Problem home in Village of Palo Alto seeking waiver of fines from Community Standards

A man who has the power of attorney for the owner of a problem home in the Village of Palo Alto is asking that fines against the homeowner be waived.

The home at 1902 Antonia Place was the scene of a drug raid in June in which five people were hauled away in handcuffs.

The home already had neighbors up in arms because it was so unkempt, not to mention the unsavory characters who had been making themselves at home.

In July, Community Standards received a letter from Thomas J. Unrath, who holds power of attorney for the home’s owner, Thomas J. Dugan, requesting “due to the unprecedented circumstances of this situation” that fines be waived.

Unrath is Dugan’s nephew and Dugan is now living with him in Leesport, Pa.

Unrath indicated in a letter that they are hoping to sell the property.

The property was brought into compliance on July 3. But the homeowner still faces $1,050 in fines. Unrath contends his uncle cannot afford it.

The decision of whether to impose or waive the fines will be up the Community Development District 1 Board of Supervisors. They will meet at 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11 at the District Office at Lake Sumter Landing.