Flyover of new areas in the south end of The Villages - 4-21-19

[Goldwingnut]

Here's a new flyover of the ongoing growth and construction at the south end of the villages including the SR44-Brownwood bridge, emergency department, hotel/hospital and the Loft at Brownwood. This was shot on Easter Sunday. I believe I finally have the voice over and music worked out.

For those who have been waiting, sorry this has taken so long, things have been very busy for me and the weather hasn't always been the best for flying.

I hope you'll enjoy the view.

Flyover of 4-21-2019 (https://youtu.be/0Q78GHZGwBk)

[Spoiler]

We seriously all owe you a beer for doing these videos. Nice work again...

- Spoiler

[FenneyFanatic]

Awesome as always Don!

[skip0358]

Another GREAT job Thanks

[Bay Kid]

Thank you for keeping us up to date.

[jane032657]

It is a gorgeous video. I sent it to my whole neighborhood! So well done and articulated. Thank you.

[Kilmacowen]

Once again , great job. Especially like the narrative added this time.

[PaulDenise]

Thanks. The voice over is excellent. also, thanks for mentioning 'north' and 'south' so often as that helps me visualize exactly which direction you are headed and what I am really looking at.

[mark47]

what a great job!

[GRobinson9]

Great job as always. Thank you.

[Cedwards38]

BRAVO! :bigbow:

[Two Bills]

There's an old saying that 'Rome wasn't built in a day.'
They were obviously using the wrong contractors.
That is speed building at a different level.
Brilliant.

[Kenswing]

Another great video.

I'm just astounded at the speed in which they can get infrastructure and recreation centers in..

[Velvet]

The husband and I enjoyed it very much. It is very reassuring to see the beautiful development in TV. So happy to have a home here! I’m thinking of getting hubby a drone too for birthday present. When he retires it would make a great hobby. A question, can you maneuver the drone while riding a regular motorcycle? I used to take photos but not videos while standing on the pegs as hubby was riding through the passes in Utah etc.

[Goldwingnut]

The husband and I enjoyed it very much. It is very reassuring to see the beautiful development in TV. So happy to have a home here! I’m thinking of getting hubby a drone too for birthday present. When he retires it would make a great hobby. A question, can you maneuver the drone while riding a regular motorcycle? I used to take photos but not videos while standing on the pegs as hubby was riding through the passes in Utah etc.

As a fellow motorcyclist, I would not recommend doing it. The aircraft have limited speed and don't like trees. Too easy to make a mistake flying while in/on a moving vehicle. Could it be done, sure, but not advisable. When you get him a drone have him join the Drone Flyers Club here in The Villages to learn how to fly and be safe. DRONE FLYERS CLUB - Home (http://www.droneflyertv.com)

[Goldwingnut]

Thanks everyone for positive comments here, on YouTube, and on Facebook. I posted this video at about 1 AM last night and in less than 10 hours it had exceeded over 1000 views, the fastest yet.

More videos are coming.

[Velvet]

Yes, I’m sure he’d like that. Your videos are awe inspiring!

[Serenoa]

IMHO you should be getting paid by the developer for doing these great videos. We're not Villagers quite yet but will be buying down there in the south end sometime this summer. Your videos are so very helpful in keeping us updated on the new areas being built & what's about to hit the market. For instance, your video shows 30+ Designer homes in Monarch Grove that appear to complete & landscaped, but only 3 are listed for sale on The Villages website. At least I know that the others should be showing up any day now. Thanks again for your efforts, we greatly appreciate all you do!

[Midnight Cowgirl]

Incredible -- absolutely incredible.

I'm not sure what exceeds what -- your video or your comments because otherwise, no one would have any clue what we are seeing.

[billethkid]

Your videos continue to bring a reality of the scale and size of the development we all call The Villages.

Absolutely amazing. Underscores the strategy of putting in all the amenities vs a promise to come.

Outstanding. Thank you.

[Schaumburger]

Don, another great video. I enjoyed the voiceover narration. So interesting to see the growth of The Villages.

[Packer Fan]

Thanks everyone for positive comments here, on YouTube, and on Facebook. I posted this video at about 1 AM last night and in less than 10 hours it had exceeded over 1000 views, the fastest yet.

More videos are coming.

