Code Changes For Developer To Put Apartments In Spanish Springs City and Other Places

[Ramone]

The Billionaire contractor is taking the little City of Lady Lake to court to appeal the decision of the city to not change codes to allow second level apartments. You should let your opinions be known by contacting the city officials, maybe they can stand up to the contractor that wants these changes for their own benefit. Write, call or email the city; City of Lady Lake Town Hall
c/o Lady Lake Commissioners
409 Fennell Blvd.
Lady Lake, Fl 32159 "Lady Lake Commission
Monday, October 5, 2020 at 6:00 pm
City of Lady Lake Town Hall
409 Fennell Blvd.
Lady Lake, Fl 32159
Jim Richards - Mayor - Commissioner Chairman; jrichards@ladylake.org
Ruth Kussard - Commissioner; rkussad@ladylake.org
Dan Vincent - Commissioner; dvincent@ladylake.org
Paul Hannon - Commissioner; phannan@ladylake.org
Tony Holden - Commissioner ; tholden@ladylake.org

[Mleeja]

Thanks! I will send my email supporting apartments to keep Spanish Spring viable!

[Marathon Man]

Go to a city in Europe and visit a plaza. There are apartments above the shops. So, since Spanish Springs emulates a Spanish plaza, it makes sense for apartments to be included.

[dewilson58]

I'll send emails in support of apartments.

[npwalters]

I'll send emails in support of apartments.

So you will be the one.

[dewilson58]

So you will be the one.

:MOJE_whot:

[Topspinmo]

I don’t care what they do in there buildings on there commercial property already built, nor do I care what the build on newly developed land. I do care when they intrude in already built out area sold to districts years ago adding apartments in already overcrowded area. You can thank the two puppets representing district residents on CDD board that approved it in best interest of residents. O wait one has since quit the board right after the vote.

[Bogie Shooter]

I'll send emails in support of apartments.

Me too……

[Topspinmo]

I'll send emails in support of apartments.

Why waste you time? Think any of them will listen?

[Bogie Shooter]

The Billionaire contractor is taking the little City of Lady Lake to court to appeal the decision of the city to not change codes to allow second level apartments. You should let your opinions be known by contacting the city officials, maybe they can stand up to the contractor that wants these changes for their own benefit. Write, call or email the city; City of Lady Lake Town Hall
c/o Lady Lake Commissioners
409 Fennell Blvd.
Lady Lake, Fl 32159 "Lady Lake Commission
Monday, October 5, 2020 at 6:00 pm
City of Lady Lake Town Hall
409 Fennell Blvd.
Lady Lake, Fl 32159
Jim Richards - Mayor - Commissioner Chairman; jrichards@ladylake.org
Ruth Kussard - Commissioner; rkussad@ladylake.org
Dan Vincent - Commissioner; dvincent@ladylake.org
Paul Hannon - Commissioner; phannan@ladylake.org
Tony Holden - Commissioner ; tholden@ladylake.org

How does this impact you?

[kcrazorbackfan]

I'll send emails in support of apartments.

As will I.

[dewilson58]

Why waste you time? Think any of them will listen?

So they know there are more than whiners out there. :coolsmiley:

[vintageogauge]

Lady Lake would not be what it is today if not for The Villages

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If they build a dedicated, lockable/remote-open/close parking garage with assigned spots for the tenants, I'd be right there in line to applaud the use of the upstairs as apartments.

If their plans don't include that, then I'll remain opposed. And I actually live IN Lady Lake, so my vote counts.

[Northwoods]

Go to a city in Europe and visit a plaza. There are apartments above the shops. So, since Spanish Springs emulates a Spanish plaza, it makes sense for apartments to be included.

Also look at any large or even medium-sized city in the US (New York, Chicago, etc) they all have apartments or condos above storefronts. I think it's a wonderful choice for Villagers who don't want the maintenance of a house, and they also want the convenience of "city" living.

[Northwoods]

If they build a dedicated, lockable/remote-open/close parking garage with assigned spots for the tenants, I'd be right there in line to applaud the use of the upstairs as apartments.

If their plans don't include that, then I'll remain opposed. And I actually live IN Lady Lake, so my vote counts.

When Katie Belles was in business, how many people came to Spanish Springs to attend an event? How many cars were in Spanish Springs parking lots because of those events?
Now, I could be wrong, but I would think that the number of cars at best would be a wash, but most likely there will be fewer cars because of apartments than there were for a Katie Belles event.
Also... right now there are Villages offices on the second floor of some of the storefronts. Each person in those offices brings a car to work. If they put apartments on the second floor and move those offices to another location, all those cars will be gone.
My point is, I don't think the increase in the number of cars is going to be as big of an issue as someone might think.

[stanley]

If they build a dedicated, lockable/remote-open/close parking garage with assigned spots for the tenants, I'd be right there in line to applaud the use of the upstairs as apartments.

If their plans don't include that, then I'll remain opposed. And I actually live IN Lady Lake, so my vote counts.

Why?

[JMintzer]

If they build a dedicated, lockable/remote-open/close parking garage with assigned spots for the tenants, I'd be right there in line to applaud the use of the upstairs as apartments.

If their plans don't include that, then I'll remain opposed. And I actually live IN Lady Lake, so my vote counts.

Are you planning to move there?

If not, why do you care about the parking?

[JoMar]

OP doesn't live here or he wouldn't post for us to try and degrade the lifestyle here.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

Thanks for the email addresses. I have written to them all expressing my opposition. I live walking distance to Spanish Springs and attend outdoor shows there regularly.

Face it - we know human nature. Even though the prospective tenants will know in advance that music takes place there every night and will be okay with it when they sign their lease, sure enough the time will come when they will complain about it loudly. Then goodbye nightly shows.

[stanley]

Thanks for the email addresses. I have written to them all expressing my opposition. I live walking distance to Spanish Springs and attend outdoor shows there regularly.

Face it - we know human nature. Even though the prospective tenants will know in advance that music takes place there every night and will be okay with it when they sign their lease, sure enough the time will come when they will complain about it loudly. Then goodbye nightly shows.

Bull ****... entertainment and the square are going nowhere

[J1ceasar]

Many cities have them . It's common

[banjobob]

I guess I don’t understand the problem, is tenant parking the issue ? If that is the issue, limit the number of apartments to be developed to preserve the public parking spaces. Not every storefront could have apartments above it .Limit to possibly ten units in the entire town square area.

