Lawsuit North of 466 ?

[Will.S]

We are waiting for our Lifestyle visit in late May. Every morning we watch alot of YouTube Village videos. Someone mentioned something about a huge lawsuit north of 466. He also said the area north of 466 is not taken care of "by the Villages".
Is this current info or just incorrect information.
Thanks, Will

[dewilson58]

post the link to the video

[retiredguy123]

What do you mean by "not taken care of"? There are a lot of Villages houses, rec centers, golf courses, and other facilities located north of Rt 466.

[Papa_lecki]

We are waiting for our Lifestyle visit in late May. Every morning we watch alot of YouTube Village videos. Someone mentioned something about a huge lawsuit north of 466. He also said the area north of 466 is not taken care of "by the Villages".
Is this current info or just incorrect information.
Thanks, Will

I think you are mistaken.
They are making investments in Spanish Springs, they added a new clubhouse and rec center at HH. The championship golf courses N of 466 are probably the best maintained.
Probably one of the best restaurants in Villages just opened in SS.

[Lottoguy]

That lawsuit ran its course. The last of the money was used to build the First Responders Recreation Center and the surrounding 20 acre site. Nothing to worry about on your end.
THE VILLAGES DEVELOPER SETTLES LAWSUIT (https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2008/03/10/the-villages-developer-settles-lawsuit/)

[Dusty_Star]

We are waiting for our Lifestyle visit in late May. Every morning we watch alot of YouTube Village videos. Someone mentioned something about a huge lawsuit north of 466. He also said the area north of 466 is not taken care of "by the Villages".
Is this current info or just incorrect information.
Thanks, Will


There was a lawsuit in 2008. The Villages Development Company lost that case & had to pay $40 million over 13 years. Which would have ended in 2021. They did make loads of improvements with that money.

Personal advice: Be wary of some of the YouTubers. Some do not give fair & balanced views. I find the best to be of the 'ride along' variety, where you can see for yourself, & maybe tune out the YouTubers. I recently watched a good, short one where a man took his dog to Dudley Dog Park on Fenney Way.

[manaboutown]

Ancient history. Villages Settles Lawsuit | POA of The Villages (https://www.poa4us.org/villages-settles-lawsuit/)

[Topspinmo]

We are waiting for our Lifestyle visit in late May. Every morning we watch alot of YouTube Village videos. Someone mentioned something about a huge lawsuit north of 466. He also said the area north of 466 is not taken care of "by the Villages".
Is this current info or just incorrect information.
Thanks, Will

I wouldn’t put it much on Utube video’s. They make money by getting likes and following. to ease you’re concerns don’t buy up north.

[kkingston57]

We are waiting for our Lifestyle visit in late May. Every morning we watch alot of YouTube Village videos. Someone mentioned something about a huge lawsuit north of 466. He also said the area north of 466 is not taken care of "by the Villages".
Is this current info or just incorrect information.
Thanks, Will

We live north of 466. Very well established neighborhoods with mature vegetation. No lawsuits and area is in very good condition and is well maintained. You will be staying 15 miles from this area. If you want new, look for areas south of 466a

[ColtsFan]

We live North of 466-A and it does not matter where we go, all parts of The Villages are taken care of. The Villages is such a beautiful place. You always feel like you are driving through a resort. Even the Historical side is taken care of. You hardly ever see liter and if there is a cup or paper bag it won't be long until it is picked up. We have been here 18 years and have loved every minute of our life here. Beats being retired somewhere with nothing to do.

[Rwirish]

Why do people watch and listen to such crap?

[dewilson58]

Willy has not been back since she posted the OP.

Just another pot-stirrer with a second sign-on.

:mornincoffee:

[TheresaMackenzie]

I think you are mistaken.
They are making investments in Spanish Springs, they added a new clubhouse and rec center at HH. The championship golf courses N of 466 are probably the best maintained.
Probably one of the best restaurants in Villages just opened in SS.

Which one is “The best restaurant? I’d like to give it a try.

[GizmoWhiskers]

Oops

[GizmoWhiskers]

Videos equal ad $$ revenue. So do posts on totv. Don't believe everything one see on videos. What is read on totv is info with opinion interjected as well and facts to check. Who grants the information originators the power to be the "know alls" of T V? The more controversial the more ad $$ generated through views.

