More Villages Growth announced

[Goldwingnut]

This morning's Daily Sun showed more development planned south of the Turnpike and confirms growth forecast nearly a year ago after the Landstone purchase (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/tv-quietly-buys-more-land-242821/?highlight=landstone).

Also solved is the mystery of the dead end road at the south end of the Village of Monarch Grove circled at the bottom of the 2nd picture. The Villages doesn't do dead end without a purpose. Purpose revealed!

In the first picture the area north of CR470 is the newly announced purchase of 5600 acres. The area south of CR470 is another 6500 acres once known as the Landstone development that never happened. The 20 year plan continues to unfold before our eyes.

This purchase also put to rest the idea that the Bailey bridge over the Turnpike will be a part of the golf cart paths in the future. With both sides are now owned it's destined to happen.

With the addition of these 12000 acres to the fold, the number of Community Development Districts will continue to grow. Limited to 2500 acres by law, this announcement adds at least 5 more CDDs to the mix. Add in the West Lake properties, other properties owned and known to be part of future plans, and some logical geographical divisions and we are easily north of 20 residential CDDs in the not to distant future. (Fenney, McClure, Marsh Bend, Linden, DeLuna, and Monarch Grove are CDD-12, Bradford and north of DeLuna are CDD-13).

I'm sure that there are a lot of plans in the works that will be announced in the future - golf courses, rec centers, commercial districts, town square(s) - to support the growth.

Does anybody think they'll acquire the land between the Landstone property and the Turnpike south of CR470? That would fill the gap to the West Lake property. I foresee the CR470 bridge having golf cart lanes... Why don't they want a Villages exit at CR468, they don't need it, they have 2 already - CR470 and US301!

The Master Planners are hard at work here in The Villages!

[vintageogauge]

I don't understand "Why don't they want a Villages exit on 468?). The existing Fenney exit is on 468 and I think Desoto or the next one is going to have an exit on 468 also. Can you explain in more detail.

[bagboy]

I don't understand "Why don't they want a Villages exit on 468?). The existing Fenney exit is on 468 and I think Desoto or the next one is going to have an exit on 468 also. Can you explain in more detail.

He was talking about a once planned exit from the turnpike at CR 468

[Aloha1]

And yet FDOT still has a proposal for a 468 exit as part of the post Irma evacuation plan.

[champion6]

The purchase of the area north of 470 means that TV now owns the land on BOTH ENDS of the existing cattle bridge, which presumably will be converted to a multimodal bridge.

[Goldwingnut]

The 468 exist just isn't going to happen. It is long dead and no longer feasible. There is no place for the exit/entry ramps. All four corners on the intersection are now under some phase construction with development by The Villages of Lake-Sumter. The county already submitted the paperwork to terminate the plan. To be of any use as a part of an evacuation plan/route there would need to be services at this exist - gas station, food, lodging, etc. - but there's no place for any of that now. Not for a mile or more off the would-be exit in either direction.

Think about it in other terms, do you really want an exit from the Turnpike in the middle of the community especially when there are already exits that are at the northern (US301) and southern (CR470) end of the development (that's known so far). These two exits are less than 9 miles apart and unlike the Orlando, Ft Lauderdale, and Miami areas will never have the business and residential density to justify the additional access points. What's there now is a great fit for what is foreseeable to come in the next 30 years or so.

Personally I think this was all brilliantly played. When I moved to Florida 11 1/2 years ago I came here to work a project that ran the entire length of the Turnpike. One of the exits in our contract was the CR468 exit. This translates to being in the planning stages for at least 15 years. In project meetings when CR468 was brought up the general response was that they were waiting to built the additional bridge and exit ramps.

15 years ago The Villages was no where near the Turnpike, back then everything was focused around CR466 and the Sumter Landing area. But by September 2004 CDD 9 & 10 were established, which means that the developer (Mr. Harold Schwartz and H. Gary Morse) had already owned all the land down to SR44 and likely had eyes on even more property to the south as their planned community had taken off better than anyone could have hoped. Long term planning was long underway at this point.

