45 New Apartments??

[Villages Kahuna]

The recent article documenting the Lady Lake town board meeting addressing the Developer’s request for approval of seven apartments said that at one point the Developer said they would ultimately request approval for 45 apartments around the Spanish Springs town square!!

At the same ratio of parking to apartments, there would be very few if any parking spaces available for parking at Spanish Springs events, the car show drive-ins, for the restaurants and other retail establishments, etc. Clearly, the MVP health club and theatre property would be closed and replaced with apartments.

In fact, that announced plan calls into question whether the Developer intends to continue Spanish Springs as a resident-welcoming entertainment, dining and shopping venue at all. The answer appears to be NO!

That statement by the Developer is a clear cut statement of their intent to ‘re-purpose’ Spanish Springs to a residential neighborhood rather than a location for resident entertainment and dining.

Is that what we want for Spanish Springs? Is that what we were promised when we bought into The Villages? I don’t think so.

[dewilson58]

Is that what we were promised when we bought into The Villages?

Still waiting for the documentation.

:ho:

[Garywt]

I know nothing about promises but I enjoy Spanish Springs and would hate to lose it as a town square. We enjoy the entire area and if it was just adding apartments on the upper levels that would be fine. Parking in the back of the buildings would be the best option.

With 2 new areas in the south that will be music venues, maybe they think that 5 locations are too many every night.

[Topspinmo]

They been dumping the old section’s villages off to Districts for decades. Chula Vista, el Santiago, HH. Eventually all empty commercial building north 466 IMO will be apartments along with polo field. I suspect Spanish springs will be first square to go as they keep building south. In 10 years Sumter landing maybe on chopping block….. progress is always changing. We are only guest, it’s their property and the will eventually get their way. Name one project that wasn’t approved eventually?

[Stu from NYC]

They been dumping the old section’s villages off to Districts for decades. Chula Vista, el Santiago, HH. Eventually all empty commercial building north 466 IMO will be apartments along with polo field. I suspect Spanish springs will be first square to go as they keep building south. In 10 years Sumter landing maybe on chopping block….. progress is always changing. We are only guest, it’s their property and the will eventually get their way. Name one project that wasn’t approved eventually?

They do have all the power and will use it to get what they want.

[tophcfa]

Couldn’t get a lane to swim laps in the La Hacienda sports pool today. Building 45 apartments in SS, and granting the apartment dwellers amenity rights, in an area with already overcrowded amenities really sucks!

[tophcfa]

They do have all the power and will use it to get what they want.

Unfortunately, I’m afraid you are correct.

[tophcfa]

Is that what we were promised when we bought into The Villages?

Still waiting for the documentation.

:ho:

Perhaps promised isn’t accurate, but implied is definitely the case. I know, implied is not a legal obligation. However, what was implied was taken by many to be a promise based on the developers reputation and goodwill that was built up over many years. Unfortunately, events like the travesty at Hacienda Hills and now the way Spanish Springs appears to be playing out are raising serious reputation questions and rapidly eroding any remaining goodwill. Some people don’t seem to care because it doesn’t effect their neck of the Villages, but once preceded is set who is to say your area won’t be next (unless it’s an area where thousands of new homes are still being built).

[tophcfa]

The recent article documenting the Lady Lake town board meeting addressing the Developer’s request for approval of seven apartments said that at one point the Developer said they would ultimately request approval for 45 apartments around the Spanish Springs town square!!

At the same ratio of parking to apartments, there would be very few if any parking spaces available for parking at Spanish Springs events, the car show drive-ins, for the restaurants and other retail establishments, etc. Clearly, the MVP health club and theatre property would be closed and replaced with apartments.

In fact, that announced plan calls into question whether the Developer intends to continue Spanish Springs as a resident-welcoming entertainment, dining and shopping venue at all. The answer appears to be NO!

That statement by the Developer is a clear cut statement of their intent to ‘re-purpose’ Spanish Springs to a residential neighborhood rather than a location for resident entertainment and dining.

Is that what we want for Spanish Springs? Is that what we were promised when we bought into The Villages? I don’t think so.

That explains why the developer didn’t send a representative to the Lady Lake town board meeting who could answer any questions. Instead they sent an attorney who forced a procedural vote.

[Stu from NYC]

That explains why the developer didn’t send a representative to the Lady Lake town board meeting who could answer any questions. Instead they sent an attorney who forced a procedural vote.

Believe they knew it would not be approved so they plan to take it to the courts. Like it or not they do think several steps ahead.

[dewilson58]

Perhaps promised isn’t accurate, but implied is definitely the case. I know, implied is not a legal obligation. .

It would be awesome to see where it was implied, implied "no matter what, no matter if the owners are making money, no matter what, KB will stay open & HH will stay open."
You know this was never implied.


