Apartments Coming to Lake Sumter?

[Marigold]

Did anyone else read the “ Notice of proposed change of allowable land uses through amendment to the Tri-County villages of Sumter in the villages of Sumter development original impact development orders“ that was in Sunday’s Daily Sun? It included a location map for Lake Sumter Landings with an amendment for four parcels to change by adding single-family and multi-family residential as a permitted use. These parcels appear to be on three sides of the town square and down Canal Street. There also is a location map for Hacienda Hills Country Club and an amendment to amend its designation from mixed-use and add multi-family residential and additional commercial uses as permitted uses. I was aware of the changes to Hacienda Hills Country Club but this is the first time that I saw any notice about Lake Sumter.
There are public hearings at Everglades Recreation Center to consider these amendments on September 21, October 13 and October 27.

[vintageogauge]

Did anyone else read the “ Notice of proposed change of allowable land uses through amendment to the Tri-County villages of Sumter in the villages of Sumter development original impact development orders“ that was in Sunday’s Daily Sun? It included a location map for Lake Sumter Landings with an amendment for four parcels to change by adding single-family and multi-family residential as a permitted use. These parcels appear to be on three sides of the town square and down Canal Street. There also is a location map for Hacienda Hills Country Club and an amendment to amend its designation from mixed-use and add multi-family residential and additional commercial uses as permitted uses. I was aware of the changes to Hacienda Hills Country Club but this is the first time that I saw any notice about Lake Sumter.
There are public hearings at Everglades Recreation Center to consider these amendments on September 21, October 13 and October 27.

It seems like they want to have apartments available at all the squares, the Lofts at Brownwood are a great addition to the area and I'm sure if built around Lake Sumter and Spanish they will be just as nice. If they are going to build upscale apartments they might as well be in the commercial areas.

[Topspinmo]

Did anyone else read the “ Notice of proposed change of allowable land uses through amendment to the Tri-County villages of Sumter in the villages of Sumter development original impact development orders“ that was in Sunday’s Daily Sun? It included a location map for Lake Sumter Landings with an amendment for four parcels to change by adding single-family and multi-family residential as a permitted use. These parcels appear to be on three sides of the town square and down Canal Street. There also is a location map for Hacienda Hills Country Club and an amendment to amend its designation from mixed-use and add multi-family residential and additional commercial uses as permitted uses. I was aware of the changes to Hacienda Hills Country Club but this is the first time that I saw any notice about Lake Sumter.
There are public hearings at Everglades Recreation Center to consider these amendments on September 21, October 13 and October 27.

And who couldn’t see this coming, lots empty buildings at Southern trace also.

[champion6]

I posted the notice yesterday: https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/zoning-changes-sumter-county-apartments-311047/

[bargee]

Just watch out for zoning changes at the Polo Field

[Mleeja]

The upper levels were designed for offices. I guess there are not enough lawyers and accountants to occupy this space. I visited the district offices when they were in LSL. The office had a great view of the square with a balcony. For a music lover this would be a great apartment. Sign me up!

[Northwoods]

The upper levels were designed for offices. I guess there are not enough lawyers and accountants to occupy this space. I visited the district offices when they were in LSL. The office had a great view of the square with a balcony. For a music lover this would be a great apartment. Sign me up!

I agree. I'm guessing they want to convert the second story space in Lake Sumter into apartments. Just like they want to convert second story space in Spanish Springs into apartments.
This is done in many if not most big cities. Ground floor has shops, above the shops are apartments/condos.

[txfan]

Should be plenty of room for housing at LSL when Street of Dreams relocates to Brownwood.

[davem4616]

I've often wondered why the 2nd floors in the buildings around the squares seemed to be unoccupied...and why did they build a 2nd floor if it wasn't going to be used?

Now I wonder where the folks that ultimately will lease or purchase the apartments on those 2nd floors will be parking their vehicles?

[Rwirish]

The Lofts of Brownwood are anything but a great addition. Apartments in TV is nothing more then an increase in density and a steady revenue stream for the Developer.

[Two Bills]

I've often wondered why the 2nd floors in the buildings around the squares seemed to be unoccupied...and why did they build a 2nd floor if it wasn't going to be used?

Now I wonder where the folks that ultimately will lease or purchase the apartments on those 2nd floors will be parking their vehicles?