Fast forward a few years and plans are solidified, Brownwood is being built and work south of CR466A has begun. To keep the business alive it has to keep building. The Fruitland Park area was a nice piece of property but would not sustain the business. The logic direction to move is South but there is a major roadblock, the Turnpike and how to get across it. The obvious answer would be a bridge as tunnels would be insanely expensive under such a major artery. The bridges were in the planning for the 468 interchange and would need to be wide to support the Turnpike needs. The easy answer would be to let them build and then scrap the project. Instant connectivity and room for golf cart lanes as well.

Sure enough, the new bridge was built across the Turnpike and the land for the ramps no longer was available, scrap the exit. New infrastructure is now in place.

Looking now at the map its easy to see a need for multiple crossing across the Turnpike for the residents and to keep the development unified. Where to put these? We know the bridge between CR468 and US301 for golf carts is a go. The Bailey bridge now makes another logical connection. With miles between a cart lane across CR468 would not be out of the question. And let's not forget the far end and put a cart lane on the CR470 bridges or even build another cart bridge across the Turnpike itself to match the first one.

The tea leaves and hidden history become easier to read every year. Yes there is some speculation here but the developer has long since proven their ability to plan well into the future so much of this fits easily.

[SIRE1]

Some of us "old timers" remember when the big discussion a few years ago was about the BUILD OUT and what the Morse family were going to do when the last house was sold. I guess this answers that question - just keep on building. I now suspect that one of these days you will be able to take your grand kids all the way to Disney World on your golf cart using the muti-modal paths through the The Villages. And that must be why there are hotels in each of town squares. Since you might have to get a room for the night after playing at one of the executive golf courses, because you can't get home in the cart before midnight.

[Packer Fan]

The 468 exist just isn't going to happen. It is long dead and no longer feasible. There is no place for the exit/entry ramps. All four corners on the intersection are now under some phase construction with development by The Villages of Lake-Sumter. The county already submitted the paperwork to terminate the plan. To be of any use as a part of an evacuation plan/route there would need to be services at this exist - gas station, food, lodging, etc. - but there's no place for any of that now. Not for a mile or more off the would-be exit in either direction.

Think about it in other terms, do you really want an exit from the Turnpike in the middle of the community especially when there are already exits that are at the northern (US301) and southern (CR470) end of the development (that's known so far). These two exits are less than 9 miles apart and unlike the Orlando, Ft Lauderdale, and Miami areas will never have the business and residential density to justify the additional access points. What's there now is a great fit for what is foreseeable to come in the next 30 years or so.

Personally I think this was all brilliantly played. When I moved to Florida 11 1/2 years ago I came here to work a project that ran the entire length of the Turnpike. One of the exits in our contract was the CR468 exit. This translates to being in the planning stages for at least 15 years. In project meetings when CR468 was brought up the general response was that they were waiting to built the additional bridge and exit ramps.

15 years ago The Villages was no where near the Turnpike, back then everything was focused around CR466 and the Sumter Landing area. But by September 2004 CDD 9 & 10 were established, which means that the developer (Mr. Harold Schwartz and H. Gary Morse) had already owned all the land down to SR44 and likely had eyes on even more property to the south as their planned community had taken off better than anyone could have hoped. Long term planning was long underway at this point.

Fast forward a few years and plans are solidified, Brownwood is being built and work south of CR466A has begun. To keep the business alive it has to keep building. The Fruitland Park area was a nice piece of property but would not sustain the business. The logic direction to move is South but there is a major roadblock, the Turnpike and how to get across it. The obvious answer would be a bridge as tunnels would be insanely expensive under such a major artery. The bridges were in the planning for the 468 interchange and would need to be wide to support the Turnpike needs. The easy answer would be to let them build and then scrap the project. Instant connectivity and room for golf cart lanes as well.

Sure enough, the new bridge was built across the Turnpike and the land for the ramps no longer was available, scrap the exit. New infrastructure is now in place.

