View Full Version : Katie Belles to become apartments
John41
08-23-2020, 05:53 AM
One more amenity bites the dust in America’s friendliest home town. Katie Belles is to become apartments in Spanish Springs. Apparently the developer is on a rampage to convert The Villages into a mixed multi family community for which the roads were not designed to hold the traffic. Urban sprawl at its worst.
Is the Waterfront Inn at Sumter Landing next?
rustyp
08-23-2020, 06:04 AM
One more amenity bites the dust in America’s friendliest home town. Katie Belles is to become apartments in Spanish Springs. Apparently the developer is on a rampage to convert The Villages into a mixed multi family community for which the roads were not designed to hold the traffic. Urban sprawl at its worst.
Hold on to your boot straps. Here comes the experts flogging you for for saying Katie Belle's is an amenity. Then we will continue on that tangent instead of discussing the real issue of Katie Belle's closing and being replaced by somewhat of a surprise (good or bad?) in a commercial area.
Wing-nut2
08-23-2020, 06:51 AM
How long will it be before The Villages offers Fully Furnished Apartments complete with golf cart use? Are they trying to kill the buy a house and rent it until retirement market?
It's all about the $$$.
dewilson58
08-23-2020, 06:56 AM
How long will it be before The Villages offers Fully Furnished Apartments complete with golf cart use? Are they trying to kill the buy a house and rent it until retirement market?
It's all about the $$$.
1,000 apartments vs 60,000 homes...............they will need a bigger fly swatter before they can kill anything. :ho:
CanTho
08-23-2020, 06:59 AM
1,000 apartments vs 60,000 homes...............they will need a bigger fly swatter before they can kill anything. :ho:
Love the response, " Precious ". :)
Madelaine Amee
08-23-2020, 07:04 AM
Is the Waterfront Inn at Sumter Landing next?
What a great idea ......... I'll be first in line for one of those:icon_wink:
CanTho
08-23-2020, 07:05 AM
One more amenity bites the dust in America’s friendliest home town. Katie Belles is to become apartments in Spanish Springs. Apparently the developer is on a rampage to convert The Villages into a mixed multi family community for which the roads were not designed to hold the traffic. Urban sprawl at its worst.
Is the Waterfront Inn at Sumter Landing next?
Katie Belle's an " Amenity " ?
The agent conveniently forgot to inform me bummer if I had only known :shocked:
Dr Winston O Boogie jr
08-23-2020, 07:11 AM
Eventually, everything in the The Villages will be turned into apartments. There will be no rec centers, no pools, no golf courses, no tennis courts, no parks and no single family homes. The goal is to turn it into The Bronx of Florida. 😂😂
pkfavreau2
08-23-2020, 07:17 AM
I thought Katie Belles was resident owned. That is at least what we were told, of course they renovated it without any residents input. Oh well.
graciegirl
08-23-2020, 09:33 AM
How long will it be before The Villages offers Fully Furnished Apartments complete with golf cart use? Are they trying to kill the buy a house and rent it until retirement market?
It's all about the $$$.
Apparently there is another poster with a very similar name to Wingnut the guy with the drone.
Am I right? This is very confusing. I read the post above and thought.......this doesn't sound like Wing Nut. AT ALL. And I disagree, with the post above. I really don't like it when someone uses a very similar name. It happened to me once and that was done with malice.
Dana1963
08-23-2020, 10:16 AM
I could care less even if they turn the 3 theaters into apartments. Don’t plan on ever going again.
dadspet
08-23-2020, 12:36 PM
As homeowners since 2007 we were sad and disappointed that Katie Belles was remodeled and now even worst being converted into Apartments. As dancers, one of the key attractions for us buying a house here was our " Private - Resident Only unique two story country night club, Katie Belles". We really enjoyed the entertainment and atmosphere of the original Katie Belles. Whenever friends visited the first place we would take them was Katie Belles. When they converted it into a 2nd Floor only restaurant with entertainment it lost most of its unique atmosphere but still wasn't a bad place to go for dancing and a meal ( yes we did eat there and loved their martini flights) but it was no longer unique it just became a nice restaurant with a nice (but sticky) dance floor. Everyone we knew that went there was clearly in agreement it was a step in the wrong direction. Now removing it altogether and putting in Apartments is even worst. Adding more and more apartments and removing landmarks is a sad direction. Our hope is that they have a plan to recreate the 2 story Katie Belles in one of the new areas > Seems like the restaurant space in Brownwood next to BlueFin would be a great location and it's been vacant since the Square opened. But then again that's only a wishful dream and chances of converting that space into apartments ( and the square itself) is probably more likely. Sad very sad!
Wing-nut2
08-23-2020, 04:13 PM
Gracie Girl
The other guy is GoldwingNut. I don’t know how long he’s been on the board, but I’ve been here over 10 years. Not sure, but I think I was here first. I average less than 2 posts per month. I clearly don’t try to be poster of the month, so I’m not surprised you don’t know me.
