Longtime Villager feels singled out after neighbor’s complaint about his yard

A longtime Villager is feeling singled out after a neighbor’s complaint about his yard.

Gerald Schafman of the Village of Pine Ridge was called Monday to a deed compliance hearing at the District Office in Brownwood.

A complaint was lodged with Community Standards on Aug. 15 regarding dead grass and weeds at Schafman’s home at 3085 Brinson Lane, in the Fruitland Park section of The Villages. During Monday’s hearing, it was noted that Schafman has made progress with his lawn, but dead patches remain and his home is not in compliance.

In his testimony, Schafman said that he has lived in The Villages for 30 years and this is his third home. He said he has always mowed his own grass.

Schafman also said that some of his neighbors have also had problems with dead patches of grass in their yards.

“Where are they?” he asked.

Schafman seemed somewhat surprised to learn that a neighbor had lodged the complaint about the condition of his yard.

He was given 30 days to reseed or resod his lawn and bring his property into compliance. If he fails to do so, he could be fined.