Example of interjection of opinion and fact:

Coleman prison is nextdoor to the NE southern side of T V across from the Middleton area. Stay away from South of 44. If the prison doesn't get you the misquitos and alligators from all the swamp land areas will.

Does that comment mean one won't be fine living South of 44? North of 466 is fine area to live in.

Different strokes for different folks.

[john352]

Ancient history. Villages Settles Lawsuit | POA of The Villages (https://www.poa4us.org/villages-settles-lawsuit/)

Copy and pasted from the above POA artical: "The agreement also creates a resident-controlled "Amenity Authority Committee" that will have a louder voice in the use of amenity fees." The link to information about this committee is: VCDD Amenity Authority Committee - AAC (https://www.districtgov.org/committees/aac.aspx)

[Black Beauty]

We live as far north as you can go. The frogs call this 'the country'. Our place is right across from Mulberry Rec Center. Most convenient of any!

[Goldwingnut]

Yes, the lawsuit is long over, and the money needed for repairs and upkeep of the existing amenities that the lawsuit said was insufficient in the original purchase, is now spent and gone, some on new facilities that I for one question both the wisdom and need of.

The second part of the OP's question as to "The Villages" not taking care of the areas north of 466, the first thing that must be clarified is who they are referring to, "The Villages" the community, the local special purpose government, or the developer? The first is the people who live here and by and large, we the resident of The Villages take great care and pride in our community and work hard to make it that way, the second is our community development districts and they are focused on exactly that, maintaining the community aesthetics and infrastructure.

As far as the developer goes, they are a business focused on building homes and commercial properties. Once the homes are built and the warranty period is over (as it is north of 466 for the most part) they have no obligation or responsibility to support or pour money into anything; that responsibility belongs to the residents and the district government. You bought a house and everything that is included in your sales contract and nothing else. You didn't get a rich uncle or a nanny state that will take care of your every need and want, you got a house in a community. For them it is a business, and in business it is all about the money or you go out of business very quickly. Profit is good, greed is a sin, they are profitable, good for them and good for all of us. If one takes the time to really delve into all that the developer and the family has done and continues to do for the local community and economy, you'll find that they very quietly give back a tremendous amount to both. Are they Simon pure? From my own experience I would say not, they are very protective of what they have created and crossing them or not playing by "their" rules can be painful (I've found this out several times now) and sometime expensive, but honestly I believe them to be no more protective than any other successful brand or business.

As far as the YouTuber comments go, being one of them I can assure you that most YouTubers are not getting rich on the penny or two that YouTube may pay for each view, and then the government takes their pound of flesh from those earnings as well. Yes, there is some real trash out there and there are several that make their profits by trashing a community that they know little about or have an undeniable bias based on preconceived notions, political views, or sometimes just plain ignorance. There are a few of us that try to remain positive in what we produce but are also not afraid to call something out as bad when it is just as easily as we call something good. And not one of us has received a dime from the developer for our efforts. Unfortunately, if you look at the stats for the most popular videos about The Villages, you'll find that negativity and trash sells better that facts.

[Rodneysblue]

That lawsuit ran its course. The last of the money was used to build the First Responders Recreation Center and the surrounding 20 acre site. Nothing to worry about on your end.
THE VILLAGES DEVELOPER SETTLES LAWSUIT (https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2008/03/10/the-villages-developer-settles-lawsuit/)

Also part of that settlement is the replacement of the Paradise Regional Rec Center. It was the oldest rec center and construction is scheduled to start next year.

[Robojo]

We are waiting for our Lifestyle visit in late May. Every morning we watch alot of YouTube Village videos. Someone mentioned something about a huge lawsuit north of 466. He also said the area north of 466 is not taken care of "by the Villages".
Is this current info or just incorrect information.
Thanks, Will

I did the same before coming here. Its actually in the reverse. I live in Citrus Grove and I would not reccomend it to someone who wants a friendly and clean lifestyle.

A lot of you tubers work for the sales team. Some got ripped off. Some love it here. Opinions are like...LOL

Come see for yourself!

