An Observation

[Polar Bear]

Just for the record, I've worked as a Professional Engineer in the development industry in Florida for over thirty years. As I'm sure all of you have noticed, a recurring theme in many different threads is how much the developer has controlled commercial development in TV...only the shops, restaurants, etc., etc., which meet Morse approval are allowed. For my own peace of mind, I want to toss in my two cents regarding this issue...

The vast majority of residential developments in Florida...and TV is a residential development...have nothing but homes within the bounds of the development. A few might have a clubhouse, a tennis court or two, possibly even a golf course. Relatively recently, multi-use developments have sprung up. These may have a small group of shops, possibly a restaurant, or even a grocery actually on the development site. Those are pretty rare and typically not very big. But again, most folks who live in a typical residential development, even those with public roads, must leave their development to do almost anything...go to a restaurant, do a bit of shopping, pick up some groceries, see a movie, you-name-it. They drive out of their development onto the major street system and proceed to do their thing.

TV has an abundance of these facilities. Almost anything anybody could want along the major road system which surrounds and criss-crosses the area...441, 301, 466, 466A, 44, 42. As much basically unrestricted commercial development as you will see in any typical community of roughly 100,000 population.

What is different about TV is...

There is an enormous amount of commercial and entertainment development ON-SITE in TV. That's what many seem to not fully understand or appreciate. All the town squares and other areas with all the shops, restaurants, theaters and live entertainment are on-site. They are part of TV development. Does the developer have a good degree of control over what goes in those areas? Of course he does. It would be naive to think it would be otherwise. The developer would be crazy to give up that control. Not only for any potential boost to their finances, but more importantly in my opinion to simply maintain quality control over the entire development.

The huge majority of residential developments in Florida are 100% homes. Talk about control. The developer and local authorities have, through various rules, regulations, zoning restrictions, etc., totally prohibited any commercial or other non-residential development anywhere in those developments.

I can hear it now...just another drum-beater praising TV. That's okay. I'm fine with that. Heck, TV has its problems like any place. But try to appreciate what we have here. There is an abundance of unrestricted development just a short drive from wherever you live in TV. But all the other stuff that's actually on TV development site? Try to find that in another residential development in Florida. You won't...those other residential developments are too controlled and restricted.

There. I feel better. :)

[jebartle]

you would have a hard time finding this in another state!!...Love TV

[Indy-Guy]

:bigbow:

Well said!

:ho:

[Indydealmaker]

Just for the record, I've worked as a Professional Engineer in the development industry in Florida for over thirty years. As I'm sure all of you have noticed, a recurring theme in many different threads is how much the developer has controlled commercial development in TV...only the shops, restaurants, etc., etc., which meet Morse approval are allowed. For my own peace of mind, I want to toss in my two cents regarding this issue...

The vast majority of residential developments in Florida...and TV is a residential development...have nothing but homes within the bounds of the development. A few might have a clubhouse, a tennis court or two, possibly even a golf course. Relatively recently, multi-use developments have sprung up. These may have a small group of shops, possibly a restaurant, or even a grocery actually on the development site. Those are pretty rare and typically not very big. But again, most folks who live in a typical residential development, even those with public roads, must leave their development to do almost anything...go to a restaurant, do a bit of shopping, pick up some groceries, see a movie, you-name-it. They drive out of their development onto the major street system and proceed to do their thing.

TV has an abundance of these facilities. Almost anything anybody could want along the major road system which surrounds and criss-crosses the area...441, 301, 466, 466A, 44, 42. As much basically unrestricted commercial development as you will see in any typical community of roughly 100,000 population.

What is different about TV is...

There is an enormous amount of commercial and entertainment development ON-SITE in TV. That's what many seem to not fully understand or appreciate. All the town squares and other areas with all the shops, restaurants, theaters and live entertainment are on-site. They are part of the TV development. Does the developer have a good degree of control over what goes in those areas? Of course he does. It would be naive to think it would be otherwise. The developer would be crazy to give up that control. Not only for any potential boost to their finances, but more importantly in my opinion to simply maintain quality control over the entire development.

