The Villages Construction Update 4-18-2021

[Goldwingnut]

Here’s is a new update on the construction work going on at the south end of The Villages. Despite continued obstacles presented by some local officials, the developer continues to invest and build. New homes, villages, and commercial properties continue the rise. This video looks at the golf courses under construction, Starbuck, Citrus Gove, Sawgrass Grove, Cason Hammock, Hammock at Fenney, St. Johns, Ty Villas, some new commercial proper expansion, expansion south of Monarch Grove, and several other areas.

I hope you enjoy it and if you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to my YouTube cannel and turn on the notifications, so you get alerted to new videos being posted.

The Villages Construction Update 4-18-2021 - YouTube (https://youtu.be/L0yD1xXBOaA)

Thanks,
Don

[OCsun]

Your new equipment is great! Thanks for all the close ups. Just a small note, the golf course where the bridge is being rebuilt is Mangrove.

[tophcfa]

I used to very much enjoy the construction update videos, but this one lost my attention very quickly with the editorial opinions injected referencing impact fees.

[Smitty2022]

Thank you for your videos and wealth of knowledge. As I have researched the villages I have found that you have provide more information than all of the other resources combined. When you don't post a new video I become concerned that you have become tired of getting bashed and have decide to stop. Please keep up the great work for the vast majority of us that can't get enough!

[stings]

Another great update. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly, and well, the Developer continues with the well planned progress of our wonderful community. Hopefully these ill informed political decisions will eventually play out in a positive way. You are uniquely well informed and I, and I know many others, appreciate your insights. Thank you again.

[Goldwingnut]

Your new equipment is great! Thanks for all the close ups. Just a small note, the golf course where the bridge is being rebuilt is Mangrove.

I know, late hours and a glass of scotch don't always make for the best video editing environment.

[ton80]

So you are saying you do not believe in freedom of the press. Got it! Thanks.

Joe V.
I agree with Tophcfa that GW lost me when he implied that the County Commissioners were wrong when they raised the impact fees for new construction to 70% of what the County Consultants determined what the impacts costs were. If you are implying that not agreeing with The Village Sun is violating freedom of the press, I disagree with you. The Sun is simply espousing the Developers viewpoint it is NOT news.

The fundamental point that I am making is that the entities that cause infrastructure impact that requires County investment should pay toward that impact. It is not equitable to have the current residents pay for all of someone else's impact. Impact fees are fees not taxes. The impact fees are one-time payments that reimburse the County for some part of what the County will eventually pay for the facilities required to accommodate the new entities.

The 2019 increase of 25% in advalorem taxes paid by the current taxpayers are a permanent recurring tax paid to the county for the foreseeable future according to the Sumter County Budget. If this level of expenditure for roads etc. will not continue, the cost may have been better paid with a bond considering the very low interest rates available. Using a bond approach would have the new entities contributing more in the future with the increased assessed property value.

In closing, I agree that GW provides a very informative source of information on construction and the CDD inner workings. IMO, I disagree with GW that the County Commissioners were wrong to increase the infrastructure fees from 40% to 70 % of what the County Consultants recommended as the impact costs for new construction.

Again, the entities that cause the impact have the responsibility to pay more toward the cost

[chet2020]

Good video, thanks. If we know yet, how many championship courses are planned for south of 44A?

[Joe V.]

Joe V.
I agree with Tophcfa that GW lost me when he implied that the County Commissioners were wrong when they raised the impact fees for new construction to 70% of what the County Consultants determined what the impacts costs were. If you are implying that not agreeing with The Village Sun is violating freedom of the press, I disagree with you. The Sun is simply espousing the Developers viewpoint it is NOT news.

The fundamental point that I am making is that the entities that cause infrastructure impact that requires County investment should pay toward that impact. It is not equitable to have the current residents pay for all of someone else's impact. Impact fees are fees not taxes. The impact fees are one-time payments that reimburse the County for some part of what the County will eventually pay for the facilities required to accommodate the new entities.

The 2019 increase of 25% in advalorem taxes paid by the current taxpayers are a permanent recurring tax paid to the county for the foreseeable future according to the Sumter County Budget. If this level of expenditure for roads etc. will not continue, the cost may have been better paid with a bond considering the very low interest rates available. Using a bond approach would have the new entities contributing more in the future with the increased assessed property value.

