The Villages Resident Survey

[Kahuna32162]

Just got our letter about the upcoming Villages Resident Survey, online from 3/7 to 4/3. Thought it might be a good time to start jotting some suggestions for this year's survey

Charging stations in the squares
Registering Golf Carts
Better/More restaurant choices in Spanish Springs
Posted cart speed limits
Stepped up speed enforcement throughout

and dog poop, because that always gets responses :rant-rave:

[xkeowner]

Four suggestions for more big brother government controls or handouts (charging stations). Guess I will have to see if there are others posted I CAN support.

[Bosoxfan]

:agree::pepper2:Four suggestions for more big brother government controls or handouts (charging stations). Guess I will have to see if there are others posted I CAN support.

:BigApplause:

[Bosoxfan]

How about lighted pickleball courts for those of us that work during the day. Also lighted softball fields.

[Jim 9922]

Four suggestions for more big brother government controls or handouts (charging stations). Guess I will have to see if there are others posted I CAN support.



:agree:


Seems to be too much of "gimme the free stuff" and let "big brother" wrap me in bubble wrap going around !
I have found most of the past surveys are comprised of leading questions or those that are self serving to the Developer. I would love to see the responses to questions concerning correction of major design errors such as cart traffic south of Hy 466 on Morse Blvd or the need for a cross over tunnel under Morse Blvd at the Hy 466 Morse Blvd gate, or widen the Lake Sumter bridge cart path, or who should pay for the apparent shoddy underpinnings for the island built on swampland in the middle of the Lake Sumter Bridge (note that the lake is privately owned, the road is owned by the county), change the traffic light left turn signals in our major intersections to prohibit turns when the opposing traffic has the green light, etc. Yes, some of these corrections will cost money and who should pay for it, The CDDs, The Developer who originally did the work and assessed all the homeowners under the "bond" scheme, the county governments who happily took over "ownership" of the roads for "free" just as soon as the Developer finished building them, should we build a new special covered/enclosed pool? or a combination of ???. Not easy questions to answer or maybe even fund, so probably nothing will ever be done about these and other major problems.
So, many of the Questions center around our "lifestyle"; how many times do you eat out?, how many times do you golf (who cares, there is a finite number of course available to the whole Villages and already there are a bunch of rules as to usage)?, how many times do you go shopping?, where? what hospital?, etc. All nice statistics for marketing rental space to outside commercial establishments.

[DonH57]

Yes it's that time of year again to make my comments made on the survey. I concentrate on what restaurants I want to see in the villages and golf course improvements.

[spring_chicken]

"change the traffic light left turn signals in our major intersections to prohibit turns when the opposing traffic has the green light,"

This is a joke right?

[asianthree]

We are pretty happy with everything, but would like to see window tag to open the gates. Putting down your window every time is a pain with your gate pass

[dotti105]

1. Recycling cans at the mail stations. I see so many residents sorting their mail into the trash, because they don't want to take their junk mail home.

2. Better signage directing drivers to the starter shacks.

3. Golf cart ID or registration stickers when paying trail fees.

4. Another golf cart tunnel under 466A. We need one at Buena Vista.

Hmmmm.....still thinking.....

[golfing eagles]

"change the traffic light left turn signals in our major intersections to prohibit turns when the opposing traffic has the green light,"

This is a joke right?

I wish it were. Check out the 78 posts on the thread "Traffic accidents at Powell Rd and Rt. 44"

[golfing eagles]

1. Recycling cans at the mail stations. I see so many residents sorting their mail into the trash, because they don't want to take their junk mail home.

2. Better signage directing drivers to the starter shacks.

3. Golf cart ID or registration stickers when paying trail fees.

4. Another golf cart tunnel under 466A. We need one at Buena Vista.

Hmmmm.....still thinking.....

Unless I'm hallucinating, there is one under 466A near Buena Vista--I used it today (or maybe I just dreamt that I did). But I do think one at Canal and 466A would be a help

[CassieInVa]

I think the lack of lights on Pickleball Courts is perhaps because those that live close enough to hear the "pop, pop, pop" would not want to hear it during the evening while dining outside, sleeping or entertaining.

We rented a home here before buying that was not even that close to the courts, but we could hear it when the windows were open - all day long. So when we purchased, we made sure our new home was far enough away. I like to nap with the windows open. :)

[Bosoxfan]

I think the lack of lights on Pickleball Courts is perhaps because those that live close enough to hear the "pop, pop, pop" would not want to hear it during the evening while dining outside, sleeping or entertaining.

We rented a home here before buying that was not even that close to the courts, but we could hear it when the windows were open - all day long. So when we purchased, we made sure our new home was far enough away. I like to nap with the windows open. :)

I think if the lights were to go dark at 9p.m it would work. As for the sound from the game people adapt. I used to live near an airport and at first it was annoying but after a while I hardly noticed.

[Opmoochler]

The large gate from the small dog side of Atlas Dog Park to Moyer Loop should be unlocked/locked when the main gates are unlocked/locked.During a recent emergency, the ambulance crew had to climb over the rail fence and then lift their equipment and stretcher over the fence and walk down the hill to the patient.

[LuckySevens]

We are pretty happy with everything, but would like to see window tag to open the gates. Putting down your window every time is a pain with your gate pass

You are SO right about this annoying rolling down your window to swipe the gate passes. Not only annoying,, but it makes me feel uncomfortable late at night when I am coming through the gate alone. I keep my doors locked and then I have to roll down my window to get in the gate.....which makes me feel unsafe / vulnerable. Seems weird that they won't design stickers on the car that will open the gate without rolling down the window.

[LuckySevens]

Unless I'm hallucinating, there is one under 466A near Buena Vista--I used it today (or maybe I just dreamt that I did). But I do think one at Canal and 466A would be a help

What about a tunnel under Buena Vista and 466A. I hate going backwards from St. James toward Colony to actually get to Pinellas.

[tuccillo]

I believe the tunnels are typically built before the roads are done (at least that is what I have observed on the south side). In other words, the roads are built on top of the tunnels. I believe constructing a tunnel after the fact would be a bit pricey.

What about a tunnel under Buena Vista and 466A. I hate going backwards from St. James toward Colony to actually get to Pinellas.

[rubicon]

:agree:


Seems to be too much of "gimme the free stuff" and let "big brother" wrap me in bubble wrap going around !
I have found most of the past surveys are comprised of leading questions or those that are self serving to the Developer. I would love to see the responses to questions concerning correction of major design errors such as cart traffic south of Hy 466 on Morse Blvd or the need for a cross over tunnel under Morse Blvd at the Hy 466 Morse Blvd gate, or widen the Lake Sumter bridge cart path, or who should pay for the apparent shoddy underpinnings for the island built on swampland in the middle of the Lake Sumter Bridge (note that the lake is privately owned, the road is owned by the county), change the traffic light left turn signals in our major intersections to prohibit turns when the opposing traffic has the green light, etc. Yes, some of these corrections will cost money and who should pay for it, The CDDs, The Developer who originally did the work and assessed all the homeowners under the "bond" scheme, the county governments who happily took over "ownership" of the roads for "free" just as soon as the Developer finished building them, should we build a new special covered/enclosed pool? or a combination of ???. Not easy questions to answer or maybe even fund, so probably nothing will ever be done about these and other major problems.
So, many of the Questions center around our "lifestyle"; how many times do you eat out?, how many times do you golf (who cares, there is a finite number of course available to the whole Villages and already there are a bunch of rules as to usage)?, how many times do you go shopping?, where? what hospital?, etc. All nice statistics for marketing rental space to outside commercial establishments.

jim: I happen to agree with you. Unfortunately we don't get to vote on serious issues. The District Survey is something that would be nice if you lived on the Love Boat, or believe you are living on one

It appears , and I may be wrong, but some residents never consider the consequences of the suggestions they put forth, nor the cost. Maybe just maybe those who desire the Developer (VLSI) continue to rule are correct given some of the scary ideas some residents advance this time of year.

Personally I stopped filling the survey out after my second year here

And the beat goes on

[capecoralbill]

:agree:


Seems to be too much of "gimme the free stuff" and let "big brother" wrap me in bubble wrap going around ! ...............change the traffic light left turn signals in our major intersections to prohibit turns when the opposing traffic has the green light,...............

Preventing left turns sounds like Big Brother to me, and please do not put a flashing yellow arrow there, it tends to give one false confidence. My opinion. Bill

[Bogie Shooter]

The large gate from the small dog side of Atlas Dog Park to Moyer Loop should be unlocked/locked when the main gates are unlocked/locked.During a recent emergency, the ambulance crew had to climb over the rail fence and then lift their equipment and stretcher over the fence and walk down the hill to the patient.