[charmed59]

I’ve always thought it a waste of great space to see the balconies overlooking the squares with no one on them enjoying the atmosphere. However, with apartments they are going to have to be careful with rules to ensure the view those on the squares have of those themed buildings are not blighted by hanging laundry or weird artwork. The balcony rules will have to be similar to the front yard rules.

An alternate use of those spaces would be boutique hotels or short term rentals. Those here for shorter stays would find the nightly music charming, wouldn’t be concerned about personalizing the outdoor space, and would be fine with limited parking.

[TC_Arch]

The Billionaire contractor is taking the little City of Lady Lake to court to appeal the decision of the city to not change codes to allow second level apartments. You should let your opinions be known by contacting the city officials, maybe they can stand up to the contractor that wants these changes for their own benefit. Write, call or email the city; City of Lady Lake Town Hall
c/o Lady Lake Commissioners
409 Fennell Blvd.
Lady Lake, Fl 32159 "Lady Lake Commission
Monday, October 5, 2020 at 6:00 pm
City of Lady Lake Town Hall
409 Fennell Blvd.
Lady Lake, Fl 32159
Jim Richards - Mayor - Commissioner Chairman; jrichards@ladylake.org
Ruth Kussard - Commissioner; rkussad@ladylake.org
Dan Vincent - Commissioner; dvincent@ladylake.org
Paul Hannon - Commissioner; phannan@ladylake.org
Tony Holden - Commissioner ; tholden@ladylake.org
Whether they are "billionaires" or not has nothing to do with property rights. What do you have against successful people?

[TC_Arch]

I guess I don’t understand the problem, is tenant parking the issue ? If that is the issue, limit the number of apartments to be developed to preserve the public parking spaces. Not every storefront could have apartments above it .Limit to possibly ten units in the entire town square area.
Actually, parking required for apartments is much less than for restaurants or businesses. There is plenty of existing parking.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

When Katie Belles was in business, how many people came to Spanish Springs to attend an event? How many cars were in Spanish Springs parking lots because of those events?
Now, I could be wrong, but I would think that the number of cars at best would be a wash, but most likely there will be fewer cars because of apartments than there were for a Katie Belles event.
Also... right now there are Villages offices on the second floor of some of the storefronts. Each person in those offices brings a car to work. If they put apartments on the second floor and move those offices to another location, all those cars will be gone.
My point is, I don't think the increase in the number of cars is going to be as big of an issue as someone might think.

Any time there's an event, or the Hooligans are in town, those spaces closest to the buildings in the back lots are jam-packed with cars and golf carts.

Sure that's only for 5 hours a night. But tenants will be renting those apartments 24/7, not just when it's convenient for customers. It's likely many of those tenants will need a spot close to their building's back door to haul in groceries, or potted plants for their balcony, or whatever else they might need on a daily basis. You can't dictate to them that they're not allowed to have their own spot within bag-carrying distance to their own back door, just because someone who doesn't even live in the Villages wants to park there for 3 hours.

You also need it for security reasons. After 10pm and until around 5-6am, those parking lots are otherwise vacant. Any golf cart in the wee hours in the lot is a sitting target for thieves, because there's no security after the bars close and until the first employees show up to open their shops in the morning.

Tenants should always have first dibs on dedicated parking spaces closest to the buildings in which they live. And because this is a golf cart community and you can EASILY and QUICKLY roll a golf cart onto a flatbed and take off before anyone knows sit's missing, they need some measure of security when there is no security to stop anyone.

That's really my one and only objection; that tenants should have their own parking garage. Maybe just a singular building with assigned stalls for golf carts, motorcycles, bicycles, or Smart Cars. Normal cars can park in the lot near the garage, but anything that can easily be stolen gets one garage space per apartment unit.

[Snprentice]

Where I moved from, there were condos above stores and restaurants in the array towm. Very nice and expensive. Would be fun to live in one, if you could afford one.
The apartments that are a concern are the low rent ones around the villages.

[dewilson58]

That's really my one and only objection; that tenants should have their own parking garage.

If you're a tenant, it could be a concern.............maybe, maybe not.

If you're not a tenant, not a concern.

[Jayhawk]

that's really my one and only objection; that tenants should have their own parking garage. Maybe just a singular building with assigned stalls for golf carts, motorcycles, bicycles, or smart cars. Normal cars can park in the lot near the garage, but anything that can easily be stolen gets one garage space per apartment unit.

89784

[Irishmen]

I'll send emails in support of apartments.

This. Don't see the issue here with already available space.

[sdm1222]

So they know there are more than whiners out there. :coolsmiley:

When did Mr. Helpful become Mr. Sarcastic?
Don't be like the others.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

So you will be the one.

Yup!

[Marathon Man]

Thanks for the email addresses. I have written to them all expressing my opposition. I live walking distance to Spanish Springs and attend outdoor shows there regularly.

Face it - we know human nature. Even though the prospective tenants will know in advance that music takes place there every night and will be okay with it when they sign their lease, sure enough the time will come when they will complain about it loudly. Then goodbye nightly shows.

That's just silly. Another stretch to complain about change.

[Villages Kahuna]

Thanks for the contact information. Messages sent to all commissioners this morning.

[Marathon Man]

OP doesn't live here or he wouldn't post for us to try and degrade the lifestyle here.

Lots of complaints in post history.

[Dbraisted]

I also agree that apartments are not a problem but an interesting option in town above stores. This style of living is very common. I was devastated to lose the Hacienda Country club facilities as that took something away from residents without replacing the amenity that was part of why we bought where we did.

[npwalters]

I am always amazed by people that moved FROM "a city" to a laid back retirement community and then say - no problem; that's normal in the city.

I, for one, want to live in a retirement community - not "the city".

