Daily Sun Newspaper Lofts and Apartments

[Blondesare]

Has anyone else noticed the large articles in yesterday's and today's Daily Sun on the Brownwood Lofts and new apartments? Looks like The Villages is using the newspaper as a marketing tool to promote these projects. Like most media articles they only show their side of the story. I always find great comments and perspectives on this site. Especially since it is not controlled by The Villages but is by the people of The Villages. Look forward to seeing what you have to say about the media and loft/apartment situation!!!

[Dana1963]

Has anyone else noticed the large articles in yesterday's and today's Daily Sun on the Brownwood Lofts and new apartments? Looks like The Villages is using the newspaper as a marketing tool to promote these projects. Like most media articles they only show their side of the story. I always find great comments and perspectives on this site. Especially since it is not controlled by The Villages but is by the people of The Villages. Look forward to seeing what you have to say about the media and loft/apartment situation!!!
The Daily Sun is a real estate marketing tool for the Developer. Did you expect them to down play their decision?

[Kahuna32162]

The Daily Sun IS NOT a "news" paper. It is owned by the Developer, run by the developer and used as a marketing tool for the developer. The stories in paper are just fill in where there isn't ads for new homes.

[tghoul]

The caption on the photo said "the Lofts are a success". If 30% of the Phase I apartments are leased after leasing started 7 months ago a success? I don't know the industry to say if 30% is good or bad after 7 months.

[davem4616]

I saw nothing inappropriate with the coverage.

Actually it's nice to read about something other than politics, rioting, wild fires, wars and covid-19 for a change.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Op is right it’s just like a hometown paper with a little more news . I read newspapers from all over world , but there is nothing like opening a newspaper with your morning coffee it gives me a sense of normalcy , that my iPhone can’t. I’m not very good with coupons but there are more then enough to pay for the paper for the year .FYI I looked very hard in that article and no place did I see 30% of apartments leased, perhaps someone’s barber told him

[asianthree]

The caption on the photo said "the Lofts are a success". If 30% of the Phase I apartments are leased after leasing started 7 months ago a success? I don't know the industry to say if 30% is good or bad after 7 months.

June was the first time you could view the lofts, so less than 3 months. Friends just moved in first of September

[tghoul]

June was the first time you could view the lofts, so less than 3 months. Friends just moved in first of September

I signed my lease in February - 7 months ago.

[tophcfa]

Has anyone else noticed the large articles in yesterday's and today's Daily Sun on the Brownwood Lofts and new apartments? Looks like The Villages is using the newspaper as a marketing tool to promote these projects. Like most media articles they only show their side of the story. I always find great comments and perspectives on this site. Especially since it is not controlled by The Villages but is by the people of The Villages. Look forward to seeing what you have to say about the media and loft/apartment situation!!!

Totally expected when the same enterprise owns both the apartments and the newspaper. The timing of the article is no coincidence either given Monday’s meeting on zoning changes for more apartments. However, the article fails to make any mention of Monday’s meeting. Gee, I wonder why, not!

[CanTho]

Has anyone else noticed the large articles in yesterday's and today's Daily Sun on the Brownwood Lofts and new apartments? Looks like The Villages is using the newspaper as a marketing tool to promote these projects. Like most media articles they only show their side of the story. I always find great comments and perspectives on this site. Especially since it is not controlled by The Villages but is by the people of The Villages. Look forward to seeing what you have to say about the media and loft/apartment situation!!!

News Flash : The Villages actually 100% own the " Daily Sun ".

By the way FYI: They the Developer has Every Single Angle Covered, Be it, Sideways, Crossways , Left, Right, Up, Down, Back, Front, yes and even Jump Way.

Plus the gang of Three Sumter Commissioners who got voted out, they are their until November and the vote takes place Monday 21st of September , all backed by guess who.... yes " The Developer ".

" CW " short for " Can't Win " ! Think of it like this. Jumping out of an Airplane @5,000 feet without a parachute into a Jungle. Get the picture. :popcorn:

[justjim]

For the last several years there have been housing in The Villages to suit the “pocket book” and desires of most everybody who calls The Villages their choice for active adult lifestyle living. Apartments are just an addition to the offerings. I would not be surprised to see other living arrangements crop up in the near future as the next generation of Americans reach retirement age. Perhaps we will see expanded condo living and attached housing next on the Developers marketing strategy. Sort of fun to watch don’t you think?