The huge majority of residential developments in Florida are 100% homes. Talk about control. The developer and local authorities have, through various rules, regulations, zoning restrictions, etc., totally prohibited any commercial or other non-residential development anywhere in those developments.

I can hear it now...just another drum-beater praising TV. That's okay. I'm fine with that. Heck, TV has its problems like any place. But try to appreciate what we have here. There is an abundance of unrestricted development just a short drive from wherever you live in TV. But all the other stuff that's actually on TV development site? Try to find that in another residential development in Florida. You won't...those other residential developments are too controlled and restricted.

There. I feel better. :)

You make a good point. Also, from my experience in the real estate industry, Morse is doing nothing any different from any other developer or property manager. It is SOP to pick and choose who gets a lease based upon the "retail chemistry" that is desired by the guy who made the investment.

Some have the perception that if a given retailer is MIA in The Villages, it must be the result of a rejection by Morse. I am sure that is true on a case by case basis, but many of the big box stores that some Villagers love just are not attracted by the demographics or have simply prioritized another location. It is all about business. Retailers do not subscribe to the "build it and they will come" theory of success.

[Buffalo Jim]

Polar Bear : Thanks for taking the time to explain why things work as they do !

[Trayderjoe]

I will add my thanks as well Polar Bear!!!!

[onslowe]

Nice posting, Polar Bear. It's good and often needful to be reminded of the profound but simple basics of this magnificent place and of the foresight shown and risk taken by the Morse group.

[The Mountaineer]

It's like anything else: You add up the positives and negatives and decide if it's what you want. So far in our one visit in December, we love The Villages. That's why we're spending 3 months this time (January-March), on Rainbow Boulevard off No. 5 fairway of Silver Lake golf course.

[tomwed]

Where's the beef?
Do you think a lot of people are upset with TV because there is no Trader Joe's? or a dozen other places from back home?
Or upset that the Morse's are successful?
Who is the audience?

I feel like I am missing your point to straighten things out.
What you wrote was well written and that is the vibe I have always felt and appreciated about TV too.

[zonerboy]

Excellent perspectives here! Much appreciated.

[folkh]

Well said Polar Bear!!!!!! Love it or Leave it!!!!!!!

[yankees101]

You make a great point polar bear

[Bogie Shooter]

///

[Bogie Shooter]

Where's the beef?
Do you think a lot of people are upset with TV because there is no Trader Joe's? or a dozen other places from back home?
Or upset that the Morse's are successful?
Who is the audience?

I feel like I am missing your point to straighten things out.
What you wrote was well written and that is the vibe I have always felt and appreciated about TV too.

I think you answered your questions, that is the audience.

There are a lot of poster's that need to read the post by PolarBear, which summed things up rather well.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Great post!:coolsmiley: That why we choose TV. We own property on a golf course in Bella Vista, AR and we very seriously looked at Sun City in Surprise, AZ. We hadn't been in TV for 15 minutes back in August when we knew it was right for us.

[tomwed]

Great post!:coolsmiley: That why we choose TV. We own property on a golf course in Bella Vista, AR and we very seriously looked at Sun City in Surprise, AZ. We hadn't been in TV for 15 minutes back in August when we knew it was right for us.

I must be 8 times more skeptical then you are. It took me 2 hours. My son, Tommy told me that math is good for my brain.

[jaackleyjr]

Good narrative explaining what I am sure many do not undrstand about basic development.

[xcaligirl]

Thanks Polar Bear!!! I find it difficult to figure out why people move to a place and then complain and want to change everything. I love it here!

[Villager Dude]

I am all in favor of the Family making all the money that the Development Generates.

[jrandall]

Just for the record, I've worked as a Professional Engineer in the development industry in Florida for over thirty years. As I'm sure all of you have noticed, a recurring theme in many different threads is how much the developer has controlled commercial development in TV...only the shops, restaurants, etc., etc., which meet Morse approval are allowed. For my own peace of mind, I want to toss in my two cents regarding this issue...