Looking now at the map its easy to see a need for multiple crossing across the Turnpike for the residents and to keep the development unified. Where to put these? We know the bridge between CR468 and US301 for golf carts is a go. The Bailey bridge now makes another logical connection. With miles between a cart lane across CR468 would not be out of the question. And let's not forget the far end and put a cart lane on the CR470 bridges or even build another cart bridge across the Turnpike itself to match the first one.

The tea leaves and hidden history become easier to read every year. Yes there is some speculation here but the developer has long since proven their ability to plan well into the future so much of this fits easily.

Don't let the country bumpkin act fool you, the Morse Children are as smart as their dad. Genius. I suspect that Jennifer and Tracy are the actual brains behind the operation. After build out, which will actually happen, maybe not in our lifetimes, they will still own most of the retail and collect rent.

[pauld315]

Does anybody have a running total of new residences that can be built with all the new land purchases so far? Previously, I think it was around 26,000. Today's paper said this new purchase gives them room for 22,000. Are they up to 48,000 new homes being planned ? If so, that will just about double the current population, which is estimated to be about 117,000. Is this correct ? Are we looking at the possibility of almost 100,000 new residents (2 per household)

[vintageogauge]

It looks like Brownwood will be in the center of The Villages. There should be a lot of new retail coming to Paddock Square and south of 44 in the near future.

[Goldwingnut]

There is a correction to my original post.
In the picture below the area outlines in Red is the area just announced. The area in Green is the Landstone Development, which is only 4100 acres not 6500 as I had originally said.

That being said, the two areas combined make up nearly 10,000 acres and is a substantial amount of area around CR470. The Leesburg/West Lake property abuts the thin Blue area north of CR470 and west of highlighted area.

To get a better perspective on size, each of the large squares/grids marked in yellow is 1 mile on each side make it one square mile or 640 acres.

[twoplanekid]

Does anybody have a running total of new residences that can be built with all the new land purchases so far? Previously, I think it was around 26,000. Today's paper said this new purchase gives them room for 22,000. Are they up to 48,000 new homes being planned ? If so, that will just about double the current population, which is estimated to be about 117,000. Is this correct ? Are we looking at the possibility of almost 100,000 new residents (2 per household)


If they were to sell 48,000 new homes at the rate sold in the past three years, it’s going to take around 20 years. Increasing the sales rate by 50% would reduce the years to 15. However, as the Villages grow so does the number of preowned sales which eats into the new home sales number. Last year, the number of preowned home sales was larger than new for the Villages sales force.

As Village growth plans are usually not foretold for the next 10 or more years, I am a bit surprised by all of these land purchase announcements. Maybe we will all be surprised by a different community to be built on some of these lands?

[600th Photo Sq]

Meanwhile all of the 55 + Retirement Communities IE : Stonecrest , Del Webb in Summerfield , and others the property values are " Flat " ..Investment wise and overall thinking long term. It has to be " The Villages " !

[Goldwingnut]

If they were to sell 48,000 new homes at the rate sold in the past three years, it’s going to take around 20 years. Increasing the sales rate by 50% would reduce the years to 15. However, as the Villages grow so does the number of preowned sales which eats into the new home sales number. Last year, the number of preowned home sales was larger than new for the Villages sales force.

As Village growth plans are usually not foretold for the next 10 or more years, I am a bit surprised by all of these land purchase announcements. Maybe we will all be surprised by a different community to be built on some of these lands?

My guess would be that it’s harder today than 10 or 15 years ago to keep secrets such as large land purchases. Better to try to put a positive PR spin on it than let rumors and speculation fester. There is obviously a 20-30 plan in place and the land needs to be purchased to support it and it will only get more expensive with time. Better to buy now and fill the gaps in than risk competition getting in the way.

[TNGary]

Thanks for the very important post GOLDWINGNUT! History in the making!!

[vintageogauge]

2200 new homes sold last year with what I would guess to be a low inventory as Fenney was in the early stages and and was not much left in the Pines or Osceola. Now Fenney is basically built out and lots of completed homes in DeSoto, might be a different story this year.

[twoplanekid]

I will post the sales figures again for those interested.