This issue should not wait for the annual survey. Suggest you call Recreation Department and share this concern.
The number on the dog park page is 352-674-1800.

[Retiring]

I’m not a villager at this time so I don’t have a dog in the hunt but want to share my thoughts as a future villager.

You all have some great suggestions here. Just to be clear, the “free” stuff is not free. If you want to light a court or field or dog park, if you want charging stations, if you want… Someone has to pay for it.

For those that want charging stations, are you referring to pay stations? If you truly want “free” fuel for your electric cart than I’m sure you would not have a problem with “free” fuel for gas carts.

I do feel sorry for those on fixed incomes when their amenities fee starts to skyrocket. There is nothing wrong with compiling a wish list but keep in mind the financial impact to those villagers who don’t have a ton of money to spare. God has blessed me with a career that has provided well. If the amenities fee, one day, goes to $1,000/mon. I can pay it, but many cannot. Please have them in mind when suggesting and or demanding amenities.

When I was in college we had several racquetball courts. If you wanted to play late and needed light, you put a token in the meter and the lights would come on for a set amount of time. Those that wanted the lighting paid the electric bill. At that time, 30 yrs ago, I think we paid $1/30 mins of light. You can have a set number of lighted pickleball courts, away from houses (for noise), with pay as you go lighting at an amount that pays for lights/electric/maintenance of the lighting system.

A user pays system can work for more than lighting, this approach can work for charging stations too.

As for safety suggestions, such as street and traffic lights, MMP lighting/striping, signage, all benefit so that is a valid expense all should pay.

Just my opinion, worth what you paid for it :)

[joldnol]

A few lighted pools south of 466 would be nice especially in the summer.

[tuccillo]

From a practical point of view, it isn't clear to me that there is a need for charging stations. As has been pointed out by others, electric carts generally have sufficient range to get you around The Villages. In those cases where you do run out of power, there is always Cart Aide, or one of the other services, to get you home. For many carts, the charger is an external unit and would need to be carried in the cart. Also, I believe most (all?) of the chargers are 115v 15amp devices and take a considerable amount of time to charge the batteries - hours. If we consistently saw stranded electric carts all over The Villages I guess you could make the case for charging stations but that doesn't appear to be the case. Charging stations will take up space and provide questionable value, in my opinion.

I’m not a villager at this time so I don’t have a dog in the hunt but want to share my thoughts as a future villager.

You all have some great suggestions here. Just to be clear, the “free” stuff is not free. If you want to light a court or field or dog park, if you want charging stations, if you want… Someone has to pay for it.

For those that want charging stations, are you referring to pay stations? If you truly want “free” fuel for your electric cart than I’m sure you would not have a problem with “free” fuel for gas carts.

I do feel sorry for those on fixed incomes when their amenities fee starts to skyrocket. There is nothing wrong with compiling a wish list but keep in mind the financial impact to those villagers who don’t have a ton of money to spare. God has blessed me with a career that has provided well. If the amenities fee, one day, goes to $1,000/mon. I can pay it, but many cannot. Please have them in mind when suggesting and or demanding amenities.

When I was in college we had several racquetball courts. If you wanted to play late and needed light, you put a token in the meter and the lights would come on for a set amount of time. Those that wanted the lighting paid the electric bill. At that time, 30 yrs ago, I think we paid $1/30 mins of light. You can have a set number of lighted pickleball courts, away from houses (for noise), with pay as you go lighting at an amount that pays for lights/electric/maintenance of the lighting system.

A user pays system can work for more than lighting, this approach can work for charging stations too.

As for safety suggestions, such as street and traffic lights, MMP lighting/striping, signage, all benefit so that is a valid expense all should pay.

Just my opinion, worth what you paid for it :)

[blyarbrough]

Just got our letter about the upcoming Villages Resident Survey, online from 3/7 to 4/3. Thought it might be a good time to start jotting some suggestions for this year's survey

Charging stations in the squares
Registering Golf Carts
Better/More restaurant choices in Spanish Springs
Posted cart speed limits
Stepped up speed enforcement throughout

and dog poop, because that always gets responses :rant-rave:

You should read the paper.....it's about 90% right. I was there in the tunnel. It was NO fault of the golf cart, speed, drinking etc. It was the SUV driver who blacked out and drove over the curb thru a stop sign, etc and crashed into the cart and person walking. NO FAULT OF THE GOLF CART.

The real problem in the Villages is: OVER POPULATION...... I know many of you will castigated me again over this statement but think about it and just look around. Just too many people and cars in a small location with limited resources......damn near "New York City" of the retirement community arena. Getting too big. Yea, I hear you “Move if you don’t like it”……Thanks

[golfing eagles]

You should read the paper.....it's about 90% right. I was there in the tunnel. It was NO fault of the golf cart, speed, drinking etc. It was the SUV driver who blacked out and drove over the curb thru a stop sign, etc and crashed into the cart and person walking. NO FAULT OF THE GOLF CART.

The real problem in the Villages is: OVER POPULATION...... I know many of you will castigated me again over this statement but think about it and just look around. Just too many people and cars in a small location with limited resources......damn near "New York City" of the retirement community arena. Getting too big. Yea, I hear you “Move if you don’t like it”……Thanks

Population density of TV---1315.6/ sq mile
Population density of Manhattan----70,826/sq mile

NOT EVEN CLOSE

For comparison---density of Sun City---1303/sq mile
density of Scottsdale AZ---1212/sq mile

I think TV fits right into the norm of planned retirement communities that generally offer smaller lots and homes for less maintenance with centralized amenities and shopping.

[golfing eagles]

Seriously. Do any of you really believe that anyone really cares for your inputs. Tell me if you will, what changes as a result of this BS?

A good question for long time residents of TV who have participated in 15 or 20 of these. BTW, how many have you been here for?

[graciegirl]

Seriously. Do any of you really believe that anyone really cares for your inputs. Tell me if you will, what changes as a result of this BS?



I am not quite sure WHOSE BS you are referring to but if you are talking about the survey, in the past people would mention what store or business they wish would be here and that would be used to point out to that business or store that they were being requested to open here. Eventually we got most of their attention so we have seen Sam's and Michaels and Joann's and Home Goods and Steinmart and a number of chain restaurants open here in the time I have lived here.


The problem has been that the growth of this place has been so rapid that the demographers who businesses consult have not kept up. Just like your sister in law finds it hard to believe how big this town is, so do businesses. I laugh at all the business HomeGoods lost accessorizing all those new homes because they were not aware of us.


The developers can't make businesses come here but they build to suit when they do commit.

Oh, and welcome to the forum, Abby's mom. Is Abby a furry or a child?

[tuccillo]

The last number I saw was 34 square miles and a population of 100K+. That would put the density at about 3000/sq. mile

Population density of TV---1315.6/ sq mile
Population density of Manhattan----70,826/sq mile

NOT EVEN CLOSE

For comparison---density of Sun City---1303/sq mile
density of Scottsdale AZ---1212/sq mile

I think TV fits right into the norm of planned retirement communities that generally offer smaller lots and homes for less maintenance with centralized amenities and shopping.

[golfing eagles]

The last number I saw was 34 square miles and a population of 100K+. That would put the density at about 3000/sq. mile

That's what I thought also, but:

The Villages, FL Population Growth and Population Statistics - CLRSearch (http://www.clrsearch.com/The-Villages-Demographics/FL/Population-Growth-and-Population-Statistics)

They may be using the full time 2012 population, but no idea if the same is true of the comparables as well

[blyarbrough]

More about Car Accident in the villages area.........

ARTICLE: Investigation nearly complete in death of 3 workers
ARTICLE: Volusia to pay $300K after crash kills Astor woman, infant
ARTICLE: Motorist dies after being pulled from water following crash
ARTICLE: Lady Lake driver crashes into Burger King

More about Crash

ARTICLE: Investigation nearly complete in death of 3 workers
ARTICLE: Motorist dies after being pulled from water following crash
ARTICLE: DeLand motorist killed in crash in east Lake
ARTICLE: No injuries in 3-vehicle, Leesburg crash

[graciegirl]

More about Car Accident in the villages area.........

ARTICLE: Investigation nearly complete in death of 3 workers
ARTICLE: Volusia to pay $300K after crash kills Astor woman, infant
ARTICLE: Motorist dies after being pulled from water following crash
ARTICLE: Lady Lake driver crashes into Burger King

More about Crash

ARTICLE: Investigation nearly complete in death of 3 workers
ARTICLE: Motorist dies after being pulled from water following crash
ARTICLE: DeLand motorist killed in crash in east Lake
ARTICLE: No injuries in 3-vehicle, Leesburg crash





I am pretty sure that you are trying to make a point that we are too big, but I don't understand this post.