Dond1959
08-23-2020, 06:01 PM
As homeowners since 2007 we were sad and disappointed that Katie Belles was remodeled and now even worst being converted into Apartments. As dancers, one of the key attractions for us buying a house here was our " Private - Resident Only unique two story country night club, Katie Belles". We really enjoyed the entertainment and atmosphere of the original Katie Belles. Whenever friends visited the first place we would take them was Katie Belles. When they converted it into a 2nd Floor only restaurant with entertainment it lost most of its unique atmosphere but still wasn't a bad place to go for dancing and a meal ( yes we did eat there and loved their martini flights) but it was no longer unique it just became a nice restaurant with a nice (but sticky) dance floor. Everyone we knew that went there was clearly in agreement it was a step in the wrong direction. Now removing it altogether and putting in Apartments is even worst. Adding more and more apartments and removing landmarks is a sad direction. Our hope is that they have a plan to recreate the 2 story Katie Belles in one of the new areas > Seems like the restaurant space in Brownwood next to BlueFin would be a great location and it's been vacant since the Square opened. But then again that's only a wishful dream and chances of converting that space into apartments ( and the square itself) is probably more likely. Sad very sad!
I think Katie Belle’s in the Brownwood location is a great idea! Now, all you have to do is raise the capital, plan the location, and execute your plan! Any business has to make money for the investor or it doesn’t work. You may of loved the place the times you went there, but not enough people supported the business to keep it going. The same with HH country club. The developer provides plenty of opportunities for businesses to open and succeed. It is up to the business and customers to ensure the business stays feasible. If any business, no matter the location, is not profitable it will not stay open. It is not the obligation of the developer to keep these businesses open.
mrfixit
08-23-2020, 08:21 PM
What a great idea ......... I'll be first in line for one of those:icon_wink:
My sister will be in line right behind you at Spanish Springs........AND...
IF they convert the Waterfront Inn...OR ...any of the second floor office spaces at Lake Sumter Landing....
I will be 1st in line there.....
PLUS...NO WINKING....
I really would move to an apartment @ LSL in a Heartbeat.
Mleeja
08-23-2020, 08:48 PM
If the residents would have patronized Katie Belle’s (either version) we would not be having this discussion.
The next thing, the upper level will be converted to apartments then the residents of the apartments will complain about the music on the square being to loud or long!
jerseyclone
08-24-2020, 04:54 AM
One more amenity bites the dust in America’s friendliest home town. Katie Belles is to become apartments in Spanish Springs. Apparently the developer is on a rampage to convert The Villages into a mixed multi family community for which the roads were not designed to hold the traffic. Urban sprawl at its worst.
Is the Waterfront Inn at Sumter Landing next?
The developer has to be stopped from dumping his failures to increase unwanted development by the residents.
psgolf@comcast.net
08-24-2020, 05:29 AM
well said. disgusting the greed !!!!!
George Page
08-24-2020, 05:42 AM
-LEASED residential and commercial property is the gift that keeps on giving with MONTHLY rents while selling a house is only a one time score.
-Not to mention, the development cost per apartment front door is a lot less than a stand alone single family front door.
-Additionally, more bedrooms (higher density) means more foot traffic, and more foot traffic means HIGHER monthly commercial rents.
Real estate development...........
It’s all about the Benjamins baby!
J1ceasar
08-24-2020, 06:06 AM
In any normal City. There are apartments . not everyone wants a 2000 foot home . nor needs one . grow up . it's the developers land .
miharris
08-24-2020, 06:32 AM
It's irrelevant whether a restaurant is an official "amenity" or not, the trend of more people and fewer amenities is a bad trend. How appealing would a square with all apartments and no stores or restaurants be to you? I'm sure the developer would have a hard time using that as a marketing tool. Same thing for HH, I have a hard time imagining agents promoting a house near the country club as being "walking distance" to an apartment complex. Don't get me wrong, we love the villages and are happy we moved here, but nothing is so permanent that it can't be ruined by bad management.
UseYourBrain
08-24-2020, 06:35 AM
Agree. The new generation developers seem to have little idea of what we enjoy And what attracts people to buy here. I would assume they do marketing research but, as someone who has been in corporate life my entire career, marketing research often does not get at the right information. The original Katie belles is a good example. Would something like that be discovered or correctly assessed in marketing research? The real value is. It obvious until you see the exact product Obviously, the concept was a very good one as the universal opinion is that the revised Katie belles was not as good and they miss it very much. I’m on the younger end of age here and I spent many enjoyable nights there. If it wasn’t profitable enough, then tweak it don’t replace it.
