Buffalo question answered ????????

[cabo35]

At the July 15 meeting of the VHA at Laurel Manor, representatives Janet Tutt, Gary Lester and John Rohan responded to many questions including this one on the buffalo.

People want to start a legal defense fund to enable the developer to bring back the buffalo. Some people have suggested that the removal of the buffalo was orchestrated to enable the land to be developed. Can you please comment on these two issues and explain if there is anything residents can do to move the buffalo back to an area where they can be seen and shared with visitors?.

Answer: The decision with respect to the relocation of the buffalo is final. The problem of people getting injured has been ongoing for sometime and several options were considered before the decision to move the buffalo was reached. This can be described as the �Knucklehead Rule� � a few knuckleheads have effectively caused unwanted consequences by their irresponsible and selfish behavior.

" The suggestion that the removal of the buffalo was orchestrated to enable the land to be developed is ridiculous. The land where the hospital is located; the land where Freedom Point is being built, the land where Palmer Golf Course is located and the land where Laurel Manor Recreation Center is located, to name only a few locations, all at one time had buffalo grazing before the development of the land. The land in the community will be developed: typically for commercial, residential, or for golf courses; to suggest otherwise is simply wrong. This is the plan and always has been the plan for the use of the property."

There seems to be a contradiction or at least a calculated confusion of the answer. It says, "The suggestion that the removal of the buffalo was orchestrated to enable the land to be developed is ridiculous." Yet, the answer also says, "The land in the community will be developed: typically for commercial, residential, or for golf courses; to suggest otherwise is simply wrong. This is the plan and always has been the plan for the use of the property."

It is apparent that the developer is entitled to do what he wants with his land and intends to do just that. I understand that, but, I object to the marketing of the buffalo as an amenity of sorts and then arbitrarily removing them from public accessability. What other amenities are subject to convenient extinction?

[villages07]

Cabo,

Thanks for sharing this....

The buffalo were not a resident amenity, in the strictest definition of the term as used in the Villages. Our amenity fees did not support the buffalo or their grazing areas. In actuality, they were a free attraction, provided by the developer until such time as he elected to build on a given plot of land. The buffalo as we have known them in the last year, were destined to be moved. The lawsuits have hastened their departure. There has already been surveying activity in the plat adjacent to LSL. Perhaps the quicker departure of the buffalo led to faster development of this area? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, these are not lands nor features that we, the residents, have control or ownership over.

To your other question....the area east of Morse on 466 is ripe for development. The Polo Fields are owned by the developer so he controls how they are used.

Yes, there are unknowns, but, all in all, it's a pretty fantastic place to live.

[Donna]

Short and sweet..Forget our Buffalo..http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/consoling2.gif (http://www.millan.net)

[Russ_Boston]

It's not my birthday anymore so I guess I can go back to being a smart :edit:
The Morse are real estate developers - nothing more. They can do what they want with their land, price their houses at any price they think they can get, build their houses with any quality that they can get away with, and move the buffalo back to the Dakota's if they wish.

[billethkid]

I am not intending to hijack the intent of the thread, however, I can not let the comment about "builder grade" homes in Bridgeport pass without responding.

Anybody who would make such a statement has obviously never been in ANY of the homes finished by the residents. Not many, if any buy a Premier model AS IS.

I guess I would go further and say builder grade is derogatory for most homes, any model, built in TV.

Now if you are comparing to Custom built homes, there is no comparison.
But for those with the affordability, any model, the homes wind up customized to quite an elegant level.

If looking for a custom built home look else where. And by the way a custom built home else where will not be found in any location with the life style and amenities of TV.

BTK

[chelsea24]

BTK and I are never on the same page politically, but I stand next to you on this. I think the homes are beautifully built and when you add all the amenities of TV, I think they are remarkably priced. You couldn't touch houses like this in Illinois and I venture to say in most places, for the low prices we have in TV.