From page 43 of the SLCDD 9/10/2015 Agenda PDF
The information appearing herein regarding The Villages and the Developer has been furnished by the Developer.
..............

Historical annual home closings and historical annual average sales prices (home and lot) in The
Villages are as follows:

Year Homes Sold (Home and Lot) Average Sale Price
1986 511 *
1987 543 *
1988 517 *
1989 542 $ 74,000
1990 502 79,000
1991 430 81,000
1992 562 87,000
1993 567 93,000
1994 686 98,000
1995 700 106,000
1996 753 115,000
1997 1,054 119,000
1998 1,321 129,000
1999 1,544 139,000
2000 1,776 151,000
2001 2,074 156,000
2002 2,260 163,000
2003 3,329 168,000
2004 3,955 204,000
2005 4,263 232,000
2006 3,935 257,000
2007 2,403 251,000
2008 2,236 231,000
2009 2,115 229,000
2010 2,208 231,000
2011 2,307 241,000
2012 2,850 244,000
2013 3,419 271,000
2014 2,601 304,000
2015 2,294
2016 1,966
2017 2,231

[Aloha1]

Goldwingnut; Thanks for your cogent explanation of the history of the 468 interchange. Makes me wonder why FDOT still has this as a feasible project post IRMA. Methinks the 470 interchange will most likely now have a Plaza of sorts in the near future with gas, groceries and perhaps lodging.

[Goldwingnut]

Goldwingnut; Thanks for your cogent explanation of the history of the 468 interchange. Makes me wonder why FDOT still has this as a feasible project post IRMA. Methinks the 470 interchange will most likely now have a Plaza of sorts in the near future with gas, groceries and perhaps lodging.

If I was a gambler I would definitely side with you on the idea of commercial areas around the CR470 interchange area. The next most likely place would be at the US301-CR468 intersection but that may also depend on how the Magnolia Plaza area is developed and land acquisitions further west of Fenney.

Ideally any new significant commercial area would have good access for car, truck, and golf cart access and be eventually surrounded by residential areas. This type of planning is now showing itself at the Rohan and Brownwood areas as the new development is now being revealed and starting to take shape. CR470 West of the Turnpike would fit this mold well for another townsquare. You would have over 15 square miles of development surrounding that location to support it and good access roads in place from four directions.

[vintageogauge]

If I was a gambler I would definitely side with you on the idea of commercial areas around the CR470 interchange area. The next most likely place would be at the US301-CR468 intersection but that may also depend on how the Magnolia Plaza area is developed and land acquisitions further west of Fenney.

Ideally any new significant commercial area would have good access for car, truck, and golf cart access and be eventually surrounded by residential areas. This type of planning is now showing itself at the Rohan and Brownwood areas as the new development is now being revealed and starting to take shape. CR470 West of the Turnpike would fit this mold well for another townsquare. You would have over 15 square miles of development surrounding that location to support it and good access roads in place from four directions.

They already own a substantial amount of land west of the 301/468 intersection on both sides of 301 heading south in Coleman and beyond. My guess is there will be either commercial/retail or medical down there. On the west side of 301 in Coleman they own land that runs along the tracks so that won't be residential.

[2BNTV]

The man that said, "build out is a myth" was spot on.

Living north of 466, I would have never thought that I would have to drive an hour on local roads and still be in TV.

As Yogi Berra said, "who woulda thunk it". LOL

[SIRE1]

I had forgotten the earlier maps that showed all the land to the west of 301. And I know that everyone keeps asking where the next town center is going to be - - - well maybe it's already there. And it's name is COLEMAN. And since all of the other town centers are based on a theme, some can say that the theme of Coleman is a typical southern out of the way little farming town. What do you think about that ????

[diane reynolds]

I personally mourn all the animals and loss of habitat. In this country, more is always seen as better. When we bought 5 years ago, our realtor said it was just about built out and our home will really go up in value. Either he was hoodwinking us, or he was deluded. Greed-----our way of life.