[coffeebean]

............So, many of the Questions center around our "lifestyle"; how many times do you eat out?, how many times do you golf (who cares, there is a finite number of course available to the whole Villages and already there are a bunch of rules as to usage)?, how many times do you go shopping?, where? what hospital?, etc. All nice statistics for marketing rental space to outside commercial establishments.

Speaking of commercial establishments........COSTCO PLEASE!

[coffeebean]

We are pretty happy with everything, but would like to see window tag to open the gates. Putting down your window every time is a pain with your gate pass

I go through the Mallory gate and Odell gate at Morse Blvd. regularly. My gate pass opens both of those gates without having to open my window. I just pull close enough to the pad and put my gate pass up to the window. Both gates open every time without having to roll down the window.

[coffeebean]

A few lighted pools south of 466 would be nice especially in the summer.

Are there lighted pools north of 466? If not, why not include those folks for being able to use the pools after dark?

[graciegirl]

Are there lighted pools north of 466? If not, why not include those folks for being able to use the pools after dark?



Those lighted pools are for everyone who lives here. You just need to drive to them if you want to swim at night.

[coffeebean]

............. Just too many people and cars in a small location with limited resources......damn near "New York City" of the retirement community arena. Getting too big. Yea, I hear you “Move if you don’t like it”……Thanks

Uh....not even close. Have you been to NYC?

[coffeebean]

Seriously. Do any of you really believe that anyone really cares for your inputs. Tell me if you will, what changes as a result of this BS?

We now have a PAC. That was a frequent request every year on the survey.

[coffeebean]

Those lighted pools are for everyone who lives here. You just need to drive to them if you want to swim at night.

Which pools are lit at night, north of 466? Wonder why none of the pools south of 466 aren't lit? Swimming at night, especially in the summer, has to be one of the luxuries in life (if you're a swimmer).

[joldnol]

Which pools are lit at night, north of 466? Wonder why none of the pools south of 466 aren't lit? Swimming at night, especially in the summer, has to be one of the luxuries in life (if you're a swimmer).

4 pools in the historic district are open at night. There is no good reason at least 4 south of 466 couldn't be lit also. It would not be a "freebie" and a much needed amenity for those less heat tolerant or for those that have o avoid the sun. Grace it is a twenty minute drive for those of us in the south and that's by car.

[RickeyD]

That's what I thought also, but:

The Villages, FL Population Growth and Population Statistics - CLRSearch (http://www.clrsearch.com/The-Villages-Demographics/FL/Population-Growth-and-Population-Statistics)

They may be using the full time 2012 population, but no idea if the same is true of the comparables as well

The male/female ratio seems more interesting :coolsmiley:

[rubicon]

That's what I thought also, but:

The Villages, FL Population Growth and Population Statistics - CLRSearch (http://www.clrsearch.com/The-Villages-Demographics/FL/Population-Growth-and-Population-Statistics)

They may be using the full time 2012 population, but no idea if the same is true of the comparables as well

Crowded is as crowded does any way you cut it. If this place get any larger there going to have to replace gate attendants with traffic cops at Bailey Trail, Lake Sumter and Buena Vista, etc

[outlaw]

Are there lighted pools north of 466? If not, why not include those folks for being able to use the pools after dark?

At least two of the priority pools north of 466 are lighted sufficiently to stay open after dark. I think they stay open until 9 and 10PM. If you haven't visited the country club(?) pool in the historic district, it's worth a trip. Big waterfall, and a spa under the waterfall.

[outlaw]

Anyone for more helipads? Lighted, of course.

[photo1902]

Anyone for more helipads? Lighted, of course.

and we could use a few more mattress stores, auto parts stores and banks.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

I go through the Mallory gate and Odell gate at Morse Blvd. regularly. My gate pass opens both of those gates without having to open my window. I just pull close enough to the pad and put my gate pass up to the window. Both gates open every time without having to roll down the window.

I love this piece of info. Also the gate at Belvedere does that when you come in from off of 466 near CVS.

My friend lives in a retirement community and they have a Sunpass type of screening device on their windshield that opens her gates. It's very easy and convenient for her. I would like that here too. Good idea.

[Opmoochler]

This issue should not wait for the annual survey. Suggest you call Recreation Department and share this concern.
The number on the dog park page is 352-674-1800.

Done. Thanks for sending me in the right direction. What surprises me is that nothing was done about improving emergency access right after the Public Safety guys and then the EMT's had to climb over the fence. We'll see how long it takes to implement the lock/unlock suggestion!

[Barefoot]

How about lighted pickleball courts for those of us that work during the day. Also lighted softball fields.

A few lighted pools south of 466 would be nice especially in the summer.

Are there lighted pools north of 466? If not, why not include those folks for being able to use the pools after dark?

Anyone for more helipads? Lighted, of course.

:doggie: I would like a dog park for the thousands of dogs that live south of CR 466 and north of CR 466A.
It would keep dogs away from the postal areas which is a major complaint.
Lighted of course, to provide access at night for those who work.
The current small dog park is on a hill behind the Fire Station with restricted hours.

Heck, I'd be very happy with an unlighted dog park open during the day only, as long as it's not on a hill!! :doggie:

[billybye]

A good question for long time residents of TV who have participated in 15 or 20 of these. BTW, how many have you been here for?

I don't participate in survey. Too many personal questions and doubt that any suggestions from residents mean much to the developer unless it makes them money. And I am not saying this attitude is wrong, they are in business to make money and selling our personal info is profitable.

[Challenger]

I don't participate in survey. Too many personal questions and doubt that any suggestions from residents mean much to the developer unless it makes them money. And I am not saying this attitude is wrong, they are in business to make money and selling our personal info is profitable.

Do you have some factual evidence that info on the survey is sold for profit?

[Barefoot]

I don't participate in survey. Too many personal questions and doubt that any suggestions from residents mean much to the developer unless it makes them money.

Participating in a survey is optional, just like voting. Just don't complain if your voice isn't heard.

Write-in comments are probably the ones collected and highlighted to the Developers.
For instance, there is no way the Developers are going to make every pool a lighted pool and open at night. Cost prohibitive plus safety issues.
However if the Developers received thousands of write-in comments from people who wanted one lighted pool in a central Village,
I bet they would listen.

[Bogie Shooter]

Participating in a survey is optional, just like voting. Just don't complain if your voice isn't heard.

Write-in comments are probably the ones collected and highlighted to the Developers.
For instance, there is no way the Developers are going to make every pool a lighted pool and open at night. Cost prohibitive plus safety issues.
However if the Developers received thousands of write-in comments from people who wanted one lighted pool in a central Village,
I bet they would listen.

More than likely it would be The Villages Community Development Districts (VCDD) and not the Developer that would be listening.

[Barefoot]

More than likely it would be The Villages Community Development Districts (VCDD) and not the Developer that would be listening.
Thanks for the information Bogie, I'm sure you're right.
My point was that unless thousands of residents write in a similar comment, it probably won't get much attention.
I don't see anything wrong with The Developer providing resident information to stores and restaurants that may want to open in The Villages.

[Challenger]

Participating in a survey is optional, just like voting. Just don't complain if your voice isn't heard.

Write-in comments are probably the ones collected and highlighted to the Developers.
For instance, there is no way the Developers are going to make every pool a lighted pool and open at night. Cost prohibitive plus safety issues.
However if the Developers received thousands of write-in comments from people who wanted one lighted pool in a central Village,
I bet they would listen.

Maybe , but it is easy to say you want something in a survey (no personal commitment). When it comes to making the project financially viable, many of the positive respondents become very hard to locate.

[Allegiance]

Is there any assurances that the developer can not associate the survey with the submitting house. It would be nice but I doubt it.

[villagetinker]

Is there any assurances that the developer can not associate the survey with the submitting house. It would be nice but I doubt it.

Interesting question, since the letter I received had specific user ID numbers to be entered. Almost always avoid any surveys that I think are traceable to the end user (aka me). In this case I will look very carefully at the intro text to see if the data and comments are made anonymous. As someone else pointed out, and as I recall there are some very personal questions. Will need to look at these, and if these are too personal, I will opt out....
I have a general case of paranoia, and with a very few exceptions, I tend to keep a low profile on the web, and share very little personal info. As I recall last year, I started the survey, and found the questions very intrusive, so I stopped.
Hopefully this year less intrusive..............

[Topspinmo]

How about lighted pickleball courts for those of us that work during the day. Also lighted softball fields.