We need more unique attractions and those seem to be disappearing. The town squares is another unique attraction. Now, we will just be a big boring sprawling community. Cmon. Where are the wow factors?
crash
08-24-2020, 06:40 AM
I thought Katie Belles was resident owned. That is at least what we were told, of course they renovated it without any residents input. Oh well.
None of the commercial property is resident owned but all the rec centers are.
jbrown132
08-24-2020, 06:50 AM
1,000 apartments vs 60,000 homes...............they will need a bigger fly swatter before they can kill anything. :ho:
Look at it this way, when the building finally starts to slow down 1000 apartments at say $2000 a month on average would generate $2 million a month or $24 million a year in revenue. Not chump change.
perrjojo
08-24-2020, 07:03 AM
I am wondering about the floor plan of these apartments. Doesn’t the building code require each room to have a window? I’m sure the developers know but I can’t quite envision it.
Dgodin
08-24-2020, 07:17 AM
I think Katie Belle’s in the Brownwood location is a great idea! Now, all you have to do is raise the capital, plan the location, and execute your plan! Any business has to make money for the investor or it doesn’t work. You may of loved the place the times you went there, but not enough people supported the business to keep it going. The same with HH country club. The developer provides plenty of opportunities for businesses to open and succeed. It is up to the business and customers to ensure the business stays feasible. If any business, no matter the location, is not profitable it will not stay open. It is not the obligation of the developer to keep these businesses open.
We don't know whether Katie Bells was viable because none of us have seen the books. It is possible the developer saw a greater return on apartments and closed Katie Bells even though it was profitable.
Spanish Springs square has fewer shops than either Lake Sumter or Brownwood and I would rather had a new restaurant take over.
Stu from NYC
08-24-2020, 07:18 AM
I am wondering about the floor plan of these apartments. Doesn’t the building code require each room to have a window? I’m sure the developers know but I can’t quite envision it.
Open concept would seem to solve that problem
MoNonnon
08-24-2020, 07:32 AM
Am I wrong? I thought I read that only the second floor would have some apartments at Katie Belles....
JSR22
08-24-2020, 07:35 AM
Am I wrong? I thought I read that only the second floor would have some apartments at Katie Belles....
Katie Belle's is only the second floor. The first floor is Soft Surroundings. The second floor is being repurposed to multiple apartments.
papillon
08-24-2020, 07:43 AM
I wouldn't think an apartment overlooking the busy Spanish Springs square would be very desirable. EVERY night the noise from the entertainers. EVERY night listening to all the drunks on patios of the restaurants. EVERY day all the traffic. EVERY day a lack of parking spaces. All those strangers right outside your "home". Not a very desirable location to live, in my opinion.
DonH57
08-24-2020, 07:43 AM
If the residents would have patronized Katie Belle’s (either version) we would not be having this discussion.
The next thing, the upper level will be converted to apartments then the residents of the apartments will complain about the music on the square being to loud or long!
Same with Hacienda CC however the first mistake was the first change in management to Hacienda years ago. It kept sliding downhill since.
Sage327
08-24-2020, 07:49 AM
First of all who would want to live in a noisy Square with music blaring every night? And do we really need to squeeze in more people? During high season the restaurants, Squares, roads, stores are already packed. What is it going to be like when the folks from the apts. on 466, Hacienda, and now Katie Belles descend on
on The Villages?
kendi
08-24-2020, 08:22 AM
Two ways to bring your day down: 1- refuse to accept change. 2 - create a negative narrative in your mind and stay focused on it.
UpNorth
08-24-2020, 08:26 AM
I wouldn't think an apartment overlooking the busy Spanish Springs square would be very desirable. EVERY night the noise from the entertainers. EVERY night listening to all the drunks on patios of the restaurants. EVERY day all the traffic. EVERY day a lack of parking spaces. All those strangers right outside your "home". Not a very desirable location to live, in my opinion.
Perfect for NYC snowbirds! Will make them feel right at home! :a040:
RichS$
08-24-2020, 08:56 AM
Well said!
Number 10 GI
08-24-2020, 09:14 AM
I am very certain that as soon as the apartments are completed they will be filled with residents. There are a number of positive reasons people would want to live on the square. Something breaks in the apartment call the manager and they fix it, no yard to worry about, no tax bills, some utilities may be covered in the lease, and you are as close to the shopping and night life as you can be. With the windows closed as they usually are in Florida, you won't hear any noise from the bands or the crowds. Just because you don't want to live there means nothing, there plenty that want it.
PugMom
08-24-2020, 09:18 AM
First of all who would want to live in a noisy Square with music blaring every night? And do we really need to squeeze in more people? During high season the restaurants, Squares, roads, stores are already packed. What is it going to be like when the folks from the apts. on 466, Hacienda, and now Katie Belles descend on
on The Villages?
i can see where someone who once lived in & enjoyed city life would be attracted to the lofts. it would also be a good idea for those who are thinking of a move here, they can see what's it's like for a year or 2 before deciding to buy a home, if @ all:popcorn:
airstreamingypsy
08-24-2020, 09:39 AM
Instead of apartments, I think TV should build condos. That way, when someone's spouse dies, and the widow doesn't want to deal with a house and yard, she can sell and reinvest in a condo. Rent is just throwing away money.
