Spanish Springs Parking Idea

[Villages Kahuna]

The Developer doesn’t need nightly entertainment in Spanish Springs to attract home buyers anymore. All the development is many miles south. Little marketing benefit would be lost in discontinuing nightly entertainment or events like the monthly drive-in. Those enjoying those events are probably already Villages homeowners, or residents of surrounding communities.

By discontinuing nightly entertainment at Spanish Springs the entire town square could be re-purposed to a large, attractive parking lot. It could be gated with assigned spaces for use by renters in the planned apartments as well as the rumored apartments in the two stories of existing health club space in the La Riena Building. Parking for new apartment renters? Solved! Complaints from renters about too much noise? Solved!

If the movie theatres are re-purposed into a re-located health club as rumored, the main entrance could be in the rear, with parking spaces immediately behind the theater space made private, gated, for use by health club members only.

Complaints would be temporary, coming only from those not likely to be new home buyers. All the businesses in the area, including the Developer-owned Sharon, would likely view the idea favorably. Of course, the Developer owns all the commercial space in the area, so commercial renters would view the idea of less parking pressure very favorably.

New apartments on two floors of the La Riena building is based on a rumor, but it makes sense based on health club employees already having been told of the relocation plan to the theatre space when the health club lease in the La Riena building expires.

Negatives to the idea?

[Stu from NYC]

Nightly entertainment is a selling point to the people buying resales in Spanish Springs.

As Mr Wonderful says on Shark Tank take this idea behind the barn and shoot it.

[Chi-Town]

The Developer doesn’t need nightly entertainment in Spanish Springs to attract home buyers any more. All the development is many miles south. Little marketing benefit would be lost in discontinuing nightly entertainment or events like the monthly drive-in. Those enjoying those events are largely Villages residents, or even non-residents from surrounding communities.

By discontinuing nightly entertainment at Spanish Springs the entire town square could be re-purposed to a large, attractive parking lot. It could be gated with assigned spaces for use by renters in the planned apartments as well as the rumored apartments in the two stories of existing health club space. Parking for renters? Solved!

If the movie theatres are re-purposed into a re-located health club as rumored, the main entrance could be in the rear, with parking spaces immediately behind the theater space made private, gated, for use by health club members only.

Complaints would be temporary, coming only from those not likely to be new home buyers. All the businesses in the area, including the Developer-owned Sharon, would likely view the idea favorably. Of course, the Developer owns all the commercial space in the area, so commercial renters would view the idea of less parking pressure very favorably.

Negatives to the idea?

They paved paradise, put up a parking lot

[Davonu]

…Negatives to the idea?
Too many to list.

[Lottoguy]

I'm sure all the restaurants and shops would be just a little upset with this idea. Entertainment brings in paying customers to the square. Not to mention the various parades and so forth.

[mtdjed]

Parking for new apartment renters? Solved! Complaints from renters about too much noise? Solved! [/I]

Negatives to the idea?

Perhaps a bit aggressive for the apartment plan:

The site plan, filed with the town on Tuesday, calls for seven apartments in the Van Patten House, the former home of Katie Belle’s. Three of the apartments will be one-bedroom units and four of the apartments will be two-bedroom units. There will be 16 parking spaces dedicated for apartment dwellers and their guests.

[Stu from NYC]

Perhaps a bit aggressive for the apartment plan:

The site plan, filed with the town on Tuesday, calls for seven apartments in the Van Patten House, the former home of Katie Belle’s. Three of the apartments will be one-bedroom units and four of the apartments will be two-bedroom units. There will be 16 parking spaces dedicated for apartment dwellers and their guests.

That is act 1. Wait for the following act 2-6.

[Villages Kahuna]

If you’ve ever visited the three-level MVP Athletic Club in the La Riena building, there is space for a whole lot more apartments than are planned for the Katie Belle’s space. Maybe 4-5 times as many depending on the mix.

Parking for them?

[Villages Kahuna]

If you’ve ever visited the three-level MVP Athletic Club in the La Riena building, there is space for a whole lot more apartments than are planned for the Katie Belle’s space. Maybe 4-5 times as many depending on the mix.

Parking for them?

[Stu from NYC]

If you’ve ever visited the three-level MVP Athletic Club in the La Riena building, there is space for a whole lot more apartments than are planned for the Katie Belle’s space. Maybe 4-5 times as many depending on the mix.

Parking for them?

This is one of the reason I do not believe the plan is for just 7 apartments. If say 50 are done it will change the entire complexion of the square.

[Bogie Shooter]

This is one of the reason I do not believe the plan is for just 7 apartments. If say 50 are done it will change the entire complexion of the square.

Do you visit this square often? Any square?

[Stu from NYC]

Do you visit this square often? Any square?

Yes and yes but Sumter and Brownwood more as we live closer.

Wow you seem to care a lot about our activities. Maybe you should live your own life.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Do you visit this square often? Any square?

I'll answer the question applied to myself: Yup, I visit Spanish Springs town square regularly. At least once a week, and I drive through it more often than that to get from my house (in the historic section) to other parts of the Villages.

At 50 new units, you'd need 75 parking spaces reserved for residents of those units. Behind the MPV building there are enough for units in that building, without needing any reserved on the street. The Katie Belle's building would need spaces off to the side in the back, closer to Amerikano's, in order to accommodate off-street parking for non-resident patrons of the square and employees.