As I said before, I'm a bricklayer's kid and my Dad would be beaming at the beauty and structure of The Villages. I've been to a couple of homes in Bridgeport and they are breathtaking.

As far as the Buffalo go, yes the developers do have the right to do with them as they choose. I still think it's a shame, and I still blame the idiot people that caused this, more than the developer. I agree, it probably was inevitable, but the timing went to fast forward.

However, even though they might not directly say they are an amenity, the buffalo were certainly pointed out as such on our Lifestyle Preview. Since they are no longer "in view" I'm sure this will not happen, but I do believe they should be taken off the DVD and all direct mail that is sent out to people as advertisement. If they continue, this then becomes "false advertising" albeit subliminal.

McCelheny, Cinderella, Pretty Lady, Best Mom or whoever you are this week, I have to adamantly disagree with you and your "Pool of Wisdom". You are so consistently and constantly negative towards The Villages, I really don't know why you stay here. And please don't come back with "It's a beautiful life, tra-la". YOU haven't been wrong???? That's the best laugh I've had all day. Oh, I know you're happy here sometimes. I saw you running around, shrieking with your sparklers on the July 4th. Get a grip girl. That said, all in all, I'm really sick of your negativity, so I will choose to disregard your posts in the future. You can take that to the bank -- and to the pool!

[cabo35]

Thank you Sam and Chelsea, my thoughts exactly. You however, are much more diplomatic in expressing them.

[graciegirl]

Sam and Chelsea, I admire your honesty and I agree with you.

[drdodge]

Well said Chelsea

drd

[redwitch]

And what does the price of homes have to do with our loss of buffalo anyway? I miss my buffs and really want them back. I know I can't have them but that doesn't stop my wanting them. The cows are a really sorry substitute.

However, going back to the house price issue. As the saying goes, ya gits what ya's pays for. In TV, you pay for a decent home that is relatively well-built in a community that is indescribable to those of us fortunate to live here and unbelievable to those who don't. We're paying for that community. The house is almost an aside.

I do believe that if you don't like here, you should move. Not necessarily the easiest thing to do given the cost of moving, but certainly doable for most. TV is not perfect and it certainly is not for everyone.

I will always appreciate Mr. Schwartz's vision and his children's willingness to have that vision become a reality. I don't like every decision made by the Morses and I don't have to. I believe that both the VHA and the POA are needed by the residents of TV. I love TV and its people. I want to stay here even with its few warts. I truly don't care what you paid for your house. If you're happy here, not living over your head, ya done good!

So, I will miss my buffs and sometimes B--itch about their loss but I'll still enjoy my life here. And the rest has nothing to do with this thread.

[graciegirl]

Once again RedWitch. I am privileged to know ya.

I like what you say and how you say it.

[gingersmom]

In response to the pool, I worked for 3 years for a plaintiff's lawyer here in TV. We had at least two claims against TV for buffalo (stupid people doing stupid things to wild animals), so even if there wasn't a lawsuit filed, there were claims filed and insurance settlements. Too bad you can't litigate common sense.

[renielarson]

It isn't our call about the buffalo. We don't own them. I didn't move here because of the buffalo. If you made your decision about buying in the Villages because of them, there is some real cheap land in Nebraska and Kansas you might want to think about.

About the prices of homes: A million dollars in many parts of Florida and California buys you a shack. In other places it will buy you a mansion. Location, location, and lifestyle come with a price.

About the quality of homes: Personally, for the money, I am quite happy with the construction of my villa. As for my Bridgeport friends...they have a home that is of the highest quality. Perhaps your friends (and you) are wearing rose colored glasses.

Let's try to be a little more positive and a little less nit picky. Life is short. Party on!! And The Villages is where I choose to party on!

[Floridagal]

I didn't move here for the Buffalo, but for the great lifestyle in TV. I do miss the Buffalo but life goes on.

[swrinfla]

Yes, life goes on.

I just wish there weren't so very much too much bitterness in TOTV.