People need to remember, TV is a developer.
Developers develop and move forward.

The times I went to KB, it sucked..........it really did.

[ThirdOfFive]

They do have all the power and will use it to get what they want.
Is that such a bad thing?

This vague thing called "the Developer" certainly gets raked over the coals on a regular basis. But this "developer" has built TV into a place that is known as a wonderful retirement community not only in America but across the world as well. I've seen and met people here originally not only from just about every state in the union but also from Canada, England, Ireland, Chile, etc. This "developer" didn't turn TV into the mega-draw that it is without knowing what he/she/it is doing. Checking a growth chart, 2021 was the best ever for home sales in TV. That is no accident.

We all have opinions on what the "Developer" is doing wrong. But the track record is that this "Developer" is doing a whole lot of things right.

[Stu from NYC]

Is that such a bad thing?

This vague thing called "the Developer" certainly gets raked over the coals on a regular basis. But this "developer" has built TV into a place that is known as a wonderful retirement community not only in America but across the world as well. I've seen and met people here originally not only from just about every state in the union but also from Canada, England, Ireland, Chile, etc. This "developer" didn't turn TV into the mega-draw that it is without knowing what he/she/it is doing. Checking a growth chart, 2021 was the best ever for home sales in TV. That is no accident.

We all have opinions on what the "Developer" is doing wrong. But the track record is that this "Developer" is doing a whole lot of things right.

We have only lived here just over two years ago and very happy to be here. The Morse family has done a wonderful job building this place.

However it does appear that changes are being made on a regular basis that are in the best interest of the developer and not exactly in the best interest of the folks that live here.

[JoMar]

The recent article documenting the Lady Lake town board meeting addressing the Developer’s request for approval of seven apartments said that at one point the Developer said they would ultimately request approval for 45 apartments around the Spanish Springs town square!!

At the same ratio of parking to apartments, there would be very few if any parking spaces available for parking at Spanish Springs events, the car show drive-ins, for the restaurants and other retail establishments, etc. Clearly, the MVP health club and theatre property would be closed and replaced with apartments.

In fact, that announced plan calls into question whether the Developer intends to continue Spanish Springs as a resident-welcoming entertainment, dining and shopping venue at all. The answer appears to be NO!

That statement by the Developer is a clear cut statement of their intent to ‘re-purpose’ Spanish Springs to a residential neighborhood rather than a location for resident entertainment and dining.

Is that what we want for Spanish Springs? Is that what we were promised when we bought into The Villages? I don’t think so.

Revisionist History again.....there was no promise made to anyone then, and there are no promises made to anyone buying now. Making stuff up is of no benefit to anyone. Your assumptions are usual.

[Bogie Shooter]

Perhaps promised isn’t accurate, but implied is definitely the case. I know, implied is not a legal obligation. However, what was implied was taken by many to be a promise based on the developers reputation and goodwill that was built up over many years. Unfortunately, events like the travesty at Hacienda Hills and now the way Spanish Springs appears to be playing out are raising serious reputation questions and rapidly eroding any remaining goodwill. Some people don’t seem to care because it doesn’t effect their neck of the Villages, but once preceded is set who is to say your area won’t be next (unless it’s an area where thousands of new homes are still being built).
Reputation questions? Certainly being advanced by a handful of posters on TOTV. Thing is its the same posters posting the same thing over and over.
They used to post repeatedly about masks and vaccine. Not looking forward to their next topic.

[rustyp]

Couldn’t get a lane to swim laps in the La Hacienda sports pool today. Building 45 apartments in SS, and granting the apartment dwellers amenity rights, in an area with already overcrowded amenities really sucks!

Hindsight - maybe 50/50 snowbirds and frogs wasn't so bad. A significant number of the birds have migrated north after Easter. What is driving this swimming pool congestion ?

[tophcfa]

Hindsight - maybe 50/50 snowbirds and frogs wasn't so bad. A significant number of the birds have migrated north after Easter. What is driving this swimming pool congestion ?

Warm weather brings people out to the pools, Lake Miona sports pool is closed for major maintenance work, and I have noticed in the Northern areas a transition to a younger population as homes rapidly turnover.

[oldtimes]

Warm weather brings people out to the pools, Lake Miona sports pool is closed for major maintenance work, and I have noticed in the Northern areas a transition to a younger population as homes rapidly turnover.

And this younger population does not care at all about Katie Belles or Hacienda Hills.

[La lamy]

That is a very disturbing prospect. I would feel so cheated to lose SS square as my entertainment venue.

[dewilson58]

That is a very disturbing prospect. I would feel so cheated to lose SS square as my entertainment venue.

You are why Village Trolls post.
:ohdear::ohdear:
Don't rely on posts, pursue facts.