It's absolutely do-able, but yes it would also absolutely change the complexion of the Square. Currently, residential units surround the Square in the townhouses, and there's a hotel at (not in) the Square with sectioned-off parking spaces in the back. As long as the parking spaces are reserved, and the reservations can actually be enforced (via gate pass or numeric passcode for example), and the spaces are not on the street-side, it should be fine.

My objection to the Katie Belles' thing was its isolation, parking logistics, and the Morse family's ridiculous comparison to Brownwood Lofts, which have amenities on-site and were built on the perimeter of the square, and not just repurposed buildings at the square itself.

But if you repurpose upper floors of a couple of buildings surrounding the square, with resident parking behind and some on-site amenities, then the residents of the square will feel more like a community to each other - and us "regular visitors" will have a more "village-like" atmosphere to visit.

[rhood]

My understanding is that there are no residential properties in theVillage Center Community Development District which is for the most part between Avenida Central and 441/27. This is noted on the district web site.
What about the condos and the proposed apartments? Are those not residential properties?


The Developer doesn’t need nightly entertainment in Spanish Springs to attract home buyers anymore. All the development is many miles south. Little marketing benefit would be lost in discontinuing nightly entertainment or events like the monthly drive-in. Those enjoying those events are probably already Villages homeowners, or residents of surrounding communities.

By discontinuing nightly entertainment at Spanish Springs the entire town square could be re-purposed to a large, attractive parking lot. It could be gated with assigned spaces for use by renters in the planned apartments as well as the rumored apartments in the two stories of existing health club space in the La Riena Building. Parking for new apartment renters? Solved! Complaints from renters about too much noise? Solved!

If the movie theatres are re-purposed into a re-located health club as rumored, the main entrance could be in the rear, with parking spaces immediately behind the theater space made private, gated, for use by health club members only.

Complaints would be temporary, coming only from those not likely to be new home buyers. All the businesses in the area, including the Developer-owned Sharon, would likely view the idea favorably. Of course, the Developer owns all the commercial space in the area, so commercial renters would view the idea of less parking pressure very favorably.

New apartments on two floors of the La Riena building is based on a rumor, but it makes sense based on health club employees already having been told of the relocation plan to the theatre space when the health club lease in the La Riena building expires.

Negatives to the idea?

[Gpsma]

Entertainment in the Town Squares is a big selling point for the villages? Really..maybe to the Disco Dannys and Disco Sallies who want to relive their youth with third rate bands.

Three Town Squares..generally always busy. But with a population now of probably 120,000..they only attract those who want to drink and think they dance like Saturday Night Fever.

Most people who have lived here a while could care less about the town squares unless they are there to dine.

[Davonu]

Entertainment in the Town Squares is a big selling point for the villages? Really..maybe to the Disco Dannys and Disco Sallies who want to relive their youth with third rate bands.

Three Town Squares..generally always busy. But with a population now of probably 120,000..they only attract those who want to drink and think they dance like Saturday Night Fever.

Most people who have lived here a while could care less about the town squares unless they are there to dine.
This almost sounds like troll stuff. Nobody who has spent any time in The Villages can actually believe this.

What an attitude!!

[Dotneko]

This almost sounds like troll stuff. Nobody who has spent any time in The Villages can actually believe this.

What an attitude!!

We have lived here almost 2 years now. The times we go to the squares are to eat, visit the stores and go to the Brownwood farmers market on Saturday mornings. Listen to music - twice for about 5 minutes. Not interested. We go to driveway parties if we want to hear someone play and chat with our neighbors. The music on the squares was not a selling feature to us.
Oh, we go to Spanish Springs to bowl. We live in St Cats.

[npwalters]

The Developer doesn’t need nightly entertainment in Spanish Springs to attract home buyers anymore. All the development is many miles south. Little marketing benefit would be lost in discontinuing nightly entertainment or events like the monthly drive-in. Those enjoying those events are probably already Villages homeowners, or residents of surrounding communities.

By discontinuing nightly entertainment at Spanish Springs the entire town square could be re-purposed to a large, attractive parking lot. It could be gated with assigned spaces for use by renters in the planned apartments as well as the rumored apartments in the two stories of existing health club space in the La Riena Building. Parking for new apartment renters? Solved! Complaints from renters about too much noise? Solved!

If the movie theatres are re-purposed into a re-located health club as rumored, the main entrance could be in the rear, with parking spaces immediately behind the theater space made private, gated, for use by health club members only.

Complaints would be temporary, coming only from those not likely to be new home buyers. All the businesses in the area, including the Developer-owned Sharon, would likely view the idea favorably. Of course, the Developer owns all the commercial space in the area, so commercial renters would view the idea of less parking pressure very favorably.

New apartments on two floors of the La Riena building is based on a rumor, but it makes sense based on health club employees already having been told of the relocation plan to the theatre space when the health club lease in the La Riena building expires.

Negatives to the idea?

Wow! I hope this was intended as satire.

[Davonu]

We have lived here almost 2 years now. The times we go to the squares are to eat, visit the stores and go to the Brownwood farmers market on Saturday mornings. Listen to music - twice for about 5 minutes. Not interested. We go to driveway parties if we want to hear someone play and chat with our neighbors. The music on the squares was not a selling feature to us.
Oh, we go to Spanish Springs to bowl. We live in St Cats.
I think there are quite a few people like you. But the “MOST people don’t like the third rate bands at the squares” post I couldn’t disagree with more.

Plus I will admit I feel a little bit sorry for folks who can’t get a little enjoyment from going to the squares and listening to and dancing to those third rate bands.

