A Villager has been ordered to repaint a driveway that her neighbors have decried as “hideous.”
The home of Cynthia Ellis at 3116 Combs Court in the Village of Pine Ridge was the subject of a hearing before Special Master Terry Neal on Monday afternoon at the District Office at Brownwood.
A complaint was received Oct. 3 informing Community Standards that the brightly colored driveway was “not in accordance with the architectural review manual.”
At the hearing, several of Ellis’ neighbors complained about the driveway. They said the bright teal colors don’t match the rest of the neighborhood.
“As far as I know, there is no driveway like this in The Villages,” said Belinda McNutt, who also lives on Combs Court.
She said the driveway has become a point of fascination and that cars and golf carts are frequently driving by, with residents eager to see it for themselves.
“People stop and just shake their heads,” Mcnutt said.
She said the driveway is commonly described as, “hideous.”
The driveway is located in Community Development District 11. In CDD 11, homeowners do not need to receive prior approval of the Architectural Review Committee in order to paint their driveways. However, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to ensure that the driveway is a good fit in the neighborhood. In addition, “Hot, electric, neon, or bright colors are not permitted.”
The driveway was supposed to go before the special master in January, but Ellis said she would be undergoing a medical procedure and could not attend the hearing. It was moved to February. On Monday morning, she called Community Standards, seeking another reprieve.
Rather than receiving another extension, the special master ordered Ellis, who was not in attendance, to repaint the driveway a harmonious color within 45 days. If she fails to do so, she will face an immediate $150 fine, followed by $50 daily fines that will accumulate until the driveway is repainted.