The vast majority of residential developments in Florida...and TV is a residential development...have nothing but homes within the bounds of the development. A few might have a clubhouse, a tennis court or two, possibly even a golf course. Relatively recently, multi-use developments have sprung up. These may have a small group of shops, possibly a restaurant, or even a grocery actually on the development site. Those are pretty rare and typically not very big. But again, most folks who live in a typical residential development, even those with public roads, must leave their development to do almost anything...go to a restaurant, do a bit of shopping, pick up some groceries, see a movie, you-name-it. They drive out of their development onto the major street system and proceed to do their thing.

TV has an abundance of these facilities. Almost anything anybody could want along the major road system which surrounds and criss-crosses the area...441, 301, 466, 466A, 44, 42. As much basically unrestricted commercial development as you will see in any typical community of roughly 100,000 population.

What is different about TV is...

There is an enormous amount of commercial and entertainment development ON-SITE in TV. That's what many seem to not fully understand or appreciate. All the town squares and other areas with all the shops, restaurants, theaters and live entertainment are on-site. They are part of TV development. Does the developer have a good degree of control over what goes in those areas? Of course he does. It would be naive to think it would be otherwise. The developer would be crazy to give up that control. Not only for any potential boost to their finances, but more importantly in my opinion to simply maintain quality control over the entire development.

The huge majority of residential developments in Florida are 100% homes. Talk about control. The developer and local authorities have, through various rules, regulations, zoning restrictions, etc., totally prohibited any commercial or other non-residential development anywhere in those developments.

I can hear it now...just another drum-beater praising TV. That's okay. I'm fine with that. Heck, TV has its problems like any place. But try to appreciate what we have here. There is an abundance of unrestricted development just a short drive from wherever you live in TV. But all the other stuff that's actually on TV development site? Try to find that in another residential development in Florida. You won't...those other residential developments are too controlled and restricted.

There. I feel better. :)
I totally agree with you. We have nothing to complain about.

[NotGolfer]

Chiming in with all the "I agree with you" statements! We first checked out AZ a few years b/4 our decision to buy here. Didn't care for it...there didn't seem to be all that much to do there. It was as you said....1. rec center and one golf course and one pool with a lot of houses. Then the drive to the stores, doctor etc.

We visited friends who bought at a Dell Webb further up the coast in FL. The homes are more for the buck but again...one rec center, one pool and they have to go outside of the community to golf on the one golf course. They have to drive 15 to 20 minutes to grocery shop, to do any kind of other shopping or go to a doctor. ALL of that is located outside of their community. Not sure what they do with their time as while there are clubs to join, there aren't the variety that we have.

Our community is quite unique...ALL of our visitors that we've had agree with this. The common statement has been "T.V. isn't anything like what we expected!" Harold Schwartz and Gary Morse had a true vision and went for it!!

[Cisco Kid]

Just for the record, I've worked as a Professional Engineer in the development industry in Florida for over thirty years. As I'm sure all of you have noticed, a recurring theme in many different threads is how much the developer has controlled commercial development in TV...only the shops, restaurants, etc., etc., which meet Morse approval are allowed. For my own peace of mind, I want to toss in my two cents regarding this issue...

The vast majority of residential developments in Florida...and TV is a residential development...have nothing but homes within the bounds of the development. A few might have a clubhouse, a tennis court or two, possibly even a golf course. Relatively recently, multi-use developments have sprung up. These may have a small group of shops, possibly a restaurant, or even a grocery actually on the development site. Those are pretty rare and typically not very big. But again, most folks who live in a typical residential development, even those with public roads, must leave their development to do almost anything...go to a restaurant, do a bit of shopping, pick up some groceries, see a movie, you-name-it. They drive out of their development onto the major street system and proceed to do their thing.

TV has an abundance of these facilities. Almost anything anybody could want along the major road system which surrounds and criss-crosses the area...441, 301, 466, 466A, 44, 42. As much basically unrestricted commercial development as you will see in any typical community of roughly 100,000 population.

What is different about TV is...

There is an enormous amount of commercial and entertainment development ON-SITE in TV. That's what many seem to not fully understand or appreciate. All the town squares and other areas with all the shops, restaurants, theaters and live entertainment are on-site. They are part of TV development. Does the developer have a good degree of control over what goes in those areas? Of course he does. It would be naive to think it would be otherwise. The developer would be crazy to give up that control. Not only for any potential boost to their finances, but more importantly in my opinion to simply maintain quality control over the entire development.

