[mikempp]

I live in a villa, my neighbors gate to their backyard have to go through my driveway. I was out of the country for an extended period. She contacted a mutual neighbor that had a key to my home and pickup truck in the drive. Supposedly she needed it moved to have a lanai put in. I told them move the truck over if it would help. She said no I need to move my truck NOW or she will have my pickup towed. I ignored her, so the next week my neighbor said I had a flat tire, and the community watch said fix it or they would tow my truck, they left a note on my door. I called, they asked, when will you fix it, I said in three months when I get back, they said no problem, sorry about your neighbor. When I got back all the tire needed was air, I guess she let the air out of my tire hoping they would tow my truck. When I got back she would hide from me, not that I'd do anything. About 2 weeks later she sold her Villa, told my neighbor, "not enough liberals around here", so she moved back to California, good reddens!

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

I worry most about the speeding I see in my Village. I have seen a blue Jeep with big tires and a raised body and loud mufflers doing what I estimate to be 45 to 50 MPH in a 25 MPH zone. I can easily tell what 25 MPH is because MOST drivers do that or maybe 30 MPH. This was at dusk on a gray day recently on a busy road that has MANY couples walking their dogs. I have seen this particular Jeep spending often so the driver likely lives in the Village. I can't tell the age of the driver because, of course, the windows are tinted dark. I don't sit outside TRYING to observe speeding. I just notice it when I am cutting the grass in the front yard. If I can notice a particular car speeding when I am NOT looking for that, I am amazed that the local Police or Community Service can't control this DANGEROUS behavior. I can live with the white crosses and a don't get upset if a dog uses my yard for its toilet. The white crosses do NOT weigh several tons and speed at 50 MPH - so I don't worry that they will KILL any residents. Laws are laws and right IS right - I say to enforce the MOST IMPORTANT situations FIRST - the ones that can threaten human life !

Let's not change the 874th deed restriction thread into the 874th speeding thread.

But just to play devil's advocate, which scares you more?
A vehicle travelling 45 in a 25 residential area, which can kill you, driven by a 14-time NASCAR champion, or a vehicle traveling 20, which can kill you, driven by a 92-year-old with cataracts that can't see over the steering wheel????

I've always thought that while speed limits are the law, they play to the lowest common denominator of driving skills. While completely impractical, I wish drivers could be "rated" for speed in various areas based on skill level, and then quadruple the fines for driving "out of your weight class". After all, you can't play organized softball or pickleball without getting "rated"

[Altavia]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

Deed restrictions state that one cannot run a business out of a home and that homes are restricted to single family residential use. Running an Airbnb out of a home, while living in the home simultaneously, violates both deed restrictions.

Has anyone tried to enforce a restriction as a property owner? Airbnbcould be a good one for neighbors to get together to enforce?

" Q: What is an external deed restriction and who can enforce them?

A: Deed restrictions are declarations between the Declarant (Developer named in your individual Declaration of Restrictions) and the Property Owner. Who can enforce the external deed restrictions?

• Any property owner of any lot may seek to enforce external restrictions against another property owner.

• The Declarant may seek to enforce external and internal restrictions.

• The Village Community Development Districts through adopted Rule may enforce certain EXTERNAL restrictions that have been adopted by each Board to enforce as
authorized by Chapter 190 of Florida Statutes.

• Examples of external deed restriction violations include, but are not limited to, external
modifications made without ARC approval, overgrown or dead grass and weeds, and inoperable vehicles.


Q: What is an internal deed restriction and who can enforce them?

A: Deed restrictions are declarations between the Declarant (Developer named in your individual Declaration of Restrictions) and the Property Owner.

Who can enforce the internal deed restrictions?
• Any property owner of any lot may seek to enforce internal restrictions against another property owner.
• The Declarant may seek to enforce internal restrictions.
• Examples of internal deed restriction violations include, but are not limited to,
underage children living in the home or running a business from the home.
2

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by asianthree

.....

In our case the 80 plus complaints filed on the same day, only a handful were true compliance issues. Our old neighborhood sent out the email blast on deed restriction issues, so everyone could fix potential problems before a fine May be levied.
6 garden flags, 3 small garden figures, 1 sundial, 1 gazing ball. Our potluck sign in the driveway of meeting 2 days later(cute painted sign with balloons)...

I know a number of posters believe that the two old biddies with their clipboard are an urban myth, but I would think that 80 complaints on the same day is prima facie evidence that they may not be a myth.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

I know a number of posters believe that the two old biddies with their clipboard are an urban myth, but I would think that 80 complaints on the same day is prima facie evidence that they may not be a myth.