>:( >:(

SWR

[renielarson]

:agree: swr

I am copying Matty S. words from Yahoo Answers. I like what she says and wish more people would heed the words:

Positivity vs. Negativity?
Positive Path

Happiness is the key to success; it leads to positive thinking, your conscious mind will only go for positive outcomes when you give yourself happiness. Happiness is a choice, a state of mind. Your positive attitude will give you and others happiness. It is a cycle that is great and makes you true to your self.

On the other hand you can take the negative path in life

Misery is the key to failure; it leads to negative thinking, your mind will strive for bad outcomes and your mind will become your worst enemy it will give you bad emotions complicate things (doubtful), anger,stress,anxiety,depression list goes on to even disease, it is easy to fall into the trap of this from any events that may have unfortunately happened to you in the past which entered into your subconscious mind (you are not aware of, but sense it) could be very difficult to get out of the negative path, the only way is to be positive and keep in that state of mind consistently.what are your thoughts.

A reply from All-One from the same site:

I think it is wonderful that you have come to this understanding, and must be complimented on your attempt to pass it on to others.
I am in total agreement with your statement, but would have stated it more simply.
Positive creates positive. Negative creates negative. the most detrimental effect of negative behavior i.e. addiction, is the behavior is repeated over and over again, and one is stuck, and life will pass them by.

NOTE: The errors found in the above post are not my own but the authors. I copied their posts verbatim.

[samhass]

What happened to Fumar's post??? It went away. The picture was beautiful. He was talking about a pool needing cleaning. The post was great and I'm sorry it went away.

[Hancle704]

Years ago when there were only a few buffalo in TV in one or two areas, there were many herds of cows that were located throught TV prior to an area being deveoped. I don't know if these cows belonged to the Morse Family or were left to graze on lands leased to cattle farmers. It was a nice touch and added to our growing communities. The cows grazed and when an area was developed they were moved to other areas.

Then the buffalo herd started to multiply and little by little they were moved to areas where cows formerly grazed. I should note that no one back then, thought the cows were amenities, or were underfed or in a petting zoo. It has only been fairly recently that some folks arrived and decided that someone else's property was their's to pet, feed and generally annoy by getting up close and personal for photos of their encounters with nature.

Now we see the result of their actions. It's just a shame that some folks can't leave things alone and stop messing with what belongs to someone else.

I am happy to see to return of the cows and the end of the idiotic behavior. It is a start to returning TV to the pleasant days of years gone by.

[renielarson]

:agree: Samhass

Fumar had a great post! Bring it back!!!

[The Great Fumar]

Pools of Wisdom
I think your pool needs cleaning. You say that people with million dollar homes complain about the quality here, Well I don't recall complaining at all ... I think the construction of my winter home is outstanding.....This is the most reasonable place in Florida to play golf. I had my people check it out before I bought here and my people are very good a what they do...
Inclosed is a picture of my summer house , Actually its the view from my summer house ...If I showed you a picture of the house , you might do bodily harm to yourself ..
My strong suggestion is for you and your pool buddies is to go to a nice local restaurant and have a drink and order a nice Buffalo steak.......I would say on me but I'm sure I couldn't afford it.....

Non pretentious Fumar

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee207/thegreatfumar/fumarshouseatelklake-1-1-1.jpg

[The Great Fumar]

HA HA
I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN YOU GUYS WOULD STILL BE UP.....

I TEMPORAILY TOOK IT OFF BECAUSE SOME PEEPS WON'T CATCH IT ...SHOULD HAVE KNOWN YOU GUYS WOULD ......

FUME

[samhass]

Fume, We treasure your words!!!

[renielarson]

Oh heck, Chels....everyone who knows you will just chalk that post up to it just being you! ;D Luv ya!

Fumar: We ladies miss very little... 024

[TVdaughter]

Hi Talk of the Villagers,

I am back north at work after visiting with my mom, and I am unsure of everything that has happened, so I am going to post a general response to what I do know. I was visiting with my mom this weekend and saw that she used identifying information as her handle name on this blog. I knew nothing else about this blog except that it is online with people she may or may not know.