[NoMo50]

A very small minority whines the loudest, posting misinformation and disinformation, in order to troll the populace at large. Hmm...where have we seen that model before?

[Rwirish]

The Developer can do better and must do better.

[Nucky]

Much to do about NOTHING.

We were at the SS square yesterday. We were the only ones there. It was a ghost town, tumbling tumbleweeds.

[NotGolfer]

Let's see what else we can complain about!? We've been here almost 13 yrs and have been quite happy with everything. We couldn't believe how we weren't hounded by any sales staff after we'd come for a LIFE STYLES visit and met with them. NEVER once do I remember promises!! Now we live in a retirement development and NOT a true city or town. People come, get settled and seem to think they can make changes that comply with their thinking. BUT if the developer does something---oh.man!!! He's a really bad person!! This is a business with a business plan. Residents aren't in the "needing to know" loop except where it matters.

Someone mentioned how folks once were here talking about COVID and masks. THAT too was ad nauseum and I'm glad that they're at least moving on.

[The Chipster]

May I suggest you folks that are so upset with the Developer visit Latitudes Daytona? So much less hate and angst there. Everyone seems really happy, and they have a great (free) beach club.

[oldtimes]

May I suggest you folks that are so upset with the Developer visit Latitudes Daytona? So much less hate and angst there. Everyone seems really happy, and they have a great (free) beach club.

TOTV is not a good representation of what life in The Villages is. Most of the people who live here are happy and have far more than a beach club.

[joelfmi]

Thank You for your transparency One of the many reasons I would not buy at the villages

[Dilligas]

Thank You for your transparency One of the many reasons I would not buy at the villages
If you decided not to buy in TV because of TOTV posts....it is probably better that you find some place that will meet your expectations on line, as misguided as they are.

[Bogie Shooter]

That is a very disturbing prospect. I would feel so cheated to lose SS square as my entertainment venue.

And yet you bashed the entertainment on another thread…………

[Bogie Shooter]

Thank You for your transparency One of the many reasons I would not buy at the villages

And why is it you read TOTV?

[jjombrello]

Couldn’t get a lane to swim laps in the La Hacienda sports pool today. Building 45 apartments in SS, and granting the apartment dwellers amenity rights, in an area with already overcrowded amenities really sucks!
Why would you think that the apartment dwellers would be an added burden on the facilities? Might not the apartment dwellers be existing Villages residents who sell their homes and move to the apartments? Might they be the same people currently using the Hacienda pool and other facilities? If they pay their amenity fees, why would they not be entitled to use the facilities provided? In the long run, there may be no, or very little impact. How does one know and why speculate?

[zendog3]

I have always worried that one day, the developer will dump a lot of new Villagers into the existing amenities. They have consistently defied my fears by building more and better amenities as the Villages Grows. I do not think the developers work for money. That may have been the case once, but now they are building for their legacy -- they already have tones of money. Still, they have a growing brood of offspring needing to become millionaires.

I don't think apartments around SS is necessarily. The businesses thee need patrons, especially as older residents care less about visiting the square. Adding new residents without adding parking spaces should not be allowed. If the developer wants more income from new residents, he should build parking garages with reserved spaces for them. This is code in most places with high density populations.

If he refuses to provide parking when adding to the population, there would seem to be a good case for a lawsuit. If he reduces relative available parking, he is reducing the value of your investment without compensation. Of course, the developer has enormous financial and political power, and great lawyers. And he has shown to be absolutely ruthless in battling opponents.

[Rainger99]

Does the developer ever have public meetings where residents can ask questions about the future of The Villages?

It would be nice to have quarterly meetings where these issues could be addressed.

[Two Bills]

Does the developer ever have public meetings where residents can ask questions about the future of The Villages?

It would be nice to have quarterly meetings where these issues could be addressed.

It has always been a need to know, or we are doing/done this regime.
That's why the place works.
No committees or consultations.
Just a sign to say, 'please queue in an orderly fashion when buying!':icon_wink:

[Bilyclub]

Does the developer ever have public meetings where residents can ask questions about the future of The Villages?

It would be nice to have quarterly meetings where these issues could be addressed.


There is a once a year event at the Sharon put on by the HOA that the developer will speak at.

[Bogie Shooter]

Does the developer ever have public meetings where residents can ask questions about the future of The Villages?

It would be nice to have quarterly meetings where these issues could be addressed.

No.
They are running a business not a club.
Stop and think how a meeting such as this would proceed…..

[Stu from NYC]

No.
They are running a business not a club.
Stop and think how a meeting such as this would proceed…..

True the developer is not running this place as a democracy. They have all the power and run the place as they see fit.