In closing, I agree that GW provides a very informative source of information on construction and the CDD inner workings. IMO, I disagree with GW that the County Commissioners were wrong to increase the infrastructure fees from 40% to 70 % of what the County Consultants recommended as the impact costs for new construction.

Again, the entities that cause the impact have the responsibility to pay more toward the cost


I agree with GW. Thanks.

[TOASTED]

Don,
Thank you. My wife and I are looking to buy a lot this Spring/Summer and your videos provide us an outstanding window on the progress of the neighborhoods and surrounding villages amenities. Thanks for being so willing to share your wealth of knowledge...it's a tremendous service!

[Altavia]

I agree with GW. Thanks.

Me too...

The Developer is not his fan and unlikely many have better understanding and have analytically reviewed the budgets in more detail than GW.

[ton80]

Me too...

The Developer is not his fan and unlikely many have better understanding and have analytically reviewed the budgets in more detail than GW.


Robbie
I agree that GW has reviewed a lot of budgets but so have I before I arrived here. The point I have made is that the majority of Sumter County increased expenses support TV developers projects both housing and commercial. I maintain that they should contribute more to the costs than I should as a current resident. I disagree with GW sneaking in plugs for the Developer in his very useful construction video presentations. He is free to do do that. I am free to unsubscribe and not watch his videos which is what I will do if the trend to support the Developer and diminish the efforts of the Commissioners continues.

Over and out!

[J1ceasar]

You do yourself a disservice by talking about impact fees or what local government officials are doing. The simple fact of the matter is that the villages developer has built houses no matter what impact fees are, what laws are passed what taxes have gone up and down they are an unstoppable for . You should just concentrate on the development itself on your videos and your posts and talk about what's happening in a positive light. I always learned not to talk down about competitors or others but just talk about the positive

[Rwirish]

Great video except for the comments regarding the impact fees.

The lack of planned or announced new Championship and Executive golf courses is concerning imo.

[Altavia]

Great video except for the comments regarding the impact fees.

The lack of planned or announced new Championship and Executive golf courses is concerning imo.

Golf courses have been announced.

Continuing The Dream: Volume 5 (https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/ContinuingTheDream_Vol5/index.php#/p/1)

[Bay Kid]

I used to very much enjoy the construction update videos, but this one lost my attention very quickly with the editorial opinions injected referencing impact fees.

As usual I always enjoy the videos, but I believe this one is a little too long. My attention span isn't what it used to be!

[Veracity]

///

[TorriJ]

Thanks for the updates. And you do sound just like yourself! Lol.

One of these days I would like a tutorial on how you find the development plans. I have gone through agendas and spent way too much time scrolling through links and would appreciate any quick tips. Or maybe there aren’t any. You are just really good at finding the right background drawings.

Keep up the good work.

[mlmarr1]

Here’s is a new update on the construction work going on at the south end of The Villages. Despite continued obstacles presented by some local officials, the developer continues to invest and build. New homes, villages, and commercial properties continue the rise. This video looks at the golf courses under construction, Starbuck, Citrus Gove, Sawgrass Grove, Cason Hammock, Hammock at Fenney, St. Johns, Ty Villas, some new commercial proper expansion, expansion south of Monarch Grove, and several other areas.

I hope you enjoy it and if you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to my YouTube cannel and turn on the notifications, so you get alerted to new videos being posted.

The Villages Construction Update 4-18-2021 - YouTube (https://youtu.be/L0yD1xXBOaA)

Thanks,
Don

Always a great job...you are appreciated..

[MrGolf]

Have always enjoyed your videos and respect the amount of effort it takes to produce them. However your comments about Impact Fees should not be part of the process. This Forum is meant to keep political commentary out. Very disappointed to hear this inclusion.

[dewilson58]

Have always enjoyed your videos and respect the amount of effort it takes to produce them. However your comments about Impact Fees should not be part of the process. This Forum is meant to keep political commentary out. Very disappointed to hear this inclusion.

:cryin2:

His video, His opinion, His right.