Awhile ago someone posted a picture of two old ladies in a golf cart holding a clipboard. That convinced me they are real and should get a life.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

Evasive answer. The situation now are NEIGHBORS reporting infractions to the government. No different than the two mythical BIDDIES reporting infractions to the government.

In either case the INFRACTIONS are what count, not the reporters. Nobody gets a correction order based solely on the report of a neighbor or two women in a golf cart.

I ask again: what harm are they doing?

Nothing has changed, properties will still be protected. What everyone appears to be yammering about is the fact that they can no longer hide behind the biddies skirts, have to grow two and address the problem with a phone call while cowering behind their draperies. Hopefully, they would contact or talk with their neighbor first. It’s really a matter of cowardice.

[Byte1]

My understanding, from a Villages Sales agent is that the deed restrictions were incorporated by the developer as a means to make a better presentation for future new home sales, as was the original intention of the flower beds around the circles and the village squares. If true, I can see how it would benefit the developer in their endeavor to promote beauty and consistency in the Villages.
Personally, I look forward to a time when the authorities decide to ban anonymous complaints. Disgruntled old biddies will then have to find something else to entertain themselves.
By the way, you don't have to "move if you don't like the restrictions." Just live in an older section of the Villages. Some of us enjoy our Villages just as much and don't have to worry about some old hens sneaking around and making complaints. We don't have such strict restrictions and yet our sales are just as fast as those to the South of us. Everyone to their own, as they say.
FYI: if I have a problem with my neighbor, I take it upon myself to discuss it with them and work out a resolution. It has nothing to do with deed restrictions, because I mind my own business when it comes to what others wish to do with their property (within my ability to flex without breaking).

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by clouwho

There is unfortunately nothing in our deed restrictions about short term rentals. And the developers are actually encouraging that to get more people to buy their new homes.

IMHO short term rentals are one of the single biggest negative quality of life and property value issues we are going to face here in TV in the upcoming years. I am hoping via VHA we can band together with an overwhelming consensus and vote for deed restrictions addendums in all CDDs that require a MINIMUM of a one month lease period. That will allow “investors” to still rent to the targeted 55+ demographic we are supposed to be, while keeping the undesirable revolving door of mystery people out of our neighborhoods.

We do a lot of rentals in resort type communities in Florida. The nicer ones almost all have a minimum of one month rentals, and some require two months.

As it is, there are lots of young and undesirable-looking people living in the Historic section. Also, various drivers speeding. I would think that it would be a lot easier to stop the speeders than the undesirable-looking young residents. And, a speeding vehicle can injure or kill an older resident out walking their dog much easier than a threatening look from an undesirable.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by asianthree

This morning at 0650 driving From Seabreeze on Odell to Morse. Speed 32, little over, but being cautious since it a busy time for dog walks. I was passed by a silver suv that had to crossover a double yellow, on a curve. Speeding away, then slammed on their brakes because the gate hesitated it open. By the time I reached roundabout , the car was already breaking at the next light.

It’s 7am folks, that walker and dog will be a life changer for them and you, when you choose to pass at those speeds. But guess that driver is too selfish to worry about someone else.

Yes, I agree. I have seen a lot of speeding in the last 2 or 3 years. And "speed kills"

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by Gladys Turnip

There sure seems to be a lot of people who are upset with the ability of neighbors to anonymously report (alleged) violations of our deed restrictions.

I think these people are missing the point.

Starting from the beginning, the purpose of the deed restrictions is to safeguard the long-term value of neighboring properties and the community at large. We all agreed to these restrictions when we chose to buy a house in The Villages.

Sort of like motherhood and apple pie, I don’t see how anybody could be against wanting to uphold the value of their home.

Next let’s look at the parties involved in a deed restriction violation. There are only two:

(1) The homeowner (who may or may not be in violation), and

(2) The CDD/Developer aka The Villages Community Standards Department (CSD), who has the power to compel compliance with and enforce deed restrictions.

A neighbor should not even be involved, but if he is, he has no power to do anything. All he can do is bring a potential alleged violation to the attention of the CSD. The CSD then decides whether or not to VERIFY the complaint (that is, to dismiss it or pursue it).

People worry that a person who files a complaint – a so called Troll – might be reporting in bad faith, and that the report might be frivolous or even vengeful. But so what? If the alleged violation has no merit, the CSD will simply ignore/dismiss it; end of story. On the other hand, if there is an actual deed violation, we should all want the CSD to take the necessary steps to correct the situation in order to protect the value of the homes in our community.