The huge majority of residential developments in Florida are 100% homes. Talk about control. The developer and local authorities have, through various rules, regulations, zoning restrictions, etc., totally prohibited any commercial or other non-residential development anywhere in those developments.

I can hear it now...just another drum-beater praising TV. That's okay. I'm fine with that. Heck, TV has its problems like any place. But try to appreciate what we have here. There is an abundance of unrestricted development just a short drive from wherever you live in TV. But all the other stuff that's actually on TV development site? Try to find that in another residential development in Florida. You won't...those other residential developments are too controlled and restricted.

There. I feel better. :)

:bigbow:

[dbussone]

Just for the record, I've worked as a Professional Engineer in the development industry in Florida for over thirty years. As I'm sure all of you have noticed, a recurring theme in many different threads is how much the developer has controlled commercial development in TV...only the shops, restaurants, etc., etc., which meet Morse approval are allowed. For my own peace of mind, I want to toss in my two cents regarding this issue...

The vast majority of residential developments in Florida...and TV is a residential development...have nothing but homes within the bounds of the development. A few might have a clubhouse, a tennis court or two, possibly even a golf course. Relatively recently, multi-use developments have sprung up. These may have a small group of shops, possibly a restaurant, or even a grocery actually on the development site. Those are pretty rare and typically not very big. But again, most folks who live in a typical residential development, even those with public roads, must leave their development to do almost anything...go to a restaurant, do a bit of shopping, pick up some groceries, see a movie, you-name-it. They drive out of their development onto the major street system and proceed to do their thing.

TV has an abundance of these facilities. Almost anything anybody could want along the major road system which surrounds and criss-crosses the area...441, 301, 466, 466A, 44, 42. As much basically unrestricted commercial development as you will see in any typical community of roughly 100,000 population.

What is different about TV is...

There is an enormous amount of commercial and entertainment development ON-SITE in TV. That's what many seem to not fully understand or appreciate. All the town squares and other areas with all the shops, restaurants, theaters and live entertainment are on-site. They are part of TV development. Does the developer have a good degree of control over what goes in those areas? Of course he does. It would be naive to think it would be otherwise. The developer would be crazy to give up that control. Not only for any potential boost to their finances, but more importantly in my opinion to simply maintain quality control over the entire development.

The huge majority of residential developments in Florida are 100% homes. Talk about control. The developer and local authorities have, through various rules, regulations, zoning restrictions, etc., totally prohibited any commercial or other non-residential development anywhere in those developments.

I can hear it now...just another drum-beater praising TV. That's okay. I'm fine with that. Heck, TV has its problems like any place. But try to appreciate what we have here. There is an abundance of unrestricted development just a short drive from wherever you live in TV. But all the other stuff that's actually on TV development site? Try to find that in another residential development in Florida. You won't...those other residential developments are too controlled and restricted.

There. I feel better. :)


Well said. Thank you and Merry Christmas.

[Polar Bear]

Wow. Thanks for all the kind replies. I forgot to say one thing though...

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and have a great New Year! :)

[Villages PL]

Just for the record, I've worked as a Professional Engineer in the development industry in Florida for over thirty years. As I'm sure all of you have noticed, a recurring theme in many different threads is how much the developer has controlled commercial development in TV...only the shops, restaurants, etc., etc., which meet Morse approval are allowed. For my own peace of mind, I want to toss in my two cents regarding this issue...

The vast majority of residential developments in Florida...and TV is a residential development...have nothing but homes within the bounds of the development. A few might have a clubhouse, a tennis court or two, possibly even a golf course. Relatively recently, multi-use developments have sprung up. These may have a small group of shops, possibly a restaurant, or even a grocery actually on the development site. Those are pretty rare and typically not very big. But again, most folks who live in a typical residential development, even those with public roads, must leave their development to do almost anything...go to a restaurant, do a bit of shopping, pick up some groceries, see a movie, you-name-it. They drive out of their development onto the major street system and proceed to do their thing.