[bobnyce]

We all like to remember how it used to be. However, nothing stays the same forever. Spanish Springs is unlike a normal public square because it is private property not a traditional publicly owned square. Therefore, Lady Lake Commissioners can only change the zoning in accordance with prior agreements and current law. The developer is relying on the law being in his favor to do with his property as he wants within the current agreements and law. Emotions play no part in the final decision. If you owned these properties and need to fund their maintenance and taxes with revenue, then you need customers. The owner must pay the bills just like you pay your mortgage and taxes. So, if the buildings are vacant that will not happen. What can Lady Lake do? The Commissioner can attempt to negotiate some favorable changes like no building up to alter the character of the Square. And, providing adequate parking even though all parking right now is on private property even around the Square. So, lighten up with the emotions and face reality. The buildings are idle and the developer really has no mandate to even keep the Square open. Let's all hope the music continues and it remains a safe place for entertainment. If someone wants to rent an apartment there - so be it. My two cents.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

Originally Posted by LiverpoolWalrus
Thanks for the email addresses. I have written to them all expressing my opposition. I live walking distance to Spanish Springs and attend outdoor shows there regularly.

Face it - we know human nature. Even though the prospective tenants will know in advance that music takes place there every night and will be okay with it when they sign their lease, sure enough the time will come when they will complain about it loudly. Then goodbye nightly shows.

That's just silly. Another stretch to complain about change.

I respect your opinion, but I'm the last one to complain about change in the knee-jerk way you seem to be suggesting. That's not my thing.

It's not a stretch. You'll see. You read it here first.

[Stu from NYC]

Thanks for the email addresses. I have written to them all expressing my opposition. I live walking distance to Spanish Springs and attend outdoor shows there regularly.

Face it - we know human nature. Even though the prospective tenants will know in advance that music takes place there every night and will be okay with it when they sign their lease, sure enough the time will come when they will complain about it loudly. Then goodbye nightly shows.

The restaurants in the squares who pays for the entertainment know that a lot of their customers will listen to music and than off to dinner.

Do not think they will allow nightly shows to disappear.

[Gator_Girl]

I would love to live in apartments up over the businesses in a town center! I think it sounds exciting! 😁 you get a bird's-eye view of all the action!

[mulligan]

I don’t care what they do in there buildings on there commercial property already built, nor do I care what the build on newly developed land. I do care when they intrude in already built out area sold to districts years ago adding apartments in already overcrowded area. You can thank the two puppets representing district residents on CDD board that approved it in best interest of residents. O wait one has since quit the board right after the vote.

That country club was never sold to a district. It is, was, and probably always will be owned by the developer.

[EviesGP]

The Billionaire contractor is taking the little City of Lady Lake to court to appeal the decision of the city to not change codes to allow second level apartments. You should let your opinions be known by contacting the city officials, maybe they can stand up to the contractor that wants these changes for their own benefit. Write, call or email the city; City of Lady Lake Town Hall
c/o Lady Lake Commissioners
409 Fennell Blvd.
Lady Lake, Fl 32159 "Lady Lake Commission
Monday, October 5, 2020 at 6:00 pm
City of Lady Lake Town Hall
409 Fennell Blvd.
Lady Lake, Fl 32159
Jim Richards - Mayor - Commissioner Chairman; jrichards@ladylake.org
Ruth Kussard - Commissioner; rkussad@ladylake.org
Dan Vincent - Commissioner; dvincent@ladylake.org
Paul Hannon - Commissioner; phannan@ladylake.org
Tony Holden - Commissioner ; tholden@ladylake.org

Unfortunately, you've shown your prejudice and bias, when you open your comments with "Billionaire"?!

[Barborv]

Completely agree with topspinmo. Don’t care in the town square or the new areas that will be designated for apartment living, but do have a problem with doing it in an already established neighborhood.

[Gerryk12]

I have sent the following message to the City Commission members: Please do all you can to be sure the contractor does not succeed in building apartment buildings above the current legal limitation. We have more than sufficient density of dwellings here in the Villages and to increase the number of apartment dwellings will surely begin to change the great lifestyles we now enjoy.

Gerry Katz
Pine Ridge

[jimjamuser]

I don’t care what they do in there buildings on there commercial property already built, nor do I care what the build on newly developed land. I do care when they intrude in already built out area sold to districts years ago adding apartments in already overcrowded area. You can thank the two puppets representing district residents on CDD board that approved it in best interest of residents. O wait one has since quit the board right after the vote.
Not "There" buildings. The possessive is THEIR buildings. PLEASE CORRECT! THERE indicates direction - like I see you THERE or the parking lot is over THERE. THEIR means something belongs to someone like "THEIR buildings" means someone OWNS them.

[jimjamuser]

I have sent the following message to the City Commission members: Please do all you can to be sure the contractor does not succeed in building apartment buildings above the current legal limitation. We have more than sufficient density of dwellings here in the Villages and to increase the number of apartment dwellings will surely begin to change the great lifestyles we now enjoy.

Gerry Katz
Pine Ridge
There is NOT enough parking around Spanish Springs to justify more apartments. The businesses there have probably complained about the high rent that the Villages charges them. So, instead of lowering the rent the Villages gets greedy and tries to add apartments so the businesses have more customers. Soon Spanish Springs will be as dense as a city in New Jersey - so why did we bother coming to The Villages in the 1st place - wasn't the idea to escape too much density? The whole US society would be better off if it evaluated progress by "QUALITY OF LIFE" and NOT profits and population growth!

[Bonnybelle]

The Billionaire contractor is taking the little City of Lady Lake to court to appeal the decision of the city to not change codes to allow second level apartments. You should let your opinions be known by contacting the city officials, maybe they can stand up to the contractor that wants these changes for their own benefit. Write, call or email the city; City of Lady Lake Town Hall
c/o Lady Lake Commissioners
409 Fennell Blvd.
Lady Lake, Fl 32159 "Lady Lake Commission
Monday, October 5, 2020 at 6:00 pm
City of Lady Lake Town Hall
409 Fennell Blvd.
Lady Lake, Fl 32159
Jim Richards - Mayor - Commissioner Chairman; jrichards@ladylake.org
Ruth Kussard - Commissioner; rkussad@ladylake.org
Dan Vincent - Commissioner; dvincent@ladylake.org
Paul Hannon - Commissioner; phannan@ladylake.org
Tony Holden - Commissioner ; tholden@ladylake.org

Thanks for the great info - I just sent emails to all commissioners and copied your post and posted on Nextdoor.com

We need to start taking charge of our Hometown! It seems a lot of the newer residents are not aware and/or do not care...used to love this place until they tore down Katie Belles and Hacienda County club -and built South of 44 without providing the necessary facilites and golf courses...so crowded now that Mr. Schwartz would be so upset that his grandchildren are so disgracefully greedy and have spoiled our Hometown!