[coleprice]

We are waiting for our Lifestyle visit in late May. Every morning we watch alot of YouTube Village videos. Someone mentioned something about a huge lawsuit north of 466. He also said the area north of 466 is not taken care of "by the Villages".
Is this current info or just incorrect information.
Thanks, Will

My wife and I live "full time" North of Spanish Springs in The Villages and are VERY HAPPY with ALL Areas and Facilities maintained by The Villages. We believe that our "Amenity Fees" are for the most part, spent very productively maintaining the many Rec Centers, Executive Golf Courses, Town Squares and Common Areas. We prefer the North and Middle areas of The Villages because there are substantially more Executive Golf Courses per Home, plus Shopping & Restaurants are much more convenient. But, the Rec Centers, Town Squares and Common Areas South of 466 are also impeccably maintained.

[rustyp]

Yes, the lawsuit is long over, and the money needed for repairs and upkeep of the existing amenities that the lawsuit said was insufficient in the original purchase, is now spent and gone, some on new facilities that I for one question both the wisdom and need of.

The second part of the OP's question as to "The Villages" not taking care of the areas north of 466, the first thing that must be clarified is who they are referring to, "The Villages" the community, the local special purpose government, or the developer? The first is the people who live here and by and large, we the resident of The Villages take great care and pride in our community and work hard to make it that way, the second is our community development districts and they are focused on exactly that, maintaining the community aesthetics and infrastructure.

As far as the developer goes, they are a business focused on building homes and commercial properties. Once the homes are built and the warranty period is over (as it is north of 466 for the most part) they have no obligation or responsibility to support or pour money into anything; that responsibility belongs to the residents and the district government. You bought a house and everything that is included in your sales contract and nothing else. You didn't get a rich uncle or a nanny state that will take care of your every need and want, you got a house in a community. For them it is a business, and in business it is all about the money or you go out of business very quickly. Profit is good, greed is a sin, they are profitable, good for them and good for all of us. If one takes the time to really delve into all that the developer and the family has done and continues to do for the local community and economy, you'll find that they very quietly give back a tremendous amount to both. Are they Simon pure? From my own experience I would say not, they are very protective of what they have created and crossing them or not playing by "their" rules can be painful (I've found this out several times now) and sometime expensive, but honestly I believe them to be no more protective than any other successful brand or business.

As far as the YouTuber comments go, being one of them I can assure you that most YouTubers are not getting rich on the penny or two that YouTube may pay for each view, and then the government takes their pound of flesh from those earnings as well. Yes, there is some real trash out there and there are several that make their profits by trashing a community that they know little about or have an undeniable bias based on preconceived notions, political views, or sometimes just plain ignorance. There are a few of us that try to remain positive in what we produce but are also not afraid to call something out as bad when it is just as easily as we call something good. And not one of us has received a dime from the developer for our efforts. Unfortunately, if you look at the stats for the most popular videos about The Villages, you'll find that negativity and trash sells better that facts.

Please help me understand. Per the RAD capital improvement plan there was to be $15291789 in "settlement proceeds" with a total of > $21 mil total of "working capital" sitting in the coffers in 2023*. The last settlement payment was earmarked for renovation of Paradise Rec Center for years. The reason it did not happen immediately upon receipt of the last payment is the AAC decided it would be too much of a demand on contractors if The First Responders and Paradise projects were being performed simultaneously. I salute the AAC for developing a plan and sticking to it. It is also my opinion it would be unethical not to spend the settlement money on the Paradise upgrade. That is what the law suit was all about.

*https://www.districtgov.org/departments/budget/images/CIP/Recreation%20Amenity%20Division.pdf - page 2

[sallyg]

There was a lawsuit that took place about 15+/- years ago awarding $40 million dollars to orange blossom? Not exactly sure. There are probably records available somewhere if you dig. The Villages takes care of the Villages no matter what region you are in. The northern- most village, referred to as the "historical" area is the oldest. Many of the homes show their age, but we lived there when we first moved to TV and loved the location. Spanish Springs is beautiful with huge trees, more spacious lots and charming homes. Drive around up there during your visit and see for yourself. Enjoy. There is lots to see and do.

