Bison Valley No Amenities/

[santiagobob]

??? IT HAS BEEN STATED THAT THE NEW PROPERTIES OF THE VILLAGES DEVELOPMENT BISON VALLY ON ST. RT.101 (behind the new Bealls)will not have to pay monthly amenity fees like the rest of us. There is a golf cart path provided so the Bison Valley residents can gain access to all our facilities. With no one monitoring our pools and the ability to get on our golf courses especially after hours people in golf carts do not attract much attention. If Bison Valley is being marketed by the Villages Sales department, why are they not required to pay monthly amenity fees?

[Dayton]

Bison Valley is a family village, as is Spring Arbor SR 466 going east toward Rolling Acres Rd. The families in Bison Valley do not have access to our pools, rec centers, or free golf.

Also, a family member must be an employee of The Villages to buy a home there.

[KayakerNC]

Bison Valley is a family village, as is Spring Arbor SR 466 going east toward Rolling Acres Rd. The families in Bison Valley do not have access to our pools, rec centers, or free golf.
Also, a family member must be an employee of The Villages to buy a home there.

Looks like it is open to all. However The Villages amenities are not mentioned on the website.
http://bisonvalleyvillage.com/

[blueeagle65]

I think that the point being made is that 'their' golf carts will have access to 'our' golf cart trails in the event they should should choose to use them. Without chipping for maintenance, etc. They'll also have access to our neighborhoods as well.

[Dayton]

Unless the rules were changed very, very recently, a home buyer had to work in The Villages. This comes from new residents in Bison Valley that I have personally spoken to.

[redwitch]

I know of someone who has bought there in the past 2 weeks. He is a single parent, 2 kids, does not presently work for TV nor does he plan to. His mother and sister live in TV and he wanted to be near them. I think that one of the big selling points is have kids and grandkids close to TV residents, so having golf cart access makes sense.

[Best Mom]

Question? I go to the pool morning and night.(to avoid the sun) I use mainly one pool but are very close to 5 pools.(one of the reasons I like my location) In 4 years I have only been asked to show my ID card once. I say again, I use the pools in the morning and at dusk, not the busiest times.
The pool I use the most, never check the people in the water. Anyone new, the regulars give them this advice.
So basically the pools are unwatched. So what is going to keep these pools for residents only??(especially when you come by golf cart) It is a 10 minute golf cart ride to Bison valley from my pool.

[graciegirl]

We are checked everytime we enter Odell pool area.

[villages07]

Agree with Gracie...I am always checked at the Family pools and at Sports Pools.

Now, in our local adult neighborhood pool...not very often, but yes they have been checking....maybe twice in the last month that I have been there. For the first year I was here, they checked pretty frequently, then not at all for the longest time, but, recently they have begun checking again. My pool is located very much in the interior of the Villages...not somewhere likely to be accessed from the outside. Pools closer to the boundaries of TV or near commercial areas might see more instances of "poachers".

I have read reports about ID checking in the CDD meeting minutes and the amenity authority committee meetings. They have reported statistics on the # of ids checked and instances of non compliance.

[Best Mom]

I agree that they check at family pools and sports pools. There are rec centers near all those pools.

The pools I use morning and night are the adult pools. They have no attendants near these pools.

I have never been checked at the adult pool but once in 4 years. Plus, as I said, anyone can jump in the water if they don't have ID. I am using the Ashland pool and sometimes the Lynnhaven, Bonnybrook or the Bridgeport at Lake Miona pools. I am talking about the adult pools.

[Best Mom]

You right villages 007.
We are right on the edge of the Villages. There is even a county road with no gates to cut through this edge of The Villages.
I am sure that is a factor.


I hope they do more ID checks.

[MikeH]

Why not call the District Administrator's Office, 751-6712, and ask your questions. Seems to me they would know the correct answers or where to get them. Of course, if you don't trust the developer, ask your neighbor or friends. I'm sure they know the answers to all your questions.

Also, would you be happy if the checker at the pool makes you get out of the water to check your ID? Maybe we should have a vote and see how residents feel about that.

[graciegirl]

Agree with Gracie...I am always checked at the Family pools and at Sports Pools.

Now, in our local adult neighborhood pool...not very often, but yes they have been checking....maybe twice in the last month that I have been there. For the first year I was here, they checked pretty frequently, then not at all for the longest time, but, recently they have begun checking again. My pool is located very much in the interior of the Villages...not somewhere likely to be accessed from the outside. Pools closer to the boundaries of TV or near commercial areas might see more instances of "poachers".

I have read reports about ID checking in the CDD meeting minutes and the amenity authority committee meetings. They have reported statistics on the # of ids checked and instances of non compliance.


Nancy

In fact it is a bit of an annoyance to be checked everytime, everyday, because as you know we just walk out our back door and into the pool area. I feel that our Villages ID's are so important, and I hate to take a purse with me, need no keys because we don't drive, and afraid to stick the ID in the pocket of our cover ups for fear it will drop out and get lost.

Even those who I know recognize us, ask each time for an ID. I guess I should have a different attitude. I was even thinking of making a copy and sticking it into our pockets, but it says plain as day. Don't Make Copies!

[The Great Fumar]

I live in chatham and only go to adult pools ...I have always been checked..
If you see someone you don't think is qualified to be there , then pick up the service phone and report it . someone will be there to check it very shortly...happens every once in a while at our pool......If not , then I suggest you try to swim at one end.. ;D ;D ;D

[Cassie325]

Ok gang....this is from the "horses mouth"...not that I am a horse...but I have personal experience....for those of you that remember my partner (50+) and I have an 11 year old daughter.

We OWN a home in The Villages and LOVE it here....however we also know that children are not allowed to live here...nor "visit" more than 30 days a year.

Now....we could have come in here and just tried to "get away" with the child being here...but we have rented a condo outside of TV's and will live there most of the time....this is the sacrifice we have made because of how much we love it here and respect the "rules".

