Santa Rita Springs landscaping issue before HOA board today

A homeowner in the Springs at Santa Rita faces a $550 fine from his homeowners’ association for doing some landscaping in a common area without permission, and he hopes to get it reduced today at the HOA board meeting.

Resident Joe Barton installed some plantings and did some gravel work on a berm on common ground behind his house, an untended area.

The homeowners’ association wants him to remove it and restore the area to its previous condition.

Barton said his work and that by others improved the looks of the area, which had been untended for several months.

In a written summary, Barton said the Springs HOA board “has consistently asserted its authority and responsibility to control all common areas in the Springs. At the same time they refuse to acknowledge” that this and previous boards did nothing to improve the area.

Barton said he has paid for plants and rocks and for a watering system.

A letter from the HOA signed by President Richard G. D’Angelo said Barton and his wife should pay a $550 penalty to cover legal fees incurred in the dispute.

President D’Angelo’s letter said once Barton’s additions have been removed, the association will be responsible for all future landscaping installation and maintenance on the berm.”

jlamb@gvnews.com