It’s fun!! And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who feels that way! :)

[Smalley]

Replacing the pretty square with it's fountains and plantings with a parking lot would degrade the appearance of Spanish Springs to a great degree. The square is the focal point.

[npwalters]

The Developer doesn’t need nightly entertainment in Spanish Springs to attract home buyers anymore. All the development is many miles south. Little marketing benefit would be lost in discontinuing nightly entertainment or events like the monthly drive-in. Those enjoying those events are probably already Villages homeowners, or residents of surrounding communities.

By discontinuing nightly entertainment at Spanish Springs the entire town square could be re-purposed to a large, attractive parking lot. It could be gated with assigned spaces for use by renters in the planned apartments as well as the rumored apartments in the two stories of existing health club space in the La Riena Building. Parking for new apartment renters? Solved! Complaints from renters about too much noise? Solved!

If the movie theatres are re-purposed into a re-located health club as rumored, the main entrance could be in the rear, with parking spaces immediately behind the theater space made private, gated, for use by health club members only.

Complaints would be temporary, coming only from those not likely to be new home buyers. All the businesses in the area, including the Developer-owned Sharon, would likely view the idea favorably. Of course, the Developer owns all the commercial space in the area, so commercial renters would view the idea of less parking pressure very favorably.

New apartments on two floors of the La Riena building is based on a rumor, but it makes sense based on health club employees already having been told of the relocation plan to the theatre space when the health club lease in the La Riena building expires.

Negatives to the idea?

Well, I tihink we should take this to it's logical conclusion if we use the OPs logic (which I still hope was tongue in cheek). Sumter County has already rolled over to allow apartments in Sumter Landing. There are no new houses being built in that area. So let's close that square too!

The new venue south of the turnpike will be ready in a couple of years so when that happens lets close Brownwood. They will be built out in that area.

When the development ends south of the turnpike.....close down the entertainment venue. After all, its a business and nothing is owed to the current residents.

[Jayhawk]

There will be 16 parking spaces dedicated for apartment dwellers and their guests.

If everything I read about Katie Belle's popularity is true, the many customers surely took up a lot more than 16 parking spaces every day, all day long. With KB gone, what's the problem?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If everything I read about Katie Belle's popularity is true, the many customers surely took up a lot more than 16 parking spaces every day, all day long. With KB gone, what's the problem?

The problem is those visitors to the tavern weren't guaranteed the same spot, that no one else was allowed to occupy, 24/7.

Residents with reserved parking will mean that no one else will be allowed to park in those spaces, at all, any time of day or night.

Katie Belles wasn't open 24/7. It opened some time in the afternoon and shut down at whatever time it shut down for the night. So people coming in the morning to enjoy the square, maybe go to Dunkin Donuts, or just enjoy a walk around the area, all had the opportunity to occupy those spaces. With reserved parking, even if the tenant isn't there for a couple of months - no one else will be allowed to park there.

[Topspinmo]

If everything I read about Katie Belle's popularity is true, the many customers surely took up a lot more than 16 parking spaces every day, all day long. With KB gone, what's the problem?

But, they didn’t have reserved parking out front, they to find spot like everyone else going to square. I don’t see why apartment dwellers can’t park behind buildings. I wouldn’t want to leave my car sitting on square all time. But, that’s me.

[Topspinmo]

This almost sounds like troll stuff. Nobody who has spent any time in The Villages can actually believe this.

What an attitude!!

Only sounds like that to vacationer’s, majority of villager’s full time resident’s don’t go to squares that much, otherwise there would be 50K plus at squares nightly. It’s get old for most of use that are not drunks or womanizer’s.

[Jayhawk]

But, they didn’t have reserved parking out front, they to find spot like everyone else going to square. I don’t see why apartment dwellers can’t park behind buildings. I wouldn’t want to leave my car sitting on square all time. But, that’s me.

And now hundreds of patrons are NOT going there every day. Think of all the spots that open up. Truth is, parking is not a problem and won't be even with apartments.

[npwalters]

The ignorance displayed on this thread amazes me.

[Davonu]

Only sounds like that to vacationer’s, majority of villager’s full time resident’s don’t go to squares that much, otherwise there would be 50K plus at squares nightly. It’s get old for most of use that are not drunks or womanizer’s.
Nobody is saying the majority of Villagers go every night or even any particular frequency. But I do believe the vast majority like the entertainment at the squares as a very desirable feature of The Villages and attend it as often as they wish too…many, like us, multiple times per week. We might stay for 10 minutes or a couple hours or more.

And as far as the multiple comments about going to the squares equals getting drunk and being obnoxious…methinks they doth protest too much.

[justjim]

You could build a four story parking garage in place of the current paved lot (parking solved) and keep the Square intact. I have no crystal ball and have no idea if a parking garage is on the table but I don’t see them taking down Harold Schwartz’s statue and what we know as Town Square at Spanish Springs. Too much history there.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You could build a four story parking garage in place of the current paved lot (parking solved) and keep the Square intact. I have no crystal ball and have no idea if a parking garage is on the table but I don’t see them taking down Harold Schwartz’s statue and what we know as Town Square at Spanish Springs. Too much history there.

That's just so adorable - people referring to a 100% artificial, developer-planned 4-square-block commercial property that didn't exist in 1980 as "history."