However when we first decided to move here...we toured and picked out a home in Bison Valley. There are only 10 realtors from Properties of TV's that are allowed to sell them....you do NOT need to be an employee of TV's. That is what they started out as....but then places like Lakeside Landing...and now The Villages of Parkwood were coming in and allowing families to be here....well they need to compete. The houses are beautiful and more expensive than the other two places...again you do NOT need to be an employee....that was very clear.

HOWEVER.....our realtor was VERY clear that you were not allowed to access the pools or golf courses...like TV residents are....while there is no amenity fee...there is no real privileges other than golf cart access....(honestly...I would rather drive my PT). The other family communities offer their own pools and fun stuff....Bison has nothing extra.

NOW....if the pool guards are not checking ID's....that is not the fault of anyone but the guards. As far as golf cart accessibility....yes they can access the rest of the community...although they do not have gate keys....but remember that there are several other communities in the area whether they are adult only or family...that can access TV's by either golf cart on dirt roads....or by a street legal cart....

I know I am a little younger than a typical villager....but I LOVE it here...pay our amenity fee...and don't really use the pools...or the golf courses. My partner uses them as she should....but honestly it really is not the folks in the family villages that should concern you. These are the people that are working here....one must a very unique person to want to raise their child in or near a retirement community that really doesn't pay the very best...aahhh....yes I am very unique....and I do not work for TV's.

TV's would be smart if they created an area for swimming and recreation (with a fee attached) for the families....then there would be no temptation to use any of TV's pools.

I also want to point out that just because a family lives in Bison Valley, Spring Arbor or any other "family village" owned or not by TV's, it does NOT guarantee them a place in TV Charter School....I only wish that was the case.
I work for a great company, work from home, benefit the lives of MANY....and make good money. I am young and need to keep working right now to save for my early retirement in TV's....so I do NOT want to work a full time job to send my daughter to the charter school. I have to pay a heavy tuition to keep her in a decent and safe school.

If we lived in Bison Valley....and did not work for TV's and did not have the means to send her to private school.....well....she would have to attend Wildwood schools. This was not going to happen in my life time. I wish to the good lord she could go to the charter school.....but these are the choices we have made.

Ok.....so here is my life story and my 2-3 cents....at least for the moment.

I LOVE TV's and respect the rules, the residents and community. I own here and pay the fees....but also pay (as I should) dearly to have another home...outside TV's...

I guess my point is that I really don't think it is the families at Bison Valley that you need to concern yourself with....it is the fact that anyone who is living just outside TV's (with kids or not) can truly access the paths or with a street legal if they want to....

I really think there are two different issues.....1) do you want, care, mind the fact that the kids are around....2) should only villagers be allowed golf cart access on the paths....perhaps....but what can anyone do to fix that?

Sorry for the long note.....hope I didn't upset anyone....it really is to late for me to be talking more or less writing....I love you all and hope you don't think me any differently now that you know...that not only am I one of you....but also one of the outsiders......aaaaahhhhhh....... :o

[Cassie325]

Good Lord....I really do talk too much!!! OOPS....sorry

[samhass]

Welcome, Mariab!! :welcome: :welcome: :welcome: :welcome: :welcome:

[KathieI]

Maria, take a couple of deep breaths, lady. You said a lot. Welcome to our community. It was nice to meet you on chat and you sound like a very responsible person and I'd love to meet you and your little girl sometime. Your NOT an outsider! :welcome:

[graciegirl]

You, your partner and your daughter sound great to me! :welcome: :welcome:

[Cassie325]

Thank you for the kind responses....I knew that you all were the best...but I just wanted to make sure that everyone knew that The Villages were not advertising the use of the Villages amenities if someone wants to live in Bison Valley. Even if one wanted to pay the fee it is not allowed.

I will share with you that my daughter told us one time that there are some children that should be allowed in the villages....but that they would have to be interviewed and tested prior to....when I asked what kind of test....she simply stated..."A Kindness Test". She thinks that kids should have to take a test to make sure they are respectful and loving towards animals and seniors!!! LOL....I laughed until I cried!

I know I said a lot last night....but I just think that there are so many ways for non-villagers to use the amenities and it really has nothing to do with where they live or if they are families or other seniors!!

Thanks for your words of support and kindness....and I know I will meet you all very soon!!

[sandybill2]

Mariab---what a wonderful thought "A kindness test"---so sweet!!!! What a wonderful daughter you have. She obviously has great parents.

[Best Mom]

I second what Mariab said!! I really think your post said it all.
I think "A Kindness Test" is needed for adults too.

I don't know how to cut and paste... but your comment is so true about how the amenities are open to everybody, especially the adult pools. But I was just asking the question, and you answered it.

:welcome:

[Barefoot]

If you see someone you don't think is qualified to be there , then pick up the service phone and report it . someone will be there to check it very shortly...happens every once in a while at our pool

Fumar, I didn't realize there were service phones at every pool. Thanks for the info; especially valuable in case of medical emergencies.

[MikeH]

I think all us "old Folks" should be required to take and pass "a Kindness Test"!

[drr47]

mariah, Read your post the other day and have been thinking about what you said about not wanting to send your child to a Sumter county school. Just curious what your objections are, my wife recently retired from the system after 29 years, both of my children attended Sumter County Schools, graduated from college and are successful in their professional life..........

[Cassie325]

mariah, Read your post the other day and have been thinking about what you said about not wanting to send your child to a Sumter county school. Just curious what your objections are, my wife recently retired from the system after 29 years, both of my children attended Sumter County Schools, graduated from college and are successful in their professional life..........


Well honestly we looked and visited every school in the area with the exception ofcourse of The Charter School. We did not want her to attend the Wildwood school as they are listed as a Grade D school. We also talked to several people in the area...in fact one woman at the Wildwood school told us she would "fit in" much better at the middle school in Webster. I am not saying that I agree or anything but when someone in the school tells you that it is worth driving 40 minutes each way to take her to a different school...as a parent...you run out the door!