[champion6]

I personally mourn all the animals and loss of habitat. In this country, more is always seen as better. When we bought 5 years ago, our realtor said it was just about built out and our home will really go up in value. Either he was hoodwinking us, or he was deluded. Greed-----our way of life.If you look at the development plans, you will see many areas that will remain natural. The loss of habitat will occur, but will be minimized.

Your agent was half right. Obviously, the concept of "build out" is false. In spite of this, our homes HAVE gone up in value.

[Miles42]

The Villages along with growth needs a better health care facility

[57ChevyFI]

We figure the next Villages house we buy will be in Key West, they're getting closer every week.

[champion6]

The Villages along with growth needs a better health care facilityWhat do you mean by "health care facility?"

[Kenswing]

We figure the next Villages house we buy will be in Key West, they're getting closer every week.

I was figuring by the time we get down there they'll be at least to Disneyworld. lol

[Judy n Ron]

“The idea of unlimited growth... needs to be seriously questioned on at least two counts: the availability of basic resources and... the capacity of the environment ..." This includes parking at Publix, tee times, restaurant tables, and space at the gyms...... I'm not sure why we are all expected to celebrate.
The Daily Sun goes on and on about how big we are and how big we are getting. Are existing residents getting a piece of the pie?

[Arlington2]

Big time growth is happening in central Florida with or without The Villages. Very soon Orlando related development will me merging with TV. Many of the new developments lack the kinds of amenities we enjoy and are pretty drab (take a look at some of the developments forming along the turnpike). Fortunately for us in TV the Morse family expands facilities proportionally in front of the homes development. My preference is TV kind of new development. I already got my piece of the pie which i thoroughly enjoy and I really don't expect someone else to increase my pie share.

[Boomer]

“The idea of unlimited growth... needs to be seriously questioned on at least two counts: the availability of basic resources and... the capacity of the environment ..." This includes parking at Publix, tee times, restaurant tables, and space at the gyms...... I'm not sure why we are all expected to celebrate.
The Daily Sun goes on and on about how big we are and how big we are getting. Are existing residents getting a piece of the pie?


A couple of years ago, I started to feel the squeeze. But as a snowbird, I have not been there to experience the effect year-round.

I advise anyone who is thinking of buying to rent during snowbird season to get the feel of the place to see if it works as an individual choice.

The building will continue. It is a business plan. TV employs a lot of family members and it appears to be a generational operation.

I have always looked at owning in TV like owning stock in a big corporation. The value of any stock can go up and down in response to the decisions made by the few who hold the real power. In reality, stockholders in big corporations have no real say in corporate decisions. Stockholders have only the power to buy or sell what they own individually.

The big selling point in TV has always been “The Lifestyle.”

Homeowners have to accept the fact that the continued building goes with the territory — the never ending territory. As individuals, homeowners must decide the intrinsic, as well as the economic, value of owning stock in “The Lifestyle” as it changes with the tremendous growth.

(But I must admit that I do not have or understand the need to do the Rah-Rah Routine. Oh well, now my post will disappear.)

[pauld315]

If they were to sell 48,000 new homes at the rate sold in the past three years, it’s going to take around 20 years. Increasing the sales rate by 50% would reduce the years to 15. However, as the Villages grow so does the number of preowned sales which eats into the new home sales number. Last year, the number of preowned home sales was larger than new for the Villages sales force.

As Village growth plans are usually not foretold for the next 10 or more years, I am a bit surprised by all of these land purchase announcements. Maybe we will all be surprised by a different community to be built on some of these lands?

The rate of new home sales will pick up as soon as their is connectivity to the rest of The Villages from the areas south of 44.

[eweissenbach]

“The idea of unlimited growth... needs to be seriously questioned on at least two counts: the availability of basic resources and... the capacity of the environment ..." This includes parking at Publix, tee times, restaurant tables, and space at the gyms...... I'm not sure why we are all expected to celebrate.
The Daily Sun goes on and on about how big we are and how big we are getting. Are existing residents getting a piece of the pie?