Too funny. I was up late and thinking about sending you a note that I was having Villages Withdrawal. Then I got the notice you posted the video. I think I was the second person to watch it. Wonderful video as always. I was a bit surprised that you did not comment or show the area they are going to put in the bridge over the interstate. Also, would love to see a flyover of the area to the north of Hogeye sink - all the way to 301 and on the North side of the Turnpike. It has been a while since you flewover those areas.
Ed

[Goldwingnut]

Too funny. I was up late and thinking about sending you a note that I was having Villages Withdrawal. Then I got the notice you posted the video. I think I was the second person to watch it. Wonderful video as always. I was a bit surprised that you did not comment or show the area they are going to put in the bridge over the interstate. Also, would love to see a flyover of the area to the north of Hogeye sink - all the way to 301 and on the North side of the Turnpike. It has been a while since you flewover those areas.
Ed

Thanks, sorry it took so long to get out, the weather (winds) did not cooperate for quit a while, I went on a cruise (did you see the Tortola video?), and then I've spent a lot of time writing a drone software manual and preparing for two lectures, so it's been a busy month.

Editing the video is quite time consuming and it become worse with the new audio work, there were 92 takes on getting voice over recording.

Concerning the areas north of Hogeye and the bridge that is a delicate subject. Back in January I met with a representative of the Developer concerning the flyovers and videos I've been doing of the construction areas (my first and only meeting in any capacity to date). The videos I was producing were showing the construction process and some proprietary techniques and timing that is unique to The Villages and is critical to their success. They were concerned with competitors acquiring the information. I spent the last 20 years in construction project management before retiring last year and I understand their concerns. There were also concerns about stealing too much thunder from their advertising department. Because of these concerns I agreed not to show work that was too far ahead of what they were releasing to the general public. I'm not getting any kind of payment, kickback, special favors, special considerations, inside information, or anything else as a result of this agreement, it is an agreement of both professional and mutual respect. I was somewhat hesitant in meeting with them as I'm an elected official and made sure I took detailed and accurate notes of the meeting as a result. The discussion fortunately was completely centered around the drone issues. Hence, I am careful with what is being seen in my videos.

I have friends here in The Villages who were also in the construction industry before retiring and we all agree that what we are seeing in the way business is done by this developer is indicative of a very well run organization. Had the company I was working for been as well run, I would not have retired early last year. But then I wouldn't be having the fun I am now.

I do do extensive reconnoitering of the areas before I fly them and have seen a lot of what is going on farther north without trespassing. Obviously I also see a lot more than I show in the videos. What is going on north of Hogeye is still very boring and looks no different than what you can see going on in Linden and Monarch Grove. More details can be seen in the Wildwood Project Review Committee documents (https://www.wildwood-fl.gov/index.asp?Type=B_LIST&SEC=%7BB3BF1A1B-2D59-4B02-90A8-534735294CF5%7D) than can be seen by the drone's camera. The bridge over the Turnpike is just as you can see going north and south on the Turnpike, nothing, and I have nothing else to report on it from above either.

[stings]

As others have said “outstanding!”. Thank you once again.

[Bogie Shooter]

[QUOTE=Goldwingnut;1645554]Thanks, sorry it took so long to get out, the weather (winds) did not cooperate for quit a while,

I don't think you owe anyone an apology.
Thanks for another informative piece.

[prendymom]

Great video well done. Thank you :)

[JohnFromMaine]

So where's the flyover?

[Goldwingnut]

So where's the flyover?

The link to the YouTube video is in the first post of the thread.

[jedalton]

Here's a new flyover of the ongoing growth and construction at the south end of the villages including the SR44-Brownwood bridge, emergency department, hotel/hospital and the Loft at Brownwood. This was shot on Easter Sunday. I believe I finally have the voice over and music worked out.

For those who have been waiting, sorry this has taken so long, things have been very busy for me and the weather hasn't always been the best for flying.

I hope you'll enjoy the view.

Flyover of 4-21-2019 (https://youtu.be/0Q78GHZGwBk)
thank you for the videos

[rlcooper70]

Fascinating video - and yet there is still not the championship golf courses or the country clubs or even a lot of executive courses in the plans so I'm not sure how that's going to attract the people who want to play golf in retirement. Are they thinking golf isn't going to be the attraction?

[Cheeks]

WOW how in the heck do you know each area, village etc. Fantastic video. Thank you.

[Laurieletters]

Thanks Don! Awesome!

[jimbo2012]

Can't get that perspective driving around for sure.