[champion6]

The caption on the photo said "the Lofts are a success". If 30% of the Phase I apartments are leased after leasing started 7 months ago a success? I don't know the industry to say if 30% is good or bad after 7 months.This stat isn't in the article. Where did you get this factoid?

Totally expected when the same enterprise owns both the apartments and the newspaper. The timing of the article is no coincidence either given Monday’s meeting on zoning changes for more apartments. However, the article fails to make any mention of Monday’s meeting. Gee, I wonder why, not!The schedule of future meetings is clearly shown in a sidebar titled, WHAT"S NEXT on page C4.

[tophcfa]

You will also never see an article in the Boston Globe that is critical of the Red Sox. Guess why, you got it. John Henry owns both the team and the newspaper. Same deal here.

[Mrprez]

So, write a letter to the editor and vent. There enough threads already about the apartments.

[tghoul]

This stat isn't in the article. Where did you get this factoid?

The schedule of future meetings is clearly shown in a sidebar titled, WHAT"S NEXT on page C4.

The 30% came from a salesman who is in the Leasing Office. If the figure was 80% it probably would have been in the newspaper.

[Sage327]

The Daily Sun sure made the Lofts sound like an ideal place to live. But how will it be when the music starts? As an apartment dweller for 29 years all I can say is you better love your neighbor especially if you have a common wall. As tempting as the Lofts sound I could never go back to that way of living and worry who my neighbor is above, below and next door. Maybe some day I’ll change my mind but right now I like my peace and quiet.

[graciegirl]

The 30% came from a salesman who is in the Leasing Office. If the figure was 80% it probably would have been in the newspaper.

Oh. Someone told someone who told someone. In Ohio that is called a rumor.

[tophcfa]

So, write a letter to the editor and vent. There enough threads already about the apartments.

Guess who the editor works for?

[CanTho]

Guess who the editor works for?

Great suggestion . But my answer ahem not a guess .

" The Developer " .

[CanTho]

The Daily Sun sure made the Lofts sound like an ideal place to live. But how will it be when the music starts? As an apartment dweller for 29 years all I can say is you better love your neighbor especially if you have a common wall. As tempting as the Lofts sound I could never go back to that way of living and worry who my neighbor is above, below and next door. Maybe some day I’ll change my mind but right now I like my peace and quiet.

Rumor has it that the front desk person will ask the " Entertainers " to turn the volume down at 8:00 PM, on Monday nights. :popcorn:

[vintageogauge]

For the last several years there have been housing in The Villages to suit the “pocket book” and desires of most everybody who calls The Villages their choice for active adult lifestyle living. Apartments are just an addition to the offerings. I would not be surprised to see other living arrangements crop up in the near future as the next generation of Americans reach retirement age. Perhaps we will see expanded condo living and attached housing next on the Developers marketing strategy. Sort of fun to watch don’t you think?

Condos have already been announced for a future area south of 44.

[vintageogauge]

The Daily Sun sure made the Lofts sound like an ideal place to live. But how will it be when the music starts? As an apartment dweller for 29 years all I can say is you better love your neighbor especially if you have a common wall. As tempting as the Lofts sound I could never go back to that way of living and worry who my neighbor is above, below and next door. Maybe some day I’ll change my mind but right now I like my peace and quiet.

Agree. I lived in an apartment for 1 year before I got married and most nights sleep was interrupted by noise from above or next door. I swore never to live in one again and have not, that was in 1966.

[JoMar]

News Flash : The Villages actually 100% own the " Daily Sun ".

By the way FYI: They the Developer has Every Single Angle Covered, Be it, Sideways, Crossways , Left, Right, Up, Down, Back, Front, yes and even Jump Way.

Plus the gang of Three Sumter Commissioners who got voted out, they are their until November and the vote takes place Monday 21st of September , all backed by guess who.... yes " The Developer ".

" CW " short for " Can't Win " ! Think of it like this. Jumping out of an Airplane @5,000 feet without a parachute into a Jungle. Get the picture. :popcorn:

Not sure if your stating fact or complaining or stirring the pot..

