[JohnZ]

BTW Jan, thanks for the Bruster's plug. We had a spectacular turn-out for our fund raiser for The Villages Hospice. Thanks to all of you for helping us raise 1,000 bucks for the wonderful folks at hospice. What a day! WVLG radio personalities broadcasted live from our patio and they were ALL super guys. Even when off the air, the DJ's came back after a brief respite (it was hot and sunny on our patio) just to hang-out. The folks at WVLG are a close-knit family indeed, truly dedicated to all the fund raising causes in The Villages and they are very, very professional and serious with their work. We'd like to do this again next year.

Now, regarding development along Hwy 42......here's the skinny from my viewpoint. There appear to be two camps. Those generally in support of development and those against it. The size of each camp is unknown. Before going further, let's spend a moment to define "development". There's business development and residential development. I think the camp in favor of business development is larger than against....but this is difficult to quantify. Regarding residential development....there seems to be opposition to this. As evidence, there was a re-zoning effort concerning land development just west of The Villages western most boundary to re-zone the land from agricultural/farm to residential. Public meetings were held by local governments and controlling agencies (such as the VCDD) to vote on this issue and in large part to gauge public opinion. If you've ever gone to these things, turn-out and voice of opinion are paramount. The most vocal DO get heard and that, yes that, is what often shapes the decision being made. If there is little residential representation at these meetings.....the tail can and WILL wag the dog. A single resident or small group of similar mind can steer the development ship.

Business owners develop their business plans on existing residential density AND projected future growth. The restaurants and retail businesses that serve you today have all gone through this process. Without your business AND the business generated from future residential and business growth, many will not survive. Bruster's, Beef O'Brady's, Pauly's Pizza, Mystical Gems and others, maybe even Publix, located in Mulberry Grove, are depending on this growth. If you want more businesses to locate on Hwy. 42, get informed, get active and get vocal. Take this fantastic Talk of The Villages forum for example. Jan is trying to develop this website into a business. IT DOESN'T RUN ITSELF FOLKS. Businesses are always looking to advertise their wares and this may be the place to do that. However, it's a complex web of symbiotic relationships that many take for granted. Businesses depend on residential customers....residential growth contributes to business growth....Talk of the Villages depends on the success of business. Get the picture?

Enough said for now....tired of typing. If you would like information regarding upcoming VCDD and county meetings and such, I would be glad to post. Give me feedback!