[Lottoguy]

Up north of 466 is a very desirable area. Close to everything and easily the most beautiful area in The Villages. Lots of mature trees (some over 200 years old) and the least crowded area during the winter months. Realtors love this area too.

[Bogie Shooter]

There was a lawsuit that took place about 15+/- years ago awarding $40 million dollars to orange blossom? Not exactly sure. There are probably records available somewhere if you dig. The Villages takes care of the Villages no matter what region you are in. The northern- most village, referred to as the "historical" area is the oldest. Many of the homes show their age, but we lived there when we first moved to TV and loved the location. Spanish Springs is beautiful with huge trees, more spacious lots and charming homes. Drive around up there during your visit and see for yourself. Enjoy. There is lots to see and do.

Have a look at post #19.

[kburr]

We are waiting for our Lifestyle visit in late May. Every morning we watch alot of YouTube Village videos. Someone mentioned something about a huge lawsuit north of 466. He also said the area north of 466 is not taken care of "by the Villages".
Is this current info or just incorrect information.
Thanks, Will

When you have your lifestyle visit, they will only show you the new houses on the south end of The Villages. That's where want to sell you. The houses on the north side are established and in my opinion built better. If we ever sell, I would NOT use a Village realtor. They only show you what they list and mostly want to sell new homes.

[Topspinmo]

There was a lawsuit that took place about 15+/- years ago awarding $40 million dollars to orange blossom? Not exactly sure. There are probably records available somewhere if you dig. The Villages takes care of the Villages no matter what region you are in. The northern- most village, referred to as the "historical" area is the oldest. Many of the homes show their age, but we lived there when we first moved to TV and loved the location. Spanish Springs is beautiful with huge trees, more spacious lots and charming homes. Drive around up there during your visit and see for yourself. Enjoy. There is lots to see and do.

The way I read it was for district 3 and 4 for lack of amenities where most of money was spent.

[Topspinmo]

When I look on Google earth the historical side actually north east of villages? North village would up along B/V blvd. And Morse blvd south of sumpter landing :):undecided: looks like brownwood along 44 center of villages now? :shrug:

[JMintzer]

When you have your lifestyle visit, they will only show you the new houses on the south end of The Villages. That's where want to sell you. The houses on the north side are established and in my opinion built better. If we ever sell, I would NOT use a Village realtor. They only show you what they list and mostly want to sell new homes.

That is simply not true. If you ask to see re-sales, they'll show you re-sales...

[Bill14564]

When you have your lifestyle visit, they will only show you the new houses on the south end of The Villages. That's where want to sell you. The houses on the north side are established and in my opinion built better. If we ever sell, I would NOT use a Village realtor. They only show you what they list and mostly want to sell new homes.

That was not the case with our Villages realtor during our lifestyle visit. That was a while ago and things change but I don't think we saw any new construction at all. We stated our preference to be above 44 and those are the homes we were taken to.

But, as I wrote, things change and what was true then might not be the case today.

[llaran]

yes, there was a lawsuit that the developer lost. This was when the population was less than maybe 15,000.

The majority of answers to the questions were from people who moved here after 2000. We moved here in 2006 and heard about the lawsuit.

it is what it is!

:024:

[Indydealmaker]

We are waiting for our Lifestyle visit in late May. Every morning we watch alot of YouTube Village videos. Someone mentioned something about a huge lawsuit north of 466. He also said the area north of 466 is not taken care of "by the Villages".
Is this current info or just incorrect information.
Thanks, Will

Really, really old news!

[Cliff Fr]

What caught my attention was the 6.7 million dollar fee the developer had to pay to the plantiffs attorneys!!

[badkarma318]

When you have your lifestyle visit, they will only show you the new houses on the south end of The Villages.

This is 100% false.

[PurePeach]

I wouldn’t put it much on Utube video’s. They make money by getting likes and following. to ease you’re concerns don’t buy up north.

I live way north in Springdale and our area is well maintained. Lopez, which is the northernmost country club, has some of the best food of all the country clubs — not just my opinion, but that of the majority that I read on this site and NextDoor. I encourage you to get an independent realtor (happy to recommend one if you PM me) as well as a Villages person so you aren’t just directed to the new builds south of 44 (where there is turnpike noise, Coleman prison announcements, no trees and other foliage, and little shopping for now, etc.). Go to the different squares and talk to people. Make sure you get a good look at ALL of TV and form your own opinion.