Probably alongside the cars parked by those on the ground floor.

[rustyp]

Like Hacienda Hills I predict Cane Garden will be the next CC demolished and turned into apartments. How many of you were here when numerous executive courses had restaurants ? Silver Lake, Chula Vista, and El Santiago off the top of my head.

[Rowenfl]

The apartments in Sumter Landing are probably above the storefronts (first floor commercial). A lot of The Villages offices are up there.

[billyb1950]

Maybe the Waterfront Hotel @ LSL will convert to apartments. To some extent (parking, location, etc), it seems logical.

[Worldseries27]

did anyone else read the “ notice of proposed change of allowable land uses through amendment to the tri-county villages of sumter in the villages of sumter development original impact development orders“ that was in sunday’s daily sun? It included a location map for lake sumter landings with an amendment for four parcels to change by adding single-family and multi-family residential as a permitted use. These parcels appear to be on three sides of the town square and down canal street. There also is a location map for hacienda hills country club and an amendment to amend its designation from mixed-use and add multi-family residential and additional commercial uses as permitted uses. I was aware of the changes to hacienda hills country club but this is the first time that i saw any notice about lake sumter.
There are public hearings at everglades recreation center to consider these amendments on september 21, october 13 and october 27.
well i hope someone at these meetings brings up the issue of the noise complaints that these future residents will invariably make to 911. What then? Curtailing the square activities? Or worse. What ironclad assurances will we get that this wont occur? Don't hold your breath waiting for them.

[Rsenholzi]

The meeting for Spanish springs was last night and people came out in droves. The end result was it was voted down. I don’t believe the same result will happen in Lake Sumter as the villages have the commissioners in their pockets! Everyone needs to get out to these meetings or the flavor of the squares will change as will the parking situation. There will be no parking for the people of the villages

[rustyp]

The meeting for Spanish springs was last night and people came out in droves. The end result was it was voted down. I don’t believe the same result will happen in Lake Sumter as the villages have the commissioners in their pockets! Everyone needs to get out to these meetings or the flavor of the squares will change as will the parking situation. There will be no parking for the people of the villages

I believe it was the Planning and Zoning Board that voted last night. Only three members of five present with all three voting negative however The board serves in an advisory capacity to the Lady Lake Commission. The commission is not bound by the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board.

[gwenhwalker@yahoo.com]

Did anyone else read the “ Notice of proposed change of allowable land uses through amendment to the Tri-County villages of Sumter in the villages of Sumter development original impact development orders“ that was in Sunday’s Daily Sun? It included a location map for Lake Sumter Landings with an amendment for four parcels to change by adding single-family and multi-family residential as a permitted use. These parcels appear to be on three sides of the town square and down Canal Street. There also is a location map for Hacienda Hills Country Club and an amendment to amend its designation from mixed-use and add multi-family residential and additional commercial uses as permitted uses. I was aware of the changes to Hacienda Hills Country Club but this is the first time that I saw any notice about Lake Sumter.
There are public hearings at Everglades Recreation Center to consider these amendments on September 21, October 13 and October 27.

Why are public hearings held way down south for an issue above 44. More difficult for some to attend.

[Nick B]

Sec 8 coming next.

[Daddymac]

It seems like they want to have apartments available at all the squares, the Lofts at Brownwood are a great addition to the area and I'm sure if built around Lake Sumter and Spanish they will be just as nice. If they are going to build upscale apartments they might as well be in the commercial areas.

Will they add pickle ball, volleyball, Pools, golf course, to the areas,, NO.
So who will this hurt, The people who live here... everything will just get way too crowded.

[KRM0614]

Did anyone else read the “ Notice of proposed change of allowable land uses through amendment to the Tri-County villages of Sumter in the villages of Sumter development original impact development orders“ that was in Sunday’s Daily Sun? It included a location map for Lake Sumter Landings with an amendment for four parcels to change by adding single-family and multi-family residential as a permitted use. These parcels appear to be on three sides of the town square and down Canal Street. There also is a location map for Hacienda Hills Country Club and an amendment to amend its designation from mixed-use and add multi-family residential and additional commercial uses as permitted uses. I was aware of the changes to Hacienda Hills Country Club but this is the first time that I saw any notice about Lake Sumter.
There are public hearings at Everglades Recreation Center to consider these amendments on September 21, October 13 and October 27.
Residents have no say so. Why waste your time. Look how the property tax debacle went thru.