I would also like to know why we can't recycle - what a tremendous waste of all the plastic and glass bottles AND soda, food etc cans - wish we could find a place to take them. I heard they are saving The Villages $1million a year by using the new garbage company - really? -- would not be surprised if the "billionaire developers" had an interest in the new garbage company - I can only imagine the mountains of plastic bottles going up in smoke in one week. I'm not normally an environmentalist but this is CRAZY

[dewilson58]

We need to start taking charge of our Hometown! It seems a lot of the newer residents are not aware and/or do not care...used to love this place until they tore down Katie Belles and Hacienda County club -and built South of 44 without providing the necessary facilites and golf courses...so crowded now that Mr. Schwartz would be so upset that his grandchildren are so disgracefully greedy and have spoiled our Hometown!

:cryin2:An old tired opinion.



I would rather applaud, "get rid of what is not successful and replace".

[Challenger]

:cryin2:An old tired opinion.



I would rather applaud, "get rid of what is not successful and replace".


Yes

[LiverpoolWalrus]

Apparently it's a done deal. I contacted the commissioners yesterday and received a reply today. I don't want to name the commissioner or quote verbatim but the commissioner basically said Lady Lake is not in a position to turn the developer down. They cannot risk an inevitable lawsuit which could bankrupt the town. They've accepted they will all be voted out of office after allowing the apartments.

And FWIW, the commissioner did not disagree with my assessment that apartments will probably mean the end of live music at Spanish Springs. I've said it before - it's not realistic that one developer is going to manage a stunningly massive sprawl all the way down to almost Clermont. I believe the Villages is eventually going to be broken up and parts of it will be sold to developers, starting with the historic district and the area around Spanish Springs.

Why do you suppose the Villages put a stop to their program of pulling modular homes out of those areas?

NOTE: The foregoing is one person's opinion (mine). I could be wrong. Please don't start any rumors that live music in SS is doomed or the Villages is for sure going to be broken up. Thanks.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

Not "There" buildings. The possessive is THEIR buildings. PLEASE CORRECT! THERE indicates direction - like I see you THERE or the parking lot is over THERE. THEIR means something belongs to someone like "THEIR buildings" means someone OWNS them.

I find that if I corrected people on social mania, I would literally not have time to ever do anything else. Just sayin.'

[Topspinmo]

Not "There" buildings. The possessive is THEIR buildings. PLEASE CORRECT! THERE indicates direction - like I see you THERE or the parking lot is over THERE. THEIR means something belongs to someone like "THEIR buildings" means someone OWNS them.

I don’t give a there.

[Topspinmo]

That country club was never sold to a district. It is, was, and probably always will be owned by the developer.

The district it was in was sold to that district which means it was built out of residential housing. Why they had to get approval from district which was easy the couple puppet voting for it in best interest of residents in that district.

[Bogie Shooter]

Thanks for the great info - I just sent emails to all commissioners and copied your post and posted on Nextdoor.com

We need to start taking charge of our Hometown! It seems a lot of the newer residents are not aware and/or do not care...used to love this place until they tore down Katie Belles and Hacienda County club -and built South of 44 without providing the necessary facilites and golf courses...so crowded now that Mr. Schwartz would be so upset that his grandchildren are so disgracefully greedy and have spoiled our Hometown!

I would also like to know why we can't recycle - what a tremendous waste of all the plastic and glass bottles AND soda, food etc cans - wish we could find a place to take them. I heard they are saving The Villages $1million a year by using the new garbage company - really? -- would not be surprised if the "billionaire developers" had an interest in the new garbage company - I can only imagine the mountains of plastic bottles going up in smoke in one week. I'm not normally an environmentalist but this is CRAZY

Golf courses......Front page today's Daily Sun.
Saying you heard something doesn't make it true,,,,,,,how would TV save $?
BTW Katie Belles was not torn down.....

[Bogie Shooter]

]Apparently it's a done deal. [/B]I contacted the commissioners yesterday and received a reply today. I don't want to name the commissioner or quote verbatim but the commissioner basically said Lady Lake is not in a position to turn the developer down. They cannot risk an inevitable lawsuit which could bankrupt the town. They've accepted they will all be voted out of office after allowing the apartments.

And FWIW, the commissioner did not disagree with my assessment that apartments will probably mean the end of live music at Spanish Springs. I've said it before - it's not realistic that one developer is going to manage a stunningly massive sprawl all the way down to almost Clermont. I believe the Villages is eventually going to be broken up and parts of it will be sold to developers, starting with the historic district and the area around Spanish Springs.

Why do you suppose the Villages put a stop to their program of pulling modular homes out of those areas?

NOTE: The foregoing is one person's opinion (mine). I could be wrong. Please don't start any rumors that live music in SS is doomed or the Villages is for sure going to be broken up. Thanks.

Almost a confirmed rumor.....
Good news!

[Jayhawk]

Why do you suppose the Villages put a stop to their program of pulling modular homes out of those areas?



Because they did that to keep the subcontractors working during a slower period. Now there are shortages of workers everywhere.

A Villages salesperson said yesterday that they sold 70 new homes in one day last month.

Demand is there and most people are reasonable about letting successful people continue success. They know a bit about that. I'd guess Old Man Schwartz would be fairly proud of his downline.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

89784

Are you considering moving in there? No? Then it's none of your business either is it? So why are you posting at all?

Oh I know - because this is a forum, where people share opinions and ideas.

[Two Bills]

I find that if I corrected people on social mania, I would literally not have time to ever do anything else. Just sayin.'

I wos all so told it wos bad maners to kerect anover persans speling, or gramer on publik fourarms.:icon_wink:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

There is NOT enough parking around Spanish Springs to justify more apartments. The businesses there have probably complained about the high rent that the Villages charges them. So, instead of lowering the rent the Villages gets greedy and tries to add apartments so the businesses have more customers. Soon Spanish Springs will be as dense as a city in New Jersey - so why did we bother coming to The Villages in the 1st place - wasn't the idea to escape too much density? The whole US society would be better off if it evaluated progress by "QUALITY OF LIFE" and NOT profits and population growth!

I think they want to add just 45 apartments, right? That'd be just 45-90 more people, it's not a big deal really. The parking spaces they'll need assigned to them will take up more space outside those apartments than the people do.