[manaboutown]

When you have your lifestyle visit, they will only show you the new houses on the south end of The Villages. That's where want to sell you. The houses on the north side are established and in my opinion built better. If we ever sell, I would NOT use a Village realtor. They only show you what they list and mostly want to sell new homes.

That is what happened to me on my lifestyle visit back in 2009. The Villages agent steered me to new houses only, showing me just a couple already built spec homes. Even after I repeatedly requested he show me resales he evaded doing so even once. He told me if I spotted one driving around to call him. LOL! Why should I do all the work and he get a commission? Plus I would want info on a house before viewing it, not just a driveby. I changed to another Villages agent and also engaged a Realtor on MLS.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We live north of 466. Very well established neighborhoods with mature vegetation. No lawsuits and area is in very good condition and is well maintained. You will be staying 15 miles from this area. If you want new, look for areas south of 466a

I think the concern is the mistaken perception that if the northern part isn't taken care of now that it's settled and older, then the CURRENT middle/southern part will eventually experience the same problem, when it becomes settled and older.

It's a fair concern, but it's based on misinformation.

What's important to understand, is that The Developer doesn't own any of the homes or roads north of 466. They do own some of the commercial properties, but not all of them. And of course they still own the town squares. The Developer isn't responsible for anything else, once they give it over to the CDD's authority. That's just how developments with CDDs operate.

[Bill14564]

I think the concern is the mistaken perception that if the northern part isn't taken care of now that it's settled and older, then the CURRENT middle/southern part will eventually experience the same problem, when it becomes settled and older.

It's a fair concern, but it's based on misinformation.

What's important to understand, is that The Developer doesn't own any of the homes or roads north of 466. They do own some of the commercial properties, but not all of them. And of course they still own the town squares. The Developer isn't responsible for anything else, once they give it over to the CDD's authority. That's just how developments with CDDs operate.

tl;dr - The Developer maintains quite a bit of influence over the Villages.

The numbered CDDs primarily take care of maintenance of infrastructure owned by those CDDs. They use a large number of services provided by (purchased from) the VCCDD.

The utility districts (NSCUDD, WUDD) use services provided by (purchased from) the VCCDD.

The VPSDDD will use services provided by (purchased from) the VCCDD.

The amenities (pools, executive courses, rec centers, activities, MMPS(?)) are owned and run from the SLCDD and VCCDD.

All DDs are run by supervisors elected by the property owners. The property owners in the numbered CDDs are the homeowners. The property owners for the SLCDD and VCCDD are the commercial businesses in the squares.

The Developer owns the commercial businesses in the squares.

The Developer picks the supervisors for the SLCDD and VCCDD.

The Developer has control over The District that provides services to all the CDDs (at a cost), has a great deal of influence over the utility districts, owns all the amenities, and runs the amenities. That's how the Villages CDD structure operates.

NOTE: Don't take my word on this, find out for yourself. Attend the short CDD orientation or the longer Resident Academy and attend the numbered CDD, PWAC/AAC, and NSCUDD/WUDD meetings.

[xcaligirl]

Why do people watch and listen to such crap?
I so agree!! My husband is watching you-tube all the time and I will never watch it!

[HORNET]

There are those who have not purchased a home in the Villages and have every reason to talk down the Villages, maybe jealousy!

[graciegirl]

Willy has not been back since she posted the OP.

Just another pot-stirrer with a second sign-on.

:mornincoffee:

I am beginning to feel suspicious now myself. Hmmmmmm.

[Lottoguy]

That lawsuit has ran its course. Google it for more information. North of 466 is well taken care of thanks to the money received from that lawsuit. It's the reason why we have the First Responders Recreation Center. As well as a completely new El Santiago rec center and Saddlebrook. They are also using that money to completly rebuild the first rec center in the historic area of The Villages.