Meanwhile, back north (the place everyone says all us haters come from) our town was organically built in 1714. The Memorial Town Hall was built in 1886 as a functional monument honoring the men who died in the Civil War. THAT is history.
The only "history" regarding the Villages is that it's testament that a couple of mail-order real estate salesman (Schwartz and his partner Tarrson) could make a fortune selling crappy property as a trailer park near a few orange groves and horse farms. That's it. That's the history.

[jswirs]

Entertainment in the Town Squares is a big selling point for the villages? Really..maybe to the Disco Dannys and Disco Sallies who want to relive their youth with third rate bands.

Three Town Squares..generally always busy. But with a population now of probably 120,000..they only attract those who want to drink and think they dance like Saturday Night Fever.

Most people who have lived here a while could care less about the town squares unless they are there to dine.

Sorry, but I could not disagree with you more. I see folks dancing on the squares ENJOYING themselves in their later years, not trying to relive their youth. Also, it's exercise, and, IMHO, most bands are more like 1st or 2nd rate. Personally, I love seeing folks enjoying themselves, and if they are drinking it is none of my business. It's unfortunate that you feel that way about the squares. I say live and let live.

[Mushkie]

The Developer doesn’t need nightly entertainment in Spanish Springs to attract home buyers anymore. All the development is many miles south. Little marketing benefit would be lost in discontinuing nightly entertainment or events like the monthly drive-in. Those enjoying those events are probably already Villages homeowners, or residents of surrounding communities.

By discontinuing nightly entertainment at Spanish Springs the entire town square could be re-purposed to a large, attractive parking lot. It could be gated with assigned spaces for use by renters in the planned apartments as well as the rumored apartments in the two stories of existing health club space in the La Riena Building. Parking for new apartment renters? Solved! Complaints from renters about too much noise? Solved!

If the movie theatres are re-purposed into a re-located health club as rumored, the main entrance could be in the rear, with parking spaces immediately behind the theater space made private, gated, for use by health club members only.

Complaints would be temporary, coming only from those not likely to be new home buyers. All the businesses in the area, including the Developer-owned Sharon, would likely view the idea favorably. Of course, the Developer owns all the commercial space in the area, so commercial renters would view the idea of less parking pressure very favorably.

New apartments on two floors of the La Riena building is based on a rumor, but it makes sense based on health club employees already having been told of the relocation plan to the theatre space when the health club lease in the La Riena building expires.

Negatives to the idea?

Your comment about closing down the music and making the square a big parking lot was either a joke or ludicrous. The nightly entertainment is a HUGE draw $$$$$ for business each late afternoon/evening. BTW - our amenities fee doesn’t pay for the nightly music- the funding comes from the businesses surrounding the square and from the Sumter tourism board.
The Developer wants these businesses to make money and parking lots don’t make money.

[dewilson58]

You'r ludicrous. .

Slightly modified.

:a040:

[La lamy]

HORRIBLE IDEA to get rid of SS. Way too far and crowded to go to Sumter for those of us who live in the northern part of TV. I would feel robbed if they took it away.

[eeroger]

That is act 1. Wait for the following act 2-6.

Wait for the 1st complaints of loud music at the square from new apartment dwellers & ... gone will be the nightly entertainment!!!

[dewilson58]

Wait for the 1st complaints of loud music at the square from new apartment dwellers & ... gone will be the nightly entertainment!!!

:1rotfl::1rotfl:

[asianthree]

Idea to remove square will not accommodate many parking spaces. Lane down the middle spaces on both side May give you 10 on each side.

Maybe OP is wanting one of the new apartments, and is trying to get a head start on getting the music stopped before move in:clap2:

Plus May hate the sound of running water, so out goes the pond. Other than those two items I have no idea why someone would dislike the square when it give so much joy to those who frequent it.

I rarely go to SS, however most days during October I sit by the pink water, and think of those who have lost their battle, those who are fighting now, and those who may find a cure in the future. It’s a place to reflect if you are a survivor. But that’s just me.

[Luggage]

Yup 7 people will complain . So what . I find it ridiculous that everyone's upset about seven apartments or even 10 apartments or 100 apartments, haven't you ever lived in a city wherever your apartment is on top of the store levels? You guys think that someone buying a $300,000 condo is lower class than you? Not everyone needs 2,000 ft to live in there are many people happy to live in 700 or 1000 square feet with no shrubs to cut or trees to worry about or grass to fertilize or roof that needs maintaining or to worry about getting insurance every year

[bonrich]

Don't forget the apartment dwellers that own a golf cart. Leaving your cart parked outside during the next rainstorm. No more taking the clubs off your cart and putting them into the garage. Now it would be hauling them up to your apartment to store until the next golfing day. Up and down, up and down.........

[Ski Bum]

[QUOTE=Villages Kahuna;2102765]The Developer doesn’t need nightly entertainment in Spanish Springs to attract home buyers anymore. All the development is many miles south. Little marketing benefit would be lost in discontinuing nightly entertainment or events like the monthly drive-in. Those enjoying those events are probably already Villages homeowners, or residents of surrounding communities.

By discontinuing nightly entertainment at Spanish Springs the entire town square could be re-purposed to a large, attractive parking lot. It could be gated with assigned spaces for use by renters in the planned apartments as well as the rumored apartments in the two stories of existing health club space in the La Riena Building. Parking for new apartment renters? Solved! Complaints from renters about too much noise? Solved!

If the movie theatres are re-purposed into a re-located health club as rumored, the main entrance could be in the rear, with parking spaces immediately behind the theater space made private, gated, for use by health club members only.