Having a lot of experience in online communities I expressed my strong concern about using any identifying information to my mom and changed her visible name so that it doesn't. I got after her for the name that she was using and insisted that we change it right away. Although she may know a lot of the people on the list personally, and you're all quite trustworthy to be sure, there may be other people who are able to view the discussions that my mom will never meet in person and I do not want them to know her name. I created the name Pretty Lady for her, she asked me to change it, so I called her Best Mom instead.

Simple internet safety was the only thing I had in mind and I hope that the people on Talk of the Villages can understand and respect that.

Signed,
A Concerned Daughter

[samhass]

That's reasonable and understandable.

[Best Mom]

Hi Talk of the Villagers,

I am back north at work after visiting with my mom, and I am unsure of everything that has happened, so I am going to post a general response to what I do know. I was visiting with my mom this weekend and saw that she used identifying information as her handle name on this blog. I knew nothing else about this blog except that it is online with people she may or may not know.

Having a lot of experience in online communities I expressed my strong concern about using any identifying information to my mom and changed her visible name so that it doesn't. I got after her for the name that she was using and insisted that we change it right away. Although she may know a lot of the people on the list personally, and you're all quite trustworthy to be sure, there may be other people who are able to view the discussions that my mom will never meet in person and I do not want them to know her name. I created the name Pretty Lady for her, she asked me to change it, so I called her Best Mom instead.

Simple internet safety was the only thing I had in mind and I hope that the people on Talk of the Villages can understand and respect that.

Signed,
A Concerned Daughter

I think I have the best daughter in the world!! :)

[Rokinronda]

TVdaughter, thanks for the explanation. :bigthumbsup:

[gfmucci]

Chels...

GREAT positive statement. I may now have to listen to your wisdom in voting for Obama! ;D

Out of five new homes in my lifetime, this is the best move in experience we have had... the builder has been super responsive and we were delivered everything as promised and more. Apparently some people are just too good for for TV. :dontknow:

All things considered (infrasturcture, amenities, house, setting, level of maintenance, recreation programs) I consider TV to be an excellent value. The marketplace confirms this and is a superior "pool of wisdom".

[graciegirl]

Chels...

GREAT positive statement. I may now have to listen to your wisdom in voting for Obama! ;D

Out of five new homes in my lifetime, this is the best move in experience we have had... the builder has been super responsive and we were delivered everything as promised and more. Apparently some people are just too good for for TV. :dontknow:

All things considered (infrasturcture, amenities, house, setting, level of maintenance, recreation programs) I consider TV to be an excellent value. The marketplace confirms this and is a superior "pool of wisdom".


:agree: :agree:
I so agree.

[chelsea24]

Concerned Daughter, I do appreciate your concern. However, since your mother, McCelheny, has been negative and deceptive on so many other occasions, I find it really hard it buy this also. Perhaps if she keeps her I.D., and doesn't run away and hide from her many negative posts, after time goes on, people will accept this. With all due respect, I'm not buying this right now. This isn't an isolated incident.

[chelsea24]

Mucci, you little woofer, get your voter's registration card ready! LOLOL Say Hi to Joan.
;D

[jjdees]

Wait, hold on a minute while I pop a nitro tablet before posting my message. Chelsea, hold onto your seat. I actually agreed with your response to Best Mom regarding her bellyaching about TV. I never thought the day would come when I would agree with you!! I'm almost back to normal heart rhythm. That was a close one.

[Sidney Lanier]

IMHO, the buffalo are not an amenity, never were anything but a tax write-off for the developer/landowner even though many of us enjoyed seeing them; and I think it's time to put the buffalo topic to rest, as they're not coming back....

[chelsea24]

Oh, jjddees. You're too funny! Thanks for the vote! LOLOL ;D

[samhass]

Now, now. Chels and JJ..you'll never get into the Stepford club with comments like that.