I have been to the middle school in Leesburg where she will attend and enjoyed it very much. Brand new state of the art school...loved the staff and principal...and it is graded an A school...however I hear very scary things about the Leesburg high school....so the search will be on again in 2 years....too bad the Charter school did not allow some of us to pay tuition....I would be more than willing!

In regards to the Sumter County schools...atleast the ones I was told she would have to attend....whether living at Lakeside Landing or Bison Valley did not look to be somewhere I would send any child honestly...much less my own....

If you know something or somewhere I don't....please let me know...one never knows what we will do as I really do like some of the homes in Bison Valley!

It would be nice that even if I didn't WORK for The Villages...but bought one of their homes in BV then that would guarantee her education at The Charter schools...just a thought in case anyone knows someone on the board....LOL

[drr47]

very interesting, update, Wildwood Middle school is an "A" school, over the years I have doubts about that school, but they have worked very hard and have a core of very good teachers. Good luck in Lake County.

[Cassie325]

Well that is good to hear! I appreciate you taking the time to let me know this. She is only going into 6th grade and it is nice to know there may be other choices out there if this one does not work. My every hope is to get her through middle school succesfully...then by the time she reaches 9th grade perhaps she can attend the charter schools....one way or another...thanks again for reaching out!

[JimJoe]

??? IT HAS BEEN STATED THAT THE NEW PROPERTIES OF THE VILLAGES DEVELOPMENT BISON VALLY ON ST. RT.101 (behind the new Bealls)will not have to pay monthly amenity fees like the rest of us. There is a golf cart path provided so the Bison Valley residents can gain access to all our facilities. With no one monitoring our pools and the ability to get on our golf courses especially after hours people in golf carts do not attract much attention. If Bison Valley is being marketed by the Villages Sales department, why are they not required to pay monthly amenity fees?

I just saw a new listing in Bison Valley that reads like it now may be part of TV WITH children. Can anyone verify or dismiss this?
Here is some points from the listing:
http://www.thevillages.com/homes/vls/detail4.asp?vls=208523

Children are welcome. HOA fee is $260 per year.
Says close to ALL TV has to offer.
Says... In addition to being close to ALL the amenities you need and enjoy everyday – those same destinations are available by golf car!

My question is, do the adults and/or children enjoy ALL of the amenities of TV, or just some? Do the residents of Bison pay amenity fees? This listing seems to blur the lines that I understood from previous postings in this thread. Is this the end of TV as an adult retirement community?
Please help if you have further info on this. I am still researching homes to buy. Thanks. JJ

[Russ_Boston]

JJ - I think all your questions were answered in previous posts above about Bison Valley.

I don't see any changes to what has been said already.

[bike42]

The listing describes the TV amenities as "shopping, dining, schools, and more". NOT the swimming pools, rec centers or golf courses. The family neighborhoods do not have access to those. Don't worry, you are not being cheated.

[downeaster]

I just saw a new listing in Bison Valley that reads like it now may be part of TV WITH children. Can anyone verify or dismiss this?
Here is some points from the listing:
http://www.thevillages.com/homes/vls/detail4.asp?vls=208523

Children are welcome. HOA fee is $260 per year.
Says close to ALL TV has to offer.
Says... In addition to being close to ALL the amenities you need and enjoy everyday – those same destinations are available by golf car!

My question is, do the adults and/or children enjoy ALL of the amenities of TV, or just some? Do the residents of Bison pay amenity fees? This listing seems to blur the lines that I understood from previous postings in this thread. Is this the end of TV as an adult retirement community?
Please help if you have further info on this. I am still researching homes to buy. Thanks. JJ

It is my understanding those amenities we pay for are not available to Bison Valley residents. They have golf cart accessibility and that makes open to public areas available by golf cart. (I could have stated that better but it is getting late and I am not functioning at 100%)

However, the listing includes this " If you are looking for a safe environment that is in close proximity to all (my emphasis) that The Villages has to offer". I'd call that very misleading.

[JimJoe]

JJ - I think all your questions were answered in previous posts above about Bison Valley.

I don't see any changes to what has been said already.

Russ: You REALLY dont see any changes?
What does ALL mean?

The listing Says... In addition to being close to ALL the amenities you need and enjoy everyday – those same destinations are available by golf car!

[villages07]

I would interpret the use of the word 'amenity' as being in a general sense, like the dining, entertainment, shopping. I don't read this as "Amenities" in the specific TV resident sense that we pay for each month... rec centers, pools, exec golf.

However, if Bison Valley residents are direct relations to Villagers (parents, grandparents, children, or grandchildren) they are eligible to get an annual in-area family guest pass...that allows them to use pools and rec centers as long as they are accompanied by the Resident.

As others have stated, nothing has changed. Bison Valley was built by the Developer so he elects to allow his Real Estate company to list/market these properties as resales. Other local realtors/developers tout their properties as 'being close to the Villages'.

[JimJoe]

I would interpret the use of the word 'amenity' as being in a general sense, like the dining, entertainment, shopping. I don't read this as "Amenities" in the specific TV resident sense that we pay for each month... rec centers, pools, exec golf.

However, if Bison Valley residents are direct relations to Villagers (parents, grandparents, children, or grandchildren) they are eligible to get an annual in-area family guest pass...that allows them to use pools and rec centers as long as they are accompanied by the Resident.

As others have stated, nothing has changed. Bison Valley was built by the Developer so he elects to allow his Real Estate company to list/market these properties as resales. Other local realtors/developers tout their properties as 'being close to the Villages'.

Not to be argumentative, but as a potential buy when I read that listing ON the TV website and it say ALL amenities, I interpret that to mean ALL..
Do you mean if I buy that home, I do not get ALL amenities? How can that be when it says ALL, and it is on the TV website and that is similar language they use to advertise homes in other parts of TV where there clearly you do get amenities.
When do they tell me all does not mean all? Before or after I make my offer to buy that home?
Maybe this is just the retired lawyer in me but words matter when you read something and then take the time to act on what you read.

