Neighbors upset about lack of action at fire-damaged home

Neighbors are upset about an apparent lack of action at a fire-damaged home in The Villages.

It’s been more than a year since a fire damaged the home at 3292 Sylewood Ave. in the Village of Charlotte.

The home was once again on the agenda at a meeting Thursday afternoon of the Community Development District 9 Board of Supervisors at SeaBreeze Recreation Center.

The most recent complaint lodged with Community Standards about the property was about the grass that hasn’t been mowed, overgrown weeds and bushes that need trimming. The board granted seven days for the property owner to bring it into compliance. If the property isn’t brought into compliance, fines will be imposed.

The board’s action did not impress the neighbors who have been living with the eyesore.

“This has been sitting there for 18 months. Fining this guy won’t get him to do something,” said Cyril Berkowitz, who lives on nearby Mayflower Loop.

The home was heavily damaged by fire in December 2023. At the time of the blaze, the home was owned by Geraldine Mitchell. She and her husband purchased the home in 2012 for $299,200. He died in 2019.

The owner sold the damaged home to Investworks Solutions LLC of Windemere. Very little work has been done at the home since the fire, according to neighbors.

Supervisor Richard Talbot said he has learned that a permit for rebuilding the home was issued in June.

“But nothing has been done,” Talbot said.

He and fellow board members said they share the residents’ anger about the situation.

“I understand your frustration. We will do what we can to speed this up,” said CDD 9 Board Chairman Don Hickman.