Jokomo
08-24-2020, 09:45 AM
One more amenity bites the dust in America’s friendliest home town. Katie Belles is to become apartments in Spanish Springs. Apparently the developer is on a rampage to convert The Villages into a mixed multi family community for which the roads were not designed to hold the traffic. Urban sprawl at its worst.
Is the Waterfront Inn at Sumter Landing next?
I hope they can bring in some low income housing as well to increase the diversity of The Villages.
Dilligas
08-24-2020, 09:50 AM
One more amenity bites the dust in America’s friendliest home town. Katie Belles is to become apartments in Spanish Springs. Apparently the developer is on a rampage to convert The Villages into a mixed multi family community for which the roads were not designed to hold the traffic. Urban sprawl at its worst.
Is the Waterfront Inn at Sumter Landing next?
KB was not an amenity, instead it was a business venture that failed because of lack of support. I am not sure how luxury apartments will go over in that space, with the square and its entertainment right outside it's window. Even though the nightly entertainment stops at 9 PM, there will have to be some very good sound proofing to keep the noise out. Brownwood has less of a problem because it is a couple of blocks away and has buildings inbetween. However, may small towns and towncenters for city suburbs have put in 2nd and 3 story luxury apartments with amazing success.
Dilligas
08-24-2020, 09:54 AM
The developer has to be stopped from dumping his failures to increase unwanted development by the residents.
In otherwords....you want to discontinue advancement for TV. That is not what most people want. Without advancing and perfecting a better product, most of us would not be here because TV would be like all the other 55+ communities with minimal amenities and activities. We have several of those communities very near by that are stuck in the past.
Huskies
08-24-2020, 10:12 AM
Hold on to your boot straps. Here comes the experts flogging you for for saying Katie Belle's is an amenity. Then we will continue on that tangent instead of discussing the real issue of Katie Belle's closing and being replaced by somewhat of a surprise (good or bad?) in a commercial area.
Cannot believe the family has no passion for the Katie Bell bldg since she was their grandmother and great grandmother of the MoRae family who helped start The Villages. Evidently money comes before respect for an old family member, guess she means nothing to them anymore.
brunanfm
08-24-2020, 10:26 AM
One more amenity bites the dust in America’s friendliest home town. Katie Belles is to become apartments in Spanish Springs. Apparently the developer is on a rampage to convert The Villages into a mixed multi family community for which the roads were not designed to hold the traffic. Urban sprawl at its worst.
Is the Waterfront Inn at Sumter Landing next?
Greed knows no bounds! What a surprise!
JoMar
08-24-2020, 10:57 AM
Greed knows no bounds! What a surprise!
As does ignorance. And that isn't a surprise. Stirring the pot also an accepted practice here.
wisbad1
08-24-2020, 10:59 AM
Apparently there is another poster with a very similar name to Wingnut the guy with the drone.
Am I right? This is very confusing. I read the post above and thought.......this doesn't sound like Wing Nut. AT ALL. And I disagree, with the post above. I really don't like it when someone uses a very similar name. It happened to me once and that was done with malice.
I agree, copy cat wanna be?
Should pick another name.
Wing-nut2
08-24-2020, 11:39 AM
GoldwingNut is the guy with with the drone. I’m wingnut2. I think I’ve been here longer. Over 10 years. GoldwingNut started in 2014 or 15. Look it up.
Mrprez
08-24-2020, 11:53 AM
GoldwingNut is the guy with with the drone. I’m wingnut2. I think I’ve been here longer. Over 10 years. GoldwingNut started in 2014 or 15. Look it up.
I did. 2016. There are others with similar names. I see no confusion between Wing-nut2 and Goldwingnut. Anyone who is confused, that is on you.
dhsmith
08-24-2020, 12:23 PM
Wingnut2
Do you happen to know Jack Rinnier he and my wife went to college together and he also was a fire arms instructor there?
Bob
woodcocd
08-24-2020, 12:27 PM
One more amenity bites the dust in America’s friendliest home town. Katie Belles is to become apartments in Spanish Springs. Apparently the developer is on a rampage to convert The Villages into a mixed multi family community for which the roads were not designed to hold the traffic. Urban sprawl at its worst.
Is the Waterfront Inn at Sumter Landing next?