[jannd228]

Not to be argumentative, but as a potential buy when I read that listing ON the TV website and it say ALL amenities, I interpret that to mean ALL..
Do you mean if I buy that home, I do not get ALL amenities? How can that be when it says ALL, and it is on the TV website and that is similar language they use to advertise homes in other parts of TV where there clearly you do get amenities.
When do they tell me all does not mean all? Before or after I make my offer to buy that home?
Maybe this is just the retired lawyer in me but words matter when you read something and then take the time to act on what you read.
:BigApplause:

[villages07]

JJ ... someone seeing this listing from outside TV could well interpret it the way you described.

Being a local resident and understanding the lay of the land, as I parse the text in the listing, it makes sense to me. They are using the word 'amenity' very loosely. Nowhere in the listing does it say you can use Villages pools, rec centers, or exec golf. So, it is factually correct but misleading to the uninformed.

I think we've all read real estate listings that embellish a property's appeal, condition, and features. Such is the world of Marketing...not nearly as precise as the law.

[graciegirl]

Not to be argumentative, but as a potential buy when I read that listing ON the TV website and it say ALL amenities, I interpret that to mean ALL..
Do you mean if I buy that home, I do not get ALL amenities? How can that be when it says ALL, and it is on the TV website and that is similar language they use to advertise homes in other parts of TV where there clearly you do get amenities.
When do they tell me all does not mean all? Before or after I make my offer to buy that home?
Maybe this is just the retired lawyer in me but words matter when you read something and then take the time to act on what you read.

Jim Joe.

Bison Valley has been around for awhile. If you read back on this thread which was started in 2008, these issues have been discussed. And discussed again.

Are you in TV? Go visit it. If not, ask your sales rep. It's all good. They don't get to use our pools, rec centers, etc. etc.

There are amenities and there are amenities. Almost all places advertise amenities. Reread what Village 07 said. Not to worry.

I believe that GMoney lives there. He works in the construction of homes if I remember correctly. Maybe he will come on and explain that they do not have our amenities. They have their amenities.

[JimJoe]

Jim Joe.

Bison Valley has been around for awhile. If you read back on this thread which was started in 2008, these issues have been discussed. And discussed again.

Are you in TV? Go visit it. If not, ask your sales rep. It's all good. They don't get to use our pools, rec centers, etc. etc.

There are amenities and there are amenities. Almost all places advertise amenities. Reread what Village 07 said. Not to worry.

I believe that GMoney lives there. He works in the construction of homes if I remember correctly. Maybe he will come on and explain that they do not have our amenities. They have their amenities.

Gracie: I am not worried. I am unhappy that a listing would be worded that way. In business you do not advertise something with ALL amenities unless you mean ALL amenities.
JJ

[K9-Lovers]

Gracie: I am not worried. I am unhappy that a listing would be worded that way. In business you do not advertise something with ALL amenities unless you mean ALL amenities.
JJ

I agree with you, JimJoe, that it should not be worded so as to mislead readers. Alas, that is the world of sales and marketing.

[Barefoot]

Gracie: I am not worried. I am unhappy that a listing would be worded that way. In business you do not advertise something with ALL amenities unless you mean ALL amenities.
JJ

I absolutely agree with JimJoe. IMHO, the listing information is ambiguous and misleading. When I was a realtor, I could have been sued for placing misleading information on a listing. Bison residents don't have access to ALL amenities BUT it could be interpreted as such.

I hope it wasn't done on purpose, and I hope that in the future they are more careful to detail exactly what is included.

[escapequeen]

My husband and I had our ID checked at Paradise pool. Next time we went there was noone there but in came two guys who took off their shirts and dove into the pool with their shorts on. They were in long enough to get cooled off and as they were getting out they said, "thanks for the dip. We like being able to get cooled off and go on back to work. This is nice." It was around 96 degrees that day.
I don't know who or where they were working but they came from the direction of the golfcourse.
We don't mind showing our id whether in the pool or out but this kind of antics should not be tolerated. I don't know how they can keep people from coming in and taking advantage like this though.
Any thoughts?:shrug:

[JimJoe]

My husband and I had our ID checked at Paradise pool. Next time we went there was noone there but in came two guys who took off their shirts and dove into the pool with their shorts on. They were in long enough to get cooled off and as they were getting out they said, "thanks for the dip. We like being able to get cooled off and go on back to work. This is nice." It was around 96 degrees that day.
I don't know who or where they were working but they came from the direction of the golfcourse.
We don't mind showing our id whether in the pool or out but this kind of antics should not be tolerated. I don't know how they can keep people from coming in and taking advantage like this though.
Any thoughts?:shrug:

YUK!!
Aren't you supposed to rinse off before you get into a pool?
Working men with shorts on diving in a pool..
NOT for me.
YUK YUK YUK!

[GMONEY]

I thought all this about us Bison Valley people was settled in 2008. This is like crying over spilled Milk that has been wiped up and cleaned already...
Besides the cart path deal, we do not get anything else unless you have parents or what ever living in "TV"....

Funny I dont hear anything about the people from Lakeside Landing drving out their gate on carts down Rainey Trail 1/4 mile and having full cart access to TV.

Nothing Wrong with the way the listing reads, if you ask any of the Sales Reps you will know what they are talking about. No need for more explaining. With all going on in the world a listing is killing someone, go figure..

[Talk Host]

No need for more explaining. With all going on in the world a listing is killing someone, go figure..

The purchase any home, specially a retirement home is one of the biggest investments you will make in a lifetime. It is understandable and normal to be concerned about the wording in an real estate listing. One cannot completely trust the words of an agent either. (ask me)

It was pointed out earlier in this thread that "an outsider" might not understand the wording, whereas a resident would know the lay of the land. Buyers are "outsiders". They don't know the lay of the land. An insider doesn't need to worry about the wording. The prospective buyer does.

JimJoe is absolutey right "ALL" means "ALL". My guess is that when it's time to pay for the home "ALL" of the price will be paid, not some of it.

