Hacienda Hills. A possible solution?

[John41]

Now that the developers puppet commissioners lost the election by a convincing 2 to 1 margin, perhaps he will change his hardball attitude and work with the residents and new POA sponsored commissioners.

My suggestion is the developer should refund the lot premium paid by affected owners when they purchased their homes. In return the developer would get the 300 amenity passes. Also shrubbery should be planted so the apartments not be visible to the surrounding area as much as possible. This refund agreement should be written into the purchase agreement of all homes on golf courses too and any other developer owned amenity.

It is not fair for the developer to keep the lot premium and get free amenity passes.

[Jayhawk]

Now that the developers puppet commissioners lost the election by a convincing 2 to 1 margin, perhaps he will change his hardball attitude and work with the residents and new POA sponsored commissioners.

My suggestion is the developer should refund the lot premium paid by affected owners when they purchased their homes. In return the developer would get the 300 amenity passes. Also shrubbery should be planted so the apartments not be visible to the surrounding area as much as possible. This refund agreement should be written into the purchase agreement of all homes on golf courses too and any other developer owned amenity.

It is not fair for the developer to keep the lot premium and get free amenity passes.

You ever hear of Private Property? The developers OWN the land. They don't need or welcome or even deserve to be harangued by miserable Villagers. Get over it.

Holy cow, with so much crud going on in the world aren't there more important things to worry about? The developers don't tell you how to invest your money. What gives anyone the right to tell them how to invest theirs?

[Mleeja]

Now that the developers puppet commissioners lost the election by a convincing 2 to 1 margin, perhaps he will change his hardball attitude and work with the residents and new POA sponsored commissioners.

My suggestion is the developer should refund the lot premium paid by affected owners when they purchased their homes. In return the developer would get the 300 amenity passes. Also shrubbery should be planted so the apartments not be visible to the surrounding area as much as possible. This refund agreement should be written into the purchase agreement of all homes on golf courses too and any other developer owned amenity.

It is not fair for the developer to keep the lot premium and get free amenity passes.

Maybe we should wait to see the plans.

[VApeople]

My suggestion is the developer should refund the lot premium paid by affected owners when they purchased their homes.

What has changed for the homeowners?

They paid a premium for a lot on the golf course and the golf course still exists.

[CanTho]

Now that the developers puppet commissioners lost the election by a convincing 2 to 1 margin, perhaps he will change his hardball attitude and work with the residents and new POA sponsored commissioners.

My suggestion is the developer should refund the lot premium paid by affected owners when they purchased their homes. In return the developer would get the 300 amenity passes. Also shrubbery should be planted so the apartments not be visible to the surrounding area as much as possible. This refund agreement should be written into the purchase agreement of all homes on golf courses too and any other developer owned amenity.

It is not fair for the developer to keep the lot premium and get free amenity passes.

My comment is pretty simple. I look at the Brownwood Lofts and what the developer created on an open lot that was a borderline eyesore.

The Lofts are fantastic and the Recreation Center is well thought out and very inviting.

Everything that the Morse Family has done is really well planned and the end product is really nice.

I am certain that whatever the end product that is built will be fantastic !

Just let it go. They have made a well thought out business decision as usual.

[tophcfa]

You ever hear of Private Property? The developers OWN the land. They don't need or welcome or even deserve to be harangued by miserable Villagers. Get over it.

Holy cow, with so much crud going on in the world aren't there more important things to worry about? The developers don't tell you how to invest your money. What gives anyone the right to tell them how to invest theirs?

Have you ever heard of Good Will. That is an intangible asset that is on the balance sheet of companies that listen to and answer to the needs of their life blood, their customers. Gary Morse got that big time. The current generation of the family were very fortunate to inherit that Good Will along with a thriving enterprise and a billion dollars each. They are now burning up that Good Will at an astronomical pace. Pretty soon they won't be able to simply build stuff and sell it to the next sucker based on the Good Will generated by their deceased father. Their inherited tank of Good Will will run empty, and they will realize that Good Will has to be earned by listening to their customers and acting accordingly, and very handsome profits will follow if they finally manage to get it.

[tophcfa]

My comment is pretty simple. I look at the Brownwood Lofts and what the developer created on an open lot that was a borderline eyesore.

The Lofts are fantastic and the Recreation Center is well thought out and very inviting.

Everything that the Morse Family has done is really well planned and the end product is really nice.

I am certain that whatever the end product that is built will be fantastic !

Just let it go. They have made a well thought out business decision as usual.