Overall they do a good job but sometimes _________/

[tophcfa]

Why would you think that the apartment dwellers would be an added burden on the facilities? Might not the apartment dwellers be existing Villages residents who sell their homes and move to the apartments? Might they be the same people currently using the Hacienda pool and other facilities? If they pay their amenity fees, why would they not be entitled to use the facilities provided? In the long run, there may be no, or very little impact. How does one know and why speculate?

And when they sell their homes to move into apartments the people buying their homes won’t be using the amenities? Adding apartments with amenity rights, but not adding amenities, puts further strain on the already overcrowded amenities in the area. If you aren’t aware, the La Hacienda sports pool is the first built and smallest sports pool in the Villages that is regulation length for lap swimming. It never offers dedicated lap swimming times, only open swim times with half the pool available for laps. That equates to only three lanes for lap swimming, typically only available for laps early morning and in the evening. It takes very little increased demand for such a limited amenity to become overstressed. Adding 45 apartments in SS, which is right next to La Hacienda, will not be good at all for existing lap swimming residents in that area. I am very pi$$ed at the AAC for granting additional amenity rights without any corresponding increase in available amenities. IMHO, the AAC really dropped the ball in that regard.

[tophcfa]

There is a once a year event at the Sharon put on by the HOA that the developer will speak at.

Right, the annual dog and pony show where no questions are taken.

[Bogie Shooter]

True the developer is not running this place as a democracy. They have all the power and run the place as they see fit.

Overall they do a good job but sometimes _________/

________________only to a cadre of complainers.

[Stu from NYC]

________________only to a cadre of complainers.

Sometimes the complainers have a very legitimate point and refuse to be a bunch of sheep.

[Bogie Shooter]

Sometimes the complainers have a very legitimate point and refuse to be a bunch of sheep.

Seldom.

[JMintzer]

And when they sell their homes to move into apartments the people buying their homes won’t be using the amenities? Adding apartments with amenity rights, but not adding amenities, puts further strain on the already overcrowded amenities in the area. If you aren’t aware, the La Hacienda sports pool is the first built and smallest sports pool in the Villages that is regulation length for lap swimming. It never offers dedicated lap swimming times, only open swim times with half the pool available for laps. That equates to only three lanes for lap swimming, typically only available for laps early morning and in the evening. It takes very little increased demand for such a limited amenity to become overstressed. Adding 45 apartments in SS, which is right next to La Hacienda, will not be good at all for existing lap swimming residents in that area. I am very pi$$ed at the AAC for granting additional amenity rights without any corresponding increase in available amenities. IMHO, the AAC really dropped the ball in that regard.

So, the possibility of an extra 90 people, most, if not all, of whom will never use the lap pools will have a severe impact on the pools which already serve what? 20, 30K people who currently live in the immediate SS area?

Not likely...

[Bogie Shooter]

Thank You for your transparency One of the many reasons I would not buy at the villages

You've been complaining about the Villages "Smoke & Mirrors" for some time... Nearly two years and you don't even own here?

What, you keep renting, just so you can complain? Or, do you live in one of the surrounding area and just like to complain?

Come on Joe, we are waiting.

[tophcfa]

So, the possibility of an extra 90 people, most, if not all, of whom will never use the lap pools will have a severe impact on the pools which already serve what? 20, 30K people who currently live in the immediate SS area?

Not likely...

Best to stick to posting about things that you aren’t absolutely clueless about. How many times every week do you try to fit swimming laps into your schedule? Are you aware which sports pools have open swim and lap swimming opportunities each day of the week and at what time, how many lanes are available in each pool, when the pools are more likely to be crowded, which sport pools are closed for maintenance and how that will effect the nearby pools, how early you need to show up before an organized water activity ends to attempt to get a swim lane, or what the etiquette is for sharing lanes? I swim laps 6 days a week on average and often all seven days and have swam multiple times in every sports pools north of 44. I have easily swam laps well over 100 times at La Hacienda, Laurel Manor, Lake Miona, and Mulberry and just crossed the 150 mile mark for 2022. Your post doesn’t reflect reality, and I know what I am talking about regarding the topic. I live by the sports pool schedules published in the Recreation News section of the Daily Sun every Thursday.

[JMintzer]

Best to stick to posting about things that you aren’t absolutely clueless about. How many times every week do you try to fit swimming laps into your schedule? Are you aware which sports pools have open swim and lap swimming opportunities each day of the week and at what time, how many lanes are available in each pool, when the pools are more likely to be crowded, which sport pools are closed for maintenance and how that will effect the nearby pools, how early you need to show up before an organized water activity ends to attempt to get a swim lane, or what the etiquette is for sharing lanes? I swim laps 6 days a week on average and often all seven days and have swam multiple times in every sports pools north of 44. I have easily swam laps well over 100 times at La Hacienda, Laurel Manor, Lake Miona, and Mulberry and just crossed the 150 mile mark for 2022. Your post doesn’t reflect reality, and I know what I am talking about regarding the topic. I live by the sports pool schedules published in the Recreation News section of the Daily Sun every Thursday.