Yes baby, I'm all for the lighted pickleball courts and I don't work during the day:BigApplause: I play handball need couple courts also:D

[kcrazorbackfan]

:agree:


Seems to be too much of "gimme the free stuff" and let "big brother" wrap me in bubble wrap going around !
I have found most of the past surveys are comprised of leading questions or those that are self serving to the Developer. I would love to see the responses to questions concerning correction of major design errors such as cart traffic south of Hy 466 on Morse Blvd or the need for a cross over tunnel under Morse Blvd at the Hy 466 Morse Blvd gate, or widen the Lake Sumter bridge cart path, or who should pay for the apparent shoddy underpinnings for the island built on swampland in the middle of the Lake Sumter Bridge (note that the lake is privately owned, the road is owned by the county), change the traffic light left turn signals in our major intersections to prohibit turns when the opposing traffic has the green light, etc. Yes, some of these corrections will cost money and who should pay for it, The CDDs, The Developer who originally did the work and assessed all the homeowners under the "bond" scheme, the county governments who happily took over "ownership" of the roads for "free" just as soon as the Developer finished building them, should we build a new special covered/enclosed pool? or a combination of ???. Not easy questions to answer or maybe even fund, so probably nothing will ever be done about these and other major problems.
So, many of the Questions center around our "lifestyle"; how many times do you eat out?, how many times do you golf (who cares, there is a finite number of course available to the whole Villages and already there are a bunch of rules as to usage)?, how many times do you go shopping?, where? what hospital?, etc. All nice statistics for marketing rental space to outside commercial establishments.

Wow......

[Topspinmo]

4 pools in the historic district are open at night. There is no good reason at least 4 south of 466 couldn't be lit also. It would not be a "freebie" and a much needed amenity for those less heat tolerant or for those that have o avoid the sun. Grace it is a twenty minute drive for those of us in the south and that's by car.

I thought there were only two pools open after dark or sunset. paradise and Chula Vista?

[Topspinmo]

I’m not a villager at this time so I don’t have a dog in the hunt but want to share my thoughts as a future villager.

You all have some great suggestions here. Just to be clear, the “free” stuff is not free. If you want to light a court or field or dog park, if you want charging stations, if you want… Someone has to pay for it.

For those that want charging stations, are you referring to pay stations? If you truly want “free” fuel for your electric cart than I’m sure you would not have a problem with “free” fuel for gas carts.

I do feel sorry for those on fixed incomes when their amenities fee starts to skyrocket. There is nothing wrong with compiling a wish list but keep in mind the financial impact to those villagers who don’t have a ton of money to spare. God has blessed me with a career that has provided well. If the amenities fee, one day, goes to $1,000/mon. I can pay it, but many cannot. Please have them in mind when suggesting and or demanding amenities.

When I was in college we had several racquetball courts. If you wanted to play late and needed light, you put a token in the meter and the lights would come on for a set amount of time. Those that wanted the lighting paid the electric bill. At that time, 30 yrs ago, I think we paid $1/30 mins of light. You can have a set number of lighted pickleball courts, away from houses (for noise), with pay as you go lighting at an amount that pays for lights/electric/maintenance of the lighting system.

A user pays system can work for more than lighting, this approach can work for charging stations too.

As for safety suggestions, such as street and traffic lights, MMP lighting/striping, signage, all benefit so that is a valid expense all should pay.

Just my opinion, worth what you paid for it :)


Like you said you have NO dog in the fight, therefore no input. :posting:

[Topspinmo]

From a practical point of view, it isn't clear to me that there is a need for charging stations. As has been pointed out by others, electric carts generally have sufficient range to get you around The Villages. In those cases where you do run out of power, there is always Cart Aide, or one of the other services, to get you home. For many carts, the charger is an external unit and would need to be carried in the cart. Also, I believe most (all?) of the chargers are 115v 15amp devices and take a considerable amount of time to charge the batteries - hours. If we consistently saw stranded electric carts all over The Villages I guess you could make the case for charging stations but that doesn't appear to be the case. Charging stations will take up space and provide questionable value, in my opinion.

That fact jack, it they want charging station they can bring they're own portable generator:thumbup::D

[Topspinmo]

I think the lack of lights on Pickleball Courts is perhaps because those that live close enough to hear the "pop, pop, pop" would not want to hear it during the evening while dining outside, sleeping or entertaining.

We rented a home here before buying that was not even that close to the courts, but we could hear it when the windows were open - all day long. So when we purchased, we made sure our new home was far enough away. I like to nap with the windows open. :)

IMO there are two places not close to housing right off 441 that traffic noise would muffle the courts noise. Two courts at paridise and across the street at la hacienda. No housing close plus the noise at the square. I agree 9 or 10 PM lights out like on th paridise tennis courts which are pay for play.

[joldnol]

I thought there were only two pools open after dark or sunset. paradise and Chula Vista?

southside and hilltop too

[CFrance]

I go through the Mallory gate and Odell gate at Morse Blvd. regularly. My gate pass opens both of those gates without having to open my window. I just pull close enough to the pad and put my gate pass up to the window. Both gates open every time without having to roll down the window.
We've talked about this before. Not everyone's pass opens gates from inside the car. Ours doesn't open any gate we use the most, but our friends' does. Their pass is much older than ours, so maybe they were made differently.

And oddly, ours opened the Belvedere gate from inside the car for two years, and then stopped.

[Jim 9922]

For all you lighted pool buffs; retrofitting an existing pool is probably not fiscally feasible. Night lighted pools are lit with underwater lights which means you have to drain the pool, knock holes in the existing structure, reinforce the breached areas for strength and to reinstate overall structural integrity, and finally, tear up the pool deck to lay in the electrical cables.
If another lighted pool shows up in The Villages I will guess that it will be a new one in a developing area or a complete replacement of a pool which has gone bad for some reason.

[Topspinmo]

southside and hilltop too

I frogot the name of hilltop, I called it paradise. So, that three that were the older pools? I thing the rest was made only for daylight hours?

[golfing eagles]

For all you lighted pool buffs; retrofitting an existing pool is probably not fiscally feasible. Night lighted pools are lit with underwater lights which means you have to drain the pool, knock holes in the existing structure, reinforce the breached areas for strength and to reinstate overall structural integrity, and finally, tear up the pool deck to lay in the electrical cables.
If another lighted pool shows up in The Villages I will guess that it will be a new one in a developing area or a complete replacement of a pool which has gone bad for some reason.

Would it really require all that? I'm not sure that those advocating "lighted" pools are talking about underwater lights inside the pool, wouldn't just overhead lighting be adequate? If the pool perimeter needs to be better defined at night, could fiberoptic LEDs be drilled in above the water line and accomplish that goal at minimum cost? I don't even know what the pool construction is, so just throwing it out there.

[photo1902]

Would it really require all that? I'm not sure that those advocating "lighted" pools are talking about underwater lights inside the pool, wouldn't just overhead lighting be adequate? If the pool perimeter needs to be better defined at night, could fiberoptic LEDs be drilled in above the water line and accomplish that goal at minimum cost? I don't even know what the pool construction is, so just throwing it out there.

I believe code requires lighting inside the pool, to include illuminating the bottom, so I don't think lighting only the deck would ever suffice.

[golfing eagles]

I believe code requires lighting inside the pool, to include illuminating the bottom, so I don't think lighting only the deck would ever suffice.

Good point. Could fiberoptic lights above the water line illuminate the bottom, which would probably be the biggest safety issue? These lights are "inside" the pool, but whether code regulations consider them to be so is a different question

[dmorhome]

Just put a sensor on gate pillar to open ,after you stop.we are not a full gated community.

[Jim 9922]

I believe code requires lighting inside the pool, to include illuminating the bottom, so I don't think lighting only the deck would ever suffice.



That is correct in all states I know of. Most states have the same requirement for true indoor pools.

[marianne237]

Well, it seemed this posting was for the survey and suggestions about what we might like to see here....yes, the Michaels, Sams's Clubs, etc., etc. are great, and needed. Glad too to see a few more restaurants, but we still could use a few more. And with rte. 44 being improved, I hope some good spots go in that area.
Personally, I'd like to see a Boston Market and an outlet store for Omaha Steaks.

[Barefoot]

Just put a sensor on gate pillar to open ,after you stop.we are not a full gated community.
In my humble opinion, that is a great idea.
It would allow for both traffic control, and for the camera to take a picture.
I don't think I've seen this idea mentioned previously.
Maybe not the correct thread to suggest new ideas about gate control, but nevertheless a good idea.

[xNYer]

How about lighted pickleball courts for those of us that work during the day. Also lighted softball fields.

More big brother handouts. - lighted pickleball courts and softball fields.

[joldnol]

I frogot the name of hilltop, I called it paradise. So, that three that were the older pools? I thing the rest was made only for daylight hours?

you were correct because the paradise pool is lit too. Paradise, hilltop, southside and chula vista

[RErmer]

Say what you want (as we all do on this forum), but this is the only place I have ever lived where there actually is an annual survey. It's hard to point at concrete results from survey comments, yet we do have more shopping and restaurants at what I imagine were frequently-mentioned establishments in they survey. Was it the survey, or did those vendors realize the opportunity here? Who cares! I think everyone should take the survey by responding honestly and thoughtfully.