Complaints would be temporary, coming only from those not likely to be new home buyers. All the businesses in the area, including the Developer-owned Sharon, would likely view the idea favorably. Of course, the Developer owns all the commercial space in the area, so commercial renters would view the idea of less parking pressure very favorably.

New apartments on two floors of the La Riena building is based on a rumor, but it makes sense based on health club employees already having been told of the relocation plan to the theatre space when the health club lease in the La Riena building expires.

Negatives to the idea?[/QUOTE

I'll bite.

The comment about resale is correct. People buy with an investment in mind. If the amenity goes away, so goes a part of the resale value and saleability. TV owns the real estate company and wants it healthy. Homes in a 5 mile radius benefit from the square.

Also, who is going to buy an apartment with no access to restaurants and shopping? 50, even 100 apartments are not enough to support the businesses. Shut the square and they die.

[Stu from NYC]

Restaurants gain a lot of business from the square and the entertainment in the evening. Most nights when we do go to a square we listen to a set or two and off to a nearby restaurant.

[Greg L]

I know you are being sarcastic but it is still a st…pd post

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

How about constructing a two level parking garage behind World of Beer and reserving spaces for the apartment dwellers and leaving the rest for others.

It would surprise me to see golf carts only in the squares themselves once the apartments are finished.

[toeser]

The Developer doesn’t need nightly entertainment in Spanish Springs to attract home buyers anymore. All the development is many miles south. Little marketing benefit would be lost in discontinuing nightly entertainment or events like the monthly drive-in. Those enjoying those events are probably already Villages homeowners, or residents of surrounding communities.

By discontinuing nightly entertainment at Spanish Springs the entire town square could be re-purposed to a large, attractive parking lot. It could be gated with assigned spaces for use by renters in the planned apartments as well as the rumored apartments in the two stories of existing health club space in the La Riena Building. Parking for new apartment renters? Solved! Complaints from renters about too much noise? Solved!

If the movie theatres are re-purposed into a re-located health club as rumored, the main entrance could be in the rear, with parking spaces immediately behind the theater space made private, gated, for use by health club members only.

Complaints would be temporary, coming only from those not likely to be new home buyers. All the businesses in the area, including the Developer-owned Sharon, would likely view the idea favorably. Of course, the Developer owns all the commercial space in the area, so commercial renters would view the idea of less parking pressure very favorably.

New apartments on two floors of the La Riena building is based on a rumor, but it makes sense based on health club employees already having been told of the relocation plan to the theatre space when the health club lease in the La Riena building expires.

Negatives to the idea?


The developer makes a lot of money on home resales. The interest of future buyers must be held as much as buyers of newly built properties.

[craigrmorrison]

Thank you for not sitting on your hands by presenting an idea with your dissatisfaction.

If you were a The Villages evangelist, you would be accused of blasphemy!

I encourage you to keep on this thinking even though this idea is a lead balloon.

[DonnaNi4os]

The lines “they paved Paradise to put up a parking lot” comes to mind. Those of us who live in the northern section of TV are not happy at the notion that their square will be taken away. More broken promises. I moved here after the “Historic Tour” bus ride I drank the kool aid as they say. So much for the statue of the creator of TV, the line that Ponce de Leon discovered the fountain of youth at that spot and so many more lines that were meant to entice me to move here. The tour ended by driving through the new homes that were just completed and even allowing us to go through an open house, which happens to be where I purchased my home. I cry FOUL!

[RUCdaze]

Kahuna, your ideas take first place in 'The Worst Suggestions Ever' contest.

[geobar]

Seems that the new generation in control that I now call "The Morse Money Hungry Moguls" have no concern whatsoever presently of attracting new people to the villages in Spanish Springs. Spanish Springs was the 1st town Square with Kattie Bell's and Cattle Baron Restaurants to attract new purchases.

The closing of Kattie Bells and they are trying to add apartments to replace K. B.. This will ruin Spanish Springs forever. And now if they ever get permission to the additional apartments in the La Reina Building it will certainly kill Spanish Springs. The poor restaurant and store owners will lose their businesses as people will not come there anymore to support them.

We as owners in TV were unhappy when the 2nd generation decided to close "The Church on the Square as it offered free entertainment in the Church. The positive outcome was 'The Sharion" which was built in addition to the church. TV offers top names entertainment for people to enjoy without traveling to other Cities.

Still feel sorry for all the purchases south of CR-44 as they did not have one supermarket for about 4 years. Homes make money to line their pockets, not stores or Rec Centers.

Two years ago we moved out of "The Villages" as it definitely became too crowded. We lived in Pine Hills and saw too many changes in "The villages" since moving there in 2009. Overcrowded Stores and Restaurants north of CR-44 thanks to their lack of concern of people.

Harold Swartz (the originator) always was always concerned about the well-being of the people who purchased his manufactured homes in the Historic side of "The Villages". Every morning he would walk the community and speak with the people who supported him.

After Harold's control was taken from him promises were broken more than once by the Morse Family now more so by "The Morse Money Hungry Moguls".

Hope you do as new residents enjoy "The Villages" as it is today as you do not know any better. Before you buy please talk to people who have lived there more than 12 years, to hear from them first hand what has changed to their unliking.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Seems that the new generation in control that I now call "The Morse Money Hungry Moguls" have no concern whatsoever presently of attracting new people to the villages in Spanish Springs. Spanish Springs was the 1st town Square with Kattie Bell's and Cattle Baron Restaurants to attract new purchases.