Nothing in that thesis refuted a single thing I said... 90 more people out of 10's of thousands won't change a damn thing... If anything, you seem to be having no problem getting your laps in...

But your "humble brag" was impressive...

[dewilson58]

There was a small group of posters who warned & worried against the apartments/condos next to Brownwood. Over crowding, no parking, can't get into feed faces.

These units have been a nice addition.
More peeps to support business owners.

ZERO complaints now.

[Bogie Shooter]

There was a small group of posters who warned & worried against the apartments/condos next to Brownwood. Over crowding, no parking, can't get into feed faces.

These units have been a nice addition.
More peeps to support business owners.

ZERO complaints now.

The usual whiners……they just move on to a new topic.

[JMintzer]

There was a small group of posters who warned & worried against the apartments/condos next to Brownwood. Over crowding, no parking, can't get into feed faces.

These units have been a nice addition.
More peeps to support business owners.

ZERO complaints now.

But, but, but... They're gonna' take up all of the lap pool lanes!!!

[Stu from NYC]

There was a small group of posters who warned & worried against the apartments/condos next to Brownwood. Over crowding, no parking, can't get into feed faces.

These units have been a nice addition.
More peeps to support business owners.

ZERO complaints now.

So far so good but over the next few years will that be the start of lots of new apartment buildings around here totally changing this place?

Have no idea and only the developer knows and he is not exactly telling us is he?

[JoMar]

So far so good but over the next few years will that be the start of lots of new apartment buildings around here totally changing this place?

Have no idea and only the developer knows and he is not exactly telling us is he?

The "lots of new apartment buildings" aren't the Developers buildings, although it is nice to blame them for everything.

[Bogie Shooter]

So far so good but over the next few years will that be the start of lots of new apartment buildings around here totally changing this place?

Have no idea and only the developer knows and he is not exactly telling us is he?

Don’t know how long you been around, but the Developer hasn’t ever told any long term plans. Why should they?

[Holpat39]

Does the developer ever have public meetings where residents can ask questions about the future of The Villages?

It would be nice to have quarterly meetings where these issues could be addressed.

When did the city you came from allow home owners to question the decisions they made. I'm quite sure you were not invited to sit in on their meetings.

[vintageogauge]

So far so good but over the next few years will that be the start of lots of new apartment buildings around here totally changing this place?

Have no idea and only the developer knows and he is not exactly telling us is he?

I would be more concerned about all of the family housing units (which are definitely needed here) both single family, attached, and apartments. Thousands of homes are in the works many of which have begun construction and except for the 8,000 units TV is building at 470 & 301 most of the others are independent developers. These family units will bring in thousands of residents of all ages and these are the units that will create a parking nightmare for those that frequent the squares, all of them, not just Spanish Springs. The 45 apartments will be a drop in the bucket.

[Love2Swim]

When did the city you came from allow home owners to question the decisions they made. I'm quite sure you were not invited to sit in on their meetings.

The difference is, we voted to elect the city officials to make decisions in our best interest, and if they fail, we can elect different officials. Here we have the benevolent dictator, ie, the Developer who claims to know what's best for the old folks, and if decisions are made which benefit the family, but not the residents so much, we have little recourse.

[Bogie Shooter]

The difference is, we voted to elect the city officials to make decisions in our best interest, and if they fail, we can elect different officials. Here we have the benevolent dictator, ie, the Developer who claims to know what's best for the old folks, and if decisions are made which benefit the family, but not the residents so much, we have little recourse.

Recourse……….the highway.:clap2:

[Stu from NYC]

The difference is, we voted to elect the city officials to make decisions in our best interest, and if they fail, we can elect different officials. Here we have the benevolent dictator, ie, the Developer who claims to know what's best for the old folks, and if decisions are made which benefit the family, but not the residents so much, we have little recourse.

Very true but if the developer does things that hurt the residents the resulting word of mouth will not help him sell more homes

[tophcfa]

The difference is, we voted to elect the city officials to make decisions in our best interest, and if they fail, we can elect different officials. Here we have the benevolent dictator, ie, the Developer who claims to know what's best for the old folks, and if decisions are made which benefit the family, but not the residents so much, we have little recourse.

I would add that if we vote in officials to make decisions in our best interest, but those interests don’t align with a certain very powerful entity, strings will be pulled so that said officials are thrown out of office and replaced with hand picked puppets.

[Stu from NYC]

I would add that if we vote in officials to make decisions in our best interest, but those interests don’t align with a certain very powerful entity, strings will be pulled so that said officials are thrown out of office and replaced with hand picked puppets.