[DonH57]

Did I miss any comments on golf course suggestions ?

[joldnol]

Did I miss any comments on golf course suggestions ?

What are your suggestions?

[simpkinp]

I believe the Developer uses the suggestions in the survey to let popular businesses and restaurants of our interests. I am not that wary of a little survey I have taken for 7 years.

[NY_Newbie]

Recycling bins at mail boxes

[asianthree]

[QUOTE=RErmer;1191357]Say what you want (as we all do on this forum), but this is the only place I have ever lived where there actually is an annual survey.


I never thought about that, but you are right. How lucky we are

[jebartle]

Golf starting times for Men's and Ladies Day is too early, especially in the winter. It is one thing to start at the coldest time of day but the darkest also!! Why not start the executive Ladies and Mens Day at 8:15 or later. Keep in mind, this applies to a few executives courses, really, how much loss of revenue are we talking about? Sure would make for MORE participation in Ladies and Men's Day.

[Bogie Shooter]

Recycling bins at mail boxes

Carry your junk mail home..................................

[Newbeginnings]

I go through the Mallory gate and Odell gate at Morse Blvd. regularly. My gate pass opens both of those gates without having to open my window. I just pull close enough to the pad and put my gate pass up to the window. Both gates open every time without having to roll down the window.

Not all vehicles allow you to hold pass up through window, our last SUV we could just hold up the pass through the window, our newest car (2015 ) doesn't work that way anymore, I don't know if it's the thicker double glass or tint, but doesn't work, have to roll down window.

[Topspinmo]

More big brother handouts. - lighted pickleball courts and softball fields.

The piclkeball courts could be pay for play like the tennis courts at paridise park. Plus there are only two courts there with no housing close, same across the street at L H courts, plus the highway noise from 441 will muffle most of the pop from some paddles from players than can put pace on the whiffle ball. So no big brother freebies which I know Ne'ers don't allow :shrug:

[outlaw]

Carry your junk mail home..................................

It's not our junk mail. It's the USPS's junk mail. They promote it to stay alive.

[Jima64]

Like you said you have NO dog in the fight, therefore no input. :posting:

As a future resident he has everynright to the survey. As a lot of people also have.

[outlaw]

It's a sugar pill.

[Taltarzac725]

https://www.bostonmarket.com/locations/

Really miss Boston Market. We would go there weekly when we lived in Palm Harbor, FL from 1996-2005.

The Villages could use a Boston Market and it would probably do very well in the right location. Hopefully, close to CR466.

[Taltarzac725]

https://www.ymcasuncoast.org/locations/greater-palm-harbor-branch

We should get a YMCA with a diving pool and that is open at night as well.

the Y: About Us (http://www.ymca.net/about-us)

There should be enough young people-- children of Villages' employees-- to qualify for a YMCA here??

[jchase]

I bet the people who live near the pools wouldn't want pools lit after dark!

[photo1902]

[QUOTE=dotti105;1189487]1. Recycling cans at the mail stations. I see so many residents sorting their mail into the trash, because they don't want to take their junk mail home.

:BigApplause:

[Bosoxfan]

More big brother handouts. - lighted pickleball courts and softball fields.

I believe there are lighted tennis courts. Why not pickleball & softball?

[Bosoxfan]

Carry your junk mail home..................................

:pepper2::BigApplause:

[Bosoxfan]

Free Christmas golf should be for residents only!! Allowing guests is a recent thing that was probably suggested in the survey but I feel this just crowds the courses to the point where most residents don't want to deal with it. Change it back PLEASE!!!

[Fraugoofy]

4 pools in the historic district are open at night. There is no good reason at least 4 south of 466 couldn't be lit also. It would not be a "freebie" and a much needed amenity for those less heat tolerant or for those that have o avoid the sun. Grace it is a twenty minute drive for those of us in the south and that's by car.
Which four pool are they? I'd like to go there. Thanks.

[joldnol]

Which four pool are they? I'd like to go there. Thanks.

chula vista, paradise, southside & hilltop

[DonH57]

I've never seen so much junk mail. It's almost a daily barrage of car dealer pamphlets,cremation service, and other useless mailers that won't be riding back to the house with me.

[mixsonci]

:agree:


Seems to be too much of "gimme the free stuff" and let "big brother" wrap me in bubble wrap going around !
I have found most of the past surveys are comprised of leading questions or those that are self serving to the Developer. I would love to see the responses to questions concerning correction of major design errors such as cart traffic south of Hy 466 on Morse Blvd or the need for a cross over tunnel under Morse Blvd at the Hy 466 Morse Blvd gate, or widen the Lake Sumter bridge cart path, or who should pay for the apparent shoddy underpinnings for the island built on swampland in the middle of the Lake Sumter Bridge (note that the lake is privately owned, the road is owned by the county), change the traffic light left turn signals in our major intersections to prohibit turns when the opposing traffic has the green light, etc. Yes, some of these corrections will cost money and who should pay for it, The CDDs, The Developer who originally did the work and assessed all the homeowners under the "bond" scheme, the county governments who happily took over "ownership" of the roads for "free" just as soon as the Developer finished building them, should we build a new special covered/enclosed pool? or a combination of ???. Not easy questions to answer or maybe even fund, so probably nothing will ever be done about these and other major problems.
So, many of the Questions center around our "lifestyle"; how many times do you eat out?, how many times do you golf (who cares, there is a finite number of course available to the whole Villages and already there are a bunch of rules as to usage)?, how many times do you go shopping?, where? what hospital?, etc. All nice statistics for marketing rental space to outside commercial establishments.
Well said, I totally agree with everything you said here, especially the green arrow left turns, that has been a constant pet peeve of mine and I believe the cause of many accidents.

[mixsonci]

I bet the people who live near the pools wouldn't want pools lit after dark!

The Collier pool for instance has no homes around it, so wouldn't impact anyone at night. I'm sure there must be others like that.

[dotti105]

What about a tunnel under Buena Vista and 466A. I hate going backwards from St. James toward Colony to actually get to Pinellas.

They are going to have quite a bottle neck at 466A once all the new homes in the southwestern part of TV are occupied.

There are technically 2 now, one at the "the Summit Grande" and one at Colony, but they are very close to each other and don't disperse the traffic very well to the north.

[dotti105]

I go through the Mallory gate and Odell gate at Morse Blvd. regularly. My gate pass opens both of those gates without having to open my window. I just pull close enough to the pad and put my gate pass up to the window. Both gates open every time without having to roll down the window.

Hubby and I never roll down our windows either. Placing the pass against the window glass does the trick... you just have to learn how close to pull up next to the sensor and how high or low to place your pass.

Easy Peasy!

[dotti105]

Recycling bins at mail boxes

It kills me to see residents putting all their junk mail in the trash at the mail stations. Why can't they wait and put in in their recycling at home????

I would hope that a recycling can at the mail stations would help.

[outlaw]

https://www.ymcasuncoast.org/locations/greater-palm-harbor-branch

We should get a YMCA with a diving pool and that is open at night as well.

the Y: About Us (http://www.ymca.net/about-us)

There should be enough young people-- children of Villages' employees-- to qualify for a YMCA here??

Really?! How about a playground, too?

[dbussone]

I've never seen so much junk mail. It's almost a daily barrage of car dealer pamphlets,cremation service, and other useless mailers that won't be riding back to the house with me.


I prefer the junk mail from financial advisors, and those who sell annuities. Obviously a higher quality of junk mail.

::jester::

[outlaw]

I prefer the junk mail from financial advisors, and those who sell annuities. Obviously a higher quality of junk mail.

::jester::

It's pretty much the only thing the USPS delivers anymore. They're on life support.

[DonH57]

I prefer the junk mail from financial advisors, and those who sell annuities. Obviously a higher quality of junk mail.

::jester::

Ahh, Yes. I forgot about them and their free luncheons.:pepper2:

[dotti105]

It would be great to have some picnic areas under the big trees by Eisenhower.

We have seen nice picnic areas under the big oaks near Hacienda Villas off of Morse and in the Lake Sumter area.

I would also suggest a playground south of 466A, for all the grandkids who visit!

[coalminer]

Restore Katie Belles back to its original venue. Not expecting it to happen ,but its fun to wish. While Im wishing build a Katie Belles at each of the other squares too.

[coffeebean]

I haven't read all 11 pages of this thread so please forgive me if this has already been discussed.....

I've been a home owner in The Villages for the past eight years; three years in our current home. I have not received The Villages survey this year or any other year at my current address. Is it supposed to come in the mail or be received online? I recall receiving the survey in the mail at our other Villages home.

[coffeebean]

I love this piece of info. Also the gate at Belvedere does that when you come in from off of 466 near CVS.

