Village of Bridgeport at Lake Miona residents who have fought hard for the restoration of their water view, made an enticing pitch Monday morning to the Project Wide Advisory Committee.
Resident James McKeithan, representing a packed house of neighborhood residents, detailed the history of the overgrowth at the lake and the history of a conservation easement in that particular village.
The last of the homes there were closed on in 2007.
“When I visited in November 2006, the view was unobstructed,” he said.
He said the sales agent made a promise at the time of the purchase.
“We were told we would always have the views we purchased,” McKeithan said.
That is no longer the case. A few years ago, someone apparently got so frustrated that an illegal removal of trees occurred.
A plan has been proposed at PWAC’s request for a $100,000 maintenance project at the site. However, PWAC has been hesitant to green light the work, for two primary reasons:
• The property is currently in compliance with the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
• The board is fearful that other residents will come forward and want similar work performed if a precedent is set.
McKeithan made an offer that pricked up the ears of PWAC members.
He said that if PWAC moved ahead with the $100,000 project, residents would pay for the recommended ongoing maintenance in future years.
District Manager Janet Tutt suggested breaking out the nuisance/exotic vegetation from the native vegetation to see how much of that initial cost could be paid for through a negotiated agreement between PWAC and residents of Bridgeport at Lake Miona.
“We are open to a formula. We want to get this moving. The trees are still growing,” McKeithan said. “We are willing to be partners. We are all part of The Villages. We just want our views back.”
PWAC could vote on a proposed arrangement as early as next month’s meeting.
