Well-meaning neighbors could wind up facing charges for efforts

Well-meaning neighbors who try to help clean up distressed properties in The Villages could wind up facing charges for their Good Samaritan activities.

Some neighbors, whether fueled by frustration or helpfulness, have attempted to step in and clean up abandoned properties in their neighborhoods in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.

But according to a report from District Counsel delivered Friday to the Community Development District 2 Board of Supervisors, those efforts could backfire.

Those well-meaning neighbors could find themselves facing trespassing charges.

CDD 2 Board Chairman Bryan Lifsey hosted a recent question-and-answer session and the topic of abandoned homes was raised by residents.

“Of particular interest were those instances where ‘concerned neighbors’ took it upon themselves to cut and trim the abandoned property and were warned that they could be charged with trespassing,” Lifsey said in a report to the board.

District Counsel Mark Brionez confirmed that residents could potentially face trespassing charges for venturing onto private property.

“A bigger question might be liability,” he said.

It was raised recently that Villagers who try to help out in these situations also complicate the process for Community Standards.