[HappyRetired]

Join the group spear-heading residents going to these zoning and commissioner meetings to make our voices heard. Unify. They started out on Nextdoor Neighborhood blog. See their website and Facebook page. Villagers Promises Preservation Watch Google them.

[Cbriggi]

Residents have no say so. Why waste your time. Look how the property tax debacle went thru.

Right there is the problem! We do have a say and we can and will influence the direction.

DO NOT GIVE UP! That is the Developers plan.

Follow v2pw online - join in and help stop turning The Villages into The City. Website above is .com.

[Villagesgal]

Personally, I would love to live in Lake Sumter Landing in an apt. above the businesses.

[JoMar]

Personally, I would love to live in Lake Sumter Landing in an apt. above the businesses.

It still amazes me how people fight to have growth stop. How anti-business residents become when they disagree with growth. I wonder if the businesses in the town squares are in favor of blocking potential customers. I wonder if any of business owners were at the meeting. I wonder if the residents challenges are satisfactory will their behaviour change to make it profitable for the businesses in the squares or will they return to doing what they always did? What is the population of the Spanish Springs area and what is the apartment capacity and will it really make a difference in anything?

[Velvet]

Residents have no say so. Why waste your time. Look how the property tax debacle went thru.

Sounds like a “Why don’t you just lie down and die“ approach to me. I think it is important to have people express their voices, the bedrock of a democratic society.

[Number 10 GI]

I agree. I'm guessing they want to convert the second story space in Lake Sumter into apartments. Just like they want to convert second story space in Spanish Springs into apartments.
This is done in many if not most big cities. Ground floor has shops, above the shops are apartments/condos.

Years and years back before department stores and shopping malls that is where the owner's of the small businesses lived, above their store. A few years back in Nashville, TN developers built a large multi floor apartment in downtown Nashville that filled up quickly. People liked living downtown where they worked. Not long after a grocery store opened up in the downtown area to serve the people living in the apartments. After the success of that apartment building developers started a condo and apartment building frenzy in the downtown area. They are bought/rented as soon as they are finished and demand premium prices. It makes sense as the downtown areas are where the restaurants, bars and entertainment are located. It's a lot easier to do a short walk from your condo/apartment to your place of interest than to drive a car there and try to find a parking spot.

[Number 10 GI]

well i hope someone at these meetings brings up the issue of the noise complaints that these future residents will invariably make to 911. What then? Curtailing the square activities? Or worse. What ironclad assurances will we get that this wont occur? Don't hold your breath waiting for them.

There is only one word to describe those who would buy/rent on the square where they know music and crowds will be and then complain about noise, STUPID!
Back where we came from there was a dirt track car race track where locals ran their cars. It was in the middle of no where and had been there for years. Eventually the city grew and subdivisions appeared on the former farm land surrounding the race track. The new residents didn't practice due diligence and check out the area before buying their home and quickly discovered the race track on race night created a lot of noise. They tried to get it shut down but their efforts failed. There are consequences for being stupid.

[Topspinmo]

Probably alongside the cars parked by those on the ground floor.

Yep, just where I want park my car where drunks will be pulling in and out and milling around my car. Probably park in the back I would imagine?

[oldkatz]

Having property in creek side lake sumpter area I can say music is loud I can’t imagine how loud it would be on the square

[Topspinmo]

There is only one word to describe those who would buy/rent on the square where they know music and crowds will be and then complain about noise, STUPID!
Back where we came from there was a dirt track car race track where locals ran their cars. It was in the middle of no where and had been there for years. Eventually the city grew and subdivisions appeared on the former farm land surrounding the race track. The new residents didn't practice due diligence and check out the area before buying their home and quickly discovered the race track on race night created a lot of noise. They tried to get it shut down but their efforts failed. There are consequences for being stupid.


Seen that number times with gun ranges and drag strips. Most cases they get them shut down.

[Worldseries27]

seen that number times with gun ranges and drag strips. Most cases they get them shut down.
that is exactly the point. The p. I a 911 noise complaints will drive local police and authorities to take action vs the squares participants. How many times have you seen airport neighborhoods rise up vs plane noise when they knew the inherent risks before they bought their homes. We have to create a zone where these complaints are automatically dismissed. The new residents must be compelled, by signing a waiver, at their closings.