[CFrance]

They could build all the condos and apartments they want, and I wouldn't bat an eyelash if they followed that up with more amenities--including pools, pickleball and tennis courts (not just cornhole and bocce), and golf courses--in the same area as the apartments to take care of the extra population. Because people want to go to those things that are nearby. But they can't in the north, because these amentity areas are already full and there is no space left to build more. So when they get closed out of their painting/ceramic/zumba/line dancing classes, can't find a seat at the squares and there are lines out the pickleball court doors, that's when The Villages is going to seem less than it is purported to be.

[birdiebill]

I like the idea of apartments for those who enjoy living here and participating in the amenities and activities but don't want to have to deal with lawn and landscaping, repairs to their house, re-roofing costs, etc. At this point in my life, it is not for my wife and I, but who knows in the future. Great choice to have. A negative is my house is paid for and an apartment requires rent payments

[HeleneGB]

The Developers own the Daily Sun newspaper. That is why.

[Topspinmo]

The Daily Sun IS NOT a "news" paper. It is owned by the Developer, run by the developer and used as a marketing tool for the developer. The stories in paper are just fill in where there isn't ads for new homes.


You could say the same thing about the rec news cause it’s the only option for printing? No bid competition?

[Topspinmo]

I like the idea of apartments for those who enjoy living here and participating in the amenities and activities but don't want to have to deal with lawn and landscaping, repairs to their house, re-roofing costs, etc. At this point in my life, it is not for my wife and I, but who knows in the future. Great choice to have. A negative is my house is paid for and an apartment requires rent payments

IMO that fine developers can do what they want with there building’s in commercial area with zoning change they know they will get approved. The problem I have when they tear down commercial building in built out Old district, re zone and build in already over crowded area with there yes men that approving.

[FredJacobs]

The Daily Sun IS NOT a "news" paper. It is owned by the Developer, run by the developer and used as a marketing tool for the developer. The stories in paper are just fill in where there isn't ads for new homes.

A few years back, the Developer sold the Daily Sun. However, the sale wasn't a total sale - the Developer sold the business but not the printing presses; those are leased. He/They still have considerable leverage over what gets printed.

To me, the article about The Lofts was nothing more than unpaid advertising.

[Topspinmo]

Not sure if your stating fact or complaining or stirring the pot..

Well if you’re not sure???

[Topspinmo]

The Daily Sun sure made the Lofts sound like an ideal place to live. But how will it be when the music starts? As an apartment dweller for 29 years all I can say is you better love your neighbor especially if you have a common wall. As tempting as the Lofts sound I could never go back to that way of living and worry who my neighbor is above, below and next door. Maybe some day I’ll change my mind but right now I like my peace and quiet.

Traffic on 44 will probably be where the most noise will come from. At least the music stops at 9PM . The traffic won’t.

[graciegirl]

Traffic on 44 will probably be where the most noise will come from. At least the music stops at 9PM . The traffic won’t.

That is what people said about where we live. Bridgeport at Laurel Valley. Right on 466.

I say;

Pshaw.

I had better look up what that means, I haven't ever used that word before.

[Bay Kid]

Always enjoy The Dailey Sun. Refreshing compared to most news out there.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

You will also never see an article in the Boston Globe that is critical of the Red Sox. Guess why, you got it. John Henry owns both the team and the newspaper. Same deal here. the Red Sox get hammered pretty regularly

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

In regards to noise the apartments and condos of today are built much different then the apartments we grew up with, very little noise seepage ,I have not been in these but my niece is in a high end rental in Miami . Not reading a newspaper because of its politics is part of the reason we have the politics of anger now. I read newspapers from the liberal to the conservative side I am very blue but I get different perspective on things when I can see both sides. I also try to read one European paper each day and I always read the South China Post most people in USA have lost site of or don’t care what goes on everywhere else , all through history , the USA when living as an island has had it come back to haunt us. The beauty of newspapers is you can get many different slants on issues, I do not ever turn the tv on during the day except during football season , I just read for a few hours in morning , TV stays off till around 7pm when I’ll watch taped network news and PBS , watching those so called news shows all day is bad for your health

[PennBF]