A couple of thoughts on the above post. I agree, the apartment complex in Brownwood is appealing looking and well thought out. But there is a HUGE difference between that place and what is planed for HH. The Brownwood apartments were built in an area that is not surrounded by single family residential homes, it does not suffer from already major traffic congestion, it is not in an area that already has severely overused amenities, it is not on a Championship Golf course, and it was not jammed down the throats of single family homeowner who bought homes thinking an apartment complex would never be part of the deal.

I don't think anyone is saying that apartment complexs are a bad idea, but they need to go in the proper area and not be put in after the fact negatively effecting homeowners that never had any reasonable expectation that they would suddenly appear in their neighborhood. I don't think anyone has a problem with the appearance of the Waterfront Hotel in Lake Sumter Landing, but I think it would ruffle a lot of feathers if they tore down the Club House at either Belle Glade or Evans Prairie and put it there? There is a proper place and time for every kind of development, and lots of Villagers don't think it is either the time or place for what is planned for HH.

And you say that the end product that will be built will be fantastic? Do you mean just like the wonderful building that had to be torn down to make room for the apartments because it was no longer functional, that was fantastic? Or are you referring to the former Katie Belles, or the El Santiago building that they jammed down the throats of the AAC and subsequently needed to be torn down? Really!

One last note on apartments, after Covid they might not be such a good idea. Has anyone considered that the major outbreaks of the pandemic in the area are centered around high density living arrangements such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and yes apartments. Personally, I am glad to have a single family home to self quarantine during such times and am sure glad I don't live in a high density apartment complex.

[Topspinmo]

You ever hear of Private Property? The developers OWN the land. They don't need or welcome or even deserve to be harangued by miserable Villagers. Get over it.

Holy cow, with so much crud going on in the world aren't there more important things to worry about? The developers don't tell you how to invest your money. What gives anyone the right to tell them how to invest theirs?

I guess you not going to be affected by the towering apartments, over crowding, and Morse Blvd congestion, and suspected 285 residents, probably will be more. Yes it private property but he don’t own district amenities which he getting addition free passes to district that He don’t own. Cramping more in area already over crowded. I‘M in same boat it don’t affect me why should I care? :)

[Topspinmo]

What has changed for the homeowners?

They paid a premium for a lot on the golf course and the golf course still exists.


I wouldn’t bet on it? Maybe part of that premium rate included country club?

[Joe Sacco]

Correct!

[jbrown132]

You ever hear of Private Property? The developers OWN the land. They don't need or welcome or even deserve to be harangued by miserable Villagers. Get over it.

Holy cow, with so much crud going on in the world aren't there more important things to worry about? The developers don't tell you how to invest your money. What gives anyone the right to tell them how to invest theirs?

I’m sure you would be the first in line with your hand out if it were your property that just took a significant hit in value because of something the developer did.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Have you ever heard of Good Will. That is an intangible asset that is on the balance sheet of companies that listen to and answer to the needs of their life blood, their customers. Gary Morse got that big time. The current generation of the family were very fortunate to inherit that Good Will along with a thriving enterprise and a billion dollars each. They are now burning up that Good Will at an astronomical pace. Pretty soon they won't be able to simply build stuff and sell it to the next sucker based on the Good Will generated by their deceased father. Their inherited tank of Good Will will run empty, and they will realize that Good Will has to be earned by listening to their customers and acting accordingly, and very handsome profits will follow if they finally manage to get it.

Funny. I recall that when Gary Morse was alive people complained about how he ruined all of the good will created by his father, Harold Schwartz.

I'm wondering if when the kids of the people currently running the show take over, people will be complaining about how their parents did it so much better.

[PJackpot]

Where do you come up with these absurd ideas? The project is already committed. Lot owners get nothing. It is their property, they own it. They can do what they want with it.

[jbrown132]

What has changed for the homeowners?

They paid a premium for a lot on the golf course and the golf course still exists.
When those people bought those properties and paid a premium they had a reasonable expectation that the club house, restaurant and pool were part of the package. No different than joining a private country club. When the developer sold those homes to those people part of the pitch was that everything is already here. Club house, restaurant, pool, courses etc. Now it looks like the old bait and switch has taken place. Why not replace what they took down with a new clubhouse, restaurant and pool. Yes, that’s right no money to be made.

[crash]

Now that the developers puppet commissioners lost the election by a convincing 2 to 1 margin, perhaps he will change his hardball attitude and work with the residents and new POA sponsored commissioners.

My suggestion is the developer should refund the lot premium paid by affected owners when they purchased their homes. In return the developer would get the 300 amenity passes. Also shrubbery should be planted so the apartments not be visible to the surrounding area as much as possible. This refund agreement should be written into the purchase agreement of all homes on golf courses too and any other developer owned amenity.

It is not fair for the developer to keep the lot premium and get free amenity passes.

The country club is in Marion county so the Sumter County commissioners have nothing to do with it.