TV has an abundance of these facilities. Almost anything anybody could want along the major road system which surrounds and criss-crosses the area...441, 301, 466, 466A, 44, 42. As much basically unrestricted commercial development as you will see in any typical community of roughly 100,000 population.

What is different about TV is...

There is an enormous amount of commercial and entertainment development ON-SITE in TV. That's what many seem to not fully understand or appreciate. All the town squares and other areas with all the shops, restaurants, theaters and live entertainment are on-site. They are part of TV development. Does the developer have a good degree of control over what goes in those areas? Of course he does. It would be naive to think it would be otherwise. The developer would be crazy to give up that control. Not only for any potential boost to their finances, but more importantly in my opinion to simply maintain quality control over the entire development.

The huge majority of residential developments in Florida are 100% homes. Talk about control. The developer and local authorities have, through various rules, regulations, zoning restrictions, etc., totally prohibited any commercial or other non-residential development anywhere in those developments.

I can hear it now...just another drum-beater praising TV. That's okay. I'm fine with that. Heck, TV has its problems like any place. But try to appreciate what we have here. There is an abundance of unrestricted development just a short drive from wherever you live in TV. But all the other stuff that's actually on TV development site? Try to find that in another residential development in Florida. You won't...those other residential developments are too controlled and restricted.

There. I feel better. :)

When you have a development as big as The Villages it's practically a necessity to have commercial and entertainment development on site. When The Villages first began as Orange Blossom Gardens, residents had to go to Leesburg to do grocery shopping. That situation was a drawback to growing the community and so it was addressed.

However, perhaps one drawback to having commercial and entertainment on site is that you need people to come in from outside the community to help ensure the success of those businesses. Once you do that you can no longer have an exclusive gated community. And you no longer have the top level security enjoyed by other retirement communities like Century Village in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

[Indydealmaker]

When you have a development as big as The Villages it's practically a necessity to have commercial and entertainment development on site. When The Villages first began as Orange Blossom Gardens, residents had to go to Leesburg to do grocery shopping. That situation was a drawback to growing the community and so it was addressed.

However, perhaps one drawback to having commercial and entertainment on site is that you need people to come in from outside the community to help ensure the success of those businesses. Once you do that you can no longer have an exclusive gated community. And you no longer have the top level security enjoyed by other retirement communities like Century Village in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

Gated communities are often targeted:
Reward offered in Century Village murder
Pembroke Pines police identify victim from 2009 shooting
March 3, 2010|By Robert Nolin, Sun Sentinel
Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case of a man found shot to death last year in the parking lot of Century Village in Pembroke Pines.

Police also released the name of the victim: Preston Denoard Green, 25, who was not a resident of the community. Police said Green was found about 2 a.m. Sept. 21 in the parking lot of the retirement complex's Building B in the 12700 block of Southwest 16th Court.

A security guard who said he saw at least two men jump over a fence on the complex's southern edge called police.

[Bonny]

I looovvvveeeee The Villages !!
Thank you Harold for having a vision and thank you Morse family for continuing that vision !
You have given us a wonderful place to spend the rest of our lives.
We were happy to contribute to your bank accounts !!
Some of the best money we have ever spent ! :bigbow:

[Villages PL]

Gated communities are often targeted:
Reward offered in Century Village murder
Pembroke Pines police identify victim from 2009 shooting
March 3, 2010|By Robert Nolin, Sun Sentinel
Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case of a man found shot to death last year in the parking lot of Century Village in Pembroke Pines.

Police also released the name of the victim: Preston Denoard Green, 25, who was not a resident of the community. Police said Green was found about 2 a.m. Sept. 21 in the parking lot of the retirement complex's Building B in the 12700 block of Southwest 16th Court.

A security guard who said he saw at least two men jump over a fence on the complex's southern edge called police.[/COLOR][/I]

So you proved that no amount of security is ever perfect, just like at the White House. Someone jumped the fence and went onto the White House grounds. And that person could have killed someone.

That doesn't mean you stop trying: More security is better than less.

[duffysmom]

:mademyday: Well said. I am a fan of the Morse family and their vision for seniors to live the good life. There is always that small percentage of people who are unhappy wherever they live.