[Larchap49]

Here’s is a new update on the construction work going on at the south end of The Villages. Despite continued obstacles presented by some local officials, the developer continues to invest and build. New homes, villages, and commercial properties continue the rise. This video looks at the golf courses under construction, Starbuck, Citrus Gove, Sawgrass Grove, Cason Hammock, Hammock at Fenney, St. Johns, Ty Villas, some new commercial proper expansion, expansion south of Monarch Grove, and several other areas.

I hope you enjoy it and if you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to my YouTube cannel and turn on the notifications, so you get alerted to new videos being posted.

The Villages Construction Update 4-18-2021 - YouTube (https://youtu.be/L0yD1xXBOaA)

Thanks,
Don

Thanks Don you're very informative but I for one could do without your rhetoric on behalf of the developers about fees and taxes.

[Bogie Shooter]

Please, Don Wiley…run for county commissioner in 2024. This county desperately needs someone like you with common sense and a deep knowledge of Sumter County and The Villages to replace the newly elected commissioner in your district.

“In your district” you are missing something.

[Bogie Shooter]

Have always enjoyed your videos and respect the amount of effort it takes to produce them. However your comments about Impact Fees should not be part of the process. This Forum is meant to keep political commentary out. Very disappointed to hear this inclusion.

You must have missed the hundreds of posts regarding impact fees....that have been allowed.

[Dond1959]

Thanks Don for continuing to provide uncomfortable facts to people. Your construction updates and videos about how things really work around here are useful for anyone living here. You have earned the right to express your opinion on any subject and I will listen to you because I know you have done the work to get the facts. I loved the line that businesses don’t pay impact fees the customers pay. Thanks again and keep up the great work!

[donassaid]

While I appreciate the updates, could you keep your political comments to yourself. Obviously, your comments about the increased "impact fees" were biased against the new Commissioners and for the Developer. I for one, am in full agreement with their actions to make the Developer and not Sumter County residents pay for the new roads and other new development costs.

[dewilson58]

While I appreciate the updates, could you keep your political comments to yourself. Obviously, your comments about the increased "impact fees" were biased against the new Commissioners and for the Developer.

:cryin2::cryin2::cryin2:

You have your opinion, Don has his.

You are free not to watch.

:clap2:

[Pmarlow]

While I appreciate the updates, could you keep your political comments to yourself. Obviously, your comments about the increased "impact fees" were biased against the new Commissioners and for the Developer. I for one, am in full agreement with their actions to make the Developer and not Sumter County residents pay for the new roads and other new development costs.

You will probably not agree with me, but you will pay for these fees. This will increase the cost for everything we purchase from any business in Sumter county. The only way you won’t be paying for it is if the businesses choose to locate outside of Sumter county which will mean the county will not get any money from them and have to raise your taxes to get the additional funds they need. GW does a great job explaining why these fees don’t make sense if people would only listen and do their own research instead of listening to the politicians.

[stebooo]

With this post and statements made you are clearly in developer pocket. Sorry goldwing I'm out

[dewilson58]

With this post and statements made you are clearly in developer pocket. Sorry goldwing I'm out

Clueless.

[stebooo]

Our right to disagree

[Veracity]

///

[dewilson58]

Our right to disagree

Absolutely.................but give us the proof to support your "pocket" theory.

[Tunesmith]

Don, thanks for these great videos. I love the compass in the corner, it really helps to get myself oriented as the drone rotates!

[Stu from NYC]

With this post and statements made you are clearly in developer pocket. Sorry goldwing I'm out

At one point I would have agreed with you but do not anymore.

Have listened to a number of Don's podcasts and he says what he thinks whether pro or con developer.

Apparently the developer does not want him to do his videos. However keep in mind where else do you get the construction updates.

[CWGUY]

Clueless.

:ohdear: There are better adjectives...... just can't post them! :popcorn:

[Hifred]

Obviously the "Obstacles" don't out weigh the PROFITS!!!! I don't see the Morris Family declaring any losses as of yet.

[donassaid]

Well said and right on the money. So sick of the disinformation.

[Two Bills]

All this commecial development, minimum wage of $15 could be a distant memory when the jobs market starts looking for labor!

[Two Bills]

Obviously the "Obstacles" don't out weigh the PROFITS!!!! I don't see the Morris Family declaring any losses as of yet.