They are not developing the golf course just the property the restaurant and club house set on. People will not be losing their golf course view may just see apartment buildings depending where on the course they sit.

[crash]

I guess you not going to be affected by the towering apartments, over crowding, and Morse Blvd congestion, and suspected 285 residents, probably will be more. Yes it private property but he don’t own district amenities which he getting addition free passes to district that He don’t own. Cramping more in area already over crowded. I‘M in same boat it don’t affect me why should I care? :)

Agree with you and it is the CDD commissioners that caved and gave away access to the amenities. They could of prevented apartments because who would want them if it did not include the amenities.

The biggest difference between these apartments and the ones in Brownwood is location. Brownwood is in a commercial zone and Hacienda is in a single family home zone, just wrong.

[Timothyimitchell]

Maybe we should wait to see the plans.

Their track record is pretty fair.

[17362]

I saw this original thread and thought....
What? Again? Geez!
Get over it people.
The developer doesn’t have to listen to any of us. He/ she/ they/ it OWNS it.

Perhaps the real reason why there are so many threads about this is that emotions have taken over the brain - and that they can do what they want, but The Village house owner(s) are a deed restricted community?!? Is that the real reason?
Never the less, nothing can be said to change it.
It’s history!
Get over it.
This is what I call, “ too bad, so sad, Learn from it “ instance.

[Raton270]

The jury is out. Let’s evaluate at the end of there terms and see how Sumter County stacks up with other counties in Florida.

[Regor]

The country club is in Marion county so the Sumter County commissioners have nothing to do with it.

Hacienda Hills is in Sumter county

[Cranford61]

Funny. I recall that when Gary Morse was alive people complained about how he ruined all of the good will created by his father, Harold Schwartz.

I'm wondering if when the kids of the people currently running the show take over, people will be complaining about how their parents did it so much better.
I often wondered how to Gary Morse get his surname when his father was Harold Schwartz?

[GolfGirl122]

It’s in Sumter County. And they will most likely take away a 9 hole course to fit their needs.

[Goldwingnut]

Agree with you and it is the CDD commissioners that caved and gave away access to the amenities. They could of prevented apartments because who would want them if it did not include the amenities.

The biggest difference between these apartments and the ones in Brownwood is location. Brownwood is in a commercial zone and Hacienda is in a single family home zone, just wrong.

The CDD Supervisors have zero say or control of anything to do with the amenities. You are misinformed.

[FromNY]

I often wondered how to Gary Morse get his surname when his father was Harold Schwartz?
According to a story he was given his mother's name to prevent antisemitic situation for schooling.

[Villages Kahuna]

I hadn’t thought about the lot premium issue. But the extra 300 guest-amenity cards was approved by the AAC last week. The only impediment to the developer proposal would be their inability to get zoning changes to permit the high-rise building. If the developer controls the zoning in The Villages, they might be able to get the change. If they have to apply to the “new” Sumter County board, there’s a chance re-zoning may not be approved.

Three incumbent board members lost in the primary, but I think all five have to run in the General Election in November. We’d all be well-served to get the names of the candidates challenging the incumbents in preparation for our voting in November.

No amount of bushes will be able to shield the view from surrounding homes of the proposed 286-unit apartment building. The proposed building would have to be 10-12 stories high to fit on the parcel of land that was Hacienda Hills CC. That doesn’t consider where parking for 300 or so cars plus at least 200 golf carts would go. Given the sink hole problem in The Villages, I can’t imagine a large underground garage would even be possible.

[FromNY]

Things change. Once we had buffalo. Then Freedom Point was built. Those homes lost views. Once there was open land and a feeling of country living and shopping centers ,big box stores, apartments, schools etc happened. Its called progress. Its a demand for convinces. It is growth we ,well most of us have a choice. Live here enjoy what we have or move. It is sad to see things changes. Now if the developer wants to have already existing homeowners pay to build that is a different story. People who pay HOA fees often get told hand over a thousand dollars to fix something in the community ( had it happen in South Fl). We are fortunate to have a relatively clean safe fun filled place to grow old. Change happens.

[Buckeye Bob]

There are NO plans for a restaurant and it is not part of the agreement.