[gemorc]

Did anyone read the full page ad for PARKWOOD village, in today's Sun? One of the bullet points stated, close to The Villages Schools. These schools are not open to everyone.

[redwitch]

It is my understanding that the developer of Bison Valley, is not a TV developer. I've heard several people they decided to not buy there because they weren't comfortable with the developer's tactics. I think the ads are a perfect example -- if you know the facts, you know what is/is not offered. If you don't, you'll make assumptions and be stuck living with those mistakes. I feel for people who buy there thinking they can use TV facilities (besides the stores and squares) or that their kids will automatically be eligible for the charter schools. It is a good development and location for those who work in TV (IF they make enough to be able to afford to buy there) or for children of Villagers who want or need to be close to their parents and grandparents. Otherwise, it is a dream that will quickly be shattered.

[villages07]

Red... Bison Valley was built by the Villagers developer... Initially was supposed to be for persons and families who worked for the villages. When the Economy slowed, it was opened up. I think Gmoney will attest to the neighborhood and how it was marketed.

I believe the Parkwood development is the one where some folks reported issues with the Developer and it is not The Villages developer...whole different outfit.

[redwitch]

I know Bison Valley was built by the Morses but it was my understanding someone else took it over. But, you're probably right that it was Parkwoods and I'm totally confused. Thanks.

Even so, I do think the ads are misleading and unfair to the buyer.

[GMONEY]

Red... Bison Valley was built by the Villagers developer... Initially was supposed to be for persons and families who worked for the villages. When the Economy slowed, it was opened up. I think Gmoney will attest to the neighborhood and how it was marketed.

I believe the Parkwood development is the one where some folks reported issues with the Developer and it is not The Villages developer...whole different outfit.

:agree:

Bison Valley was orginally built for employees and families that have parents and so on living in TV. Most of our residents do work for The Villages. Most of us have been around The Villages for along time.. The Villages is the developer and builder of the homes in Bison Valley. The same builder that builds in TV built the homes in Bison. All of our association meetings are held at Laurel Manor Offices. However on paper the owner is not listed as The Villages, but another company that is technically the villages. Addressed at Lake Sumter Landing. That is done for deed reasons in connection to TV. Bison was opened to all after economy slowed. But we are sold out! We are very happy the Morse family had Bison Developed. We enjoy it here and love working in and for The Villages.

Now Parkwood on the other hand which is behind us on CR-101 has nothing whatsoever to do with The Villages. It is owned by some poeple from Miami area. They do have alot of problems there. We do the construction for them also. I have a few friends that live that could not qualify for Bison so they bought in Parkwood. They were told they could use the sidewalk for Golf Cart access to Bison Valley so they could go into The VIllages. We complained to SCSO and they have put a stop to that.. But Parkwood has nothing to do with The Villages properties at all.

[Tom Hannon]

Dayton said "Also, a family member must be an employee of The Villages to buy a home there."

What happens when an employee of the Villages, leaves their job. I doubt if TV can evict them if they own. In other words, someone who wants the Village life but is too young to live it can get a job somewhere work a few weeks, buy a home and then quit.

[GMONEY]

Dayton said "Also, a family member must be an employee of The Villages to buy a home there."

What happens when an employee of the Villages, leaves their job. I doubt if TV can evict them if they own. In other words, someone who wants the Village life but is too young to live it can get a job somewhere work a few weeks, buy a home and then quit.

That is untrue, do not have to be an employee, and no they cannot evict you from your house. That would not happen at all.

[Russ_Boston]

Thanks for the good info G!

[JimJoe]

Thanks for the good info G!

Did he say.. what TV amenities they can use?.. I think the answer is almost everything if they can get a guest pass, they are renewable, and Bison is not excluded as an adjacent county.. ... AND RACE my souped up golf cart all over TV.
I know I must be wrong.. just explain to me why...
I am looking at that home because I would like to avoid the deed restrictions in TV (my toys and my irritating noises), the cost of the amenities, the IRS issue, and I am a lawyer who likes to argue.
:)
thank you.
JJ

[jebartle]

Whatever he can get away with! But you know how to spell ASSuME!...Sure doesn't seem fair!....Only solution, step up security around pools etc.

[GMONEY]

Did he say.. what TV amenities they can use?.. I think the answer is almost everything if they can get a guest pass, they are renewable, and Bison is not excluded as an adjacent county.. ... AND RACE my souped up golf cart all over TV.
I know I must be wrong.. just explain to me why...
I am looking at that home because I would like to avoid the deed restrictions in TV (my toys and my irritating noises), the cost of the amenities, the IRS issue, and I am a lawyer who likes to argue.
:)
thank you.
JJ

As said before, the only thing we the residents of Bison Valley get to use is the Cart Path. We have a opening for it. Other than that, NOTHING.. Unless you have family members that live in "TV". Then I guess you could get a pass if that is how it works. And if that is a issue, then you need to contact J. Parr or Mark Morse. As The Villages set that up, not us.. Can not make it any more simple than that..

I know there are a few people that live in Bison which have the parents living in TV. so if they can get passes more power to them. I know the rest of us dont.

As far as the souped up cart, I think there are enought of them the residenst of the villages have. Try walking or riding down the path along 466. it is like the Daytona 500 out there. Retired and in a hurry to go nowhere..

[GMONEY]

Whatever he can get away with! But you know how to spell ASSuME!...Sure doesn't seem fair!....Only solution, step up security around pools etc.