The Morris's are a bunch of crooks, they hang out up near Morse Blvd!:icon_wink:

[CWGUY]

The Morris's are a bunch of crooks, they hang out up near Morse Blvd!:icon_wink:

:shocked: I thought Morris was a cat! :faint:

[CWGUY]

Well said and right on the money. So sick of the disinformation.

:confused: What was "well said"? Please learn how to Quote..... if you want the person you are talking too to know you are replying to them. :icon_wink:

[Two Bills]

:shocked: I thought Morris was a cat! :faint:

We have Morris Dancers in UK! :ohdear:

[Goldwingnut]

Some have taken issue with my most recent construction update video, and past videos, where I have mentioned my opposition to, and the financial impact of, the recent changes in impact fees here in Sumter County. I’ve received multiple public and private comments about my position on this matter, both in agreement and in disagreement with me. We are all entitled to our own opinions, but not our own set of facts. It is the facts of this issue that continue to be distorted and ignored by many. For those that will choose to unsubscribe to my YouTube channel or not watch my videos anymore because I included factual information you may not agree with, that is your choice, we live in a free county.

When I make my videos, I take a lot of time to research the information included and determining what and how I present it. In fact, I spend more time doing research than I do flying, filming, and editing the video combined. I do this because the truth is more important than my opinion on matters, and I’d rather be wrong in my opinion than in my facts.

Before I discuss the Impact Fee issue, I’d like to discuss my relationship with the developer of The Villages. Many of you feel or are of the opinion that I am pro-developer, a mouthpiece for the developer, in the developer’s pocket, I’m drinking the developer’s cool-aid, or some other euphemism for trying to do the developer’s bidding. This is far from truth and completely inaccurate, if anything, I should be considered an adversary to the developer.

As many know I am a CDD-10 Supervisor and PWAC member and serving in these positions I must deal with issues that arise involving the developer. In all these cases my only direction is what is in the best of the residents that I represent and the residents of The Villages as a whole. In most cases it is a win-win and supporting the position that is good for the residents is also good for the developer, so be it. There have been multiple instances that I oppose the developer and call them to task, I win no favors with these. Some issues have the desired outcome, and some do not. In either case I’ve gained the scrutiny and disfavor of the developer, a burden of my public service.

My drone flying and videos have created friction and considerable discourse between the developer and I. Bottom line is that they don’t like them because they don’t/can’t control what I say and when I say it, they want to be in total control of the narrative of The Villages and when information is released. They don’t like being criticized but they are certainly reaping of the benefits from the information I’ve put out.

They’ve pushed back on my work on multiple occasions starting as far back as September of 2018. I’ve received phone calls asking me to stop showing some areas and calls to stop using map graphics. I was “called to the principal’s office” in January of 2019 where I met with Ryan McCabe and the District Manager to “discuss” my flying and videos. The outcome of this meeting was I agreed to limit what I showed, an agreement I abided to but based on emails I continued received, still wasn’t good enough for them.

A pinnacle was reached in September of 2019 when an anonymous complaint was filed with the FAA on behalf of a client by a Tampa based law firm that specializes in construction law. While the name of the anonymous party was not officially revealed, the copy of the complaint I receive under a FOIA request (Freedom of Information Act) was a 130+ page document written by an attorney, the significant cost incurred, content, and tone of which leads to only one party as the source. The complaint contained glaring misunderstandings and mischaracterizations of the flights conducted, drone operations and photography in general, and in some cases wrong information. The result of this was however what is known as an “enforcement action” by the FAA that included a LARGE fine. I have been fighting this “action” for over a year now, but the responses from the FAA are woefully slow. After receiving notification of the complaint, I took a bit of a hiatus on the construction videos and reevaluated my position and actions, to say I was shaken up would be an understatement. After long and hard consideration, I resumed my flights and videos, ensuring that everything is done legally and in accordance with FAA regulations and Florida laws, giving no further avenue for recourse (I hope); any past agreements made now disregarded on both sides. The pushback did not stop and still continues to this day.

As you can see, there is angst from the developer from two directions, not putting me in a favorable position.

If you think I’m angry about all of this, you would be right. But I put it aside when I deal with issues of both the community and the information I put into my video. Being unbiased, informed, and professional in decisions and presentation is critical to credibility.