TV should buy it for promotional materiel

Thanks

[msu69er]

Thanks for the video flyover! We just bought in Hillsboro. The building stats were a great addition!

[simpilot]

Thanks for the info. It is going to be very nice.

[Suzyb0000]

Thank you for that. Very interesting and informative.

[Goldwingnut]

Fascinating video - and yet there is still not the championship golf courses or the country clubs or even a lot of executive courses in the plans so I'm not sure how that's going to attract the people who want to play golf in retirement. Are they thinking golf isn't going to be the attraction?

These comments again? In short, they only release enough information to keep the development going and permits processed. If you're not in the developer's inner circle you don't get to see the entire picture. None of us are in that inner circle. Contrary to what some seem to believe, the area south of SR44 is growing at about the same pace as previous areas of The Village. The difference is that this area has much greater visibility of what is happening due to the roads passing through it and the area has a lot more green spaces and water features that other areas making it physically larger. For comparison CDD-10 and CDD-12 both will have about 6600 homes, but CDD-10 is about 1500 acres and CDD-12 is nearly 2500 acres.

I've previously talked about this same issue in the below thread in post #17 as well as several other threads.

previous post (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/new-flyover-ongoing-construction-282199/index2.html)

[Thrailp]

Very nice, thank you for all that work!

[JoMar]

Fascinating video - and yet there is still not the championship golf courses or the country clubs or even a lot of executive courses in the plans so I'm not sure how that's going to attract the people who want to play golf in retirement. Are they thinking golf isn't going to be the attraction?

I suggest you pay more attention to the posts and links that are provided by Goldwingnut and others.....you seem to be missing the information, or maybe ignoring it?

[Geritee]

Where are the championship golf course over there?

[Geritee]

You never mentioned a championship golf course on the new side. Why would anyone want to buy over there without a championship course? How sad The Villages doesn’t think that important. It’s the only reason I bought here.

[Kenswing]

You never mentioned a championship golf course on the new side. Why would anyone want to buy over there without a championship course? How sad The Villages doesn’t think that important. It’s the only reason I bought here.

Not everyone golfs.

[Goldwingnut]

First, the championship course are privately owned and are not considered amenities. That being said, there have been just over 2000 home sold south of SR44 which isn't close to being enough to support a championship course. Statistically, based on the numbers north of SR44, it takes between 190-200 homes per hole to support a championship course, so to support a typical 27 hole championship course it takes just north of 5000 homes. Unless you intend to write them a check every month for any shortfall in revenue, you'll just have to wait for their time schedule. We are not a part of the planning team so we have no idea what is coming until they start to file for the permits to build.

[valuemkt]

I'm no engineer, but do those "berms" really prevent much noise from the turnpike ?? Those homes look awfully close.

[Chi-Town]

Since the turnpike already exists new homes are not eligible for a government sponsored noise wall.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[vintageogauge]

The site of a championship course has been announced but it has yet to be started. It's not a hardship to drive to one of the courses north of 44.

[Goldwingnut]

I'm no engineer, but do those "berms" really prevent much noise from the turnpike ?? Those homes look awfully close.

I was curious also about the effectiveness also so I took a sound pressure meter with me when I visited Linden that Sunday and noted between 6 and 10 db lower sound level difference at the bottom (house level) as compared to the top of the berm. There are also a large number of trees and bushes on the top of the berm that will further attenuate the sound as they mature over the next year or so. The Turnpike itself is significantly lower (20-25 ft.) than the top of the berm and the homes so much of the sound is deflected upwards.

Subjectively, there was a considerable difference from the top of the hill to the bottom and as I moved closer to the homes and farther from the berm it seemed even less. When I walked to the actual street between the houses, about 75 ft from the bottom of the berm, I could not distinguish any Turnpike noise from the other background noise.

[Jewelz]

Very well done Don- thank you for all of your hard work! I can't believe how fast TV is growing! We look forward to coming down in November and becoming full time Villagers in 5 years!

[VillageIdiots]

I'm no engineer, but do those "berms" really prevent much noise from the turnpike ?? Those homes look awfully close.

GWN took a scientific approach but I would use your own ears before making a purchase decision. You can now ride/walk to that area where the burm is and isn't. There is certainly a difference with the burm, but for me, not enough difference that I would trade where I am to relocate there. However, I have no doubt that it won't bother enough people that those homes will sell like all of the others do.