[Topspinmo]

We are waiting for our Lifestyle visit in late May. Every morning we watch alot of YouTube Village videos. Someone mentioned something about a huge lawsuit north of 466. He also said the area north of 466 is not taken care of "by the Villages".
Is this current info or just incorrect information.
Thanks, Will

Probably the suit about 11 years ago? which was settled and improvements made including new first responders rec center. If not show date on the article? IMO north more pleasant. Less traffic mature landscape less or no bonds. But, it you have to have new your only choice south of 44 way south.

[kkingston57]

We are waiting for our Lifestyle visit in late May. Every morning we watch alot of YouTube Village videos. Someone mentioned something about a huge lawsuit north of 466. He also said the area north of 466 is not taken care of "by the Villages".
Is this current info or just incorrect information.
Thanks, Will

Developer does not maintain the infrastructure north of 466 or anywhere else that they have finished their housing. Maintenance is taken care of by the districts(act like a large POA) Live North of 466 and still maintained very well.

[Topspinmo]

I live way north in Springdale and our area is well maintained. Lopez, which is the northernmost country club, has some of the best food of all the country clubs — not just my opinion, but that of the majority that I read on this site and NextDoor. I encourage you to get an independent realtor (happy to recommend one if you PM me) as well as a Villages person so you aren’t just directed to the new builds south of 44 (where there is turnpike noise, Coleman prison announcements, no trees and other foliage, and little shopping for now, etc.). Go to the different squares and talk to people. Make sure you get a good look at ALL of TV and form your own opinion.

I live way up north in villages, I think you confused me with the OP?

[Pairadocs]

Why do people watch and listen to such crap?

Attention, attention, attention, that's my opinion. The Paris Hilton "I want to be famous for being famous" kind of thinking ? Anyone can now become "Paris", just think up a new Utube gimmick and you're off ! I'm sure some people do their best to give an honest evaluation of the V's from their perspective... however.... with all the planned developments in the state, and right here in central Florida, seems it would be easy to have someone create a "negative" view by using an actual fact (in this case a law suit against the developer which was settled some time ago), to "plant" fears in the minds of prospects ????

[Maker]

Could they be talking about the CDD vs Andersons over their white cross?
Somebody will have to pay the lawyers, and that cost seems to have not disclosed publicity.
So... If CDD loses, how much will their residents will have to pay?

[Shipping up to Boston]

Attention, attention, attention, that's my opinion. The Paris Hilton "I want to be famous for being famous" kind of thinking ? Anyone can now become "Paris", just think up a new Utube gimmick and you're off ! I'm sure some people do their best to give an honest evaluation of the V's from their perspective... however.... with all the planned developments in the state, and right here in central Florida, seems it would be easy to have someone create a "negative" view by using an actual fact (in this case a law suit against the developer which was settled some time ago), to "plant" fears in the minds of prospects ????

Yeah...I’m sure some prospective buyer, flush with half a million dollars to play with for said purchase.....walks away from the deal because of a ‘planted’ story about an actual court adjudicated case....settled years ago. I wonder if this type of commentary comes up at the TV Mensa chapter meetings! The gullibility on this forum is palpable at times!

[Full-timer]

We live almost as far north in the Villages you can go. There are no issues here. Nothing is in disarray, no issues with any type of care.

Also, this is a great area. Plenty of trees, (no bare lots/lawns) , no squares too close to get all the traffic, yet close enough to go. Add to that, most bonds are paid off if you are buying.

2 main roads very close by for travel.( one on left side and one on the right ( 301/441), plus still close to 466 and 466A for all the shopping one would need.

People need to stop listening to others and look into things for themselves.

[Shipping up to Boston]

We live almost as far north in the Villages you can go. There are no issues here. Nothing is in disarray, no issues with any type of care.

Also, this is a great area. Plenty of trees, (no bare lots/lawns) , no squares too close to get all the traffic, yet close enough to go. Add to that, most bonds are paid off if you are buying.

2 main roads very close by for travel.( one on left side and one on the right ( 301/441), plus still close to 466 and 466A for all the shopping one would need.

People need to stop listening to others and look into things for themselves.

Historic area (North)....is a steal. More lot, more mature landscaping and less commitment financially (as has been stated). The flagship of TV is more representative of its earlier visions...than what you see today. IMO