:shrug:

You should think before speaking, not wise to go where you dont know

[skip0358]

Seems like you want the best for less. You must be a lawyer. There are rules. Most people obey them Can you use amenities illegaly sure you can But whats right is right. We don't live in a locked down community nor do we want to. We know people use pools at times. Hell an earlier poster repoted on workers coming in for a quick dip and leaving. We know there aren't 24 hour guards. Bison has NO LEGAL rights unless they have a relative here. As for access to the amenities listed, Charter Schools and Shopping, we don't pay for them. As for the Indy Carts yea they're hear but so is the Sheriff now and he is handing out stiff fines. Last night supposedly N/O 466 a cart crashed into a house and was trapped. I'm sure they'll be an investigation into that one also. So yea avoid the Fees, IRS and whatever else and move to Bison. Hopefully you'll find out you can't legally use TV amenities. JMO

[JimJoe]

Seems like you want the best for less. You must be a lawyer. There are rules. Most people obey them Can you use amenities illegaly sure you can But whats right is right. We don't live in a locked down community nor do we want to. We know people use pools at times. Hell an earlier poster repoted on workers coming in for a quick dip and leaving. We know there aren't 24 hour guards. Bison has NO LEGAL rights unless they have a relative here. As for access to the amenities listed, Charter Schools and Shopping, we don't pay for them. As for the Indy Carts yea they're hear but so is the Sheriff now and he is handing out stiff fines. Last night supposedly N/O 466 a cart crashed into a house and was trapped. I'm sure they'll be an investigation into that one also. So yea avoid the Fees, IRS and whatever else and move to Bison. Hopefully you'll find out you can't legally use TV amenities. JMO

Sorry but I was being sarcastic in my previous post about getting everything free if you live in Bison and you have friends or relatives in TV. I think it is possible... I would never do it nor do I agree with it..
Same think for the souped up golf cart. I do not own one and never would.

I think it is important to point out issues like this. If it offends anyone I apologize.

Here I go again.. One more question..
If Bison owners do not pay a bond on their home, and the developer is the same as was for TV, why the difference and where did the money for their infrastructure come from for bison? .... I just do not understand the difference. I have read people say the bond was put in place so the amenities could be build up front and not later, but the bond on the home is for infrastructure, not amenities. I am probably raising more points than anyone is really interested in..
JJ

[jebartle]

:shrug:

You should think before speaking, not wise to go where you dont know

Huh!!!!?????

[GMONEY]

Sorry but I was being sarcastic in my previous post about getting everything free if you live in Bison and you have friends or relatives in TV. I think it is possible... I would never do it nor do I agree with it..
Same think for the souped up golf cart. I do not own one and never would.

I think it is important to point out issues like this. If it offends anyone I apologize.

Here I go again.. One more question..
If Bison owners do not pay a bond on their home, and the developer is the same as was for TV, why the difference and where did the money for their infrastructure come from for bison? .... I just do not understand the difference. I have read people say the bond was put in place so the amenities could be build up front and not later, but the bond on the home is for infrastructure, not amenities. I am probably raising more points than anyone is really interested in..
JJ


It was a gift from The Villages since most of us work here to make this place you piece of heaven..

Actually all of us contractors donated the time and work for free for the families who work here to have a nice place to live..

:crap2:

[redwitch]

Sigh, what a brouhaha over nothing. Bison Valley residents have the same rights anyone living outside of TV does -- they can shop here; they can visit the squares; they can enjoy our restaurants; they can join and attend the public service/support group clubs meeting in the rec centers; their kids can attend the charter schools IF they are employees of TV. If their parents happen to live in TV, they can get the tri-county guest passes which allows them use of all the amenities so long as they are accompanied by their "host." The one thing they have that other tri-county residents don't have is true golf cart access (yes, others like Spruce Creek can travel to TV in carts but it is not as easy and involves dirt roads).

Now, I'm going to get blasted for this but I think it would be nice if Bison Valley residents could use our amenities if they are employees of TV (not the ones living there to be near their parents). TV employees are notoriously low paid. It wouldn't hurt us to thank them by allowing their kids to use the neighborhood pools on a hot summer day, by allowing the parent to join the clubs. Yes, a few would behave inappropriately (so do some TVers), but the majority would treat the amenties with respect since it is part of their community. This is a bill we could easily foot since we are already paying these fees -- it would cost us nothing in the dollar sense. Would it make the pools and rec centers a little more crowded? Yes, but only in the winter when the snowbirds are here and, let's face it, everything is crowded then. (And maybe even less of an impact than expected since kids would be in school and have homework, etc.)

I know the majority of you totally disagree with this and are worried that it would spill over to all residents of the Tri-Counties, but I don't think so. We are talking of a very small group -- not even all TV employees, just those living in one small area and, remember, not everyone living there works for TV. So, blast away.

[villages07]

Sorry, Red, but I do disagree with you on this one. When someone bought in to Bison Valley they knew what amentities (pool, tennis courts, etc) they were or were not getting. Bison doesn't have these kinds of common area facilities and it is no doubt reflected in their HOA fees. If such amenities are/were important enough to a potential homebuyer then there are other alternatives like Lakeside Landings and Parkwood.

The Villages has a very generous overall guest policy for our out of town visitors and tries to accommodate local close relatives with the in area guest pass. I think the policies work just fine the way they are. Also, there are 2 other, older, but similar developments to Bison ... Arbor Village off of 466 and something Oaks near Target. Where would it stop???

I welcome GMoney and all his fine neighbors in Bison Valley as part of the larger Villages community and hope they do enjoy the squares, movie theatres, shopping, schools etc. It takes a lot of skilled workers to support a city that is this large and still growing.

[Russ_Boston]

I could agree Red if we had some real tight entry rules that would prevent spill over.

[jannd228]

Sigh, what a brouhaha over nothing. Bison Valley residents have the same rights anyone living outside of TV does -- they can shop here; they can visit the squares; they can enjoy our restaurants; they can join and attend the public service/support group clubs meeting in the rec centers; their kids can attend the charter schools IF they are employees of TV. If their parents happen to live in TV, they can get the tri-county guest passes which allows them use of all the amenities so long as they are accompanied by their "host." The one thing they have that other tri-county residents don't have is true golf cart access (yes, others like Spruce Creek can travel to TV in carts but it is not as easy and involves dirt roads).