If people want to be angry with someone, perhaps it should not be with the people who report potential violations, but in fact should be with The Villages (the CSD). Why? Because they have completely abdicated their role in monitoring compliance. In most jurisdictions throughout the country, whoever imposes deed restrictions (the Developer/CDD/CSD in our case), is also tasked with monitoring compliance and enforcement. To monitor, most places hire someone to simply drive around the neighborhood, pay attention, and notice if any properties may be in violation.

But oddly, in The Villages, the developer, the CDDs, and the CSD (that is, the people who created the long list of deed restrictions in the first place) have all washed their hands of the entire process of monitoring compliance, leaving it up to residents to bring (even obvious) potential violations to their attention. By their own words in the CDD Community Standards FAQs: “…reporting potential violations will be a complaint-driven process. Potential violations are NOT reported by Community Standards, Community Watch, or any other District department."

This hands-off position is not only unique, but also seems to make no sense given that Community Watch drives around all day anyway. Seems goofy to instruct these employees to turn a blind eye to possible deed violations, even if egregious.

Back to the original point about anonymous reports ….. I don’t see how you can get mad at someone who is merely trying to protect the value of the homes in our community; that is, protecting the value of YOUR home.

A lot of people seem to think that CDD 5 has it all figured out because reports of violations can no longer be anonymous, and thus they now get a lot fewer reports. But of course fewer reports do not mean there are fewer violations. It most likely simply means that CDD 5 will begin looking like a run-down trailer park sooner than other CDDs in The Villages because NO ONE is taking action to protect the aesthetic values that we all agreed to when we purchased our homes.

Okay, thanks for listening. I need to go now to set up the new trampoline in my front yard, right next to the 1979 Ford Pinto up on blocks. I’m sure no one will complain.

This is an endless debate. REALITY, people think they are right. People complain about others but do not see what they do.

A first question is does it really matter? Endless common complaints, dogs, golf cart speeds, noisy neighbors, people blocking traffic. PEOPLE ENDLESSLY FINDING STUFF TO COMPLAIN ABOUT.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

This is exactly what's wrong the world today. Folks think they can pick & choose what rules and regulations that feel they should abide by.

When you buy a home, you sign a contract/deed, that you agree to abide by each and every rule/restriction contained in those documents. You don't then get to decide there are some you don't like.

If someone was running a drug operation in the house next to you, is that ok? Or is that a "rule" you think should be enforced?

If your neighbor decided to decorate his home for Gay Pride Day, is that ok?

What if all the Trump supporters, decided to put up 12" inflatable likenesses of The Donald? Is that acceptable?

Or heaven forbid, the others put up 14' inflatables of Nancy Pelosi's?

You don't get to "pick & choose" the rules you like. You signed up for all the rules and it's everyone's responsibility to adhere to them and report violations.

EVERY single "rule violation" hurts property values. Folks have a RIGHT to expect what they "bought into" will be maintained and any and all deviations detract from the whole.

Those are facts, not an opinion. When you buy a product on Amazon and the color looks different "in person", you send it back. That's because you want what you think you bought, not a facsimile.

We have had our home robbed. And speeding leads up to robbing because it means that there is NOT enough law enforcement present. And small issues lead up to bigger issues. I would like to see more Police patrolling on bicycles or motorcycles. I would like to see multiple small drones with cameras flown by one operator.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

As it is, there are lots of young and undesirable-looking people living in the Historic section. Also, various drivers speeding. I would think that it would be a lot easier to stop the speeders than the undesirable-looking young residents. And, a speeding vehicle can injure or kill an older resident out walking their dog much easier than a threatening look from an undesirable.

Your statements often leave me shaking my head. Talk about elitism…

[I'm Popeye!]

Originally Posted by DAVES

This is an endless debate. REALITY, people think they are right. People complain about others but do not see what they do.

A first question is does it really matter? Endless common complaints, dogs, golf cart speeds, noisy neighbors, people blocking traffic. PEOPLE ENDLESSLY FINDING STUFF TO COMPLAIN ABOUT.

It looks like you're COMPLAINING about the complaining on this thread...

[Byte1]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

We have had our home robbed. And speeding leads up to robbing because it means that there is NOT enough law enforcement present. And small issues lead up to bigger issues. I would like to see more Police patrolling on bicycles or motorcycles. I would like to see multiple small drones with cameras flown by one operator.

That requires funding.....hmmm.....oh wait...

[Papa_lecki]

Not all the deed restrictions are the same - but this seems to cover the ****/AirBNB thing

Properties within the Subdivision are intended for residential use and no commercial, professional or similar activity requiring either maintaining an inventory, equipment or customer/client visits may be conducted in a Home or on a Homesite.