Next it will be the polo grounds they convert to apartments
rustyp
08-24-2020, 12:39 PM
KB was not an amenity, instead it was a business venture that failed because of lack of support. I am not sure how luxury apartments will go over in that space, with the square and its entertainment right outside it's window. Even though the nightly entertainment stops at 9 PM, there will have to be some very good sound proofing to keep the noise out. Brownwood has less of a problem because it is a couple of blocks away and has buildings inbetween. However, may small towns and towncenters for city suburbs have put in 2nd and 3 story luxury apartments with amazing success.
Can you site your source that Katie Belle's failed for lack of support besides years of speculation posted here on TOTV. I personally believe there was other issues besides profit for that decision. And next a certain faction here will say none of my business - right you are. But in my case in 2005 a TV "sales agent" showed us around and referred to it as resident's only club and the flagship of TV. It is an exclusive benefit of becoming a TV resident. Certainly ripe for interpretation as an implied contract.
Ramone
08-24-2020, 12:57 PM
As homeowners since 2007 we were sad and disappointed that Katie Belles was remodeled and now even worst being converted into Apartments. As dancers, one of the key attractions for us buying a house here was our " Private - Resident Only unique two story country night club, Katie Belles". We really enjoyed the entertainment and atmosphere of the original Katie Belles. Whenever friends visited the first place we would take them was Katie Belles. When they converted it into a 2nd Floor only restaurant with entertainment it lost most of its unique atmosphere but still wasn't a bad place to go for dancing and a meal ( yes we did eat there and loved their martini flights) but it was no longer unique it just became a nice restaurant with a nice (but sticky) dance floor. Everyone we knew that went there was clearly in agreement it was a step in the wrong direction. Now removing it altogether and putting in Apartments is even worst. Adding more and more apartments and removing landmarks is a sad direction. Our hope is that they have a plan to recreate the 2 story Katie Belles in one of the new areas > Seems like the restaurant space in Brownwood next to BlueFin would be a great location and it's been vacant since the Square opened. But then again that's only a wishful dream and chances of converting that space into apartments ( and the square itself) is probably more likely. Sad very sad!
AND WHERE IS THE POA IN ALL THIS? Time to find some old timers paperwork from the 80's & 90's where agents and other documents tout Katie Bell's, Hacienda Club, Silver Lake Club as part of the deal of purchase. I assume POA has all this gathered and a fund for the time attorneys are needed.
jimjamuser
08-24-2020, 01:20 PM
It's irrelevant whether a restaurant is an official "amenity" or not, the trend of more people and fewer amenities is a bad trend. How appealing would a square with all apartments and no stores or restaurants be to you? I'm sure the developer would have a hard time using that as a marketing tool. Same thing for HH, I have a hard time imagining agents promoting a house near the country club as being "walking distance" to an apartment complex. Don't get me wrong, we love the villages and are happy we moved here, but nothing is so permanent that it can't be ruined by bad management.
Agreed that "there is nothing that can't be ruined by bad management". This concept could be extended from TV land to larger and larger organizations?
jimjamuser
08-24-2020, 01:31 PM
In any normal City. There are apartments . not everyone wants a 2000 foot home . nor needs one . grow up . it's the developers land .
If the TV Land residents wanted just a "normal city" they could have stopped their southward journey at Chattanooga. Save gas and travel time to go back to visit up North. They could have a bigger yard for less money. They instead wanted all the many benefits that TV Land offers. And WITHOUT unwanted changes. Can't you know? The place is a thinly disguised autocracy. There are many hazards to life possibly(?) coming in the next few years that will make this TV Land deterioration look like small potatoes!
jimjamuser
08-24-2020, 02:21 PM
I am very certain that as soon as the apartments are completed they will be filled with residents. There are a number of positive reasons people would want to live on the square. Something breaks in the apartment call the manager and they fix it, no yard to worry about, no tax bills, some utilities may be covered in the lease, and you are as close to the shopping and night life as you can be. With the windows closed as they usually are in Florida, you won't hear any noise from the bands or the crowds. Just because you don't want to live there means nothing, there plenty that want it.
I don't think that an audio expert would agree with you about noise NOT getting through the windows. I bet the low frequencies of the drumbeat will get through and loudly, and with vibrations.
maybe
08-24-2020, 03:33 PM
Within limits, the fewer attractive things there are in the older areas which might "steal" a possible new home buyer, the easier it is to sell new homes down south with attractions to come.
Jayhawk
08-24-2020, 03:37 PM
Certainly ripe for interpretation as an implied contract.
Who can guarantee a business will last that long?
I would doubt a 15 year old verbal "implied contract" would have much teeth in 2020.
Ladygolfer93
08-24-2020, 04:19 PM
Hold on to your boot straps. Here comes the experts flogging you for for saying Katie Belle's is an amenity. Then we will continue on that tangent instead of discussing the real issue of Katie Belle's closing and being replaced by somewhat of a surprise (good or bad?) in a commercial area.