[Sidney Lanier]

sam, I thought by virtue of presence in TV we are in the Stepford Club....

[samhass]

Oh Sidney, You are so correct! ;) ;D

[chelsea24]

LOLOLOL Sidney, I just love you. Hurry back with HB. love, chels

[Peggy D]

Cami,

First I have to say I agree with you. Sometimes the comments directed towards others are rude and very hurtful. I am surprised that the administrators haven't taken some to task--or maybe they have and we are not aware of it.

But in defense of some members who have posted on this thread. There are other members who are posting under a few sign-on names that give the impression they--for lack of a better word--are untrustworthy. It makes no difference what the reason is, it
gives a bad impression of their character.

To add further to the insult, they attack the developer for his decision to move the buffalo and on the quality of home he builds, but yet, still continues to live the lifestyle of TV.
The developer had the right to move the buffalo and do as he pleases with the area they occupied. As for the houses he builds, if you are dissatisfied, for the life of me I can't figure out WHY this person continues to stay. Take your list of complaints to the developer--don't bash him here. No one wants to hear someone feels the premier homes are not "posh enough" Give me a break.

I have found this site very helpful with good information. The members and administrators
are willing to share this information freely. I have to say I consider these people "friends"
I haven't met yet (someday)

You will find this a great place to be and have a few good laughs. Enjoy.

[graciegirl]

Boomer.

You are the fount of knowledge. What is that Greek Mythological Being that you cut off one part of it and something else grows in it's place? I am a having a senior moment and all I can think of is Hydrangea.

That's not right.

Help out your loyal Buckeye supporter and friend.

Even though I am not SURE you exist.

Dum de dum dum............

GracieGirl

[swrinfla]

graciegirl:

Not to steal Boomer's thunder, but I'm here first ;D

"Hydra: A monstrous serpent of Greek mythology. It was born of Typhon and Echidna. Living in the swamps of the river Lerna, it had many heads; when one was cut off, another grew in its place. . . ." from Benet's Reader's Encyclopedia (Third Edition, 1987, Harper & Row)

SWR

[Rokinronda]

BOOMERS THUNDER hahahahahahaha YOU SO FUNNY SWR

[graciegirl]

Oh the boom the boom the boom the boom. When you got his Irish up. Clancy lowered the BOOM!


Singing....but not very well.

Did you see that Boomer........uh.........Boomed?

[smalldog]

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm107/smalldog2008/IMG_0171-3.jpg
Small dog Sez Forget About it ::) buffalo gone forever :edit: looks like the developer :verymad: has found a way to squeeze another couple of bucks out of those prime properties ..... yeah, it's his right to do so .... just as it is our right to grumble about it ...... and forget about the community pride also, except when Village Watch is coming down the street >:(

does it make me bitter ........ nah just very disappointed & kinda angry
also is it just me or are there a lot of empty stores around
what causes this

[graciegirl]

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm107/smalldog2008/IMG_0171-3.jpg
Small dog Sez Forget About it ::) buffalo gone forever :edit: looks like the developer :verymad: has found a way to squeeze another couple of bucks out of those prime properties ..... yeah, it's his right to do so .... just as it is our right to grumble about it ...... and forget about the community pride also, except when Village Watch is coming down the street >:(

does it make me bitter ........ nah just very disappointed & kinda angry
also is it just me or are there a lot of empty stores around
what causes this










Well Smalldog. (By the way are you a friend of Sadies?)

I am not an economist. In fact I can't even be very bright because most of my life I was a blonde,

It could be that the developer wanted to squeeze a little more money out of the land that the buffalo was on. OR maybe he wanted to develop it since he is a developer.

It could be that people were hasseling the buffalo and they were acting like animals.

It could be that the store fronts are empty for the same reason they are empty here in Cincinnati and I suspect in other spots as well.