[Dilligas]

Have you ever heard of Good Will. That is an intangible asset that is on the balance sheet of companies that listen to and answer to the needs of their life blood, their customers. Gary Morse got that big time. The current generation of the family were very fortunate to inherit that Good Will along with a thriving enterprise and a billion dollars each. They are now burning up that Good Will at an astronomical pace. Pretty soon they won't be able to simply build stuff and sell it to the next sucker based on the Good Will generated by their deceased father. Their inherited tank of Good Will will run empty, and they will realize that Good Will has to be earned by listening to their customers and acting accordingly, and very handsome profits will follow if they finally manage to get it.
The developers have listened and reacted to the customers...that is why the farther south you go the the amenities, landscape, and environmental features have gotten bigger and better. When you bought, your area was better laid out and better amenities than the Orange Blossom area. North of CR466 improved upon your area, CR466-CR466A improved on the 3 previous areas, and CR466A-SR44 inproved again. Now you are seeing more improvement south of SR44. If the residents stop supporting the CC north of CR466, the facilities will also change just like your Hacienda Hills and Katie Belles. I too liked the original Katie Belles and had fun, drinks, and food there. However, many of your neighbors came for the glass of water and entertainment...thus Katie Belles and the Steak House had to go.....they were non profitable. Regardless of the reasons, Hacienda Hills suffered the same situation. Your area almost lost Tierra del Sol restuarant, but the Developers became creative and developed a play house and golf course restuarant. As good as TDS turned out, you may enjoy equal benefit of the Hacienda Hills redevelopment. The times you had in the late 1990s and early 2000s are good memories, but time moves on and you have to look forward to the new memories to be made.

[ProfessorDave]

Wow. Are you serious? What if they were to build a prison? They own it - they can do it? What if they put in a paper factory (they smell)? They own it - they can do what they want to it?

The legal fact is - was a "reliance to their own detriment." Which means - they purchased with a reasonable assumption of what they were investing in (country club, etc.) and - they were lied to.

The other simple fact is this. In a few short months - with Katie Belle's and this - the Morse family has diminished trust by thousands of Villages. The business model was driven by very happy people literally "begging" friends to move here to. That is their "golden goose" or in business called their "strategic competitive advantage."

Knowing the attitude is "I own it - I can do whatever I want" is an "in your face" attitude. Personally - I really like living her overall - but I understand the people who are very upset. I lost trust in the Morse family - and will be less likely to encourage friends to move here. Why? Because who knows what the Developer will do - because it is all about money - not the purpose and trust and strategic business model that came before him. Overtime, The Villages won't be so special - just bigger than other retirement communities; that would be a shame.

[toeser]

What has changed for the homeowners?

They paid a premium for a lot on the golf course and the golf course still exists.

The word is that the developer is closing down and developing 9 holes of the 27 hole golf course.

[Topspinmo]

I saw this original thread and thought....
What? Again? Geez!
Get over it people.
The developer doesn’t have to listen to any of us. He/ she/ they/ it OWNS it.

Perhaps the real reason why there are so many threads about this is that emotions have taken over the brain - and that they can do what they want, but The Village house owner(s) are a deed restricted community?!? Is that the real reason?
Never the less, nothing can be said to change it.
It’s history!
Get over it.
This is what I call, “ too bad, so sad, Learn from it “ instance.

And district don’t have to pass out Access amenities like candy

[Topspinmo]

I hadn’t thought about the lot premium issue. But the extra 300 guest-amenity cards was approved by the AAC last week. The only impediment to the developer proposal would be their inability to get zoning changes to permit the high-rise building. If the developer controls the zoning in The Villages, they might be able to get the change. If they have to apply to the “new” Sumter County board, there’s a chance re-zoning may not be approved.

Three incumbent board members lost in the primary, but I think all five have to run in the General Election in November. We’d all be well-served to get the names of the candidates challenging the incumbents in preparation for our voting in November.

No amount of bushes will be able to shield the view from surrounding homes of the proposed 286-unit apartment building. The proposed building would have to be 10-12 stories high to fit on the parcel of land that was Hacienda Hills CC. That doesn’t consider where parking for 300 or so cars plus at least 200 golf carts would go. Given the sink hole problem in The Villages, I can’t imagine a large underground garage would even be possible.

They will probably push it through before the leave office or have already greased it in.

[Topspinmo]

The CDD Supervisors have zero say or control of anything to do with the amenities. You are misinformed.


why did developers Have to apply for 285 amenities ID cards to district theY sold years ago?

[njbchbum]

There are NO plans for a restaurant and it is not part of the agreement.

Where can we view the plans that you have seen which led you to that conclusion?

[Jayhawk]

When those people bought those properties and paid a premium they had a reasonable expectation that the club house, restaurant and pool were part of the package. No different than joining a private country club.

ALL of those things will be available to ALL Villages residents, not just those in the apartments.

Learn the facts before spewing venom.

From the notoriously negative Villages dash News dot com - "In addition to the restaurant, the Developer has promised a resort-style pool, a walking path and sports courts. They would be open to all Villagers, according to the proposal."

[algi45]

You sound like one of the developer's minions.

[Mleeja]

There are NO plans for a restaurant and it is not part of the agreement.