Oh "they" will be jumping on you for sure ! Can't imagine anyone thinking UPSTAIRS apartments where music (usually is playing loudly nightly) is a "good" idea, but yes, The Villages is definitely far far far from the idyllic retirement community it was meant to be. It's too bad is all, instead of getting so nasty, people should realize many do feel cheated by the "bait and switch" tactics, but on the other hand, when any of us just can't stand the "big city" crime, traffic, lack of real interest in making this the BEST environment for retirees, people will move and look for a nicer, smaller, community. When you buy in a town that is actually a private enterprise owned by a single family or holding group, you win some, and, you do give up a lot of constitutional rights. It's a choice folks, it's a choice.
Manhoopty
08-24-2020, 04:27 PM
Really??? Hmmm...you must have some “inside scoop” to share......
Ladygolfer93
08-24-2020, 04:37 PM
How long will it be before The Villages offers Fully Furnished Apartments complete with golf cart use? Are they trying to kill the buy a house and rent it until retirement market?
It's all about the $$$.
All about the $$$ is right Jim. How long yet ? Probably not long, the handwriting is on the wall for sure ! Too bad, but, when we move into a privately controlled "town" voluntarily, unfortunately we loose the "inalienable rights", you obviously fought for (as well as my dad, uncle, 4 brother's in law, husband, and grandson fought for). It's sad, it sure is. Just think, if we moved to a "real" part of America, with a real mayor, and real elections, and a real city council, we'd have a voice in what happens to us, not just have to wait until the next shoe "drops". Does anyone pay attention to the amount of drug dealing going on here ? You have to find out about the drug deals, drug houses, other illegal happenings in new papers outside our own community newspaper too. If people move out would it help ? No, that solves nothing no! There are plenty waiting to get in. Many of us will probably stay until it's just intolerable traffic and waits to get into your village/home, and then will leave, still many will stay no matter how crowded and stressful it gets. Compared to circumstances in major cities right now, giving up some rights such as displaying a cross, or a flag, or not being able to have a certain plant container or garden ornament, might seem a small price to pay. For others, crowded mass of humanity here may be just the straw.
Honestly I my opinion, the singular downfall is the unbridled growth. Second, probably, is the amazing relaxation (compared to years ago) on rentals. It's like the Emperor's New Clothes here, anyone who dares to point out that things are not going in a good direction is told "GET OUT", no reflection on the fact that maybe a constituency SHOULD open their eyes and pay attention to changes in their community, just "get out". !!?? Do not burst my bubble by pointing out reality to me.... LOL !
Number 10 GI
08-24-2020, 04:53 PM
I don't think that an audio expert would agree with you about noise NOT getting through the windows. I bet the low frequencies of the drumbeat will get through and loudly, and with vibrations.
No body will force you to live there so it shouldn't bother you one bit. For the prospective renter, due diligence before signing the lease. A reasonable and sensible individual will recognize the fact that there "might" be some noise infiltration into the apartment.
Number 10 GI
08-24-2020, 04:58 PM
Oh "they" will be jumping on you for sure ! Can't imagine anyone thinking UPSTAIRS apartments where music (usually is playing loudly nightly) is a "good" idea, but yes, The Villages is definitely far far far from the idyllic retirement community it was meant to be. It's too bad is all, instead of getting so nasty, people should realize many do feel cheated by the "bait and switch" tactics, but on the other hand, when any of us just can't stand the "big city" crime, traffic, lack of real interest in making this the BEST environment for retirees, people will move and look for a nicer, smaller, community. When you buy in a town that is actually a private enterprise owned by a single family or holding group, you win some, and, you do give up a lot of constitutional rights. It's a choice folks, it's a choice.
Exactly what constitutional right are you being deprived of by living in TV?
rustyp
08-24-2020, 05:01 PM
What is the zoning of the four streets around SS square? I would guess commercial - but it is just that a guess. Can one build residential dwellings in a commercial zone without a variance ? Maybe goldwingnut can help .
jimjamuser
08-24-2020, 05:30 PM
No body will force you to live there so it shouldn't bother you one bit. For the prospective renter, due diligence before signing the lease. A reasonable and sensible individual will recognize the fact that there "might" be some noise infiltration into the apartment.
I guess then that for every issue or problem, nobody is entitled to an opinion. And "let the buyer beware" is a nice convenient, black and white answer to everything!
Jayhawk
08-24-2020, 05:30 PM
Honestly I my opinion, the singular downfall is the unbridled growth.
Using that logic, why do so many on here constantly whine about getting a Costco, Trader Joe's, etc.? And surely you don't shop at unbridled growth compnies like Amazon, or Wal-Mart or Publix, or use any of the newer amenities because without growth they wouuldn't even exist.
Amazing how many people figure "hey, I got mine, we don't need any more people and the developer should go out of business costing thousands of people their job".
Number 10 GI
08-24-2020, 05:43 PM
I guess then that for every issue or problem, nobody is entitled to an opinion. And "let the buyer beware" is a nice convenient, black and white answer to everything!