My friend lives in a retirement community and they have a Sunpass type of screening device on their windshield that opens her gates. It's very easy and convenient for her. I would like that here too. Good idea.

This is a wonderful idea. Would it be too difficult or too costly to remove the current gate system and install a transponder system? That would be a wonderful upgrade to our current gate system.

[gsovas]

:agree:


Seems to be too much of "gimme the free stuff" and let "big brother" wrap me in bubble wrap going around !
I have found most of the past surveys are comprised of leading questions or those that are self serving to the Developer. I would love to see the responses to questions concerning correction of major design errors such as cart traffic south of Hy 466 on Morse Blvd or the need for a cross over tunnel under Morse Blvd at the Hy 466 Morse Blvd gate, or widen the Lake Sumter bridge cart path, or who should pay for the apparent shoddy underpinnings for the island built on swampland in the middle of the Lake Sumter Bridge (note that the lake is privately owned, the road is owned by the county), change the traffic light left turn signals in our major intersections to prohibit turns when the opposing traffic has the green light, etc. Yes, some of these corrections will cost money and who should pay for it, The CDDs, The Developer who originally did the work and assessed all the homeowners under the "bond" scheme, the county governments who happily took over "ownership" of the roads for "free" just as soon as the Developer finished building them, should we build a new special covered/enclosed pool? or a combination of ???. Not easy questions to answer or maybe even fund, so probably nothing will ever be done about these and other major problems.
So, many of the Questions center around our "lifestyle"; how many times do you eat out?, how many times do you golf (who cares, there is a finite number of course available to the whole Villages and already there are a bunch of rules as to usage)?, how many times do you go shopping?, where? what hospital?, etc. All nice statistics for marketing rental space to outside commercial establishments.

Do traffic lights
mean anything in The Villages? I was one sitting in the middle of an intersection of 466 & Rolling Acres ready to turn left into Rolling Acres. The traffic signal turned Red for the oncoming traffic and since there are 2 lanes, the car in lane one stopped for the Red Light. Even though the opposite traffic had a green light, no one moved because I was caught in the middle waiting to turn left. However, some woman in her Lincoln driving 50 mph in the first lane just came barreling through the Red light as if it was never there. Since I was in a convertible I threw my hands up at her and she just continued on her way. If I hadn't been sitting there blocking traffic, this woman would have wiped out numerous cars because she just didn't care or was not paying attention.

[The Buckeyes]

It kills me to see residents putting all their junk mail in the trash at the mail stations. Why can't they wait and put in in their recycling at home????

I would hope that a recycling can at the mail stations would help.

Dig a little deeper on this....who may be at the mail stations in the middle of the night trying to steal YOUR identity. If you don't open it you have no idea what is in side that may contain YOUR information.

[Ionic Woman]

Wi fi at every rec center
Recycling bins for junk mail

[dbussone]

Wi fi at every rec center

Recycling bins for junk mail


The regional Rec centers have free wifi, and if you are a BrightHouse customer I believe you can get free wifi at most of the neighborhood Rec centers. (I know, nothing is "free.")

[CFrance]

Do traffic lights
mean anything in The Villages? I was one sitting in the middle of an intersection of 466 & Rolling Acres ready to turn left into Rolling Acres. The traffic signal turned Red for the oncoming traffic and since there are 2 lanes, the car in lane one stopped for the Red Light. Even though the opposite traffic had a green light, no one moved because I was caught in the middle waiting to turn left. However, some woman in her Lincoln driving 50 mph in the first lane just came barreling through the Red light as if it was never there. Since I was in a convertible I threw my hands up at her and she just continued on her way. If I hadn't been sitting there blocking traffic, this woman would have wiped out numerous cars because she just didn't care or was not paying attention.
Probably knew exactly what she was doing. :crap2:
Golfing Eagle, one point for your side as to why there should be no red left turn signals!

Okay, back on topic.

[Jima64]

Wi fi at every rec center
Recycling bins for junk mail

Would be crazy to leave your junk mail in a public recycle bins. Thieves lovevthe opportunity.

[Abehmer]

The consensus of our neighbors and friends in the villages
We would love to have TRADER JOES HERE
MANDATORY seat belts for ALL golf carts
PEDESTRIAN crosswalk signage...no one stops for anyone in crosswalks here!
Window tags for gate access...
LOWER your rental fees in the squares so we can have all the EMPTY buildings occupied which would attract more people to shop and increase revenue for the restaurants
Although not eye appealing, metal/steel barriers on 466a along the golf cart paths so we do not have any more fatalities with cars and golf carts.
BROWNWOOD needs more security when TOP bands are playing...
PINE RIDGE needs a golf cart path out their gate to be able to access PUBLIX
Down the road you will need ANOTHER SQUARE....with all the additional homes going up south of 466A.....and after all a square is 4 square!
Thanks you for this lifestyle. Arlene/Village of Dunedin

[outlaw]

The consensus of our neighbors and friends in the villages
We would love to have TRADER JOES HERE
MANDATORY seat belts for ALL golf carts
PEDESTRIAN crosswalk signage...no one stops for anyone in crosswalks here!
Window tags for gate access...
LOWER your rental fees in the squares so we can have all the EMPTY buildings occupied which would attract more people to shop and increase revenue for the restaurants
Although not eye appealing, metal/steel barriers on 466a along the golf cart paths so we do not have any more fatalities with cars and golf carts.
BROWNWOOD needs more security when TOP bands are playing...
PINE RIDGE needs a golf cart path out their gate to be able to access PUBLIX
Down the road you will need ANOTHER SQUARE....with all the additional homes going up south of 466A.....and after all a square is 4 square!
Thanks you for this lifestyle. Arlene/Village of Dunedin

Some good suggestions..but please let people live their own lives. If you want seat belts, install them.

[courtyard]

The Villages to do all lawn mowing for a minimal charge.
Then we wouldn't have multiple trucks on multiple days clogging our streets.
Other retirement communities have this service.

[tuccillo]

It is probably too late for that as it is not in the documents (aka CC&Rs) you received at closing. Also, why would the CDDs want to take on that responsibility and the headaches that will follow? Also, the CDDs don't have a charter to maintain private property.


The Villages to do all lawn mowing for a minimal charge.
Then we wouldn't have multiple trucks on multiple days clogging our streets.
Other retirement communities have this service.

[graciegirl]

The Villages to do all lawn mowing for a minimal charge.
Then we wouldn't have multiple trucks on multiple days clogging our streets.
Other retirement communities have this service.



Here is my guess why "The Family" hasn't done this. It is very inexpensive to have your lawn mown here, most people I know pay around $40 a month..for a yearly contract. So that means that the kids who do it don't make a LOT of money. However the residents, SOME of the residents are picky...so that if they missed a blade of grass, blew grass clippings into the street or on the drive, came too early or too late or did the slightest thing wrong you would have to pay a plethora of customer service people to answer calls and try to fix real and imagined problems. This way the multiple trucks clogging the streets can have their wives (or husbands) answer the phone before they decide to quit doing this and do something else for a living.


Next?

[golfing eagles]

Here is my guess why "The Family" hasn't done this. It is very inexpensive to have your lawn mown here, most people I know pay around $40 a month..for a yearly contract. So that means that the kids who do it don't make a LOT of money. However the residents, SOME of the residents are picky...so that if they missed a blade of grass, blew grass clippings into the street or on the drive, came too early or too late or did the slightest thing wrong you would have to pay a plethora of customer service people to answer calls and try to fix real and imagined problems. This way the multiple trucks clogging the streets can have their wives (or husbands) answer the phone before they decide to quit doing this and do something else for a living.


Next?

Some Villagers are picky???? Surely you jest!!!:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[spring_chicken]

The Villages to do all lawn mowing for a minimal charge.
Then we wouldn't have multiple trucks on multiple days clogging our streets.
Other retirement communities have this service.

I bet you'd take that wish back if TV hired Stellar/Servicesmart to do your lawn!

[outlaw]

Here is my guess why "The Family" hasn't done this. It is very inexpensive to have your lawn mown here, most people I know pay around $40 a month..for a yearly contract. So that means that the kids who do it don't make a LOT of money. However the residents, SOME of the residents are picky...so that if they missed a blade of grass, blew grass clippings into the street or on the drive, came too early or too late or did the slightest thing wrong you would have to pay a plethora of customer service people to answer calls and try to fix real and imagined problems. This way the multiple trucks clogging the streets can have their wives (or husbands) answer the phone before they decide to quit doing this and do something else for a living.


Next?

Or maybe "the family" would just ignore the peons and their complaints like they do with everything else.

[POCA]

I would like to see each Rec center recycle glass, plastic and cans. The waste after every party and event is very sad and wasteful.