With all due respect, I'm sure when Sanibel was built the residents of the northern Villages felt the same way. I remember talk of "build out" and I was certain with all the adjacent undeveloped land that it would be folly to believe, with their resources and formula, they would simply shut down.

[JoMar]

“The idea of unlimited growth... needs to be seriously questioned on at least two counts: the availability of basic resources and... the capacity of the environment ..." This includes parking at Publix, tee times, restaurant tables, and space at the gyms...... I'm not sure why we are all expected to celebrate.
The Daily Sun goes on and on about how big we are and how big we are getting. Are existing residents getting a piece of the pie?

You are getting a nice piece of the pie.....look at what other developers are building, the facilities they provide and their rate of growth. We can travel anywhere in TV and see beautiful landscaping, great animal habitats plus facilites that are clean, updated and provide great venues for our clubs and organizations. The land TV purchased was not exclusive, other developers could purchase it and, based on the growth in Florida, probably would. Who would you prefer to have as your developer, someone you know with a track record, or someone you don't?

[GoodLife]

“The idea of unlimited growth... needs to be seriously questioned on at least two counts: the availability of basic resources and... the capacity of the environment ..." This includes parking at Publix, tee times, restaurant tables, and space at the gyms...... I'm not sure why we are all expected to celebrate.
The Daily Sun goes on and on about how big we are and how big we are getting. Are existing residents getting a piece of the pie?

Your piece of the pie is the home you bought, no more no less. I am amazed by people who buy here and then think the Developer should build no more cuz I got mine and no more!

[Boomer]

Where is the labor pool to support the restaurants, stores, and services that must grow along with the number of houses?

There is not a large population in the area surrounding TV. How far are workers willing to travel for jobs here?

I realize the developer’s charter school is an attraction for some workers. I have heard that the acceptance for enrollment there is based on a tier program, depending on the level of ownership of TV in the business that employs the parent. However they do it, the charter school seems to be a draw.

And, of course, there are retirees who work throughout TV.

But how difficult is it for managers and business owners to find enough dependable employees?

Are there really enough people to employ in restaurants, landscaping, lawn care, etc. to dependably keep up with the momentum of the growth effect on “The Lifestyle”?

(I know there are those who will take my post as being cantankerous, but that is not my intention. Building houses has to be the relatively easy part. My guess is there are lots of sub-contractors and suppliers who bid competitively for a piece of the action. I just tend to wonder about the effect of the growth on all things TV.)

[graciegirl]

Where is the labor pool to support the restaurants, stores, and services that must grow along with the number of houses?

There is not a large population in the area surrounding TV. How far are workers willing to travel for jobs here?

I realize the developer’s charter school is an attraction for some workers. I have heard that the acceptance for enrollment there is based on a tier program, depending on the level of ownership of TV in the business that employs the parent. However they do it, the charter school seems to be a draw.

And, of course, there are retirees who work throughout TV.

But how difficult is it for managers and business owners to find enough dependable employees?

Are there really enough people to employ in restaurants, landscaping, lawn care, pest control, etc. to dependably keep up with the momentum of the growth effect on “The Lifestyle”?

(I know there are those who will take my post as being cantankerous, but that is not my intention. Building houses has to be the relatively easy part. My guess is there are lots of sub-contractors and suppliers who bid competitively for a piece of the action. I just tend to wonder about the effect of the growth on all things TV.)

We chatted with one of the tile layers, one of the people who caulk wood seams at the end of the build, a plumber, when our house was being built eight years ago. They had all been with their crew for many years.(pay decent? Good benefits?) The head builder of our first home in Hadley had come with Gary Morse et al from Michigan. It may be more difficult now that the economy has really picked up, unemployment is so low, and building is booming everywhere, to get workers. I think people who know how to time an egg and dish up dinners with all items hot are very hard to find, EVERYWHERE. People willing to work have mostly found jobs, thank heavens.

We will see Boomer. We will see.

[My Daily Run]

When I purchased here I had no intention or thought of what my house would be worth and if it would be worth more or less. I bought here for the quality of life and this is my last home purchase, when I am no longer living that will be my family's problem, if they sell high or low that will be a bonus for them. I am not living to make my family rich, they all have more money then I have. I am living well and happy...that is my plan !!!