The closing of Kattie Bells and they are trying to add apartments to replace K. B.. This will ruin Spanish Springs forever. And now if they ever get permission to the additional apartments in the La Reina Building it will certainly kill Spanish Springs. The poor restaurant and store owners will lose their businesses as people will not come there anymore to support them.

We as owners in TV were unhappy when the 2nd generation decided to close "The Church on the Square as it offered free entertainment in the Church. The positive outcome was 'The Sharion" which was built in addition to the church. TV offers top names entertainment for people to enjoy without traveling to other Cities.

Still feel sorry for all the purchases south of CR-44 as they did not have one supermarket for about 4 years. Homes make money to line their pockets, not stores or Rec Centers.

Two years ago we moved out of "The Villages" as it definitely became too crowded. We lived in Pine Hills and saw too many changes in "The villages" since moving there in 2009. Overcrowded Stores and Restaurants north of CR-44 thanks to their lack of concern of people.

Harold Swartz (the originator) always was always concerned about the well-being of the people who purchased his manufactured homes in the Historic side of "The Villages". Every morning he would walk the community and speak with the people who supported him.

After Harold's control was taken from him promises were broken more than once by the Morse Family now more so by "The Morse Money Hungry Moguls".

Hope you do as new residents enjoy "The Villages" as it is today as you do not know any better. Before you buy please talk to people who have lived there more than 12 years, to hear from them first hand what has changed to their unliking. I’ve been here for over 20 years in 6 different houses from Springdale to the tip of Fenny and I can tell you this place keeps getting better and better , yes it was so terrible having no supermarket out in Fenny,I mean I’m 83 how dare they make me drive 10 minutes to a supermarket, the family will do whatever they need to do to make Spanish Springs better not worse , all over USA people are moving into empty or new places in small and big towns bringing some vitality back to empty spaces , why shouldn’t it work here, a lot of people need to get over there Mayberry fantasy , sherif Andy is no longer here it was nice while it lasted but it’s better now because of the 2nd generations vision

[Stu from NYC]

I’ve been here for over 20 years in 6 different houses from Springdale to the tip of Fenny and I can tell you this place keeps getting better and better , yes it was so terrible having no supermarket out in Fenny,I mean I’m 83 how dare they make me drive 10 minutes to a supermarket, the family will do whatever they need to do to make Spanish Springs better not worse , all over USA people are moving into empty or new places in small and big towns bringing some vitality back to empty spaces , why shouldn’t it work here, a lot of people need to get over there Mayberry fantasy , sherif Andy is no longer here it was nice while it lasted but it’s better now because of the 2nd generations vision

We are here just over two years and very happy to be here. Changes come some good for us and some not quite so good but mostly positive.

You make a comments as this place is better due to the second generations vision. What do you think of the third generation?

[Villages Kahuna]

…17 years for me.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Even better!!!

[justjim]

That's just so adorable - people referring to a 100% artificial, developer-planned 4-square-block commercial property that didn't exist in 1980 as "history."

Meanwhile, back north (the place everyone says all us haters come from) our town was organically built in 1714. The Memorial Town Hall was built in 1886 as a functional monument honoring the men who died in the Civil War. THAT is history.
The only "history" regarding the Villages is that it's testament that a couple of mail-order real estate salesman (Schwartz and his partner Tarrson) could make a fortune selling crappy property as a trailer park near a few orange groves and horse farms. That's it. That's the history.

Perhaps Spanish Springs is “family history” that the Morse family would like to keep rather than history from the civil war. I wouldn’t call the so called historical side of the villages as a crappy trailer park. Those are peoples homes. But we can agree to disagree and to each his own.

[missibu@gmail.com]

Lol 😂

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Yup 7 people will complain . So what . I find it ridiculous that everyone's upset about seven apartments or even 10 apartments or 100 apartments, haven't you ever lived in a city wherever your apartment is on top of the store levels? You guys think that someone buying a $300,000 condo is lower class than you? Not everyone needs 2,000 ft to live in there are many people happy to live in 700 or 1000 square feet with no shrubs to cut or trees to worry about or grass to fertilize or roof that needs maintaining or to worry about getting insurance every year

This is why I'm not merely not opposed to apartments in the squares, but I think it's a great idea. I'm ONLY opposed to the idea that it starts with 7 over Katie Belles with reserved parking out front.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Perhaps Spanish Springs is “family history” that the Morse family would like to keep rather than history from the civil war. I wouldn’t call the so called historical side of the villages as a crappy trailer park. Those are peoples homes. But we can agree to disagree and to each his own.

It isn't a crappy trailer park. But that was the initial vision of Schwartz and Tarrson, when they sold off undeveloped lots via mail-order. That is the actual history of Orange Blossom Gardens, which would one day become the anchor for what is now known as The Villages.

There's nothing to agree or disagree on, this isn't opinion.

[Villages Kahuna]

Your comment about closing down the music and making the square a big parking lot was either a joke or ludicrous. The nightly entertainment is a HUGE draw $$$$$ for business each late afternoon/evening. BTW - our amenities fee doesn’t pay for the nightly music- the funding comes from the businesses surrounding the square and from the Sumter tourism board.
The Developer wants these businesses to make money and parking lots don’t make money.

The Spanish Springs town square doesn't contribute anything to Sumter County. Lady Lake is in Lake County.

[jjombrello]

The Developer could take the equivalent of 14 parking places in the lot behind the former Too-Jays, put them under cover, and that would suffice for the seven apartments planned for the old Katie Belles. This would accommodate a car and a golf cart, or two cars for each apartment. The public would not miss those parking spaces as there is plenty of parking for the events held in Spanish Springs.

