Villagers deeply divided on taking over age-restriction enforcement

Villagers are deeply divided on the possibility that their community development district could take over enforcement of age-restriction violations here in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.

Over the past two weeks, CDD boards have heard a pitch on possibility of taking over two age-restriction requirements – one preventing anyone under the age of 19 from living in The Villages and the other for ensuring that at least one member of a household is 55 years old or older.

Thus far, the majority of CDD boards are open to hearing a presentation on matter in the near future. Only the CDD 6 Board of Supervisors formally declined to move further.

Without question, residents feel the enforcement of the age-restriction requirements, currently under the exclusive authority of the Developer, is lacking. They want to see action.

Villager Robin Wiatt said grandparents may be forced into a situation where they have to parent their grandchildren, but the neighbors shouldn’t be the ones paying the price.

“I feel that the age restrictions in The Villages should be strictly enforced. If parents put their children off on the grandparents to live with the grandparents, then the grandparents should have to sell their house and buy a house in Middleton where they can have kids,” Wiatt said. “I moved to the villages because it was 55 and over. I did not move here to have kids running up and down the street.”

Villager Patricia Shaw believes strongly that the CDDs should take the reins and get something done.

“I moved here because of this,” Shaw said.

However, many other Villagers have contacted Villages-News.com and expressed that the CDDs would be opening up a costly Pandora’s Box if they take on the enforcement of age-related restrictions.

“The Developer has done a lousy job enforcing that covenant,” said Robert Basye of the Village of Piedmont.

He predicts taking over the enforcement would be a money pit for the CDDs.

“Reject this at all costs,” he advised.

And other wonder if Properties of The Villages will cooperate in rooting out potential buyers who may not meet the age-restriction requirements.

“The real question is will, The Villages corporation, ensure these rules are disclosed and enforced when selling homes—especially when buyers may not meet the criteria? Unless that’s addressed, don’t waste our money,” Nichol said.

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