When there is an issue with an action the Developer/Owner is taking he can and does Harvest the support groups he can call on. They are the Newspaper, the HOA(which was founded in an attempt to kill the POA and replace it with a Group controlled by the Developer/Owner after he lost the large Law Suit $40,000,000). In addition the local radio and until the last election the Commissioner's. He also has his employees and their friends, and the fanatical ones who abide by any action he elects to take. A large group he can count on are the ones who live in the Villages, love their locations and amenity fees and support him/her regardless what is going on in areas outside of their protected locations. This is a very large contingency of his harvest. Given these it is not easy to turn the Developer/Owner ship around once it sets a course. The only way to challenge an action is to impact the pocket book and that takes Organization, Funding and Commitment. :ho:

[donaviv]

The crowded conditions on the Square are already a fact.
will Hacienda apartment be 4 stories high? What a view for their neighbors.

[graciegirl]

When there is an issue with an action the Developer/Owner is taking he can and does Harvest the support groups he can call on. They are the Newspaper, the HOA(which was founded in an attempt to kill the POA and replace it with a Group controlled by the Developer/Owner after he lost the large Law Suit $40,000,000). In addition the local radio and until the last election the Commissioner's. He also has his employees and their friends, and the fanatical ones who abide by any action he elects to take. A large group he can count on are the ones who live in the Villages, love their locations and amenity fees and support him/her regardless what is going on in areas outside of their protected locations. This is a very large contingency of his harvest. Given these it is not easy to turn the Developer/Owner ship around once it sets a course. The only way to challenge an action is to impact the pocket book and that takes Organization, Funding and Commitment. :ho:

Villages to pay $40M for recreation upgrades - Orlando Sentinel (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2008-03-09-lvillages09-story.html)

[KRM0614]

Has anyone else noticed the large articles in yesterday's and today's Daily Sun on the Brownwood Lofts and new apartments? Looks like The Villages is using the newspaper as a marketing tool to promote these projects. Like most media articles they only show their side of the story. I always find great comments and perspectives on this site. Especially since it is not controlled by The Villages but is by the people of The Villages. Look forward to seeing what you have to say about the media and loft/apartment situation!!!
If you think they don’t monitor or have some influence here ...please
Between Facebook quora nect door and here they watch and see who says what and is monitored and reported to TV by loyal villagers
There is very little free discourse without being jumped on by others on all these forums and it’s not the virus either

[HappyRetired]

Don't forget, the zoning meeting on 9/21 is to consider advising for amendments. Looks to me like they want to eliminate local review of any changes the Developer would choose to make, eliminate what they've set for acreage for residence vs open space, commercial or "industrial" space (again with no review or approval process) and multi-family residence which could include fewer single-family homes replaced by apartment complexes. Think about the ramifications of these amendments. Loss of local control and surprise announcements with no reviews.

[petiteone]

The caption on the photo said "the Lofts are a success". If 30% of the Phase I apartments are leased after leasing started 7 months ago a success? I don't know the industry to say if 30% is good or bad after 7 months.

I think COVID is stalling much of the Florida Economy. I'm a snowbird and own a home in The Villages and will not return until the virus is under control. Villagers did a wonderful job masking and distancing last year, but I fear people are getting tired of complying. I think many seniors are afraid to relocate during the pandemic.

[collie1228]

The Daily Sun costs less than $100.00 per year for a seven day a week "newspaper". I believe I paid $72.00 plus tip the last time I checked. And what do you expect for that extremely low price? You don't expect a real newspaper, do you?

[CanTho]

Don't forget, the zoning meeting on 9/21 is to consider advising for amendments. Looks to me like they want to eliminate local review of any changes the Developer would choose to make, eliminate what they've set for acreage for residence vs open space, commercial or "industrial" space (again with no review or approval process) and multi-family residence which could include fewer single-family homes replaced by apartment complexes. Think about the ramifications of these amendments. Loss of local control and surprise announcements with no reviews.

This so called " Meeting " is a farce. It's a done deal decided on months and months ago. Anyone who thinks otherwise is naïve.

The developer has these clowns in his pocket they are nothing more than puppets on a string soon to be replaced, unfortunately too late.

They are sadly lacking in duty and pride. Pretty pathetic.