[Uncle Buck]

They are New Yorking The Villages.

[Two Bills]

Yep, just where I want park my car where drunks will be pulling in and out and milling around my car. Probably park in the back I would imagine?

As I said.
'Where the people on the ground floor park.'
ie. business occupants.

[Northwoods]

It still amazes me how people fight to have growth stop. How anti-business residents become when they disagree with growth. I wonder if the businesses in the town squares are in favor of blocking potential customers. I wonder if any of business owners were at the meeting. I wonder if the residents challenges are satisfactory will their behaviour change to make it profitable for the businesses in the squares or will they return to doing what they always did? What is the population of the Spanish Springs area and what is the apartment capacity and will it really make a difference in anything?

I 100% agree. People are complaining that we are losing restaurants in the square, yet they try to block adding 2nd story apartments that will ADD customers to keep the restaurants in business!! Converting the 2nd floor in the square to apartments takes nothing away from villagers.
Maybe we should ask businesses on the square what they would like.

[vinnytalk]

My concern is the removing of Country Clubs, less for us to visit and enjoy.
More apartments more people , you will never get to watch another square show unless you get by 4PM to save your seat.
The restaurants and bowling alleys closing due to high rents especially during the conoravirus?
We the HO' s will lose out on the benefits while the Morse family gets richer , she will come a point where this is no the place to live and the home values is go down.
Only my opinion

[Jayhawk]

My concern is the removing of Country Clubs, less for us to visit and enjoy.
More apartments more people , you will never get to watch another square show unless you get by 4PM to save your seat.
The restaurants and bowling alleys closing due to high rents especially during the conoravirus?
We the HO' s will lose out on the benefits while the Morse family gets richer , she will come a point where this is no the place to live and the home values is go down.
Only my opinion

Sell quick and move away before it's too late.

:boom:

[thelegges]

My concern is the removing of Country Clubs, less for us to visit and enjoy.
More apartments more people , you will never get to watch another square show unless you get by 4PM to save your seat.
The restaurants and bowling alleys closing due to high rents especially during the conoravirus?
We the HO' s will lose out on the benefits while the Morse family gets richer , she will come a point where this is no the place to live and the home values is go down.
Only my opinion

Well ya can’t save a seat unless your in it.
Didn’t the governor close the restaurants, and businesses?
The reason the business are not rebounding is too many are not either ordering to go or dining in. We eat out or take out the same this year as last year.

Those who have stayed in their homes waiting for the vaccine, may find out they didn’t live long enough to get in line. Then Covid could evolve to a totally different strain.
The flu vaccine still doesn’t protect from all strains, and look how long that been around.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Like Hacienda Hills I predict Cane Garden will be the next CC demolished and turned into apartments. How many of you were here when numerous executive courses had restaurants ? Silver Lake, Chula Vista, and El Santiago off the top of my head.

And how profitable were those restaurants.

I hear some people complain about the Silver Lake restaurant being turned into a rec center. I wonder how often those same people ate there. It also seems a bit silly to have a restaurant at that location when there is OBH Country Club a half mile away.

Why have a restaurant at Chula Vista when it is so close to Town Square?

I'm going to guess that the restaurant at El Santiago wasn't very successful and Glenview is a mile and a half away.

If these places were all that popular and profitable, they wouldn't have been closed.

It's the same for Hacienda Hills CC. It was never busy and the clientele all seemed to be ninety years old.

People have to remember that these places are all businesses and are there to make money. They are not there for the pleasure of the residents. Yes, residents enjoy having some of these places but it is up to the residents to support them. if they are not sufficiently supported, the owners will find other use for the property.

[rustyp]

And how profitable were those restaurants.

I hear some people complain about the Silver Lake restaurant being turned into a rec center. I wonder how often those same people ate there. It also seems a bit silly to have a restaurant at that location when there is OBH Country Club a half mile away.

Why have a restaurant at Chula Vista when it is so close to Town Square?

I'm going to guess that the restaurant at El Santiago wasn't very successful and Glenview is a mile and a half away.

If these places were all that popular and profitable, they wouldn't have been closed.

It's the same for Hacienda Hills CC. It was never busy and the clientele all seemed to be ninety years old.