We have not seen the final plans. However, if you have read the articles in The Daily Sun, or attended the AAC meeting last week a restaurant, club house and pool were all discussed as being included. All the amenities will be available to all residents.

[Mleeja]

Rhen why did developers Have to apply for 285 amenities ID cards to district the sold years ago?

Go to this thread. There is a very good and detailed explanation by Goldwingnut.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/construction-update-8-17-amenity-fee-part-2-a-310220/

[Two Bills]

I often wondered how to Gary Morse get his surname when his father was Harold Schwartz?

Morse was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Mary Louise and Harold Schwartz, who later moved to Arizona.[1] After the couple divorced, Mary Louise married Clifford Morse (Morse would later take his stepfather's surname) and lived in Central Lake, Michigan.[2]
Wiki.

[donassaid]

Everyone has property rights, not just the Developer. Your property rights end where mine begin. For example, you can't have dogs barking at all hours, or pet snakes or raise pigs. The Villages charged a premium for GOLF COURSE lots not for high rise apartment views. Just because they have already gotten their money from existing homeowners doesn't give them the right to come in now and ruin their property values.

[Jayhawk]

Everyone has property rights, not just the Developer. Your property rights end where mine begin. For example, you can't have dogs barking at all hours, or pet snakes or raise pigs. The Villages charged a premium for GOLF COURSE lots not for high rise apartment views. Just because they have already gotten their money from existing homeowners doesn't give them the right to come in now and ruin their property values.

What golf course is going away in this deal?

[jimjamuser]

Wow. Are you serious? What if they were to build a prison? They own it - they can do it? What if they put in a paper factory (they smell)? They own it - they can do what they want to it?

The legal fact is - was a "reliance to their own detriment." Which means - they purchased with a reasonable assumption of what they were investing in (country club, etc.) and - they were lied to.

The other simple fact is this. In a few short months - with Katie Belle's and this - the Morse family has diminished trust by thousands of Villages. The business model was driven by very happy people literally "begging" friends to move here to. That is their "golden goose" or in business called their "strategic competitive advantage."

Knowing the attitude is "I own it - I can do whatever I want" is an "in your face" attitude. Personally - I really like living her overall - but I understand the people who are very upset. I lost trust in the Morse family - and will be less likely to encourage friends to move here. Why? Because who knows what the Developer will do - because it is all about money - not the purpose and trust and strategic business model that came before him. Overtime, The Villages won't be so special - just bigger than other retirement communities; that would be a shame.
Brilliant post. I agree completely. Very good details of the past history, the deterioration, and the future predictions. Seems like a good conclusion. I can only speak to my 15 years experience here. I can only speak in generalities. I enjoy being here and the MANY clubs and activities, which are made STRONG by unpaid volunteers many times. That is part of the "good will" that factors into the positive life style in TV land. The good will factor seened stronger, to me, from 2005 to about 2012, when perhaps expansion became more important to the Developers than cultivating good will and good word of mouth advertisement. I must confess to sometimes getting the feeling of living in a hidden "soft" Dictatorship. Peeople buying into TV land usually have a "golly, gee whiz attitude" for about 5 years, as I did. Slowly you see and realize that it is not perfect. You notice small problems like traffic back-ups in January, where a simple turning lane could solve the problem. You notice excessive landscaping at round abouts that cause visual hazards and etc. Later, you might start feeling like the individual is powerless. That is my feeling - like a quasi-Dictatorship. I hope I do not sound like a Qanon conspiracy monger?

[Topspinmo]

Where do you come up with these absurd ideas? The project is already committed. Lot owners get nothing. It is their property, they own it. They can do what they want with it.


So, I can do what I want with my property right? I own it. Not how it works is it.

[Topspinmo]

ALL of those things will be available to ALL Villages residents, not just those in the apartments.

Learn the facts before spewing venom.

From the notoriously negative Villages dash News dot com - "In addition to the restaurant, the Developer has promised a resort-style pool, a walking path and sports courts. They would be open to all Villagers, according to the proposal."

The facts? They tore down the country club.

[bpascani]

well said

[Worldseries27]

In what suburban neighborhood in the usa would private homeowners welcome a 300 apartment building complex being built amongst them ?
It's not a villages issue, its a common sense one. In other words, " let's get ready to rumble"

[Northwoods]

Obviously a few people on this thread have been privy to the plans/layout of this apartment complex. They know they are going to use 9 holes of the championship golf course for the apartment complex, there isn't any restaurant, and it's going to ruin property values of homes in the area.
So can one of these people PLEASE post the layout/plans for the apartment complex?
You can't possibly be making assumptions (let's not forget what happens when you ASS U ME something).