Overbuilt? Bad economy? Wrong kind of business? People don't need an entire store devoted to can openers or other obscure things.?

I don't know. I taught Kindergarten for 25 years and owned an apparel agency for the next 25, so I will ask my husband who is brilliant and get back to you.

I am being a smart :edit:, And I am teasing you a little. You are a nice dog, small dog and I hope to meet you soon.

Kindest wishes, GG
[/quote]

[Rokinronda]

I just need to comment about the premier homes. My job entails inspecting homes all over Central Florida. (Want a pic of John Travoltas place I took??) The homes in TV are comparable to those in other communities with similar priced homes. Tray ceilings, granite counters, stainless top-of-line appliances, garden baths, pools, etc., etc.. I have been impressed with all the custom features here in TV such as, an all glass walled gym room overlooking a tropical private custom pool, theater rooms, art studio, chefs kitchens, etc.. The views are impressive. The owners are friendly and very, very happy with their LIFESTYLE choice which I feel is the most amazing!! A million dollar home at the beach= 2 bed ranch!! A million dollar home here= PRICELESS!!!!!

[Donna]

Ronda.. :agree: :agree: :agree:..I would love to live in one of the Premier homes, they are just beautiful..The granite, cabinets, views, etc..Caviar dreams..LOL

In my opinion, any one that knocks these homes, just has sour grapes!

[Barefoot]

(Want a pic of John Travoltas place I took??)

RR, yes please, please, please.
Preferably with him in the picture?

[Rokinronda]

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj267/rokinronda/travoltahome.jpg John Travolta home. He flies his jet to Tampa often. If you are in TV and hear a jet look up, I've seen him fly over TV!! We had access to the neighborhood to do a report next door.

[Barefoot]

RR thanks. Totally cool. :bigthumbsup:

[Ooper]

Man... did this thread get off topic!!!

[Barefoot]

Man... did this thread get off topic!!!

:cop: :dontknow:

Yes, I agree, it's actually been off topic for a week. But sometimes interesting things evolve from a hijacked thread. Like John Travolta's home?

[Rokinronda]

The Buffalo photos are no longer on TV website.......they must have heard my complaint and removed them. LOL Guess thats it, its over, and this thread is DEAD!

[Muncle]

I have it on good authority that Gary Morse is moving the buffalo to John Travolta's house. The downside is they have to convert to Scientology first. Theoretically, there are fewer Knuckleheads in that part of Marion County, and John has promised not to market the buffalo as amenities. (Warning -- the above is NOT true.)

[samhass]

Ha! Ronda, this thread has a life of it's own!!! It lives! ;)




The Buffalo photos are no longer on TV website.......they must have heard my complaint and removed them. LOL Guess thats it, its over, and this thread is DEAD!

[beady]

Nice Rhonda...I am surprised you were able to take a photo of his house.

Muncle...you crack me up...I bet the buffs would be very happy at Travolta Farm.

[chelsea24]

:o Heck I would be happy at the Travolta farm! Lead the way Ronda!

[Ooper]

Well if ya really want to talk about the Trvolta airport, take a look at it from the sky. Go to Google Earth or some other similar software... it is just NE of Ocala near Anthony. Happy hunting!

[chelsea24]

Thanks Ooper! Hey, weren't some posts deleted here? What happened to the "Pool of Wisdom?"

[Mintjulep]

Maybe it drowned... :yikes:

[samhass]

Nah, Minty, it was to shallow.

[Donna]

1rnfl

[Rokinronda]

Chels, so observant! MINT! SAM! :a20: :yikes: :a20:

[ejp52]

I just hope no buffalo burgers show up on any menus at local restaurants. :o

[islandgal]

Jumping back to John Travolta in Ocala.............................


TRAVOLTA'S HOME:

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/homes/hollywood/archive/slideshow_travolta_20051101


TRAVOLTA'S PLANE
http://www.architecturaldigest.com/homes/spaces/2008/07/planes_slideshow?slide=1#globalNav