I would like to see recycling bins st the mail boxes.
Why does the Developer resist these practices that we took for granted from where we came?

[tuccillo]

The Rec centers are run by the Rec Dept which is part of the CDDs.

I would like to see each Rec center recycle glass, plastic and cans. The waste after every party and event is very sad and wasteful.

I would like to see recycling bins st the mail boxes.
Why does the Developer resist these practices that we took for granted from where we came?

[graciegirl]

Or maybe "the family" would just ignore the peons and their complaints like they do with everything else.



Tell ya what, boo boo, next time you are in a rec center, check out the chairs for the card tables or any table and compare them to your card table chairs or to your Aunt Bessie's or your rich son in law's card table chairs.


This peon doesn't feel ignored. She can go to any pristine pool and bathe, she can drive down limitless cart paths and roads and see beautifully kept vegetation on all sides and go into magnificent rec centers to paint or hang out with friends. She can go to three town centers where the buildings are like out of a painting or a book or a fairy tale. The "family" are not show offs. They don't come and stand on stage at every opportunity and toot their horn. That brings them huge atta boys from the folks from Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. Throw in Illinois and West Virginia and Tennesee and of course Texas.


Sign me Gracie, a not ignored peon.

[applesoffh]

jim: I happen to agree with you. Unfortunately we don't get to vote on serious issues. The District Survey is something that would be nice if you lived on the Love Boat, or believe you are living on one

It appears , and I may be wrong, but some residents never consider the consequences of the suggestions they put forth, nor the cost. Maybe just maybe those who desire the Developer (VLSI) continue to rule are correct given some of the scary ideas some residents advance this time of year.

Personally I stopped filling the survey out after my second year here

And the beat goes on

We did, too. One year's survey was exactly like the one before and the one after. It would be nice if the paper could post the most requested activities/stores/restaurants, etc. that Villagers use as answers. Personally, I think they just want us to feel that our opinions count. We've been here for four years, and I don't really think the powers that be care one iota what any of us think.

[asianthree]

We didn't get a survey at either house this year:shrug:

[outlaw]

we did, too. One year's survey was exactly like the one before and the one after. It would be nice if the paper could post the most requested activities/stores/restaurants, etc. That villagers use as answers. personally, i think they just want us to feel that our opinions count. we've been here for four years, and i don't really think the powers that be care one iota what any of us think.

bingo!

[outlaw]

Tell ya what, boo boo, next time you are in a rec center, check out the chairs for the card tables or any table and compare them to your card table chairs or to your Aunt Bessie's or your rich son in law's card table chairs.


This peon doesn't feel ignored. She can go to any pristine pool and bathe, she can drive down limitless cart paths and roads and see beautifully kept vegetation on all sides and go into magnificent rec centers to paint or hang out with friends. She can go to three town centers where the buildings are like out of a painting or a book or a fairy tale. The "family" are not show offs. They don't come and stand on stage at every opportunity and toot their horn. That brings them huge atta boys from the folks from Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. Throw in Illinois and West Virginia and Tennesee and of course Texas.


Sign me Gracie, a not ignored peon.

You're ignored. You just don't realize it. When's the last time you were invited to their house for dinner?

[Arubagirl33]

Our home is in the Village of Fernandina. We'd like to swim at night, too. If they have four pools in the Historic District that are available in the evenings, why would they've stopped installing lights? Maybe for the same reason the Northern Section has Resort like pools and far nicer Country Clubs, too. I'm 53 & concerned about resale if we don't keep up with our up and coming competition over the next 5 years.

[pgc4340]

Something does need to be done about the cart path/tunnel at Morse Blvd and 466. The way Morse Blvd was redone, with a cart left turn lane to the path so near the gate, it is an accident waiting to happen. Also the way the right turn lane for vehicles crosses over the cart path at Morse and Rio Grande is another accident waiting to happen.

We would also like to see more variety in shopping and dining. For the most part, when they build a new shopping area, the stores are the same as every other shopping area. We need more variety of better quality department stores. Bealls is a Florida store, not every one wants to dress in the colors and styles which are mainly intended for the elderly. I may be old, but I would rather dress with more classic style in better quality clothes. We have lived here for almost 21 years, while we have seen alot of change and growth, we still have to drive and hour or more to find a decent department store and mall.

We would also like to see some different restaurant chains. A high quality fresh Chinese restaurant that is not a soggy greasy buffet would be a plus. We are tired of the long drive to find something new. Cheesecake Factory would be nice as well. Pei Wei is a chain which cooks fresh Asian food while you wait. It is very casual, and the food is above and beyond any Asian food in our area.

[obxgal]

Our home is in the Village of Fernandina. We'd like to swim at night, too. If they have four pools in the Historic District that are available in the evenings, why would they've stopped installing lights? Maybe for the same reason the Northern Section has Resort like pools and far nicer Country Clubs, too. I'm 53 & concerned about resale if we don't keep up with our up and coming competition over the next 5 years.

The pool cleaning crews start cleaning pools at dusk and usually finish up around 3 or 4 in the morning, sometimes later. If they stay open later because you want to swim at night, when do you expect to have the pool cleaned?? BTW I've never heard of anyone having a problem with resale, can't see that being a problem even though your only 53.

[Sandtrap328]

Tell ya what, boo boo, next time you are in a rec center, check out the chairs for the card tables or any table and compare them to your card table chairs or to your Aunt Bessie's or your rich son in law's card table chairs.


This peon doesn't feel ignored. She can go to any pristine pool and bathe, she can drive down limitless cart paths and roads and see beautifully kept vegetation on all sides and go into magnificent rec centers to paint or hang out with friends. She can go to three town centers where the buildings are like out of a painting or a book or a fairy tale. The "family" are not show offs. They don't come and stand on stage at every opportunity and toot their horn. That brings them huge atta boys from the folks from Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. Throw in Illinois and West Virginia and Tennesee and of course Texas.


Sign me Gracie, a not ignored peon.

Great reply, Gracie!
Even in a sweet slice of paradise, a sour bit seems to get in once in a while.

[joldnol]

The pool cleaning crews start cleaning pools at dusk and usually finish up around 3 or 4 in the morning, sometimes later. If they stay open later because you want to swim at night, when do you expect to have the pool cleaned?? BTW I've never heard of anyone having a problem with resale, can't see that being a problem even though your only 53.

They couldn't reschedule 3 or 4 evening pools south of 466? It's not exactly rocket science.

[Jgg7933]

Regarding the comment about "just put the card up to the closed window", I have tried not opening the window and just placing the card up to the window at multiple different gates and this works about 10% of the time so overall this unfortunately does not work at MOST gates.

[JoMar]

From the view through my knothole, a lot of the responses here would impact the few, not the many and I think the District is looking for global impact. The request for stores is personal choice and your focus should be on getting the stores to look at TV(which they probably have done). Stein Mart chose to be here not because their business development folks did a business plan that showed a profitl Lighted pools impact a small percentage in today's population plus liability laws have changed. Those that feel their choices have been neglected may find that their wants were in the minority. JMO

[THUNDERCHIEF]

Would someone please build a fifth-third bank in the villages- heaven knows there are 20 other banks in here. Look at pinenellas plaza on 466a. 6 banks in walking distance- what were they thinking?

[Barefoot]

From the view through my knothole, a lot of the responses here would impact the few, not the many and I think the District is looking for global impact. The request for stores is personal choice and your focus should be on getting the stores to look at TV(which they probably have done). Stein Mart chose to be here not because their business development folks did a business plan that showed a profitl Lighted pools impact a small percentage in today's population plus liability laws have changed. Those that feel their choices have been neglected may find that their wants were in the minority. JMO
:agree:

[Shadow8IA]

There are several gates where you have to put the card within inches of it to get them to open. One is the gate past the medical entrance on the historic side.

[Shadow8IA]

The regional Rec centers have free wifi, and if you are a BrightHouse customer I believe you can get free wifi at most of the neighborhood Rec centers. (I know, nothing is "free.")

You don't have to have Brighthouse you just need your id number & pin number.

[dbussone]

You don't have to have Brighthouse you just need your id number & pin number.


Ok. Thanks. Good to know.

[Bogie Shooter]

Our home is in the Village of Fernandina. We'd like to swim at night, too. If they have four pools in the Historic District that are available in the evenings, why would they've stopped installing lights? Maybe for the same reason the Northern Section has Resort like pools and far nicer Country Clubs, too. I'm 53 & concerned about resale if we don't keep up with our up and coming competition over the next 5 years.

Where are these resort like pools? What do you mean about "nicer Country Clubs"? Who is this "up and coming competition"? Maybe at age 53, you should have bought a home in a turnover location rather than a retirement community.

[Sable99]

You don't have to have Brighthouse you just need your id number & pin number.