Now, I'm going to get blasted for this but I think it would be nice if Bison Valley residents could use our amenities if they are employees of TV (not the ones living there to be near their parents). TV employees are notoriously low paid. It wouldn't hurt us to thank them by allowing their kids to use the neighborhood pools on a hot summer day, by allowing the parent to join the clubs. Yes, a few would behave inappropriately (so do some TVers), but the majority would treat the amenties with respect since it is part of their community. This is a bill we could easily foot since we are already paying these fees -- it would cost us nothing in the dollar sense. Would it make the pools and rec centers a little more crowded? Yes, but only in the winter when the snowbirds are here and, let's face it, everything is crowded then. (And maybe even less of an impact than expected since kids would be in school and have homework, etc.)

I know the majority of you totally disagree with this and are worried that it would spill over to all residents of the Tri-Counties, but I don't think so. We are talking of a very small group -- not even all TV employees, just those living in one small area and, remember, not everyone living there works for TV. So, blast away.

I know many of you disagree with Red, BUT at some point down the line you may want to consider what she says. Just a thought from a going to be

[graciegirl]

I know many of you disagree with Red, BUT at some point down the line you may want to consider what she says. Just a thought from a going to be

If we agreed with Red, it wouldn't matter Jan, we don't make the rules here.

This little part of the world is set up to function very well, maybe not perfectly.

It isn't a democracy. It is a benign dictatorship. But it's o.k. We voted with our wallets to live here. Those are the rules. You can't please every single soul, but the people who make the rules do a good job here pleasing most of them.

And no, I don't work for the Morses, I don't know the Morses, but I wish I did, I would give them a hug.

[jannd228]

If we agreed with Red, it wouldn't matter Jan, we don't make the rules here.

This little part of the world is set up to function very well, maybe not perfectly.

It isn't a democracy. It is a benign dictatorship. But it's o.k. We voted with our wallets to live here. Those are the rules. You can't please every single soul, but the people who make the rules do a good job here pleasing most of them.

And no, I don't work for the Morses, I don't know the Morses, but I wish I did, I would give them a hug.

'you don't need to work for the Morse, Gracie, you are your own definitive strong but gentle voice filled with wisdom and kindness that is why you are a SAGE

[GMONEY]

I could agree Red if we had some real tight entry rules that would prevent spill over.


There was talk at one time at letting Village employees attend one of the pools, during certain hours. but that was shot down, and I for one can understand why. I have been around TV for awhile and when I bought in Bison I fully understood that we were not allowed to use The Villages Facilites unless we had family living in TV. We even have people that have offered to pay the full amenities fee for TV so they could use the Poos and so on in TV. They were also told no and that would not happen. Those of us who work for The Villages understand the rules and do not have any heart burn over it. The only thing that burns my tail is when people assume we have it all and try to pick and complain. Like the cart path deal. While we have that, and that is the only thing we all can use, not everyone in Bison Valley has a cart. There are alot of Ex-Villages residents in there that move to Bison to escape all the fees.

[Russ_Boston]

I completely understand your points.

[graciegirl]

GMoney.

Let me just say that in my whole life I have never seen the building of homes and roads and facilities done more efficiently. You are truly the highest level of professional. The homes seem to rise up as if a seed were planted. I want to thank you for your skill and your diligence and your choice to be part of the creation of this beautiful place. I know they only choose the best of the best.

I promise not to run over you on your bike.

Hugs.

[GMONEY]

GMoney.

Let me just say that in my whole life I have never seen the building of homes and roads and facilities done more efficiently. You are truly the highest level of professional. The homes seem to rise up as if a seed were planted. I want to thank you for your skill and your diligence and your choice to be part of the creation of this beautiful place. I know they only choose the best of the best.

I promise not to run over you on your bike.

Hugs.

Thanks so much... As I said it is so nice to live around here. Dont know if you have noticed the Edgewater Bungalows are going up in a hurry by the Waterfront Inn?? Doing more of them this morning..

My Bike thanks you as well

:coolsmiley:

[bike42]

Dont know if you have noticed the Edgewater Bungalows are going up in a hurry by the Waterfront Inn?? Doing more of them this morning..

:coolsmiley:

Yes, we have noticed how fast everything is moving! Walls (beautiful), roads, houses --- amazing. I heard they are supposed to be completely finished by January. Do you know if they are planning to sell them or use them in the rental program?

[Indydealmaker]

Sigh, what a brouhaha over nothing. Bison Valley residents have the same rights anyone living outside of TV does -- they can shop here; they can visit the squares; they can enjoy our restaurants; they can join and attend the public service/support group clubs meeting in the rec centers; their kids can attend the charter schools IF they are employees of TV. If their parents happen to live in TV, they can get the tri-county guest passes which allows them use of all the amenities so long as they are accompanied by their "host." The one thing they have that other tri-county residents don't have is true golf cart access (yes, others like Spruce Creek can travel to TV in carts but it is not as easy and involves dirt roads).

Now, I'm going to get blasted for this but I think it would be nice if Bison Valley residents could use our amenities if they are employees of TV (not the ones living there to be near their parents). TV employees are notoriously low paid. It wouldn't hurt us to thank them by allowing their kids to use the neighborhood pools on a hot summer day, by allowing the parent to join the clubs. Yes, a few would behave inappropriately (so do some TVers), but the majority would treat the amenties with respect since it is part of their community. This is a bill we could easily foot since we are already paying these fees -- it would cost us nothing in the dollar sense. Would it make the pools and rec centers a little more crowded? Yes, but only in the winter when the snowbirds are here and, let's face it, everything is crowded then. (And maybe even less of an impact than expected since kids would be in school and have homework, etc.)

I know the majority of you totally disagree with this and are worried that it would spill over to all residents of the Tri-Counties, but I don't think so. We are talking of a very small group -- not even all TV employees, just those living in one small area and, remember, not everyone living there works for TV. So, blast away.