I don't see an issue or problem. I guess you missed the part about a reasonable and sensible individual.
Mleeja
08-24-2020, 06:12 PM
I wouldn't think an apartment overlooking the busy Spanish Springs square would be very desirable. EVERY night the noise from the entertainers. EVERY night listening to all the drunks on patios of the restaurants. EVERY day all the traffic. EVERY day a lack of parking spaces. All those strangers right outside your "home". Not a very desirable location to live, in my opinion.
Geez, it only took 30 post before someone complained about the music on the square....:1rotfl:
I am very certain that as soon as the apartments are completed they will be filled with residents. There are a number of positive reasons people would want to live on the square. Something breaks in the apartment call the manager and they fix it, no yard to worry about, no tax bills, some utilities may be covered in the lease, and you are as close to the shopping and night life as you can be. With the windows closed as they usually are in Florida, you won't hear any noise from the bands or the crowds. Just because you don't want to live there means nothing, there plenty that want it.
Usually in an apartment the utilities are all included. Not here. They charge extra for them. This is generally done with Condos not Apartments but then this is The Villages so...
Mleeja
08-24-2020, 06:27 PM
Usually in an apartment the utilities are all included. Not here. They charge extra for them. This is generally done with Condos not Apartments but then this is The Villages so...
I lived in apartments Indianapolis where utilities were NOT included. So this is not unique to TV.
I lived in apartments Indianapolis where utilities were NOT included. So this is not unique to TV.
Hence the word "Usually".
Jayhawk
08-24-2020, 06:48 PM
Usually in an apartment the utilities are all included. Not here. They charge extra for them. This is generally done with Condos not Apartments but then this is The Villages so...
I have lived in numerous apartments, as have my children. I have NEVER seen utilities paid by the landlord. But then it wasn't in The Villages, so.....but I guess we can blame them anyway. Pile on !!!
Heartnsoul
08-24-2020, 06:51 PM
Terrible idea. What are they going to start going UP now ? Katie Bealls was the original reason we moved here DESTROYING what was a nice retirement community
JSR22
08-24-2020, 07:01 PM
Terrible idea. What are they going to start going UP now ? Katie Bealls was the original reason we moved here DESTROYING what was a nice retirement community
You moved here for a restaurant? We moved here for very reasonable price for cost of living, all the golf courses, sports and many restaurants. Honestley KB was not that great.
Northwoods
08-24-2020, 07:28 PM
Using that logic, why do so many on here constantly whine about getting a Costco, Trader Joe's, etc.? And surely you don't shop at unbridled growth compnies like Amazon, or Wal-Mart or Publix, or use any of the newer amenities because without growth they wouuldn't even exist.
Amazing how many people figure "hey, I got mine, we don't need any more people and the developer should go out of business costing thousands of people their job".
:bigbow:
rustyp
08-24-2020, 07:33 PM
This is interesting those that favored Katie Belle's and those that for the lack of a better description couldn't give a hoot. It would help when we are having that pro / con conversation if you could identify when you moved here, I myself came in 2005 and Katie Belle's was a super large attraction. It was the first place you took your guest to show off The Villages. Also when did it get moved upstairs? That would also be a good reference point Vs when you moved here.
Topspinmo
08-24-2020, 08:00 PM
1,000 apartments vs 60,000 homes...............they will need a bigger fly swatter before they can kill anything. :ho:
Plenty of commercial property to build on that’s setting vacant
Topspinmo
08-24-2020, 08:03 PM
One more amenity bites the dust in America’s friendliest home town. Katie Belles is to become apartments in Spanish Springs. Apparently the developer is on a rampage to convert The Villages into a mixed multi family community for which the roads were not designed to hold the traffic. Urban sprawl at its worst.
Is the Waterfront Inn at Sumter Landing next?
IMO no, the books store lot maybe though? Katie bells not The problem, not big enough to make dent. It’s the 300 plus units.
merrymini
08-24-2020, 09:33 PM
If a company fails, the space can become something else. No a bad idea and the square is already there so no surprise with the music and such. Some people may like it but it is not my cup of tea. Zoning can be changed, if necessary and I find it less objectionable than building an apartment building on the HH site. After paying a premium to live on a golf course, I would be pretty upset to be looking at a five story apartment building instead of a country club.
cegallup
08-25-2020, 05:48 AM
I could care less even if they turn the 3 theaters into apartments. Don’t plan on ever going again.
Okay - YOU don't plan on going to the theaters. What about the rest of the Villagers ?
JerryLBell
08-26-2020, 09:56 AM
I wonder how long after people move into the apartments they're creating in the former Katie Belle's space that we'll hear complaints from them about the volume of the music being played on the squares.