[Goldwingnut]

GWN took a scientific approach but I would use your own ears before making a purchase decision. You can now ride/walk to that area where the burm is and isn't. There is certainly a difference with the burm, but for me, not enough difference that I would trade where I am to relocate there. However, I have no doubt that it won't bother enough people that those homes will sell like all of the others do.

Agree, this will be a very subjective issue for most and will either be a go or no go for someone considering buying in this area. As a reason to relocate I doubt any will make this a consideration. For me, I'm happy were I am at but can appreciate what is being done and the engineering that is going into mitigation of uncontrollable factors of the new locations.

Yes, I used a basic sound pressure meter to get empirical data, but I also put it away after getting the data and just used my ears and walked around the area. There are some shortcomings in my observations, they were done on a Sunday morning when traffic was light, higher traffic levels and night time conditions could easily change the perception to something unacceptable to some. These things will be better known after the homes in this area become occupied. If there is a negative impact, I am confident that the next time this situation exists the developer will take additional actions to further mitigate the issue, they don't make many mistakes and even more rarely repeat a mistake.

A year or two from now it's doubtful that anyone will even be discussing the issue.

[VillageIdiots]

I used a basic sound pressure meter to get empirical data, but I also put it away after getting the data and just used my ears and walked around the area. There are some shortcomings in my observations, they were done on a Sunday morning when traffic was light, higher traffic levels and night time conditions could easily change the perception to something unacceptable to some.

Yes, it all comes down to what's important to the individual. There are the ones in this thread that couldn't dream of why anyone would want to be down here with no championship courses - as if every villager's life revolves around golf. Then there are those that don't want to be in the vicinity of a prison or quarry, but the population growth in the area proves that there are plenty of us that those things aren't a factor for.

I like to get out and look around at the changes daily, or close to it. But, just as you don't do flyovers except on Sundays, I try to give the construction workers their space when they are at work. So, I also listened to the noise by the burm on a Sunday. It actually wasn't all that bad where there is no burm and significantly better with the burm.

When I first moved here almost exactly 1 year ago, I could ride my cart no further than Tupelo Villas in DeSoto. Then it was opened up to get to parts of McClure, then the GC path was opened alongside 501 to 468, then the tunnels to go across to Linden or Marsh Bend. Then the GC path alongside the turnpike was opened up to the Hogeye Sink bridge and later down Marsh Bend Trail all the way to the Pitch and Putt. Now, the turnpike path goes beyond the bridge to within site of the power lines which is approximately where the turnpike bridge will go in. Looking forward to being able to cross that bridge and on to the rest of TV - a matter of months away.

[VApeople]

Then the GC path alongside the turnpike was opened up to the Hogeye Sink bridge and later down Marsh Bend Trail all the way to the Pitch and Putt.

If you want to see a really beautiful area, get out of your golf cart and walk the 2.8 mile trail around Hogeye Sink. It is open to walkers and bikers, but not golf carts.

[Packer Fan]

I was curious also about the effectiveness also so I took a sound pressure meter with me when I visited Linden that Sunday and noted between 6 and 10 db lower sound level difference at the bottom (house level) as compared to the top of the berm. There are also a large number of trees and bushes on the top of the berm that will further attenuate the sound as they mature over the next year or so. The Turnpike itself is significantly lower (20-25 ft.) than the top of the berm and the homes so much of the sound is deflected upwards.

Subjectively, there was a considerable difference from the top of the hill to the bottom and as I moved closer to the homes and farther from the berm it seemed even less. When I walked to the actual street between the houses, about 75 ft from the bottom of the berm, I could not distinguish any Turnpike noise from the other background noise.

Just as a reminder to anyone reading this - Decibels are on a Logrithmic scale - so 10 decibels less means TEN TIMES LESS. An order of magnitude decrease is huge. In other words, the Berms work.

[Goldwingnut]

Just as a reminder to anyone reading this - Decibels are on a Logrithmic scale - so 10 decibels less means TEN TIMES LESS. An order of magnitude decrease is huge. In other words, the Berms work.

I know and agree, the berms do seem to work very well. Sometimes the numbers and the science don't always filter through the brain with the clarity of reality. The human ear is both sensitive and with the help of the brain selective to what it hears. If you're sitting on the lanai with a glass of wine and quietly enjoying the moon and the stars you'll likely hear the Turnpike traffic if you're one of the nearer homes. Take the same scenario with a few friends over for a quite conversation and you'll never hear a thing from the Turnpike as you tune it out.