[SouthOfTheBorder]

When I purchased here I had no intention or thought of what my house would be worth and if it would be worth more or less. I bought here for the quality of life and this is my last home purchase, when I am no longer living that will be my family's problem, if they sell high or low that will be a bonus for them. I am not living to make my family rich, they all have more money then I have. I am living well and happy...that is my plan !!!

:agree:

Very well said! My thoughts exactly. :thumbup:

And I suspect the vast majority of TV residents feel the same.

Don

[graciegirl]

When I purchased here I had no intention or thought of what my house would be worth and if it would be worth more or less. I bought here for the quality of life and this is my last home purchase, when I am no longer living that will be my family's problem, if they sell high or low that will be a bonus for them. I am not living to make my family rich, they all have more money then I have. I am living well and happy...that is my plan !!!

I think most of us chose to buy and live here partly because it is a clean, decent, well kept up area with deed restrictions, a place we could be proud to live in and enjoy with some assurance that others would continue to keep their properties up.

I like to live here because this is where my age peers live, except those younger who don't like to hang out with older people. I enjoy the people VERY much and love doing things like painting and claying that I never had time for before. There are many who like to get all sweaty and ride bikes and skate and run and argue about all those stupid other people on the cart paths. Some people like to meet up in the middle of the night on the band stand, but hey.

There is something interesting going on every minute and you can easily tell this by reading this forum!

[Lottoguy]

More growth means more of a chance a full size casino with hotel will eventually be built at Oxford Downs. Watch and see!

[Goldwingnut]

Where is the labor pool to support the restaurants, stores, and services that must grow along with the number of houses?

There is not a large population in the area surrounding TV. How far are workers willing to travel for jobs here?

I realize the developer’s charter school is an attraction for some workers. I have heard that the acceptance for enrollment there is based on a tier program, depending on the level of ownership of TV in the business that employs the parent. However they do it, the charter school seems to be a draw.

And, of course, there are retirees who work throughout TV.

But how difficult is it for managers and business owners to find enough dependable employees?

Are there really enough people to employ in restaurants, landscaping, lawn care, etc. to dependably keep up with the momentum of the growth effect on “The Lifestyle”?

(I know there are those who will take my post as being cantankerous, but that is not my intention. Building houses has to be the relatively easy part. My guess is there are lots of sub-contractors and suppliers who bid competitively for a piece of the action. I just tend to wonder about the effect of the growth on all things TV.)

Obviously and eventually there will be the need for an increase in services to support the growth here in TV. What’s been announced recently is a part of a long term plan (20+ year) as confirmed by recent news articles. This is great news for the home building industry, both inside and outside TV, as it brings confidence to a long term and stable work force. With this work force comes the need for other additional services promoting overall long term growth for the surrounding area. A market driven economy such as this area has will self regulate. If there is a workforce shortage wages will increase drawing attention to the area as an attractive place for employment, righting the situation.

This shortage thinking is the same mindset as the “all these new houses and no new golf courses”. Only looking at one side of the equation and not the big picture and long term growth and planning. The surrounding cities and counties have and will benefit from the continued growth.

Growth here in The Villages is a very small percentage of the overall growth in Florida. A thousand people a day move to Florida. Few communities in the state are as well planned and environmentally friendly as what is being built here. This growth is inevitable, at least here it’s well planned and we’ll all benefit from it. I’ve been in Florida no for over 11 years and have seen lots of poor planning in Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, and south Florida during my time working, what is happening here shows much better planning by developers and civil officials.

[Boomer]

Thanks for the thoughtful comments and various theories.

This is an interesting discussion.

Now, for my next random thought:

Having owned for 4 years, I can see some effect of crowding in just that short time.

BUT — the other part of that is we have been among the abominable snowbirds, wanting the blue sky weather at the same time as a whole lot of other people. It has become more difficult to even get into a movie during high season.

