[JohnM]

This weekend we had an interesting discussion with friends (non-Villagers) about the The Villages and the lifestyle. They were very impressed with the lifestyle, but questioned whether the level of amenities would be sustainable once the developer left. It is an interesting question. As I understand it, the "amenities" (executive golf courses, rec centers, regional rec centers, rec programs, etc.) are owned and maintained by the developer and we pay a monthly amenities fee to use them. The country clubs and golf courses are also owned by the developer, but are funded through fees charged those using them even though we as Villagers are all "members". Entertainment in the squares is funded by the businesses in the squares. The infrastructure (curbs, gutters, street lights, transportation trails, storm water systems, streets?, landscaping?) are paid initially by the bond and thereafter by the maintenance assessments.

Are the fees being charged sufficient to maintain them into the future? Is the developer subsidizing the costs in order to sell houses? What happens when the developer has no more houses to sell? Will the fees skyrocket?

John