A letter to the Congressman who represents The Villages has detailed longstanding frustration with houses in foreclosure in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.
Community Development District 3 Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Ray is sending the letter to Congressman Daniel Webster, a Republican who represents the bulk of The Villages.
“Our District has observed multiple instances in which homes subject to federal foreclosure, particularly those involving the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), remain in limbo for years before the process is completed. During this time, the properties often sit vacant, deteriorate and create significant challenges for surrounding residents and for local government entities responsible for maintaining community standards,” Ray wrote.
“While we understand that federal foreclosure procedures must follow statutory requirements, the practical effect is that local governments are left to manage the consequences of properties that remain in a state of abandonment far longer than would occur under Florida’s judicial foreclosure system. In some cases, homes have remained vacant for several years before any visible progress occurs.”
Case in point in is the home at 748 Artesia Ave. in the Village of Summerhill. That home was abandoned nine years ago and neighbors have been living with the eyesore ever since. It’s been a major problem in CDD 3.
Abandoned homes can be found throughout The Villages, many of them lingering in HUD Hell.
The supervisors are asking Webster to pressure HUD to speed up its timeline for dealing with abandoned homes in foreclosure, to communicate with local government about the process and to reimburse local government for expenses incurred in keeping up the abandoned homes.