[villages07]

Originally Posted by Whalen

But the developer owns the land.
Was just perusing their website and noticed that residents will also have access to all Villager amenities.

Whalen...interesting observation. I wasn't aware that they would (or is it could) be paying amenity fees. Wonder if it will be mandatory or optional. I recall a controversy when the VCCDD approved allowing Freedom Pointe residents access to amenities (and, yes, they do pay the fee). This was sort of after the building was started/completed.

Here's a link to the Daily Sun announcement about Sumter Place... it strongly implies (without outright stating it) that their residents would have access to amenities (for the fee, I'm sure).

Partners break ground on 104-unit assisted-living facility - The Villages Daily Sun: Villages


In both cases, FP and Sumter Place, the overwhelming majority of residents are/will be former Villagers. I can understand the desire to continue their relationships with clubs, neighbors, etc. They are a relatively few units that pay full fee but put minimal drain on amenity resources.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand.... I empathize with the folks in Duval affected by this. For the longest time, the "official" Villages road map showed that as a financial center, so, there was an expectation of low rise, M-F business. The new facility is beautiful but it is big and can be seen from far away.

As others have said, vacant land behind you can always be changed so there is risk when purchasing such a lot.