[dewilson58]

I wos all so told it wos bad maners to kerect anover persans speling, or gramer on publik fourarms.:icon_wink:

:1rotfl:

[Vladimir]

]The Billionaire contractor[/COLOR] is taking the little City of Lady Lake to court to appeal the decision of the city to not change codes to allow second level apartments. You should let your opinions be known by contacting the city officials, maybe they can stand up to the contractor that wants these changes for their own benefit. Write, call or email the city; City of Lady Lake Town Hall
c/o Lady Lake Commissioners
409 Fennell Blvd.
Lady Lake, Fl 32159 "Lady Lake Commission
Monday, October 5, 2020 at 6:00 pm
City of Lady Lake Town Hall
409 Fennell Blvd.
Lady Lake, Fl 32159
Jim Richards - Mayor - Commissioner Chairman; jrichards@ladylake.org
Ruth Kussard - Commissioner; rkussad@ladylake.org
Dan Vincent - Commissioner; dvincent@ladylake.org
Paul Hannon - Commissioner; phannan@ladylake.org
Tony Holden - Commissioner ; tholden@ladylake.org

Why do you hate it when the developer makes money and knows about business - good for him he is a billionaire!

And why buy here if you dont like the developer or how he runs the place. Changes and improvements will always be made by a smart developer to keep things viable. Have you seen the many strip malls or small main streets (Wildwood) that look bad because of foolish people in control?

[JMintzer]

Thanks for the great info - I just sent emails to all commissioners and copied your post and posted on Nextdoor.com

We need to start taking charge of our Hometown! It seems a lot of the newer residents are not aware and/or do not care...used to love this place until they tore down Katie Belles and Hacienda County club -and built South of 44 without providing the necessary facilites and golf courses...so crowded now that Mr. Schwartz would be so upset that his grandchildren are so disgracefully greedy and have spoiled our Hometown!

I would also like to know why we can't recycle - what a tremendous waste of all the plastic and glass bottles AND soda, food etc cans - wish we could find a place to take them. I heard they are saving The Villages $1million a year by using the new garbage company - really? -- would not be surprised if the "billionaire developers" had an interest in the new garbage company - I can only imagine the mountains of plastic bottles going up in smoke in one week. I'm not normally an environmentalist but this is CRAZY

Where do you think your (or is it you're? ;) ) electricity comes from?

[JMintzer]

- so why did we bother coming to The Villages in the 1st place -

I came here for the Hookers and Blow... So far, I'm disappointed... :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[stebooo]

I don't think he had this in mind nor do I.

[stebooo]

Thanks for doing our homework

[stebooo]

I don't think it's a stretch at all.

[stebooo]

They nor the developer pay for the music.

[Topspinmo]

2 bad should come hear 4 thy drunks and drug addicts. U B in Hog Heaven.

[dwhite5773]

The Billionaire contractor is taking the little City of Lady Lake to court to appeal the decision of the city to not change codes to allow second level apartments. You should let your opinions be known by contacting the city officials, maybe they can stand up to the contractor that wants these changes for their own benefit. Write, call or email the city; City of Lady Lake Town Hall
c/o Lady Lake Commissioners
409 Fennell Blvd.
Lady Lake, Fl 32159 "Lady Lake Commission
Monday, October 5, 2020 at 6:00 pm
City of Lady Lake Town Hall
409 Fennell Blvd.
Lady Lake, Fl 32159
Jim Richards - Mayor - Commissioner Chairman; jrichards@ladylake.org
Ruth Kussard - Commissioner; rkussad@ladylake.org
Dan Vincent - Commissioner; dvincent@ladylake.org
Paul Hannon - Commissioner; phannan@ladylake.org
Tony Holden - Commissioner ; tholden@ladylake.org
Apartments, what’s the problem? There or would you like more at the former HH site? I see no problem. Keeps area viable. They ALSO pay amenities fee. Just another option for folks in TV or coming to live here. I seriously doubt is going to affect the resale of your designer home!

[LiverpoolWalrus]

Apartments, what’s the problem? There or would you like more at the former HH site? I see no problem. Keeps area viable. They ALSO pay amenities fee. Just another option for folks in TV or coming to live here. I seriously doubt is going to affect the resale of your designer home!

What's the problem? Not going to affect resales?

The problem is human nature. Even though the tenants will know there is live music in the square every night and will even be okay with it when they sign their lease, it's just a matter of time before they complain about it. The Villages and Lady Lake will then have to do something about it - like shutting down the music.

Then starts the downward spiral. The Villages' developer sells off the historic district and the area around Spanish Springs. Other clusters of the Villages north of Lake Sumter will follow suit. It's all so predictable, in my opinion. And it's been rumored for a while that the developer is open to selling off parts of the Villages.

For one developer to administer The Villages when its population reaches 300,000 and spans 30 miles or more is just not realistic.

[Bogie Shooter]

What's the problem? Not going to affect resales?

The problem is human nature. Even though the tenants will know there is live music in the square every night and will even be okay with it when they sign their lease, it's just a matter of time before they complain about it. The Villages and Lady Lake will then have to do something about - like shutting down the music.

Then starts the downward spiral. The Villages' developer sells off the historic district and the area around Spanish Springs. Other clusters of the Villages north of Lake Sumter will follow suit. It's all so predictable, in my opinion. And it's been rumored for a while that the developer is open to selling off parts of the Villages.

For one developer to administer The Villages when its population reaches 300,000 and spans 30 miles or more is just not realistic.

Ah yes, the olde rumor mill........so easy quote.

[vintageogauge]

I think they want to add just 45 apartments, right? That'd be just 45-90 more people, it's not a big deal really. The parking spaces they'll need assigned to them will take up more space outside those apartments than the people do.

Correct, and how many empty parking spots exist now due to the closing of Kattie Belle. We went to Spanish Springs to give Farm Fresh a try the other evening and had we known it was so empty we could have parked right on the square, the parking lots had very few cars.

[Topspinmo]

I would love to live in apartments up over the businesses in a town center! I think it sounds exciting! 😁 you get a bird's-eye view of all the action!

Or they get birds eye view of the action:icon_wink:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Correct, and how many empty parking spots exist now due to the closing of Kattie Belle. We went to Spanish Springs to give Farm Fresh a try the other evening and had we known it was so empty we could have parked right on the square, the parking lots had very few cars.