[Holpat39]

Apparently Village home owners are buying into this apartment concept. Article said a good percentage of apartments are already sold to former home owners who want to down size with no responsibility but still have the benefits of The Villages. Nothing wrong with that.

[asianthree]

Apparently Village home owners are buying into this apartment concept. Article said a good percentage of apartments are already sold to former home owners who want to down size with no responsibility but still have the benefits of The Villages. Nothing wrong with that.

The lofts are a one year rental

[Bucco]

In regards to noise the apartments and condos of today are built much different then the apartments we grew up with, very little noise seepage ,I have not been in these but my niece is in a high end rental in Miami . Not reading a newspaper because of its politics is part of the reason we have the politics of anger now. I read newspapers from the liberal to the conservative side I am very blue but I get different perspective on things when I can see both sides. I also try to read one European paper each day and I always read the South China Post most people in USA have lost site of or don’t care what goes on everywhere else , all through history , the USA when living as an island has had it come back to haunt us. The beauty of newspapers is you can get many different slants on issues, I do not ever turn the tv on during the day except during football season , I just read for a few hours in morning , TV stays off till around 7pm when I’ll watch taped network news and PBS , watching those so called news shows all day is bad for your health

Beautiful and spot on. And your comment on knowing what is going on in the world is so correct. As I post often, to a bit of biting response. "The world is watching"

[Bucco]

the lofts are a one year rental

not true.

Let me clarify....one year at a time, but renewable.

Also, please make no decision from info on here. The Lofts now has their own phone number. Call them, not a sales agent.

[Dan9871]

I checked into the Lofts a couple of months ago. I asked the sales agent about long term leases but I was told the only thing available were 1 year leases.

[Girlcopper]

Has anyone else noticed the large articles in yesterday's and today's Daily Sun on the Brownwood Lofts and new apartments? Looks like The Villages is using the newspaper as a marketing tool to promote these projects. Like most media articles they only show their side of the story. I always find great comments and perspectives on this site. Especially since it is not controlled by The Villages but is by the people of The Villages. Look forward to seeing what you have to say about the media and loft/apartment situation!!!
That paper never has anything of substance relating to anything except trivial things occurring in TV. Subscribe to a real paper like Orlando and better keep up on curtent events

[Bucco]

I checked into the Lofts a couple of months ago. I asked the sales agent about long term leases but I was told the only thing available were 1 year leases.

I believe that to be untrue, but I am open to correction. Was the original rumor on here, but has or had no basis in fact. If you hear differently, please post

[asianthree]

not true.

Let me clarify....one year at a time, but renewable.

Also, please make no decision from info on here. The Lofts now has their own phone number. Call them, not a sales agent.

We went with parental units, to see if the one bed was doable. The offer was only year lease, no sublet, no mention of a renewal. The person we met with, said he was from the rental agency.
By the time you added up the $1700 one bed with nice balcony, renters insurance, cable TV, trash, amenity fees, with no covered parking, or garage space, it was close to $1960. a month.

[Bucco]

We went with parental units, to see if the one bed was doable. The offer was only year lease, no sublet, no mention of a renewal. The person we met with, said he was from the rental agency.
By the time you added up the $1700 one bed with nice balcony, renters insurance, cable TV, trash, amenity fees, with no covered parking, or garage space, it was close to $1960. a month.

You for serious should call The Lofts, not sales office. I did check, but you should double check, and my source is pretty good...

First lease one year...if you stay, it is then month to month.

Good luck and let us know the scoop

[NoMoSno]

You for serious should call The Lofts, not sales office. I did check, but you should double check, and my source is pretty good...

First lease one year...if you stay, it is then month to month.

Good luck and let us know the scoop
There is never a month to month.
After the year lease is up you can re-lease for another year.
(not my videos):
The Lofts of BrownWood Inside TOUR - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6Q6dVZn2tQ)
The Lofts of Brownwood Inside Tour Final - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li51qyXnqbE)
time stamp 6:00 for lease info

[GreySkies]

I investigated the Lofts prior to renting a home in TV, for me it was simply “space & privacy”.

I could not justify the rental costs of a 2-bedroom unit versus what I could find in the home rental market. For the monthly rental of a 2-bedroom box, I have a 3 bedroom fully furnished home with over 570 sqft. more living space and the type of privacy you can never have in an apartment building.