This type of thing comes up all of the time. When I was president of a condominium association, about once a year, one of the owners would advocate letting the guys on our grounds crew bring their families to use the pool. As an annual event, this works well along with a picnic, etc. However, as a daily thing, this is just not practical. People pay a quarter of a million dollars or more to acquire not just a home, but a quality of life. They have earned this. If you pay to be surrounded by those that have common interests and values, you prefer not to subsidize those that have not gotten there yet. I advocate paying your employees well enough that they can support their own lifestyle as they choose. You are right that employees of TV businesses are all too often poorly paid. The most poorly paid of these are restaurant staff. Yet, all too often, I see a table of 4 seniors leave a few coins as a gratuity. True concern for these TV employees can be demonstrated by all of us every time we tip.

[GMONEY]

Yes, we have noticed how fast everything is moving! Walls (beautiful), roads, houses --- amazing. I heard they are supposed to be completely finished by January. Do you know if they are planning to sell them or use them in the rental program?

I have heard different things, depending on which day it is. It will nice in there. All of the homes will be solid poured walls. No block or stick homes, and a couple of them have pools also. So if I hear anything on the rental deal I will let you know..

[Frangyomory]

As I understand it, this complex is not considered part of the 55+ community known as the Villages, just as the Village of Parkwood development. If anyone finds out that it is and there are no amenities, it would give cause to speak to the developer. Personally, I cannot imagine anyone in the "Villages" not paying amenities.

[784caroline]

Please DONOT DONOT even try and compare Bison Valley to the Village of Parkwood. Totally different complexes....and I would never recommend anyone ever deal with the Villages Of Parkwood.

Bison Valley is NOT a 55 plus community and it has never been advertised as such. It is family orientated. However the builders that build the houses that you and I live in (TV) are the same builders that build Bison Valley Homes....and to the same construction standards for homes in The Villages. The Warranty department for Bison Valley is the same for the Villages. Residents of Bison Valley get NO VIllage ID card thus no amenities that are afforded by having an ID card. Bison Valley residents pay no Bond, minimal amenity fee (a POA is just organizing) and in fact the irrigation water is well water for each lot has its own separate well drilled on site. The only amenity the Bison Valley residents get, that residents of other communities surrounding the Villages donot get, is Golf Cart access ...Period. Bison Valley was built specifically to fill a nitch in the need for affordable family housing near and acccessible to The Villages.

The Villages of Parkwood is totally separate from Bison Valley (and the Villages) and so it should be. Bison Valley may not be part of the 55 plus community of The Villages but they are clearly and most definitley associated with the Villages...and from what I understand a GREAT place to live!!

[Pturner]

Sigh, what a brouhaha over nothing. Bison Valley residents have the same rights anyone living outside of TV does -- they can shop here; they can visit the squares; they can enjoy our restaurants; they can join and attend the public service/support group clubs meeting in the rec centers; their kids can attend the charter schools IF they are employees of TV. If their parents happen to live in TV, they can get the tri-county guest passes which allows them use of all the amenities so long as they are accompanied by their "host." The one thing they have that other tri-county residents don't have is true golf cart access (yes, others like Spruce Creek can travel to TV in carts but it is not as easy and involves dirt roads).

Now, I'm going to get blasted for this but I think it would be nice if Bison Valley residents could use our amenities if they are employees of TV (not the ones living there to be near their parents). TV employees are notoriously low paid. It wouldn't hurt us to thank them by allowing their kids to use the neighborhood pools on a hot summer day, by allowing the parent to join the clubs. Yes, a few would behave inappropriately (so do some TVers), but the majority would treat the amenties with respect since it is part of their community. This is a bill we could easily foot since we are already paying these fees -- it would cost us nothing in the dollar sense. Would it make the pools and rec centers a little more crowded? Yes, but only in the winter when the snowbirds are here and, let's face it, everything is crowded then. (And maybe even less of an impact than expected since kids would be in school and have homework, etc.)

I know the majority of you totally disagree with this and are worried that it would spill over to all residents of the Tri-Counties, but I don't think so. We are talking of a very small group -- not even all TV employees, just those living in one small area and, remember, not everyone living there works for TV. So, blast away.

Hi Red,
Is your suggestion that if you work for TV and live in Bison Valley, you can use TV amenities; but if you work for TV and live nearby but not in Bison Valley, you cannot use TV amenities? If so, help me understand the rationale.

If family use of TV amenities were offered as an employee benefit, how could this benefit be offered only to residents of Bison Valley? Because the same developer built it? Bet other employees would resent the heck out of that-- if not sue for discrimination. Developers of competing subdivisions might try to challenge the legality as well.

And if you opened TV amenities to families of all employees, nice as it sounds, it's no longer an age-restricted community, overcrowding would be an issue, etc.

What am I missing?

[GMONEY]

Holy Smoked Bacon.... BATMAN,, Not happening never will. We love where we live, dont need Village ID cards. We get along fine in Bison Valley. Same rules apply to those in Spring Arbor and Oak Meadows.. Why so a big BREW-HA over little ole us??? Go BV

[redwitch]

The reason I say limit it to Bison Valley is the ads are so dang misleading. Yes, you do find out the "amenities" you are offered are simply the stores and squares, but sometimes it is after or during the closing.

As to employees who do not live in BV, they don't have true golf cart access and this could be the argument for not allowing all employees to use the pools, etc.

As to this being a 55+ community, the reality is there are pools specifically restricted to those 30+ and there are those open to anyone who is eligible to use them. The rec centers and sports facilities are actually open to anyone who has a TV ID and that includes the 19-YO grandson living with his grandparents. So, saying it would change the basic atmosphere of TV is not accurate IMO.

I don't think it would cause resentment in employees outside of BV simply because BV is the only (that I know of) local community/development that is specifically allowed entry via golf cart. (Yes, I know others do it, but they skirt around the rules and are not technically invited to use their golf carts here.) BTW -- I'm talking strictly about EMPLOYEES, not contractors or sub-contractors.

And GM, I understand and appreciate how happy you are to live in BV and don't mind not getting the use of the amenities. I just happen to think there would be little to no harm in allowing employee residents of BV to use at least some of the amenities.