Very true will be a very interesting election for Sumter country residents coming up

[Rainger99]

When did the city you came from allow home owners to question the decisions they made. I'm quite sure you were not invited to sit in on their meetings.

The monthly meetings were always open to the public and the mayor and members of the council would take questions. We could always email or talk to the mayor or his staff.

[coffeebean]

Thank You for your transparency One of the many reasons I would not buy at the villages

What are your other reasons for not buying in The Villages? Inquiring minds want to know.

[Stu from NYC]

What are your other reasons for not buying in The Villages? Inquiring minds want to know.

Never understood why people would post here if they didnt live here or want to eventually move here?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

But, but, but... They're gonna' take up all of the lap pool lanes!!!

1. The apartments aren't in Brownwood. They're next to Brownwood.
2. The apartments didn't take up any parking spaces that were previously designated public parking. They have their own designated parking lot, with gated entry.
3. The apartments have their own pool, and therefore don't "have to" use any other pools, on the days they want to use a pool.

The proposal in Spanish Springs is NOT to build a brand new apartment building next to the town square. It's to take an existing building and repurpose it, remove some of the existing designated public parking spaces and make them assigned for the exclusive use of the tenants, and will not have any amenities on site. If they want to use a pool, they will have to use one of the existing pools outside the immediate vicinity. The closest one is a sports pool, which is usually occupied and reserved by groups, with only a few lanes open for swimmers.

[Love2Swim]

Very true but if the developer does things that hurt the residents the resulting word of mouth will not help him sell more homes

Not necessarily. For example, the big lawsuit that was filed against the Developer years ago didn't seem to slow down sales. I think sometimes people see what they want to see, and some people just look at the superficial - the golf, activities, dancing on the square, etc., and don't look beyond. And lots of people surprisingly don't do a lot of research, so they may not even be aware of any potential issues.

[Rainger99]

Is the pool at the Brownwood Lofts open to every villager? Or do you have to be a Lofts’ resident?

[JMintzer]

1. The apartments aren't in Brownwood. They're next to Brownwood.
2. The apartments didn't take up any parking spaces that were previously designated public parking. They have their own designated parking lot, with gated entry.
3. The apartments have their own pool, and therefore don't "have to" use any other pools, on the days they want to use a pool.

The proposal in Spanish Springs is NOT to build a brand new apartment building next to the town square. It's to take an existing building and repurpose it, remove some of the existing designated public parking spaces and make them assigned for the exclusive use of the tenants, and will not have any amenities on site. If they want to use a pool, they will have to use one of the existing pools outside the immediate vicinity. The closest one is a sports pool, which is usually occupied and reserved by groups, with only a few lanes open for swimmers.

They most certainly are in Brownwood. They are advertised as being located at Brownwood Paddock Square. They are golf cart accessible to Brownwood Square (and the rest of TV).

From The Villages website: "The Lofts at Brownwood. Apartment-style living with all the lifestyle The Villages has to offer. On-site amenities, recreation, golf car accessibility conveniently located at Brownwood Paddock Square, where you can enjoy all of the entertainment, dining, shopping and fun!"

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community (https://www.thevillages.com/thelofts)

They can use any pool they wish (just like any other resident in TV). Like them, I have to travel to get to a lap pool. Consider yourself lucky that you have lap swimming so close to where you live. Thousands and thousands of other villagers don't have that luxury...

[Number 10 GI]

The Seven Deadly Sins

Lust
Gluttony
Greed
Sloth
Pride
Envy
Wrath

Just about every one of the Seven Sins have been demonstrated in this thread.

When we moved here we purchased a home, no ownership in any of the town squares implied or inferred. Those properties are owned, maintained and property taxes paid by the developer, no one else. There are many thousands of people living in slums, under bridges, on the sidewalks and in homeless shelters who only in their wildest dreams can they envision themselves living here. Get over your entitled attitude. Can you name one place where life is better? If so, why don't you move there?

[Stu from NYC]

The Seven Deadly Sins

Lust
Gluttony
Greed
Sloth
Pride
Envy
Wrath

Just about every one of the Seven Sins have been demonstrated in this thread.

When we moved here we purchased a home, no ownership in any of the town squares implied or inferred. Those properties are owned, maintained and property taxes paid by the developer, no one else. There are many thousands of people living in slums, under bridges, on the sidewalks and in homeless shelters who only in their wildest dreams can they envision themselves living here. Get over your entitled attitude. Can you name one place where life is better? If so, why don't you move there?

If the squares are owned, maintained with taxes paid by the developer why isnt he responsible to repair the windmill?

[dewilson58]

If the squares are owned, maintained with taxes paid by the developer why isnt he responsible to repair the windmill?

Really?? Read the agreements, read and understand. Man O man.

[dewilson58]

Is the pool at the Brownwood Lofts open to every villager? Or do you have to be a Lofts’ resident?