[ronsroni]

The Developer doesn’t need nightly entertainment in Spanish Springs to attract home buyers anymore. All the development is many miles south. Little marketing benefit would be lost in discontinuing nightly entertainment or events like the monthly drive-in. Those enjoying those events are probably already Villages homeowners, or residents of surrounding communities.

By discontinuing nightly entertainment at Spanish Springs the entire town square could be re-purposed to a large, attractive parking lot. It could be gated with assigned spaces for use by renters in the planned apartments as well as the rumored apartments in the two stories of existing health club space in the La Riena Building. Parking for new apartment renters? Solved! Complaints from renters about too much noise? Solved!

If the movie theatres are re-purposed into a re-located health club as rumored, the main entrance could be in the rear, with parking spaces immediately behind the theater space made private, gated, for use by health club members only.

Complaints would be temporary, coming only from those not likely to be new home buyers. All the businesses in the area, including the Developer-owned Sharon, would likely view the idea favorably. Of course, the Developer owns all the commercial space in the area, so commercial renters would view the idea of less parking pressure very favorably.

New apartments on two floors of the La Riena building is based on a rumor, but it makes sense based on health club employees already having been told of the relocation plan to the theatre space when the health club lease in the La Riena building expires.

Negatives to the idea?

One would need to break out one’s abacus to list the negatives.
Why penalize the northernmost residents for the comfort of apartment dwellers who are nonexistent?

Problem NOT solved.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

How about constructing a two level parking garage behind World of Beer and reserving spaces for the apartment dwellers and leaving the rest for others.

It would surprise me to see golf carts only in the squares themselves once the apartments are finished.

Actually, since the Katie Bell's building is two stories a parking garage behind there could have three levels. Two under cover and one on the roof.

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

Do you visit this square often? Any square?

I do. Still my fav.

[kkingston57]

The Developer doesn’t need nightly entertainment in Spanish Springs to attract home buyers anymore. All the development is many miles south. Little marketing benefit would be lost in discontinuing nightly entertainment or events like the monthly drive-in. Those enjoying those events are probably already Villages homeowners, or residents of surrounding communities.

By discontinuing nightly entertainment at Spanish Springs the entire town square could be re-purposed to a large, attractive parking lot. It could be gated with assigned spaces for use by renters in the planned apartments as well as the rumored apartments in the two stories of existing health club space in the La Riena Building. Parking for new apartment renters? Solved! Complaints from renters about too much noise? Solved!

If the movie theatres are re-purposed into a re-located health club as rumored, the main entrance could be in the rear, with parking spaces immediately behind the theater space made private, gated, for use by health club members only.

Complaints would be temporary, coming only from those not likely to be new home buyers. All the businesses in the area, including the Developer-owned Sharon, would likely view the idea favorably. Of course, the Developer owns all the commercial space in the area, so commercial renters would view the idea of less parking pressure very favorably.

New apartments on two floors of the La Riena building is based on a rumor, but it makes sense based on health club employees already having been told of the relocation plan to the theatre space when the health club lease in the La Riena building expires.

Negatives to the idea?

Sarcasm at it's best.

[kkingston57]

I'll answer the question applied to myself: Yup, I visit Spanish Springs town square regularly. At least once a week, and I drive through it more often than that to get from my house (in the historic section) to other parts of the Villages.

At 50 new units, you'd need 75 parking spaces reserved for residents of those units. Behind the MPV building there are enough for units in that building, without needing any reserved on the street. The Katie Belle's building would need spaces off to the side in the back, closer to Amerikano's, in order to accommodate off-street parking for non-resident patrons of the square and employees.

It's absolutely do-able, but yes it would also absolutely change the complexion of the Square. Currently, residential units surround the Square in the townhouses, and there's a hotel at (not in) the Square with sectioned-off parking spaces in the back. As long as the parking spaces are reserved, and the reservations can actually be enforced (via gate pass or numeric passcode for example), and the spaces are not on the street-side, it should be fine.

My objection to the Katie Belles' thing was its isolation, parking logistics, and the Morse family's ridiculous comparison to Brownwood Lofts, which have amenities on-site and were built on the perimeter of the square, and not just repurposed buildings at the square itself.

But if you repurpose upper floors of a couple of buildings surrounding the square, with resident parking behind and some on-site amenities, then the residents of the square will feel more like a community to each other - and us "regular visitors" will have a more "village-like" atmosphere to visit.

Agree 100%. This type of arrangement is very prevalent in other areas. Also need to mention that these renters would be much more likely go to the restauarants in the square.

[RaymondD]

It seems to me you’re ignoring the 1,000’s of homes North of Spanish Springs. As it is I drive 25 minutes to get to Spanish Springs for music and entertainment. Obviously I’m North of Spanish Springs and I don’t always want to drive 40 minutes to go to Lake Sumter. Personally, I think your idea is self centered, inconsiderate, and intolerable. Sounds more like destroy their area and leave ours alone. Maybe management should think about building an apartments down South of 466a, they have open land for both apartments and a parking areas with no impact to the current squares. Of Course, that’s just a thought !!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Excuse me but they did build apartments below 466a and others have built many more apartments and I’m not whining

[dewilson58]

Excuse me but they did build apartments below 466a and others have built many more apartments and I’m not whining

That's because you don't feel entitled.

[Stu from NYC]

That's because you don't feel entitled.

