you. There's a good chance the problem will be eliminated without calling in the authorities and you might even make a new friend. Isn't that one of the things that make TV special?

[Tweety Bird]

Tweety: You are right...you do not know me, but those who do will tell you that I am the MOST UNconfrontational person you could ever meet and about the only thing that really angers me is when I see or know of an injustice being done...to anyone or anything. I'm kind of a "mother hen" personality type who wants all her "little chicks" to be safe and well and happy and I'd give the shirt off my back to ensure their well-being. I would NEVER be rude or confrontational to anyone and especially not to a fellow "villager". Everyone is right in their statements that no one knows "their" situation of why they feel the need to have these lights, but so be it. I'm officially DONE with this thread as of this posting. I've talked to my friend and the matter will be addressed, appropriately, by them. Thank you all for your "input" and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Hi! I'll be anxious to hear how this has resolved itself Patches! Let us all know ok? It's always nice to have a "mother hen" in their court on occasion. I'm sure you're a good "egg". I would LOVE to know why the neighbor in question kept those dang lights on in the back. Inquires want to know.:wave: