The Architectural Review Committee on Wednesday was divided on a “massive” home improvement project in the Village of Bridgeport at Lake Sumter.
The project is planned at the home of Troy and Virginia Pappas at 1301 Bennett Place, which is located in Community Development District 6.
The project includes the addition of a pool and spa with a birdcage extension. The work, which also includes gas heat, is to be performed by T&D Pool & Spa Construction.
Homeowners Kenneth and Carol Holec, who live at 1260 Harley Circle, objected to the project and spoke out before the ARC. Their home backs up to the home at 1301 Bennett Place.
The couple said previous projects at the Pappas’ home have begun to dominate the neighborhood.
“All we see is birdcage,” Kenneth Holec said.
He said the latest extension would not be harmonious with the neighborhood.
“This project completely obstructs our view. We feel this will decrease our property value,” he added.
The Holecs bought their home in 2016 for $649,000.
ARC members were deeply divided on the application.
“We need to look at the bulk of this project, also the impact on adjacent properties,” said ARC member Bill Jenness.
Jack Bode, acting as CDD 6’s ARC representative, noted the size of the project.
“I have been sitting on this board two years, and I have never seen something this massive,” he said.
He said he would like to see photographs of the surrounding area.
However, acting ARC Chairman Don Simson said the project was well within the guidelines.
“We’ve never required pictures in the past,” Simson said.
ARC member Bob Blumberg moved for the approval of the project.
It won the ARC’s blessing on 6-5 vote.