[dwhite5773]

Now that the developers puppet commissioners lost the election by a convincing 2 to 1 margin, perhaps he will change his hardball attitude and work with the residents and new POA sponsored commissioners.

My suggestion is the developer should refund the lot premium paid by affected owners when they purchased their homes. In return the developer would get the 300 amenity passes. Also shrubbery should be planted so the apartments not be visible to the surrounding area as much as possible. This refund agreement should be written into the purchase agreement of all homes on golf courses too and any other developer owned amenity.

It is not fair for the developer to keep the lot premium and get free amenity passes.
WTF? This has NOTHING to do with Sumter County and the “bankrolled” FORMER commissioners. This is a CDD issue. The only issue I see with this is the amenities fee should roll to the CDD after the 5 years of developer control so that infrastructure maintenance, public safety, community watch, etc. can be funded through its respective channel! Mixed use is how the Villages progresses, apartments being part of that. Hopefully the increased traffic will be addressed, etc. As with the lofts at Brownwood, a great addition to TV for residents not wanting that task of maintaining their property.

[nn0wheremann]

You ever hear of Private Property? The developers OWN the land. They don't need or welcome or even deserve to be harangued by miserable Villagers. Get over it.

Holy cow, with so much crud going on in the world aren't there more important things to worry about? The developers don't tell you how to invest your money. What gives anyone the right to tell them how to invest theirs?
The property is private, but the location, ie community, in which it sets is possessed by all who live in it.

[Number 10 GI]

My comment is pretty simple. I look at the Brownwood Lofts and what the developer created on an open lot that was a borderline eyesore.

The Lofts are fantastic and the Recreation Center is well thought out and very inviting.

Everything that the Morse Family has done is really well planned and the end product is really nice.

I am certain that whatever the end product that is built will be fantastic !

Just let it go. They have made a well thought out business decision as usual.

The Lofts apartments and landscaping is very nicely done and will remain so.

[Jayhawk]

The Lofts apartments and landscaping is very nicely done and will remain so.

As are the amenities, which are open to all Village residents.

[Debelg]

The problem that I have with apartments is that , before there were X amount of residents per golf course X amount of residents per swimming pool X amount of residents per rec-center and now there are hundreds of residents that will be added to those same recreation amenities the ratio will no longer be in balance so therefor "YES" it will effect all of us ,just wait until all those nice apartments will be occupied hundreds and hundreds of renters flowing into the amenities and......... Yes I don't like that

[JohnN]

Now that the developers puppet commissioners lost the election by a convincing 2 to 1 margin, perhaps he will change his hardball attitude and work with the residents and new POA sponsored commissioners.

My suggestion is the developer should refund the lot premium paid by affected owners when they purchased their homes. In return the developer would get the 300 amenity passes. Also shrubbery should be planted so the apartments not be visible to the surrounding area as much as possible. This refund agreement should be written into the purchase agreement of all homes on golf courses too and any other developer owned amenity.

It is not fair for the developer to keep the lot premium and get free amenity passes.

Good luck with that idea. You're expecting a lot of generosity in a business world This is all about money in the developer's pocket, not yours.

[Mleeja]

WTF? This has NOTHING to do with Sumter County and the “bankrolled” FORMER commissioners. This is a CDD issue. The only issue I see with this is the amenities fee should roll to the CDD after the 5 years of developer control so that infrastructure maintenance, public safety, community watch, etc. can be funded through its respective channel! Mixed use is how the Villages progresses, apartments being part of that. Hopefully the increased traffic will be addressed, etc. As with the lofts at Brownwood, a great addition to TV for residents not wanting that task of maintaining their property.

I wish people would learn how our systems of government work. Amenity fees north of 466 goes directly to the Amenity Authority Committee. The CDDs do not have control over how the AAC operates. The agreement made by the developer was with the AAC. The only way the county commissioners would be involved is if a zoning change was needed. For all we know, this zoning change was made a long time ago. You don’t start a multi-million dollar without having the proper zoning in place.

[Bilyclub]

I would think if there was a zoning change done by the Sumter Board it would have been campaign fodder in the recent primary.

[Mleeja]

I would think if there was a zoning change done by the Sumter Board it would have been campaign fodder in the recent primary.

No, the ONLY thing the candidates ran on was the tax increase.

[perrjojo]

The problem that I have with apartments is that , before there were X amount of residents per golf course X amount of residents per swimming pool X amount of residents per rec-center and now there are hundreds of residents that will be added to those same recreation amenities the ratio will no longer be in balance so therefor "YES" it will effect all of us ,just wait until all those nice apartments will be occupied hundreds and hundreds of renters flowing into the amenities and......... Yes I don't like that
I don’t think we really know how many apartments will be on that site. We only know how many amenity slots were released to the developer. Those may only be partially used at the Hacienda site and some used in other areas such as Katie Belle’s.