People have to remember that these places are all businesses and are there to make money. They are not there for the pleasure of the residents. Yes, residents enjoy having some of these places but it is up to the residents to support them. if they are not sufficiently supported, the owners will find other use for the property.

I agree - that's the point. The developer is leasing out the CC restaurants at a fixed rate and the lessee is the one that does or doesn't make a profit dependent upon traffic flow (and the success rate of policing those lemon water drinkers). My guess is turning these facilities into high end apartments will yield much more profit with less headaches for the developer. When remodel time comes why not convert to the more profitable endeavor ? As many point out here the developer is in business to make money. Might as well maximize it. Goodbye Cane Garden - The restaurants are right down the street at Sumter Landing Square. Any predictions on which CC gets turned into apartments after Cane Garden ?

[mulligan]

Just watch out for zoning changes at the Polo Field

Why ??

[EdFNJ]

I 100% agree. People are complaining that we are losing restaurants in the square, yet they try to block adding 2nd story apartments that will ADD customers to keep the restaurants in business!! Converting the 2nd floor in the square to apartments takes nothing away from villagers.
Maybe we should ask businesses on the square what they would like. If a restaurant is lousy it makes no difference how close people live to it, it won't help them except maybe for an initial visit. If a restaurant is GOOD people will come from all around to go there.

[alwann]

I agree - that's the point. The developer is leasing out the CC restaurants at a fixed rate and the lessee is the one that does or doesn't make a profit dependent upon traffic flow (and the success rate of policing those lemon water drinkers). My guess is turning these facilities into high end apartments will yield much more profit with less headaches for the developer. When remodel time comes why not convert to the more profitable endeavor ? As many point out here the developer is in business to make money. Might as well maximize it. Goodbye Cane Garden - The restaurants are right down the street at Sumter Landing Square. Any predictions on which CC gets turned into apartments after Cane Garden ?
What's up with Cane Garden? LSL is two miles away, so not exactly just down (up) the road.

[EdFNJ]

N/M, old news.

[rustyp]

What's up with Cane Garden? LSL is two miles away, so not exactly just down (up) the road.

As other posters have pointed out Cane Garden is in need of a remodel job - outdated and showing much wear. Hacienda Hills was a couple miles from Spanish Springs downtown and it came down. Given the HH move why wouldn't the developer follow suit with other CC's ?

[Jayhawk]

As other posters have pointed out Cane Garden is in need of a remodel job - outdated and showing much wear. Hacienda Hills was a couple miles from Spanish Springs downtown and it came down. Given the HH move why wouldn't the developer follow suit with other CC's ?

I'll tell you a secret if you promise not to tell - The Country Clubs are really just restaurants. Bad, unsupported restaurants fail all the time.

Our secret.

[Number 10 GI]

I'll tell you a secret if you promise not to tell - The Country Clubs are really just restaurants. Bad, unsupported restaurants fail all the time.

Our secret.

I did a quickie search of the internet and this was stated many times:

"The statistics regarding restaurant failure are staggering. Approximately 60% of restaurants fail within the first year of operation, 80% fail within the first five years. Sometimes, however, learning the pitfalls before you develop a restaurant business plan is the best way to avoid them." And this is during non-pandemic times.

There was a Chinese restaurant back in our former home town that had been there for years until the food quality and variety started to decline. It closed not long after due to customer loss.
There is another Chinese restaurant near our former home that had been there for years also, but they are still in business because the quality and variety of food has been consistent. Restaurants are a tough business.

[EdFNJ]

This sign was posted on the outside wall of the Van Heusen store building at LSL. I guess they are specifically targeting that building (it does have a nice 2nd floor w/balcony).


https://i.postimg.cc/ZY603wpS/2020-09-16-16-49-34.jpg (https://postimg.cc/K4vZhr0q)

[CanTho]

Having property in creek side lake sumpter area I can say music is loud I can’t imagine how loud it would be on the square

I agree plus the smell from the various restaurants ugh x10:ohdear:

[champion6]

This sign was posted on the outside wall of the Van Heusen store building at LSL. I guess they are specifically targeting that building (it does have a nice 2nd floor w/balcony).That one building is not being targeted.

