There is a big problem with the lawns in Middleton, the family section of The Villages near The Villages Charter School.
Numerous homeowners were called this week before a special magistrate in deed compliance hearings at the District Office at Brownwood.
Although these were each individual cases, it’s apparent there is a widespread problem with the grass in Middelton, which is dead or dying at many homes.
Homeowners are frustrated. They are told they are watering too much. They are told they are watering too little. They have spent money on premier lawn care service companies – including Massey and Deans – but for many, the problems still persist.
Middleton resident Kannin David Vandermeer seemed to sum it up when he appeared before the special hearing officer.
“It seems like there is definitely a problem in Middleton. It would be nice to come together. It stinks to buy a new house and find out you have a yard problem,” he said.
He and fellow Middleton residents are looking at spending in excess of $5,000 to resod their yards.
The vast majority of Middleton residents bought their homes with the excitement of latching onto a piece of the dream in The Villages. Many are first-time homebuyers who are thrilled to be living near the charter school and sending their children to the A-rated educational institution.
But the seemingly unsolvable yard problem is a stain on their homes and their pride. It was clear that those called to the public hearings were earnest in their desire to remedy the problem.
The Villages is an undisputed master of building homes and creating a sense of community. Questions about the lawns in Middleton deserve answers from The Villages. Did Middleton homebuyers get the short end of the stick? Is there a problem with the soil? We suspect The Villages knows what is going on underneath the surface. It’s time for The Villages to stop ignoring the situation and try to provide some help and guidance to homeowners in Middleton.