Open to all.

Kinda resort setting.

BBQ grill and refrig available.

It's quite nice.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

They most certainly are in Brownwood. They are advertised as being located at Brownwood Paddock Square. They are golf cart accessible to Brownwood Square (and the rest of TV).

From The Villages website: "The Lofts at Brownwood. Apartment-style living with all the lifestyle The Villages has to offer. On-site amenities, recreation, golf car accessibility conveniently located at Brownwood Paddock Square, where you can enjoy all of the entertainment, dining, shopping and fun!"

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community (https://www.thevillages.com/thelofts)

They can use any pool they wish (just like any other resident in TV). Like them, I have to travel to get to a lap pool. Consider yourself lucky that you have lap swimming so close to where you live. Thousands and thousands of other villagers don't have that luxury...

Maybe you haven't actually seen the apartment complex. But it isn't IN the square. It's off to the side of the square. In fact, the Brownwood Lofts Apartments "Amenities" webpage is very specific:
Proximity to Brownwood Paddock Square

Proximity to the square means it's not actually at the square.

As for the pool, maybe you misunderstood what I was trying to convey: the people living in the apartments have a pool RIGHT THERE. They don't have to leave their complex to get to a pool, if they don't want to, because they have one on the premises.

Compare to the apartments they want to build at Spanish Springs, well - there's no comparison. You can't compare them, because they are completely different situations. Let's try this again since you missed it the first time:

Brownwood apartments - outside the center of the square, off to the side of the square, actually more than a block away from the actual square (with the performance area being the "center" of the square).

Spanish Springs apartments - in a building that faces the center of the square.

Brownwood apartments - designated parking area built exclusively for tenants, away from the central areas and not part of any other parking lot.

Spanish Springs apartments - drawing of the plans called for spots taken away from public street parking and given to tenants. Supposedly they would end up having them behind the building instead - but still taking spaces away from existing public parking.

Brownwood apartments - they have an outdoor barbeque area, their own pool, a rec center on premises with meeting room, crafting room, and social rooms. A pet lawn. A gated entry.

Spanish Springs apartments - none of the above.

[tophcfa]

OBB, don’t wast your time. You’d be better off going outside and trying to explain it to a gecko.

[JMintzer]

Maybe you haven't actually seen the apartment complex. But it isn't IN the square. It's off to the side of the square. In fact, the Brownwood Lofts Apartments "Amenities" webpage is very specific:


Proximity to the square means it's not actually at the square.

As for the pool, maybe you misunderstood what I was trying to convey: the people living in the apartments have a pool RIGHT THERE. They don't have to leave their complex to get to a pool, if they don't want to, because they have one on the premises.

Compare to the apartments they want to build at Spanish Springs, well - there's no comparison. You can't compare them, because they are completely different situations. Let's try this again since you missed it the first time:

Brownwood apartments - outside the center of the square, off to the side of the square, actually more than a block away from the actual square (with the performance area being the "center" of the square).

Spanish Springs apartments - in a building that faces the center of the square.

Brownwood apartments - designated parking area built exclusively for tenants, away from the central areas and not part of any other parking lot.

Spanish Springs apartments - drawing of the plans called for spots taken away from public street parking and given to tenants. Supposedly they would end up having them behind the building instead - but still taking spaces away from existing public parking.

Brownwood apartments - they have an outdoor barbeque area, their own pool, a rec center on premises with meeting room, crafting room, and social rooms. A pet lawn. A gated entry.

Spanish Springs apartments - none of the above.

Maybe you can't read. I never said it was "IN" the square. Brownwood is an area that encompasses the square and the immediate surrounding area.

Just like Spanish Springs is a square AND a surrounding area. Hacienda Hills pool isn't IN the square, but it most certainly IS considered to be int the AREA of Spanish Springs...

They will never agree to reserved parking right in front of the building. Just like in Brownwood, the golf cart parking will be a bit of a walk away.

The Lofts at Brownwood is also 265 units. Almost SIX (6) TIMES as many units as are POSSIBLY being proposed at Spanish Springs. Almost THIRTY EIGHT (38) TIMES as many as being proposed initially. So yeah, they built a small pool and an even smaller rec center. The residents STILL have access to ALL of TV amenities,

So, to compare the two is foolish. What MAY happen in Spanish Springs is a drop in the bucket to the surrounding area... You're talking 14 people (worst case, if two live in each of the 7 initially proposed apartments), probably less, because I'm sure there will be some singles living there, to a max of less than 104 (again, probably much less, due to singles...).

This is nothing but hand wringing about a minimal change that MIGHT happen...

[JMintzer]

OBB, don’t wast your time. You’d be better off going outside and trying to explain it to a gecko.

Geckos are actually quite bright...

