I empathize with OP. We are full timers as of 2 years ago, and rented 2 years before. The change over those 4 years is incredible. If all the building were to stop right now, and the infrastructure were to stay the same, I wouldn't be concerned. Yes, there are times when I would like to get into a restaurant, and can't. And, get a tee time, but can't. But, not a big deal -- I can deal with that. My concern is the future. Experiencing the growth over the past 4 years, and then projecting into the future -- yes, I DO believe there is a problem just over the horizon. Janet Tutt said recently that the stop light at Colony Cottage may not be sufficient in the future. But, that they (I assume the developer) want to see what it will be like when the traffic has 'settled', after the 8000+/- people south of Hillsborough, and Fruitland Park Villages move in, and future commercialization is done. I don't know what she is referring to about 'future commercialization'. Maybe there is something on the drawing boards that none of us know about. I do know that the 8000+/- people will be here within 2 years which will add incredible strain to the existing amenities and infrastructure. I wrote Janet Tutt an email after I read about her 'commercialization' comment, and she wrote me back that it's not her department -- she would forward my email to the right person, who I never heard from. Will TV get it right over the next few years? I don't know. The Colony Plaza, and surrounding area, design is a mess. For those of us who use Micro Racetrack road, to Rolling Acres, to Home Depot, etc., it has already become a nightmare. Imagine when 4000 more people are in the Fruitland Park Villages, and south of Hillsborough is built out. IF there are not places for these people to shop, Microracetrack/Rolling Acres will be chaos. I have spoken with the person who is in charge of future road planning in the Sumter and Lake County area. I asked him what the plans are for north/south roads. His answer was that they are studying a new north/south corridor. When I asked his opinion on when this might be built, his answer was in about 20 years -- no joke.
Are we too crowded now? I don't think so. But, I do believe the handwriting is on the wall.
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