I do try to present an overall positive opinion of The Villages, both the community and the developer, in my videos. With respect to the community, I love it here, it is nothing short of phenomenal with remarkable people from all walks of life, from round the county and the world living here, how could one not be positive! Concerning the developer, they are an amazing construction company that does what they do better than any other company I’ve seen. I was in the construction industry for 20 years prior to retiring, the last 12 as a project manager, so I’ve seen both the good and the bad of the construction industry. The company I worked for went through cycles of the good and the bad ways of doing things and the downswing that they were taking was sufficient to make early retirement an easy decision. If I had worked for a company as well managed, focused, and organized as this developer, I would be still working today and not enjoying my retirement here. I will give credit where credit is due, and what this developer, while not perfect, is creating is an amazing development that attracts incredible people that make for an uncomparable community.

I’ve probably said too much, but I thought some background information would be essential to the overall discussion. Let’s get back the subject at hand, the Impact Fee.

I’ve no doubt that many will disagree with me on this issue, all I ask is that before the flaming starts, you educate yourself first with facts from the sources and not from the online and print media, all of which have their own agendas.

The Sumter County Roadway Impact Fee Study, Final Report October 4, 2019 by the Tindal Oliver firm is available at the county website (agenda for the 1/5/21 BOCC meeting Agenda - 01/05/2021 (https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01052021-586?html=true) ) and is the principal basis for my opinion. If you’ve not read it in its entirety (the package is 222 pages) you’ve probably missed some quality nap time, it’s a bit dry and takes a lot of chewing to get through. I’ve read it several times now and my opinion hasn’t changed. I was going to posts the salient points of the study, but it got too deep and convoluted to provide something coherent here.

Yes, I am critical of the Impact Fee increases that have been passed because I done the research and can only conclude that what has been proposed is both unnecessary and unwarranted.

Raising the impact fee will not affect the county budget or reverse the increase of 2019, they are separate funds, and the impact fee cannot supplement the county budget.

The developer isn’t getting a “sweetheart deal”, they are paying the exact same percentage as EVERYONE ELSE is paying in Sumter County who is building anything. Everyone gets the same deal!

The 40% is of the “technically defensible level of impact fees that the County could charge” and not the actual year-to-year cost which is much lower number.

There are multiple sources of revenue for the impact fee, not just what is collected for construction projects, and if you raise one without raising the expenditures then the others are due a credit FS 163.31801(5) “If a local government increases its impact fee rates, the holder of any impact fee credits, whether such credits are granted under s. 163.3180, s. 380.06, or otherwise, which were in existence before the increase, is entitled to the full benefit of the intensity or density prepaid by the credit balance as of the date it was first established. This subsection shall operate prospectively and not retrospectively.” – in other words what they take from one source, they’ll have to give back to the other, the net gain is zero.

The road impact fee in Sumter County cannot be compared to other counties with much higher fees because others include items in their impact fees that are not included in Sumter County, for example schools, The Villages, with the exception of the 4 family sections, had no impact on the student population. I know we all pay school taxes, that’s a different issue that we can beat to death another time.

Many have said to have those who benefit pay the fee. You don’t want to go there, you’ll be giving up the “credits” that are the other sources of the impact fee recovery are mainly gas taxes, the vast majority of which come from the exits on the I75 corridor and the Okahumpka Service Plaza on the Turnpike. These people passing through our county gain no benefit yet pay a significant portion, I say we thank them for the contribution and not look a give horse in the mouth. Everyone benefits from the new road development. Remember the roads paid for with these fees in The Villages are only the major arteries, not the residential streets or feeders. These arteries create avenues for growth and the jobs that go with it. The growth creates demand for services which bring new stores and businesses. How does one really calculate who benefits from the new roads, it’s complex, difficult, and has many layers.

You can call it a fee or a tax, it’s all the same in the end. I stand by my statement that business don’t pay taxes, they collect taxes. Taxes to a business are just another cost that goes into the final product cost, just like material and labor. In the end, the consumer will pay the tax indirectly through higher prices. If you’ve ever run a business, you understand exactly what I’m talking about. The only thing a business owner actually pays for out of their own pocket is their lunch.

Again, I know many disagree with me, that’s fine, but take the time to learn the facts and the full details before you make you opinions known. Many of the more vocal on this site have chosen to believe the hype and misinformation, I’m not one of them.