[Northwoods]

I wouldn’t bet on it? Maybe part of that premium rate included country club?

It was a restaurant. If the new complex has a restaurant that is open to all Villagers I call it even. If they have to call the restaurant a "country club".... so be it.

[FishnFool]

I found this in the AAC Agenda Request document from 8/12 meeting:

"... As presented, the amended agreement provides VLS the ability to utilize the unused amenity rights for age-restricted units, and to construct additional amenity improvements at no cost to residents and guests in the Village Center District territory and The Villages community at large. If the amenity rights are utilized in this manner, VLS shall construct, at a minimum, a resort-style pool, sport and activity courts, walking paths and open spaces – all of which shall be accessible to residents and guests. Furthermore, the additional amenities would be perpetually maintained by VLS."

No mention of restaurant...

[Goldwingnut]

I found this in the AAC Agenda Request document from 8/12 meeting:

"... As presented, the amended agreement provides VLS the ability to utilize the unused amenity rights for age-restricted units, and to construct additional amenity improvements at no cost to residents and guests in the Village Center District territory and The Villages community at large. If the amenity rights are utilized in this manner, VLS shall construct, at a minimum, a resort-style pool, sport and activity courts, walking paths and open spaces – all of which shall be accessible to residents and guests. Furthermore, the additional amenities would be perpetually maintained by VLS."

No mention of restaurant...

Simple, restaurants are not amenities, they are private businesses. Just like Katie Belles and the HHCC were private businesses and not amenities.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Now that the developers puppet commissioners lost the election by a convincing 2 to 1 margin, perhaps he will change his hardball attitude and work with the residents and new POA sponsored commissioners.

My suggestion is the developer should refund the lot premium paid by affected owners when they purchased their homes. In return the developer would get the 300 amenity passes. Also shrubbery should be planted so the apartments not be visible to the surrounding area as much as possible. This refund agreement should be written into the purchase agreement of all homes on golf courses too and any other developer owned amenity.

It is not fair for the developer to keep the lot premium and get free amenity passes.

It sounds like you're assuming that the developer is going to destroy the golf courses. The premium is paid for a golf course view. As long as the golf course is there what is the loss to the homeowners?

[John41]

It sounds like you're assuming that the developer is going to destroy the golf courses. The premium is paid for a golf course view. As long as the golf course is there what is the loss to the homeowners?

No just for affected owners when they lose their view.

[Jayhawk]

No just for affected owners when they lose their view.

Like the back side of the old restaurant that was razed? Surely apartments with landscaping, flowers, etc. would be a better view.

[JoMar]

The facts? They tore down the country club.

They tore down a restaurant that nobody wanted. Your preference is to have it sit empty? I think those that are complaining are at best, a couple hundred people who also didn't support the place.....if they had maybe the operator would have been profitable and stayed. Those that own businesses have no obligation to lose money and wait until we decide to go there.

[pauld315]

They tore down a restaurant that nobody wanted. Your preference is to have it sit empty? I think those that are complaining are at best, a couple hundred people who also didn't support the place.....if they had maybe the operator would have been profitable and stayed. Those that own businesses have no obligation to lose money and wait until we decide to go there.

This is way off the mark. I personally know a very successful restauranteur who wanted that space and I have had others tell me there was more than one who proposed taking it over. The Villages had other plans for this space and they didn't want to invest the money to repair the facility back to working order so they made it impossible for anyone to take it over The previous operation was not supported because the food and service were both bad and people refused to go there anymore, which is the way a horrible restaurant should be treated.

[Northwoods]

This is way off the mark. I personally know a very successful restauranteur who wanted that space and I have had others tell me there was more than one who proposed taking it over. The Villages had other plans for this space and they didn't want to invest the money to repair the facility back to working order so they made it impossible for anyone to take it over The previous operation was not supported because the food and service were both bad and people refused to go there anymore, which is the way a horrible restaurant should be treated.

If someone was interested in the space why didn't they invest in bringing the restaurant "up to code?" Suleiman's did it at Lopez.