So you're basing your entire opinion and placing your bets on a singular event?

We were at Spanish Springs town square for dinner when Cold Blue Stone was playing in the square, there was also an event of some kind at the Sharon Morse theatre. Even the lot between the golf cart bridge and Ay Jalisco had several rows of cars where usually there might be just a handful or two.

Many people don't WANT to park on the street, because getting in and out of spaces when it's busy is difficult. Some days, the streets are closed to vehicular traffic, pedestrians only.

Residential tenants don't only need to be there at night when no one is around. They should have assigned parking spaces. But unless there's someone available to ENFORCE that, it won't happen, and someone who pays for the privilege of living AT the square, will have to not park anywhere near their own place of residence, because someone who's "only there for an hour" has chosen their spot to park in before the resident came home from whatever he was doing.

You need assigned parking spaces and someone to enforce that. You need a way to SAFELY secure overnight parking for golf carts that are very easily rolled onto a flatbed when everyone's asleep and all the businesses are closed for the night.

And so - the idea is - a garage, at least for golf carts/bikes/segways/ultra-compacts like Smart Cars.

Either that or somehow build a barrier between the spaces closest to the apartments and the rest of the parking lot, accessible only by building-specific gate key or window tag.

[Topspinmo]

Apartments, what’s the problem? There or would you like more at the former HH site? I see no problem. Keeps area viable. They ALSO pay amenities fee. Just another option for folks in TV or coming to live here. I seriously doubt is going to affect the resale of your designer home!

Agree, it’s THEIR buildings and they are already built. As far as amenities fees, bet they go to developers not the district like apartments at brownwood and HH if and when they start them.

[Topspinmo]

So you're basing your entire opinion and placing your bets on a singular event?

We were at Spanish Springs town square for dinner when Cold Blue Stone was playing in the square, there was also an event of some kind at the Sharon Morse theatre. Even the lot between the golf cart bridge and Ay Jalisco had several rows of cars where usually there might be just a handful or two.

Many people don't WANT to park on the street, because getting in and out of spaces when it's busy is difficult. Some days, the streets are closed to vehicular traffic, pedestrians only.

Residential tenants don't only need to be there at night when no one is around. They should have assigned parking spaces. But unless there's someone available to ENFORCE that, it won't happen, and someone who pays for the privilege of living AT the square, will have to not park anywhere near their own place of residence, because someone who's "only there for an hour" has chosen their spot to park in before the resident came home from whatever he was doing.

You need assigned parking spaces and someone to enforce that. You need a way to SAFELY secure overnight parking for golf carts that are very easily rolled onto a flatbed when everyone's asleep and all the businesses are closed for the night.

And so - the idea is - a garage, at least for golf carts/bikes/segways/ultra-compacts like Smart Cars.

Either that or somehow build a barrier between the spaces closest to the apartments and the rest of the parking lot, accessible only by building-specific gate key or window tag.

I’m sure they thought it out, their reserved parking will probably be behind the building, or they might build them parking garage’s?

[LiverpoolWalrus]

That's really my one and only objection; that tenants should have their own parking garage. Maybe just a singular building with assigned stalls for golf carts, motorcycles, bicycles, or Smart Cars. Normal cars can park in the lot near the garage, but anything that can easily be stolen gets one garage space per apartment unit.

OBB, so that’s really your only objection? You don’t see how apartments could spell the demise of live music in the square closest to our ‘hood?

You of all people are a keen observer of the “human nature” and business acumen I described elsewhere on this thread.

You don’t see this as a domino effect contemplated by the developer for some time, culminating in the eventual splintering of The Villages? Think of it as this week’s essay question!

Perhaps I’m way off base, but I gotta say the dots are connecting conspicuously. Just a coincidence?

I value your input, especially as a fellow denizen of the historic district.

[EdFNJ]

I came here for the Hookers and Blow... So far, I'm disappointed... :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: Well, BJs will be available here soon on 441. You'll get half your wish.

[JMintzer]

Well, BJs will be available here soon on 441. You'll get half your wish.

:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:

[stanley]

So you're basing your entire opinion and placing your bets on a singular event?

We were at Spanish Springs town square for dinner when Cold Blue Stone was playing in the square, there was also an event of some kind at the Sharon Morse theatre. Even the lot between the golf cart bridge and Ay Jalisco had several rows of cars where usually there might be just a handful or two.

Many people don't WANT to park on the street, because getting in and out of spaces when it's busy is difficult. Some days, the streets are closed to vehicular traffic, pedestrians only.

Residential tenants don't only need to be there at night when no one is around. They should have assigned parking spaces. But unless there's someone available to ENFORCE that, it won't happen, and someone who pays for the privilege of living AT the square, will have to not park anywhere near their own place of residence, because someone who's "only there for an hour" has chosen their spot to park in before the resident came home from whatever he was doing.

You need assigned parking spaces and someone to enforce that. You need a way to SAFELY secure overnight parking for golf carts that are very easily rolled onto a flatbed when everyone's asleep and all the businesses are closed for the night.

And so - the idea is - a garage, at least for golf carts/bikes/segways/ultra-compacts like Smart Cars.

Either that or somehow build a barrier between the spaces closest to the apartments and the rest of the parking lot, accessible only by building-specific gate key or window tag.


Do you really think they don't have a plan? Do you think they haven't thought this through?

[bagboy]

Well, BJs will be available here soon on 441. You'll get half your wish.

:faint: :1rotfl: :1rotfl:

[Stu from NYC]

Well, BJs will be available here soon on 441. You'll get half your wish.

Rumor has it that it will be a full service store

[asianthree]

Has the developers ever done anything half-as***ed. No, so the apartments that will be 2nd floor over the business have been in the works for a long time. I’m sure parking is already in the plans, and tenants will be taken care of very well. Those who live in the lofts, with less than 30 garages, no carports, and long term facilities (some have carports) in TV, leave their carts unattended in parking lots, so far no crime wave.
As for the worry of music, has anyone realized that there will be active businesses directly beneath the apartments. The developers are not going to shut down those businesses to have quiet time, and the square will continue with music, cause it brings in people, so the bars can continue, and businesses can pay their rent.

[vintageogauge]

So you're basing your entire opinion and placing your bets on a singular event?