[Bucco]

There is never a month to month.
After the year lease is up you can re-lease for another year.
(not my videos):
The Lofts of BrownWood Inside TOUR - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6Q6dVZn2tQ)
The Lofts of Brownwood Inside Tour Final - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li51qyXnqbE)
time stamp 6:00 for lease info

Thanks on behalf of those who wanted to know and were advised incorrectly.

[asianthree]

You for serious should call The Lofts, not sales office. I did check, but you should double check, and my source is pretty good...

First lease one year...if you stay, it is then month to month.

Good luck and let us know the scoop

We did go to the lofts to see units, since the monthly rate with out covered parking was $2000, no one in our group was interested. Renting a home would be less. So they will stay at one of our homes..free is cheaper.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The 30% came from a salesman who is in the Leasing Office. If the figure was 80% it probably would have been in the newspaper.

Oh. Someone told someone who told someone. In Ohio that is called a rumor.

It's kind of the job of salesmen in the leasing office to know how many vacancies there are in the apartments they're leasing. That's one of those things that falls under the category of "their expertise."

If he got this information from a person in the office responsible for handling the leases of those apartments, and that person is paid to actually know how many apartments are available for him to lease out to tenants - then you can kind of count on it being pretty close to the truth, give or take a reasonable margin for error.

[graciegirl]

It's kind of the job of salesmen in the leasing office to know how many vacancies there are in the apartments they're leasing. That's one of those things that falls under the category of "their expertise."

If he got this information from a person in the office responsible for handling the leases of those apartments, and that person is paid to actually know how many apartments are available for him to lease out to tenants - then you can kind of count on it being pretty close to the truth, give or take a reasonable margin for error.

You know, you are right, and the person to whom I responded has leased an apartment there, so he knows what he is talking about. My response was triggered by a lot of trumped up negative responses against any thing the Morses do. I was wrong. You are right. Please accept my apologies.

[CanTho]

That is what people said about where we live. Bridgeport at Laurel Valley. Right on 466.

I say;

Pshaw.

I had better look up what that means, I haven't ever used that word before.

Like everything else in this world things change over time especially when it comes to developers.

Now I'm certain two things will change on CR466 in The Villages area the traffic & noise.

The traffic on CR466 will come with " Noise " and yes " Traffic " the traffic will be horrendous when the " Apartments and Commercial Bossiness " are in full swing.

Good luck ahem " Laurel Valley " patience Grasshopper as the saying goes. :popcorn:

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I checked into the Lofts a couple of months ago. I asked the sales agent about long term leases but I was told the only thing available were 1 year leases.

But the only leases you ever see are one year at a time for apartments , would the OP tell me what kind of lease he was expecting

[CSilvestrucci]

When I first caught a glimpse of The Lofts being built, I was like who would want to live there? So close together. Just for fun, we went for a look, tour. We are seriously considering moving there from a premier home. 0 maintenance. Want to travel, lock the door👍🏻

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I checked into the Lofts a couple of months ago. I asked the sales agent about long term leases but I was told the only thing available were 1 year leases.

That leased for more then a year , all leases are renewable

[vintageogauge]

When I first caught a glimpse of The Lofts being built, I was like who would want to live there? So close together. Just for fun, we went for a look, tour. We are seriously considering moving there from a premier home. 0 maintenance. Want to travel, lock the door👍🏻

I lived in a apartment once in my life and it was a miserable year, way too much noise for me, above, below, beside, and banging doors. Also way too small of a living area, I would go crazy living there. I prefer a large home and if traveling getting someone to take care of it for me. This is just one man's opinion, many will disagree.

[Northwoods]

For the last several years there have been housing in The Villages to suit the “pocket book” and desires of most everybody who calls The Villages their choice for active adult lifestyle living. Apartments are just an addition to the offerings. I would not be surprised to see other living arrangements crop up in the near future as the next generation of Americans reach retirement age. Perhaps we will see expanded condo living and attached housing next on the Developers marketing strategy. Sort of fun to watch don’t you think?

Agree. A number of people who live in The Villages have expressed their desire to move to apartment living... it frees them from maintenance yet allows them to still take advantage of the many benefits of living in The Villages. I see no issue with that.