[PennBF]

What is the payback for those individuals who don't live in the area of the projected Apartments? Are they just feeding their need for attention, are they related to the Developer/Owner or have friends who are, are they employees of the Developer/Owner, are they fanatical followers of the Developer/Owner. are they contractor(s) who have a financial gain if the Apartments are built. Since they don't live in the neighborhood of the proposed Apartments they must have a payback for challenging those that do?? The sad thing is this list of ones who get paybacks will not suffer the problems of living in an area of apartments in a residential location! People who are arguing for the Apartments and don't live in the area have a payback!
The question is which category do they fall under?:ho:

[njbchbum]

What is the payback for those individuals who don't live in the area of the projected Apartments? Are they just feeding their need for attention, are they related to the Developer/Owner or have friends who are, are they employees of the Developer/Owner, are they fanatical followers of the Developer/Owner. are they contractor(s) who have a financial gain if the Apartments are built. Since they don't live in the neighborhood of the proposed Apartments they must have a payback for challenging those that do?? The sad thing is this list of ones who get paybacks will not suffer the problems of living in an area of apartments in a residential location! People who are arguing for the Apartments and don't live in the area have a payback!
The question is which category do they fall under?:ho:

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[graciegirl]

This is way off the mark. I personally know a very successful restauranteur who wanted that space and I have had others tell me there was more than one who proposed taking it over. The Villages had other plans for this space and they didn't want to invest the money to repair the facility back to working order so they made it impossible for anyone to take it over The previous operation was not supported because the food and service were both bad and people refused to go there anymore, which is the way a horrible restaurant should be treated.

I challenge the veracity of that. If that were so it would not have sit empty for so long. Plus remember that HERE in the Villages, restaurants are LEASED for five years, not owned. To say that "they didn't want to invest the money to repair the facility back to working order" is your opinion and your summary of people who are responsible and whose business rests on keeping things in good working order.

It appears that as neighborhoods and areas have occupants who are getting older they do not go out as much and business at restaurants fall off. Especially too that people want good food cheaply. Most restaurants do NOT have anyone cooking back there. Most unload, open containers, heat them up and pour sauce over the meat and shlep some mashed potatoes with it and throw some packaged lettuce mix in a bowl and add a cherry tomato and a cucumber slice and put ranch dressing on it.

People are throwing opinions around about what will happen next. What will happen next is that apartments will be built. Hopefully they will be inhabited by the same kind of mostly responsible people who now live in The Villages. Hopefully all this angst and worry will turn into a ...Oh Well. Nothing much here to see situation.

I am glad this is a CDD and not a homeowners run the place situation. There are a lot of people who have never run anything who are now urban authorities.

[graciegirl]

What is the payback for those individuals who don't live in the area of the projected Apartments? Are they just feeding their need for attention, are they related to the Developer/Owner or have friends who are, are they employees of the Developer/Owner, are they fanatical followers of the Developer/Owner. are they contractor(s) who have a financial gain if the Apartments are built. Since they don't live in the neighborhood of the proposed Apartments they must have a payback for challenging those that do?? The sad thing is this list of ones who get paybacks will not suffer the problems of living in an area of apartments in a residential location! People who are arguing for the Apartments and don't live in the area have a payback!
The question is which category do they fall under?:ho:

I am feeling you may be talking about me?

I am not related to the developer, never met a Morse person other than the half brother who lives in my neighborhood and isn't really one of the gang... and I only saw him once, never spoke to him or shook his hand. I have lived here for almost fifteen years and really am very happy with how things are done here in The Villages. It is very successful and very well run and people are clamoring to move here and more people scare some residents, but people are moving to Florida in droves and they are going to live somewhere. I would opt for a good place run by people who have a good track record.

My goal and my payback is to challenge damaging rumors that harm the success of this entire place, The Villages. I feel that the challenges are being raised as an agenda against big business, and successful business that employs thousands of people. I think that somewhere there is a political aspect to a lot of these irate people who probably lived close by to apartments in their former life and felt no negative effects.

I think there is a movement afoot to tear down the aspect of the entire CDD form of government that I have great admiration for. It works better than the "complete democracy" of places like Orlando and Tampa.

I don't see the gloom and doom, the heavy traffic, the squalor, the shabbiness , the bad stuff that would come from this plan. I don't think it will turn out badly.

I live just off 466, right smack dab in the middle of The Villages in a Village that a lot of nay sayers said would fail because of the "traffic noise". Not so.

The folks who think bad stuff will come from the apartments may be right.

But I think they may be wrong and that if they don't work out well, the owners will abolish that plan and think of something else. They have been doin' real good so far.

[Marathon Man]

What is the payback for those individuals who don't live in the area of the projected Apartments? Are they just feeding their need for attention, are they related to the Developer/Owner or have friends who are, are they employees of the Developer/Owner, are they fanatical followers of the Developer/Owner. are they contractor(s) who have a financial gain if the Apartments are built. Since they don't live in the neighborhood of the proposed Apartments they must have a payback for challenging those that do?? The sad thing is this list of ones who get paybacks will not suffer the problems of living in an area of apartments in a residential location! People who are arguing for the Apartments and don't live in the area have a payback!
The question is which category do they fall under?:ho:

Wait a minute!!!!!! We get a payback?????? Thank you, "The Developer".