There’s more that could be said but I think this is perhaps too long already.

[Stu from NYC]

Don thank you so much for explaining things to us that we who are only here just over a year were not aware of.

Hope to be able to continue learning from you.

[Bogie Shooter]

Mr. Wiley, thank you for the professional factual response to the critics that have attacked you on this thread.

[Aloha1]

I agree with GW. Thanks.

And I agree with GW and Joe V.

[Aloha1]

Obviously the "Obstacles" don't out weigh the PROFITS!!!! I don't see the Morris Family declaring any losses as of yet.

And just who is the 'Morris Family" and what do they have to do with the Villages??

[Aloha1]

Don, thank you for your extremely cogent and insightful post. I have always enjoyed your videos and find them a source of information and frankly excitement as I see TV continue to grow and create new venues for ALL of us. It is sad that a small group here would attack you for speaking truth but the vast majority of us support you.

[valuemkt]

Don, appreciate the videos and educated commentaries. I've actually frown very tired of the from up north commentaries that constantly want to "stick it to the man", because in their mind anybody making money on an enterprise must be evil, and the poor ol miserable relocated souls want to experience life as they knew it,, free handouts and onerous taxation of the rich.. albeit without the state income taxes that their prior life's warranted by their behavior. For most, the escape to Disneyland for adults has been a godsend. For those that continue the ways of the north, please go back .. I'm sure we can put together a GOFUNDME page to buy you a new snow shovel, and you can get on the government dole (perhaps again) and continue blaming all the rich folk that ruined your life.

[Aloha1]

Don, appreciate the videos and educated commentaries. I've actually frown very tired of the from up north commentaries that constantly want to "stick it to the man", because in their mind anybody making money on an enterprise must be evil, and the poor ol miserable relocated souls want to experience life as they knew it,, free handouts and onerous taxation of the rich.. albeit without the state income taxes that their prior life's warranted by their behavior. For most, the escape to Disneyland for adults has been a godsend. For those that continue the ways of the north, please go back .. I'm sure we can put together a GOFUNDME page to buy you a new snow shovel, and you can get on the government dole (perhaps again) and continue blaming all the rich folk that ruined your life.
I would only amend your comment to "northeast".

[Debfrommaine]

Here’s is a new update on the construction work going on at the south end of The Villages. Despite continued obstacles presented by some local officials, the developer continues to invest and build. New homes, villages, and commercial properties continue the rise. This video looks at the golf courses under construction, Starbuck, Citrus Gove, Sawgrass Grove, Cason Hammock, Hammock at Fenney, St. Johns, Ty Villas, some new commercial proper expansion, expansion south of Monarch Grove, and several other areas.

I hope you enjoy it and if you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to my YouTube cannel and turn on the notifications, so you get alerted to new videos being posted.

The Villages Construction Update 4-18-2021 - YouTube (https://youtu.be/L0yD1xXBOaA)

Thanks,
Don

Another fabulous video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge, amazing. Keep up the great work, for us it has tremendous value.

[Vernon Hud]

I don't understand why some of you people that post on this site, continually blame everything that is said negative, on the people from the north. Do you realize that the majority of the people that move here are from Florida and the south. It is like every year there are 40,000 snow birds leave, and in the summer you are all still blaming everything that happens here on the snow birds, and the trolls. We also know, if we don't like it here we can move, we don't need reminders, but we do know we have the right to have our opinions, just like you do. I also like gold wing's video's, but I completely disagree with him on the impact fees, and I do think that probably 80 to 90% of the Villager's disagree with him also.

[Aloha1]

I don't understand why some of you people that post on this site, continually blame everything that is said negative, on the people from the north. Do you realize that the majority of the people that move here are from Florida and the south. It is like every year there are 40,000 snow birds leave, and in the summer you are all still blaming everything that happens here on the snow birds, and the trolls. We also know, if we don't like it here we can move, we don't need reminders, but we do know we have the right to have our opinions, just like you do. I also like gold wing's video's, but I completely disagree with him on the impact fees, and I do think that probably 80 to 90% of the Villager's disagree with him also.

I sincerely doubt your assumption. I do not blame snow birds, etc. I blame those who refuse to do the research that GW has done on the FACTS. And I also blame those who, when presented the facts, still refuse to see the truth.