I didn't know that! Thank you.


Oops, I just thought of something. I turned in my Resident iD when I rented out my home as a long-term rental. Can I still use my ID number and PIN number to access the internet at the Rec Centers? Just curious. Mom, my aunt and I don't golf. My aunt and I get the $50 passes while we visit TV and get Mom a guest pass.

[golfing eagles]

If cleaning and maintaining the pools at night is the big issue, how do the lighted pools up north do it?

[outlaw]

If cleaning and maintaining the pools at night is the big issue, how do the lighted pools up north do it?

Please don't question the developer's operations.

[Wandatime]

Ok, got my survey, went online to TheVillages.net - Login - Email, tee-times, computer support - serving The Villages, Florida and the Tri-county area. (http://www.thevillages.net) and I'll be darned if I can locate and click the icon 2016 Villages Resident Survey. Am I blind? Where is it? Can someone help me?

[Barefoot]

Ok, got my survey, went online to TheVillages.net - Login - Email, tee-times, computer support - serving The Villages, Florida and the Tri-county area. (http://www.thevillages.net) and I'll be darned if I can locate and click the icon 2016 Villages Resident Survey. Am I blind? Where is it? Can someone help me?

Hi Wanda. :wave: My survey letter says the survey period starts March 7 and ends on April 3.

[golfing eagles]

Hi Wanda. :wave: My survey letter says the survey period starts March 7 and ends on April 3.


Are you going to ask for

a) more lobster restaurants?
b) more fish stores?
c) fresh lobster delivery from Maine (or Nova Scotia)?
d) all of the above? :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[tuccillo]

It has nothing to do with the developer for many/most of the amenities. The CDDs maintain the amenities, not the Developer, once they are turned over to the CDDs.

Please don't question the developer's operations.

[Arubagirl33]

Four pools are open at night in the historic district . How do they do it? My resale concerns are in the next 5-10 years if we don't keep up with competition. There's many more Billionaire Developers out there.

[Shadow8IA]

I didn't know that! Thank you.


Oops, I just thought of something. I turned in my Resident iD when I rented out my home as a long-term rental. Can I still use my ID number and PIN number to access the internet at the Rec Centers? Just curious. Mom, my aunt and I don't golf. My aunt and I get the $50 passes while we visit TV and get Mom a guest pass.

It will be available with the $50 passes

[VillagerNut]

I absolutely want a different grocery store besides Publix. Please put on your survey Kroger because for folks that are looking for organic or specialty type food Kroger is really stepping up the game in their stores. Trader Joe's does not even compare to Kroger anymore! Costco would give Sam's a run for their money! Sam's is getting rid of a ton of good product and bringing in garbage! If you do not respond to the survey then it's like the elections don't complain of what we have or don't have here! You have to make your voice heard!

[joldnol]

Kroger is not in Florida. TJ's would be great.

[Topspinmo]

Hubby and I never roll down our windows either. Placing the pass against the window glass does the trick... you just have to learn how close to pull up next to the sensor and how high or low to place your pass.

Easy Peasy!

But, does that work in thunder storm? When you really need it to work! It don't in my area.

[Topspinmo]

As a future resident he has everynright to the survey. As a lot of people also have.

So why not seen it out to all the states? All future residents?

[Topspinmo]

I believe there are lighted tennis courts. Why not pickleball & softball?

The lighted tennis courts are not free. Glenview and Lopez charge to play on the courts at any time during the day or night. The lighted paradise courts are coin operate, you have to feed it ever 45 mins and the go out at 10 or 10:30 I can't remember?

[applesoffh]

:agree:


Seems to be too much of "gimme the free stuff" and let "big brother" wrap me in bubble wrap going around !
I have found most of the past surveys are comprised of leading questions or those that are self serving to the Developer. I would love to see the responses to questions concerning correction of major design errors such as cart traffic south of Hy 466 on Morse Blvd or the need for a cross over tunnel under Morse Blvd at the Hy 466 Morse Blvd gate, or widen the Lake Sumter bridge cart path, or who should pay for the apparent shoddy underpinnings for the island built on swampland in the middle of the Lake Sumter Bridge (note that the lake is privately owned, the road is owned by the county), change the traffic light left turn signals in our major intersections to prohibit turns when the opposing traffic has the green light, etc. Yes, some of these corrections will cost money and who should pay for it, The CDDs, The Developer who originally did the work and assessed all the homeowners under the "bond" scheme, the county governments who happily took over "ownership" of the roads for "free" just as soon as the Developer finished building them, should we build a new special covered/enclosed pool? or a combination of ???. Not easy questions to answer or maybe even fund, so probably nothing will ever be done about these and other major problems.
So, many of the Questions center around our "lifestyle"; how many times do you eat out?, how many times do you golf (who cares, there is a finite number of course available to the whole Villages and already there are a bunch of rules as to usage)?, how many times do you go shopping?, where? what hospital?, etc. All nice statistics for marketing rental space to outside commercial establishments.

And that what the survey is used for, IMHO. The survey hasn't changed since we moved here. What kind of stores do we want? Always, Costco and Trader Joe's (do you see them here?) Your favorite restaurants is becoming irrelevant, since we have almost every chain in the country here EXCEPT Boston Market (perennial answer). The survey is also a good marketing tool for the sales office.

[Barefoot]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jima64 https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/images/talkofthevillages/buttons/viewpost.gif (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/villages-resident-survey-183068-post1191831/#post1191831)
As a future resident he has everynright to the survey. As a lot of people also have.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Topspinmo Post:
So why not seen it out to all the states? All future residents?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To the best of my knowledge, the survey codes are only sent to existing owners.

Someone who is moving to The Villages may want to comment on this thread; but I highly doubt "as a future resident he has every right to the survey".

[Xander7]

We are new to TV. Why are the palm trees not trimmed? Actually saw a dead palm rat yesterday on a cart path. Can't believe someone hasn't been injured by a falling, dead frond. Bigger and/or colored signage prior to getting to tunnels; near misses there all of the time.

[graciegirl]

And that what the survey is used for, IMHO. The survey hasn't changed since we moved here. What kind of stores do we want? Always, Costco and Trader Joe's (do you see them here?) Your favorite restaurants is becoming irrelevant, since we have almost every chain in the country here EXCEPT Boston Market (perennial answer). The survey is also a good marketing tool for the sales office.



How do you suppose that works? Do you think that the Developer goes and tells Costco and Trader Joes and Boston Market to come here? That is not possible. The developer has no power over those businesses. The family can contact them and say they received 8000 requests but they can't make them spend an enormous amount of money to come here.


It IS a marketing tool to TRY to entice businesses to come here. Nothing wrong with that. Making money is a good thing unless you are dealing drugs.

[Bogie Shooter]

We are new to TV. Why are the palm trees not trimmed? Actually saw a dead palm rat yesterday on a cart path. Can't believe someone hasn't been injured by a falling, dead frond. Bigger and/or colored signage prior to getting to tunnels; near misses there all of the time.

What palms? If you meant the ones on buena vista that is the style of that palm with a skirt. Seeing a palm rat ( if that is really what it was) has nothing to do with palms trimmed or not.

[Barefoot]

Bigger and/or colored signage prior to getting to tunnels; near misses there all of the time.

What do you think the big sign should say about tunnels to help avoid "near misses"?

[Sandtrap328]

It is always funny to hear about "palm rats". I have actually seen people point to a squirrel and start screaming about a palm rat.

The bearded palms are meant to have the dead fronds kept on the tree. No one is going to be injured by a falling palm frond.

Just learn about the wildlife in The Villages that are natural to the area, use common sense, and you will hopefully enjoy living here. Lots of birds, reptiles, and animals you do not see "up North". One of my favorites are the monkey-faced squirrels.

[Topspinmo]

Difference between rat and squirrel easily identified by the tail. Rats have no fuzzy tails and squirrels are rats with fuzzy tails. :icon_bored:Rat is rat is rat! Either way!:wave:

[graciegirl]

Difference between rat and squirrel easily identified by the tail. Rats have no fuzzy tails and squirrels are rats with fuzzy tails. :icon_bored:Rat is rat is rat! Either way!:wave:



Good morning sunshine.

[Xander7]

Possibly color coded to address directionally challenged villagers. If the signs were posted prior to entering the tunnels, it might help drivers alleviate turning the wrong way. As far as the palms, the "hula skirt" look might be okay; however, the other on trimmed trees can be dangerous. One person hit with a dead frond and injured shouldn't be the determining factor for trimming. Palm rats do nest in fronds that have not been trimmed close enough.

[Bogie Shooter]

Surely you have seen the vegetation being trimmed along our roads. It is trimmed on a regular basis. If you spot something that is being neglected give District Property Management a call,
Main Office
1071 Canal Street
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-4022