Even they know this is a mountain from a mole hill discussion...

https://i.gifer.com/5Pf.gif

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Never understood why people would post here if they didnt live here or want to eventually move here? I agree , I rarely even look at site and never post when I’m away. When I’m Not Here, I’m Not Here

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I would be more concerned about all of the family housing units (which are definitely needed here) both single family, attached, and apartments. Thousands of homes are in the works many of which have begun construction and except for the 8,000 units TV is building at 470 & 301 most of the others are independent developers. These family units will bring in thousands of residents of all ages and these are the units that will create a parking nightmare for those that frequent the squares, all of them, not just Spanish Springs. The 45 apartments will be a drop in the bucket.
The surrounding apartments are a very welcoming need for all of us in the villages . The hope is they’ll attract many younger people to come here and fill many of the jobs and services that we as villages need , there are also over 55 apartments that will attract people who for many reasons can’t live in the villages or want to leave the villages. I also never understood the argument about the villages apartments , many of us for so many different reasons might someday want to leave our homes for a nice apartment on villages property , just look at some of these independent living places , how filled they are and how expensive, I know a couple of people , very active that moved out of one of the expensive places into the lofts.The developer is just giving us more options and filling empty space , so what if he’s making money,there are so many people on this site that scream about the evils of socialism except when it comes to the developer then you want to decide what he should do with his property, or grumble about how much money he makes . I’ve had 6 homes here ,I moved as the developer moved from Springdale to the tip of Fenny and back some , the developer hasn’t disappointed yet , crowded parking , don’t care , I always walk from the farthest end of parking lot at 83 you can always use more steps no matter how much you execise

[Bogie Shooter]

The surrounding apartments are a very welcoming need for all of us in the villages . The hope is they’ll attract many younger people to come here and fill many of the jobs and services that we as villages need , there are also over 55 apartments that will attract people who for many reasons can’t live in the villages or want to leave the villages. I also never understood the argument about the villages apartments , many of us for so many different reasons might someday want to leave our homes for a nice apartment on villages property , just look at some of these independent living places , how filled they are and how expensive, I know a couple of people , very active that moved out of one of the expensive places into the lofts.The developer is just giving us more options and filling empty space , so what if he’s making money,there are so many people on this site that scream about the evils of socialism except when it comes to the developer then you want to decide what he should do with his property, or grumble about how much money he makes . I’ve had 6 homes here ,I moved as the developer moved from Springdale to the tip of Fenny and back some , the developer hasn’t disappointed yet , crowded parking , don’t care , I always walk from the farthest end of parking lot at 83 you can always use more steps no matter how much you execise

Candidate for top post of the day! Well done!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

OBB, don’t wast your time. You’d be better off going outside and trying to explain it to a gecko.

Yeah they'd understand basic logic, mathematics, spatial awareness, and common sense a lot more.

[JMintzer]

The surrounding apartments are a very welcoming need for all of us in the villages . The hope is they’ll attract many younger people to come here and fill many of the jobs and services that we as villages need , there are also over 55 apartments that will attract people who for many reasons can’t live in the villages or want to leave the villages. I also never understood the argument about the villages apartments , many of us for so many different reasons might someday want to leave our homes for a nice apartment on villages property , just look at some of these independent living places , how filled they are and how expensive, I know a couple of people , very active that moved out of one of the expensive places into the lofts.The developer is just giving us more options and filling empty space , so what if he’s making money,there are so many people on this site that scream about the evils of socialism except when it comes to the developer then you want to decide what he should do with his property, or grumble about how much money he makes . I’ve had 6 homes here ,I moved as the developer moved from Springdale to the tip of Fenny and back some , the developer hasn’t disappointed yet , crowded parking , don’t care , I always walk from the farthest end of parking lot at 83 you can always use more steps no matter how much you execise

Prezactly!

[JMintzer]

Yeah they'd understand basic logic, mathematics, spatial awareness, and common sense a lot more.

Something to which some can only aspire ...

[RUCdaze]

Someone asked for 'documentation.' By the time we get that documentation, it will be too late!

[Love2Swim]

1. The apartments aren't in Brownwood. They're next to Brownwood.
2. The apartments didn't take up any parking spaces that were previously designated public parking. They have their own designated parking lot, with gated entry.
3. The apartments have their own pool, and therefore don't "have to" use any other pools, on the days they want to use a pool.

The proposal in Spanish Springs is NOT to build a brand new apartment building next to the town square. It's to take an existing building and repurpose it, remove some of the existing designated public parking spaces and make them assigned for the exclusive use of the tenants, and will not have any amenities on site. If they want to use a pool, they will have to use one of the existing pools outside the immediate vicinity. The closest one is a sports pool, which is usually occupied and reserved by groups, with only a few lanes open for swimmers.

Well said.