Jayhawk
08-26-2020, 10:02 AM
I wonder how long after people move into the apartments they're creating in the former Katie Belle's space that we'll hear complaints from them about the volume of the music being played on the squares.
Well, there shouldn't be more than six complaints since that is the number of units propsed, but with normal expectations, all will lease to 6 complainers who regularly visit this site.
Dana1963
08-27-2020, 10:12 AM
I thought I’d pretty niece. Commercial ares are owned by the developer along with Square Entertainment is not an amenity it’s subsidized by businesses and tourism tax
rustyp
09-10-2020, 05:42 AM
"Originally, it was announced that the shuttered Katie Belle’s was to be the future home of the apartments. The Planning and Zoning Board is being asked to consider the change for the entire downtown." per the "other" news this AM.
Dana1963
09-10-2020, 10:58 AM
It’s not a true Country Club it was a building with a restaurant.
graciegirl
09-10-2020, 11:50 AM
One more amenity bites the dust in America’s friendliest home town. Katie Belles is to become apartments in Spanish Springs. Apparently the developer is on a rampage to convert The Villages into a mixed multi family community for which the roads were not designed to hold the traffic. Urban sprawl at its worst.
Is the Waterfront Inn at Sumter Landing next?
MIXED MULTI FAMILY COMMUNITY? You mean all ages, kids????? I think you are sadly misinformed.
graciegirl
09-10-2020, 11:57 AM
No body will force you to live there so it shouldn't bother you one bit. For the prospective renter, due diligence before signing the lease. A reasonable and sensible individual will recognize the fact that there "might" be some noise infiltration into the apartment.
Music stops on the podium at 9:30?
rustyp
09-10-2020, 12:35 PM
Music stops on the podium at 9:30?
It's a bandstand and for years the music stopped at 9:00 PM sharp.Wonder if the music will ever start again. Oh well I don't have that in writing either. Me stupid.
dewilson58
09-10-2020, 02:14 PM
It’s not a true Country Club it was a building with a restaurant.
what is a true CC??
John41
09-10-2020, 02:43 PM
MIXED MULTI FAMILY COMMUNITY? You mean all ages, kids????? I think you are sadly misinformed.
The developer has asked for an exception in a part of the law that creates 55 plus communities to allow CCDs for families that would share our amenities. As far as I know families have children. This is for the Southern Oaks portion. Same might happen elsewhere where developer owns the property.
Mleeja
09-10-2020, 04:33 PM
There is a market for apartments in The Villages. I know of a person who lost her husband. She did not want to maintain a house, but also did not want to leave her friends and support system in The Villages. She just moved into The Lofts apartment and is very happy. I am sure there are many more like this person.
Heartnsoul
09-11-2020, 07:54 AM
Agree with everything you wrote. We do not like it either
rustyp
09-11-2020, 08:08 AM
The La Reina building is would make very desirable apartments with little modification. The circular entrance and huge adjacent parking lot in the rear would be perfect for residents. The view over the square and down main street would be spectacular from the upper levels. As in the past this building could once again be TV flagship.
charlieo1126@gmail.com
09-11-2020, 08:23 AM
Usually in an apartment the utilities are all included. Not here. They charge extra for them. This is generally done with Condos not Apartments but then this is The Villages so...but most utilities are not covered
asianthree
09-11-2020, 08:37 AM
Always amazed at posts about things such as if utilities are covered, or not, and yet no renovations have started. Doesn’t matter if you think you are right, only the new tenets will be effected
charlieo1126@gmail.com
09-11-2020, 08:45 AM
Cannot believe the family has no passion for the Katie Bell bldg since she was their grandmother and great grandmother of the MoRae family who helped start The Villages. Evidently money comes before respect for an old family member, guess she means nothing to them anymore. these were forward looking people. Iv been here 21 years love all the changes , the complaints about high crime , traffic jams , the family makes to much money , please give me a break . I go out to eat 5 or 6 times a week even in high season at 7pm maybe you have to wait an extra 20 minutes so you sit or stand at bar .and chat with new people .After those 4 months or so your free to do what you want here. . You know for a large group of people who hate socialism( except for medicare ) I don’t understand the complaint that the family should keep a losing business going because they have a lot of money . I’m 81 have moved 5 times as the villages have moved so have I and I have loved each area , I’m glad they are giving more options , lots of people can’t understand that each new area brings younger people , so maybe just embrace the change or move into one of those retirement communities with one golfcourse and one recreation center where you can wait till your called for the last move
Jayhawk
09-11-2020, 10:35 AM
I’m 81 have moved 5 times as the villages have moved so have I and I have loved each area , I’m glad they are giving more options , lots of people can’t understand that each new area brings younger people , so maybe just embrace the change or move into one of those retirement communities with one golfcourse and one recreation center where you can wait till your called for the last move
Your wisdom is obvious with each new post. Thank you for your reasaonable and well thought out messages.
:bigbow:
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