[Goldwingnut]

I don't understand why some of you people that post on this site, continually blame everything that is said negative, on the people from the north. Do you realize that the majority of the people that move here are from Florida and the south. It is like every year there are 40,000 snow birds leave, and in the summer you are all still blaming everything that happens here on the snow birds, and the trolls. We also know, if we don't like it here we can move, we don't need reminders, but we do know we have the right to have our opinions, just like you do. I also like gold wing's video's, but I completely disagree with him on the impact fees, and I do think that probably 80 to 90% of the Villager's disagree with him also.

You are absolutely correct, the blame game has to stop. Few are from here and all bring their own preconceptions with them, not all are good and not all are bad, just different. The goal for all of us needs to be getting along, adapting, and accepting our community. This place is like no other, let's not try to make it like someplace else. Life is way too short, especially at our ages, to start acting like spoiled children.

As far as if you agree with my opinion or not, that is something only you can decide, just make your decision an informed decision. Do your own research so you have facts to base your decision on. Do not believe what you read from the habitual posters and complainers on this site, what you read on facebook, read in the paper, or what you read on that other website, all are biased and omit the facts that don't fit their agenda. Get the facts, make up your own mind, be your own person.

[tophcfa]

You are absolutely correct, the blame game has to stop. Few are from here and all bring their own preconceptions with them, not all are good and not all are bad, just different. The goal for all of us needs to be getting along, adapting, and accepting our community. This place is like no other, let's not try to make it like someplace else. Life is way too short, especially at our ages, to start acting like spoiled children.

As far as if you agree with my opinion or not, that is something only you can decide, just make your decision an informed decision. Do your own research so you have facts to base your decision on. Do not believe what you read from the habitual posters and complainers on this site, what you read on facebook, read in the paper, or what you read on that other website, all are biased and omit the facts that don't fit their agenda. Get the facts, make up your own mind, be your own person.

Don, I completely agree, and very much appreciate your previous post that explains a lot. I was the first person on this thread to call you out about posting opinions referencing the impact fees on your construction update video, and I stand by that. That being said, I was very careful to NOT CALL YOU OUT about being in bed with the developer and not looking out for the best interests of the residents of the Villages. I have followed your work as a representative of Villages residents and sincerely applaud your efforts. I do have a question about the so called facts regarding impact fees, I love working with proven facts. The source of the facts you reference are a study made by the consulting firm out of Tampa, Tindale and Oliver. As anyone that did not fall off the turnip truck yesterday knows, the opinions of a consulting firm are not necessarily facts, they are opinions. Consulting firms have to walk a fine line between reputable facts and catering to their clients wishes. Whenever I review the credibility of a consulting firms opinion, the first question I ask myself is who hired the firm and what was the predetermined opinion the hiring entity hoped to hear? The impact fee study was done in 2019, and presumably the firm was hired by the then current Sumter County Commissioners, all 5 of which were hand picked by a certain party (anyone who denies this obviously did not carefully follow the last election). It is also not a reach to theorize that a certain party highly recommended that Tindale and Oliver be the party to take on the study. There is no doubt that the powerful economic force that is the Villages can influences the opinions of many other businesses that want a piece of the economic windfall that corresponds with the money making machine that is the Villages (which I have no problem with, Capitalism is what has made our country great). That being said, wouldn't it be nice, and comforting to Villages residents, that so called facts, based on a study, come from another "independent and objective" consulting firm that is hired by an entity that does not have a financial "AX to GRIND" based on the outcome of the study? I will be the first in line to "eat crow" if a truly independent and objective consulting firm verifies the study that has been referenced as facts, but until then, my intuition tells me to remain skeptical.

Thanks again Don for all the tireless effort you have put in as both the Chairman of CDD10, and with the PWAC.

[dewilson58]

consulting firm out of Tampa, Tindale and Oliver.
I will be the first in line to "eat crow" if a truly independent and objective consulting firm verifies the study

Dude..............The firm has been in business for over 30 years, has 100 employees and $30mil in revenue................I think their reputation is worth more than a consulting fee in Sumter County.