(Ironically, I thought I was going to get into a knock-down-drag-out one morning in the line to get into the Civil Discourse Club. :swear:)

Picture this:

Nice Lady Boomer is next in line waiting to get into the Civil Discourse Club meeting. The room is filling up.

The doorkeeper says, “Two spaces left.”

Nice Lady Boomer smiles at the guy in line immediately next to her and says, “Well, I guess that’s us.”

THEN, the guy grabs the door and sneers, “Hey! I am waiting for my friend!”

Sooooooo, surprisingly agile Nice Lady Boomer glares at the bully who thinks he can intimidate her and ducks under his arm to disappear into the room. HAH!


And don’t even try to get into water aerobics.

And I am still pizzed about the closing of the Lifelong Learning College. (sigh)

ANYWAY — I am coming to the conclusion that those who live here year round are at an advantage because they know the territory well and have taken the time to establish their day-to-day lives and they can enjoy things more easily in the off-season. This is home to the year-rounders and it seems like that might be the best choice if choosing TV.

Just a theory, for now.

[rustyp]

Thanks for the thoughtful comments and various theories.

This is an interesting discussion.

Now, for my next random thought:

Having owned for 4 years, I can see some effect of crowding in just that short time.

BUT — the other part of that is we have been among the abominable snowbirds, wanting the blue sky weather at the same time as a whole lot of other people. It has become more difficult to even get into a movie during high season.

(Ironically, I thought I was going to get into a knock-down-drag-out one morning in the line to get into the Civil Discourse Club. :swear:)

Picture this:

Nice Lady Boomer is next in line waiting to get into the Civil Discourse Club meeting. The room is filling up.

The doorkeeper says, “Two spaces left.”

Nice Lady Boomer smiles at the guy in line immediately next to her and says, “Well, I guess that’s us.”

THEN, the guy grabs the door and sneers, “Hey! I am waiting for my friend!”

Sooooooo, surprisingly agile Nice Lady Boomer glares at the bully who thinks he can intimidate her and ducks under his arm to disappear into the room. HAH!


And don’t even try to get into water aerobics.

And I am still pizzed about the closing of the Lifelong Learning College. (sigh)

ANYWAY — I am coming to the conclusion that those who live here year round are at an advantage because they know the territory well and have taken the time to establish their day-to-day lives and they can enjoy things more easily in the off-season. This is home to the year-rounders and it seems like that might be the best choice if choosing TV.

Just a theory, for now.

Do not be intimidated. You have the exact same rights as a year rounder. Days per year in TV gives one seniority over nothing. If a Rec Club gives priority to full timer property owner Vs a snowbird property owner blow them in. In fact how would they know you are a snowbird ?

[Boomer]

Do not be intimidated. You have the exact same rights as a year rounder. Days per year in TV gives one seniority over nothing. If a Rec Club gives priority to full timer property owner Vs a snowbird property owner blow them in. In fact how would they know you are a snowbird ?


Hi rusty,

I know. The obnoxious pushy guy and I had no idea who was who. I am sure he was quite capable of behaving rudely, no matter what or where or when.

I was just talking about the irony of the rude encounter happening at the “Civil Discourse” Club. I was not intimidated in the least. In fact, I guess I was bragging (blush) in my little story about how I responded to his not being at all civil when he tried to grab the seat for his friend — who was not even there yet. I admit, it was kind of fun for me to surprise him with my maneuver.

My conclusion about thinking living in TV year-round makes it better just has to do with what I am seeing more and more with the overall tone and attitude of the place in the high-season.

I should have transitioned my thoughts better in that post I wrote.

But thanks for the kind words. :)

[manaboutown]

The discussion of winter high season versus summer slow season, crowded versus uncrowded, conditions in TV caused me recall some widely publicized experiments conducted on rodents back in the 1950 and1960s. Apparently today scholars are reconsidering the interpretations of the results.

How 1960s Mouse Utopias Led to Grim Predictions for Future of Humanity
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Smart News | Smithsonian (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/how-mouse-utopias-1960s-led-grim-predictions-humans-180954423/)