The attached notice was published in the Daily Sun. ALL the buildings around LSL Market Square - those buildings surrounded by Old Camp Rd and Lake Shore Dr - are located within four parcels that are going to be rezoned for multi-family residential.

[drcar]

I agree - that's the point. The developer is leasing out the CC restaurants at a fixed rate and the lessee is the one that does or doesn't make a profit dependent upon traffic flow (and the success rate of policing those lemon water drinkers). My guess is turning these facilities into high end apartments will yield much more profit with less headaches for the developer. When remodel time comes why not convert to the more profitable endeavor ? As many point out here the developer is in business to make money. Might as well maximize it. Goodbye Cane Garden - The restaurants are right down the street at Sumter Landing Square. Any predictions on which CC gets turned into apartments after Cane Garden ?

Where may I ask did you get the facts about Cane Garden closing and apartments going in?

[Two Bills]

Where may I ask did you get the facts about Cane Garden closing and apartments going in?

Facts?
There you go again.
Confusing the argument!

[EdFNJ]

That one building is not being targeted. Couldn't it be one of many? If ALL are then that ONE is, no? The posted sign on the wall specifically read "THIS PROPERTY" I assumed it meant THAT PROPERTY to which it was taped up on. Whether it is all of LSL or just THAT property was ONE of many I couldn't and didn't say, but it did say THIS PROPERTY where the sign was attached.

[Northwoods]

My concern is the removing of Country Clubs, less for us to visit and enjoy.
More apartments more people , you will never get to watch another square show unless you get by 4PM to save your seat.
The restaurants and bowling alleys closing due to high rents especially during the conoravirus?
We the HO' s will lose out on the benefits while the Morse family gets richer , she will come a point where this is no the place to live and the home values is go down.
Only my opinion

Did you not read the message in another thread FROM THE OWNER OF THE TWO BOWLING ALLEYS that said they are NOT closing them... they are NOT selling them.
Yet you are continuing to fuel this unfounded narrative about everything closing down and the Morse's getting richer.

[tophcfa]

I'll tell you a secret if you promise not to tell - The Country Clubs are really just restaurants. Bad, unsupported restaurants fail all the time.

Our secret.

More worthless information, not a secret.

[Northwoods]

I agree - that's the point. The developer is leasing out the CC restaurants at a fixed rate and the lessee is the one that does or doesn't make a profit dependent upon traffic flow (and the success rate of policing those lemon water drinkers). My guess is turning these facilities into high end apartments will yield much more profit with less headaches for the developer. When remodel time comes why not convert to the more profitable endeavor ? As many point out here the developer is in business to make money. Might as well maximize it. Goodbye Cane Garden - The restaurants are right down the street at Sumter Landing Square. Any predictions on which CC gets turned into apartments after Cane Garden ?

Hacienda Country Club had significant issues (I've heard it was mold) that led to its closing. No restaurant owner wanted to invest the amount of money it would take to "fix" that restaurant. The AAC didn't want to buy it and fix it either. If a restaurateur saw potential in Hacienda CC, it would still exist.
In contrast... let's look at Lopez. The Suleiman's saw potential. They gutted the building and created a wonderful restaurant. (I think they found more problems than they anticipated when they started the refurbishment). But now, it's an excellent restaurant. (Note - it did NOT get turned into apartments).
I honestly don't think the Developer wants to change everything into apartments. But if restaurateur's don't see a profit in a venue, they're not going to invest in it. If people aren't patronizing establishments, they will go out of business. If The Developer can't find restaurateurs to run Country Club restaurants (or any restaurants), The Developer will find another use for that space.

[CanTho]

I'll tell you a secret if you promise not to tell - The Country Clubs are really just restaurants. Bad, unsupported restaurants fail all the time.

Our secret.

Not a secret. Every so called Country Club should be arrested for impersonating the name " Country Club ".

For a realistic name would be as an example: Cane Garden Diner, or Restaurant, but Country Club ? C'mon. :ohdear:

[Professor]

Why should this surprise anyone? The developer owns all the downtown real estate and when you own it, you can generally do what you want with your property if given the proper permits by the county. No surprise to me, nor does it matter to me. Some people would enjoy living in the midst of the downtown activity I suspect. At the prices the developer is charging for apartment rental, only the well off are likely to be interested so this is not likely to detract from the neighborhood if that is anyone's concern.