[Goldwingnut]

Don, I completely agree, and very much appreciate your previous post that explains a lot. I was the first person on this thread to call you out about posting opinions referencing the impact fees on your construction update video, and I stand by that. That being said, I was very careful to NOT CALL YOU OUT about being in bed with the developer and not looking out for the best interests of the residents of the Villages. I have followed your work as a representative of Villages residents and sincerely applaud your efforts. I do have a question about the so called facts regarding impact fees, I love working with proven facts. The source of the facts you reference are a study made by the consulting firm out of Tampa, Tindale and Oliver. As anyone that did not fall off the turnip truck yesterday knows, the opinions of a consulting firm are not necessarily facts, they are opinions. Consulting firms have to walk a fine line between reputable facts and catering to their clients wishes. Whenever I review the credibility of a consulting firms opinion, the first question I ask myself is who hired the firm and what was the predetermined opinion the hiring entity hoped to hear? The impact fee study was done in 2019, and presumably the firm was hired by the then current Sumter County Commissioners, all 5 of which were hand picked by a certain party (anyone who denies this obviously did not carefully follow the last election). It is also not a reach to theorize that a certain party highly recommended that Tindale and Oliver be the party to take on the study. There is no doubt that the powerful economic force that is the Villages can influences the opinions of many other businesses that want a piece of the economic windfall that corresponds with the money making machine that is the Villages (which I have no problem with, Capitalism is what has made our country great). That being said, wouldn't it be nice, and comforting to Villages residents, that so called facts, based on a study, come from another "independent and objective" consulting firm that is hired by an entity that does not have a financial "AX to GRIND" based on the outcome of the study? I will be the first in line to "eat crow" if a truly independent and objective consulting firm verifies the study that has been referenced as facts, but until then, my intuition tells me to remain skeptical.

Thanks again Don for all the tireless effort you have put in as both the Chairman of CDD10, and with the PWAC.

As was just stated by dewilson58, I doubt that T.O. would risk their reputation for one small county's account. They have a much bigger and long standing client list that relies on thier objectivity. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt on this one.

Your post was one of a great many along the same line of public and private comments that I felt compelled to respond to. Not the straw that broke the camel's back, but near the top of the heap yesterday.

I have a busy day ahead of me today, so I'll hold further response to your other comments until later.

[Lllll]

Are you aware of any new Executive Golf Courses planned for the South area - specifically within range of St Catherine? There appears to be nothing close currently.

[Dond1959]

There is nothing official about any new executive course near that location. However, Don Wiley (goldwingnut) does discuss a possible location south of 44 where a new executive course could be built. It was either in his last video or the one before that. Look up his YouTube channel for the videos. The last is actually linked in this post.

[Goldwingnut]

Are you aware of any new Executive Golf Courses planned for the South area - specifically within range of St Catherine? There appears to be nothing close currently.

Here's the best info I have so far
Golf Update in The Villages? - 11-18-2020 - YouTube (https://youtu.be/hru7W0qivUE)

[Bilyclub]

Thank you Mr. Wiley for continuing the videos. I for one, did not know they were holding your feet to the flames.

[wlasowicz]

Do the villages have any videos showing actual construction features of the homes built. I have not found any during my search. I have seen that OTOTW has then on topics on the what type of insulation they use or how the foundation or block is laid. certain features they build into their product etc. For someone like me that worked in building trades I would have a better understanding of Fl. codes and how the builder built the finished product

[wlasowicz]

reading some of your posts on this tread Don I agree the developer probably doesn't like to hear the truth. Example I occasionally read the online The Village paper everything is perfect and beautiful Then you read the Village News they talk about some of the crime that happen in The Villages itself beside the surrounding area. You don't see that news in the village paper since they own the paper and control what's printed

[Bogie Shooter]

reading some of your posts on this tread Don I agree the developer probably doesn't like to hear the truth. Example I occasionally read the online The Village paper everything is perfect and beautiful Then you read the Village News they talk about some of the crime that happen in The Villages itself beside the surrounding area. You don't see that news in the village paper since they own the paper and control what's printed
Village News is a rag, just selling on line clicks.

[Altavia]

Do the villages have any videos showing actual construction features of the homes built. I have not found any during my search. I have seen that OTOTW has then on topics on the what type of insulation they use or how the foundation or block is laid. certain features they build into their product etc. For someone like me that worked in building trades I would have a better understanding of Fl. codes and how the builder built the finished product

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