We were at Spanish Springs town square for dinner when Cold Blue Stone was playing in the square, there was also an event of some kind at the Sharon Morse theatre. Even the lot between the golf cart bridge and Ay Jalisco had several rows of cars where usually there might be just a handful or two.

Many people don't WANT to park on the street, because getting in and out of spaces when it's busy is difficult. Some days, the streets are closed to vehicular traffic, pedestrians only.

Residential tenants don't only need to be there at night when no one is around. They should have assigned parking spaces. But unless there's someone available to ENFORCE that, it won't happen, and someone who pays for the privilege of living AT the square, will have to not park anywhere near their own place of residence, because someone who's "only there for an hour" has chosen their spot to park in before the resident came home from whatever he was doing.

You need assigned parking spaces and someone to enforce that. You need a way to SAFELY secure overnight parking for golf carts that are very easily rolled onto a flatbed when everyone's asleep and all the businesses are closed for the night.

And so - the idea is - a garage, at least for golf carts/bikes/segways/ultra-compacts like Smart Cars.

Either that or somehow build a barrier between the spaces closest to the apartments and the rest of the parking lot, accessible only by building-specific gate key or window tag.

That is why God created walls and fencing. Have you been to The Lofts?

[rustyp]

I really don't care either way of the outcome of this particular situation. However a message to town officials - if the richest guy on the block ultimately gets variance to a zoning law why have zoning codes. I'm guilty of not researching this but has there been a time when "The Developer" requested 1 a variance 2 been turn down 3 (this is the operative part) appealed the decision and not been grated the variance ? A simple question- no accusations implied.

[petiteone]

Thanks for the great info - I just sent emails to all commissioners and copied your post and posted on Nextdoor.com

We need to start taking charge of our Hometown! It seems a lot of the newer residents are not aware and/or do not care...used to love this place until they tore down Katie Belles and Hacienda County club -and built South of 44 without providing the necessary facilites and golf courses...so crowded now that Mr. Schwartz would be so upset that his grandchildren are so disgracefully greedy and have spoiled our Hometown!

I would also like to know why we can't recycle - what a tremendous waste of all the plastic and glass bottles AND soda, food etc cans - wish we could find a place to take them. I heard they are saving The Villages $1million a year by using the new garbage company - really? -- would not be surprised if the "billionaire developers" had an interest in the new garbage company - I can only imagine the mountains of plastic bottles going up in smoke in one week. I'm not normally an environmentalist but this is CRAZY

I have lived in the Villages since 2010. We used to have recycling with the old waste provider. I am a snow bird and have the same waste company (that services many states) in New York as we now have in The Villages and they handle our recycling up there. The Villages probably didn't want to pay for the recycling option.

[Bogie Shooter]

I have lived in the Villages since 2010. We used to have recycling with the old waste provider. I am a snow bird and have the same waste company (that services many states) in New York as we now have in The Villages and they handle our recycling up there. The Villages probably didn't want to pay for the recycling option.

What part of our trash collection does The Villages pay for?

[JMintzer]

Rumor has it that it will be a full service store

Awww, that's nice... Who doesn't love a Happy Ending?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

OBB, so that’s really your only objection? You don’t see how apartments could spell the demise of live music in the square closest to our ‘hood?

You of all people are a keen observer of the “human nature” and business acumen I described elsewhere on this thread.

You don’t see this as a domino affect contemplated by the developer for some time, culminating in the eventual splintering of The Villages? Think of it as this week’s essay question!

Perhaps I’m way off base, but I gotta say the dots are connecting conspicuously. Just a coincidence?

I value your input, especially as a fellow denizen of the historic district.

It's not an objection, because I don't know if they are planning on building garages for golf carts or not. It's a concern. It's a condition that would make me object, if I knew the concern was not met.

I'm concerned that tenants might complain about the music, and that the property owner would be stuck with a lot of vacancies because people aren't going to want to live somewhere that they can't just shut the sound out. The property owner has no prior experience in city rentals. I lived in an apartment over a blues club. No one who lived there slept until after 2am when the club closed for the night. I don't think this is going to go how the developer is hoping it will go.

But no, I'm not worried at all about the music being halted as a result of tenants. I'm more worried about continued vacancies as a result of the music :)

The reason my concern is opposite of what you'd expect, is because I also know that vacancies = vagrancies. The last thing we need are squatters breaking into vacant apartments because there's no doorman, no security, the entire square shuts down after 10pm so there's no one to tell someone NOT to break in.

Security of tenants and their property is my biggest concern. If they can't address that, then I object to the project. If they can address it, then I'm fine with it. I imagine the bedrooms will be facing the back of the buildings, not the front. I honestly don't think noise of the squares is going to be a big problem, unless the tenants choose to make it a problem.

[JMintzer]

It's not an objection, because I don't know if they are planning on building garages for golf carts or not. It's a concern. It's a condition that would make me object, if I knew the concern was not met.

I'm concerned that tenants might complain about the music, and that the property owner would be stuck with a lot of vacancies because people aren't going to want to live somewhere that they can't just shut the sound out. The property owner has no prior experience in city rentals. I lived in an apartment over a blues club. No one who lived there slept until after 2am when the club closed for the night. I don't think this is going to go how the developer is hoping it will go.[

But no, I'm not worried at all about the music being halted as a result of tenants. I'm more worried about continued vacancies as a result of the music

The reason my concern is opposite of what you'd expect, is because I also know that vacancies = vagrancies. The last thing we need are squatters breaking into vacant apartments because there's no doorman, no security, the entire square shuts down after 10pm so there's no one to tell someone NOT to break in.

https://media.tenor.com/images/dff8a58c8d28d55b5e767cdd4c0c74c8/tenor.gif

[asianthree]

The reason my concern is opposite of what you'd expect, is because I also know that vacancies = vagrancies. The last thing we need are squatters breaking into vacant apartments because there's no doorman, no security, the entire square shuts down after 10pm so there's no one to tell someone NOT to break in.
.

Some of the SS 2nd floor buildings have been empty for awhile, with no issues of “squatters”. Even the first floor vacant building in the squares haven’t had issues. As for garages for golf carts, you will find many golf carts sitting outside, or under car ports in some areas, even some of the new patio villas don’t have a garage.