The question is, is it in our best interest that they build a lot of apartments around spanish springs. You know they are not about to stop at 7 more likely a 100 or more.

My answer would be no but of course we do not have the power to influence this at all.

[Jayhawk]

You know they are not about to stop at 7 more likely a 100 or more.

Based on what evidence? You sound like you know something, so please share.

[npwalters]

A repeat from a previous post.

Don't like the sound of the entertainment venue in YOUR part of TV being closed? Thats because you are entitled.

"I think we should take this to it's logical conclusion if we use the OPs logic (which I still hope was tongue in cheek). Sumter County has already rolled over to allow apartments in Sumter Landing. There are no new houses being built in that area. So let's close that square too!

The new venue south of the turnpike will be ready in a couple of years so when that happens lets close Brownwood. They will be built out in that area.

When the development ends south of the turnpike.....close down the entertainment venue. After all, its a business and nothing is owed to the current residents."

[Number 10 GI]

What are we up to now, dead horse number 2391 to be beaten into a bloody pulp?

[Stu from NYC]

Based on what evidence? You sound like you know something, so please share.

Common sense. Do you really think they would go to all this effort just for 7 apts?

If you think so this is your opportunity to buy a gently used bridge.

[dewilson58]

The question is, is it in our best interest that they build a lot of apartments around spanish springs. You know they are not about to stop at 7 more likely a 100 or more.

My answer would be no but of course we do not have the power to influence this at all.

:boom::boom:

There it is.
The issue with "you" entitlement folks.
You said it.
"is it in our best interest"

It does not matter what your best interest is.
You are not entitled.
There was no guarantee.
There was no promise.
OMG.
You purchased a home in a DEVELOPER's plat.
Things change to maintain profitability.
You don't get to choose, it's the developer's choice.
YOU have an option to purchase, invest, do something with commercial property if you wish.
If you don't wish, your interest does not matter.
Where in God's green earth did you think your entitlement was born.

Think you for stating the issue......"not in my best interest".

WHAT A JOKE.
I enjoyed it.

:ho:

[tophcfa]

The question is, is it in our best interest that they build a lot of apartments around spanish springs. You know they are not about to stop at 7 more likely a 100 or more.

Based on what evidence? You sound like you know something, so please share.

Ample evidence would be the developer managing to squeeze approximately an additional 150 amenity rights from the Amenity Authority Committee.

[Two Bills]

Does anyone honestly believe 'Da Family' will close Spanish Springs Square, and stop nightly entertainment?
It is the squares that promote/are a major part of the lifestyle, and sells houses.
Stop that, and development ends, then TV just becomes another housing conglomeration.
Spanish Springs is an old lady, and she needs a new wardrobe, and updating.
It's like KB's was, tired and out of date.
I am damned sure if I owned SS, I would be doing similar.
Empty property is negative balance on the books.
The Villages is a business, not a charity!

[dewilson58]

Does anyone honestly believe 'Da Family' will close Spanish Springs Square, and stop nightly entertainment?

You can count them on one hand.

:clap2:

[pauld315]

Entertainment in the Town Squares is a big selling point for the villages? Really..maybe to the Disco Dannys and Disco Sallies who want to relive their youth with third rate bands.

Three Town Squares..generally always busy. But with a population now of probably 120,000..they only attract those who want to drink and think they dance like Saturday Night Fever.

Most people who have lived here a while could care less about the town squares unless they are there to dine.

I agree. Spanish Springs Square is most often attended by people who do not even live here. I hardly ever go there due to that.

[Stu from NYC]

I agree. Spanish Springs Square is most often attended by people who do not even live here. I hardly ever go there due to that.

Why would it bother you to sit near people who do not live in the villages?

[Bogie Shooter]

Why would it bother you to sit near people who do not live in the villages?

Could it be another example of entitlement?

[dewilson58]

Why would it bother you to sit near people who do not live in the villages?

He is jus like you............wondering if it's in his best interest.

:ohdear:

[tophcfa]

He is jus like you............wondering if it's in his best interest.

:ohdear:

Nothing wrong with looking out for one’s own best interest, no one else gives a crap!

[coffeebean]

Wow! I hope this was intended as satire.

Regarding the original post........I agree with you.

[coffeebean]

Don't forget the apartment dwellers that own a golf cart. Leaving your cart parked outside during the next rainstorm. No more taking the clubs off your cart and putting them into the garage. Now it would be hauling them up to your apartment to store until the next golfing day. Up and down, up and down.........

Not everyone golfs in The Villages. I can attest to that.

[coffeebean]

I agree. Spanish Springs Square is most often attended by people who do not even live here. I hardly ever go there due to that.

Unless you strike up a conversation with the throngs of people who enjoy the nightly entertainment in Spanish Springs, how do you tell that they are not Villagers? Most of the folks are most certainly seniors and I have no way to tell that they do not live here. How do you do it?

[JMintzer]

Wow...

6 pages responding to the fantasy thoughts (with a touch of sarcasm) from the OP...

Only on ToTV...



Oh, and to the person commenting on how grocery stores (and adjacent stores) don't make the developer money...

There's this thing called "rent"...

[Stu from NYC]

Unless you strike up a conversation with the throngs of people who enjoy the nightly entertainment in Spanish Springs, how do you tell that they are not Villagers? Most of the folks are most certainly seniors and I have no way to tell that they do not live here. How do you do it?

We very often strike up a conversation with folks sitting next to us and sometimes they live outside the bubble. When I find that out we just continue the conversation.

No big deal.