[Topspinmo]

That country club was never sold to a district. It is, was, and probably always will be owned by the developer.

The country club gone, it’s the new construction in area built out and sold years ago.

[Topspinmo]

Some of the SS 2nd floor buildings have been empty for awhile, with no issues of “squatters”. Even the first floor vacant building in the squares haven’t had issues. As for garages for golf carts, you will find many golf carts sitting outside, or under car ports in some areas, even some of the new patio villas don’t have a garage.

In residential area’s not setting out around squares where most golf carts are stolen. If I left my cart out around squares if would have GPS tracker on it

[bmarlo767]

He will be One of MANY

[graciegirl]

Because they did that to keep the subcontractors working during a slower period. Now there are shortages of workers everywhere.

A Villages salesperson said yesterday that they sold 70 new homes in one day last month.

Demand is there and most people are reasonable about letting successful people continue success. They know a bit about that. I'd guess Old Man Schwartz would be fairly proud of his downline.

I so agree.

[JoMar]

Thanks for the great info - I just sent emails to all commissioners and copied your post and posted on Nextdoor.com

We need to start taking charge of our Hometown! It seems a lot of the newer residents are not aware and/or do not care...used to love this place until they tore down Katie Belles and Hacienda County club -and built South of 44 without providing the necessary facilites and golf courses...so crowded now that Mr. Schwartz would be so upset that his grandchildren are so disgracefully greedy and have spoiled our Hometown!

I would also like to know why we can't recycle - what a tremendous waste of all the plastic and glass bottles AND soda, food etc cans - wish we could find a place to take them. I heard they are saving The Villages $1million a year by using the new garbage company - really? -- would not be surprised if the "billionaire developers" had an interest in the new garbage company - I can only imagine the mountains of plastic bottles going up in smoke in one week. I'm not normally an environmentalist but this is CRAZY

Please try and educate yourself.....ignorance helps nobody.

[coffeebean]

Thanks for the email addresses. I have written to them all expressing my opposition. I live walking distance to Spanish Springs and attend outdoor shows there regularly.

Face it - we know human nature. Even though the prospective tenants will know in advance that music takes place there every night and will be okay with it when they sign their lease, sure enough the time will come when they will complain about it loudly. Then goodbye nightly shows.

It should stipulate in the lease that there is nightly live music and that should be acknowledged in writing by the renter. It would be just awful for Spanish Springs to shut down the nightly live music in the square and not offer what was promised to Villagers as an entertainment option. Renters should have no voice at all about shutting down entertainment. Personally, I do not believe that would actually happen.

[coffeebean]

Many cities have them . It's common

But.....many Villagers do NOT want to be a city, me included. I really liked the small town feel of The Villages before the huge expansion south. I try to ignore it all but I know it is still happening and we are no longer that small town warm fuzzy neighborhood we once were. Oh well.

[coffeebean]

Thanks for the great info - I just sent emails to all commissioners and copied your post and posted on Nextdoor.com

We need to start taking charge of our Hometown! It seems a lot of the newer residents are not aware and/or do not care...used to love this place until they tore down Katie Belles and Hacienda County club -and built South of 44 without providing the necessary facilites and golf courses...so crowded now that Mr. Schwartz would be so upset that his grandchildren are so disgracefully greedy and have spoiled our Hometown!

I would also like to know why we can't recycle - what a tremendous waste of all the plastic and glass bottles AND soda, food etc cans - wish we could find a place to take them. I heard they are saving The Villages $1million a year by using the new garbage company - really? -- would not be surprised if the "billionaire developers" had an interest in the new garbage company - I can only imagine the mountains of plastic bottles going up in smoke in one week. I'm not normally an environmentalist but this is CRAZY

I don't want to derail this thread (AKA going off topic) but.......those plastic bottles going up in smoke are creating energy. THAT, in a nutshell, IS recycling. NO???

[ronda]

Can you all help me with how the apartments will keep SS viable? Please connect the dots for me.
Yes, i understand economics and the need for SS to be self sustaining. But how do the apartments help with viability of the town square? Are you thinking that the people in the apartments will patronize the business there? Can this really generate a lot of revenue for them? Do you think the Developer will lower commercial rent rates to make the business more viable?

I think the developer is an entrepreneur, pure and simple; and i don't hold that against them. They will do whatever, to make the most money possible, and if they can start w/ 2nd floor apartments and then little by little turn the entire square into apartments, they will. I gotta believe there is more money to be made on apartment rentals than commercial property.

I think changing the zoning rules for second floor apartments is the proverbial camels nose under the tent.

And yes TV is a very dense population. I am not in favor of making it even more dense. Overcrowding is a quality of life hit. That's one reason towns have zoning laws to begin with. Some towns have 2 acre zoning rules, just for that purpose.

[tvbound]

Can't blame the developer for trying, can't blame the nearby residents from trying to stop it.

[BigSteph]

Can you all help me with how the apartments will keep SS viable? Please connect the dots for me.
Yes, i understand economics and the need for SS to be self sustaining. But how do the apartments help with viability of the town square? Are you thinking that the people in the apartments will patronize the business there? Can this really generate a lot of revenue for them? Do you think the Developer will lower commercial rent rates to make the business more viable?

I think the developer is an entrepreneur, pure and simple; and i don't hold that against them. They will do whatever, to make the most money possible, and if they can start w/ 2nd floor apartments and then little by little turn the entire square into apartments, they will. I gotta believe there is more money to be made on apartment rentals than commercial property.

I think changing the zoning rules for second floor apartments is the proverbial camels nose under the tent.

And yes TV is a very dense population. I am not in favor of making it even more dense. Overcrowding is a quality of life hit. That's one reason towns have zoning laws to begin with. Some towns have 2 acre zoning rules, just for that purpose.


Who is the target renter -- 55+ renters or all-ages renters? To me, the age of the renter is the biggest factor. Even with the 80/20 federal law, the Villages has always been a 55+ community.

[kkingston57]

Apartments in this area seems to be a good idea and would keep Spanish Springs much more viable.

[Bogie Shooter]

But.....many Villagers do NOT want to be a city, me included. I really liked the small town feel of The Villages before the huge expansion south. I try to ignore it all but I know it is still happening and we are no longer that small town warm fuzzy neighborhood we once were. Oh well.

Oh well, is the right attitude! Enjoy!