Brownwood location- what were they thinking?!!

[ducati1974]

My wife & I drove down to where the new Brownwood square is being built and were shocked to see that it was in the furthest Southeast corner of TV property. What were they thinking? Even people in Sanibel and other villages south of 466A will have a trek down there never mind us that are north of it. I just don't get it- you would think it would be located halfway between Morse & Buena Vista (east to west) and halfway between 466A and the southern most route (north to south) in order to maximize the number of Villagers that would have easy access to it. I guess they're not marketing just to TVers.

[Barefoot]

My wife & I drove down to where the new Brownwood square is being built and were shocked to see that it was in the furthest Southeast corner of TV property. What were they thinking? Even people in Sanibel and other villages south of 466A will have a trek down there never mind us that are north of it. I just don't get it- you would think it would be located halfway between Morse & Buena Vista (east to west) and halfway between 466A and the southern most route (north to south) in order to maximize the number of Villagers that would have easy access to it. I guess they're not marketing just to TVers.

It's very convenient for people who live in Wildwood.

[Grannynance]

Maybe the powers to be thought it would be nice to include the local people in all the fun

[buggyone]

Personally, I would not like to be that close to Wildwood. Most of Wildwood is kind of a "dicey" area.

[ijusluvit]

Maybe the powers to be thought it would be nice to include the local people in all the fun

Here's a guess for you:
The Morse's have purchased large tracts of land between Rt 44 and the Turnpike.

[Bogie Shooter]

Personally, I would not like to be that close to Wildwood. Most of Wildwood is kind of a "dicey" area.

Most??? What does that mean?

[buggyone]

What does "most" mean? It means quite a bit. I definitely would not walk around Wildwood after 10 pm. I have no problem walking in The Villages after 10 pm. How about you?

[Mikeod]

I remember reading that there is a collaborative agreement between TV and Wildwood for economic development in that area. The businesses that will lease in Brownwood aren't going to turn a customer away because they don't have a Villages ID, and the easier access for non-villages residents is more of a plus in their eyes than a minus. .

For those who are concerned about being so close to Wildwood, would you rather have homes in that area? Plus, it appears most of the problems occur west of 301 according to the police blotter.

[NotGolfer]

I was thinking on the original comment. When SS was built that is on the far other side of TV on 441/27. We don't know exactly what the "lay of the land" was back in the day!!! Now look at it...it looks like it's been there "forever"!! I fully think that "the powers that be" have a plan that will work just fine. Some day we all will go "WOW"!!! It's a process to build something and create out of basically "nothing". We all get to watch the process as it grows!!! I have NO fear that this will be something less than great!

[RichieLion]

I'm guessing it's going to be a while before Villagers use Brownwood on a regular basis. It's going to be a long golf cart ride pass empty fields for a long time it seems. I know I'll check it out, but I don't think I'll be visiting it much until that vast area between 466A and Rt. 44 is developed and populated.

[RichieLion]

I was thinking on the original comment. When SS was built that is on the far other side of TV on 441/27. We don't know exactly what the "lay of the land" was back in the day!!! Now look at it...it looks like it's been there "forever"!! I fully think that "the powers that be" have a plan that will work just fine. Some day we all will go "WOW"!!! It's a process to build something and create out of basically "nothing". We all get to watch the process as it grows!!! I have NO fear that this will be something less than great!

LSL was built just south of the populated areas of 466. The new development was built south of LSL. Wildwood is being built far from any development. I wonder how long it's going to be before the developments connect with this isolated town square called Brownwood.

[graciegirl]

I was thinking on the original comment. When SS was built that is on the far other side of TV on 441/27. We don't know exactly what the "lay of the land" was back in the day!!! Now look at it...it looks like it's been there "forever"!! I fully think that "the powers that be" have a plan that will work just fine. Some day we all will go "WOW"!!! It's a process to build something and create out of basically "nothing". We all get to watch the process as it grows!!! I have NO fear that this will be something less than great!

I completely and absolutely agree with you. There was not a home past 466A just six months ago and now we have a large population of new villagers. Brownwood is closer to them than to previous residents, but that is the plan. It will be a LONG golf cart ride for them to Spanish Springs. It is all relative.

I never doubt how nice Brownwood will be, and convenient and close to many, just like the rest of the place.

[billethkid]

Wildwood like a lot of small towns is not as pretty as a lot of other places and none like what we all are used to here in the bubble.

It is a typical FL town that progress has caught up with. There are an awful lot of very nice people that are somebody's Mom or Dad or sister or brother or friend, etc.

And yes one should exercise good judgement for safety in areas of uncertainty.

The town of Wildwood does not deserve a bad "rep" because it is not as pretty or affluent and certainly should not be judged negatively based on the actions of a few....no different than we would not want TV to be judged negatively for the few baddies.

We are all victims of our environment.

btk

[Bogie Shooter]

Wildwood like a lot of small towns is not as pretty as a lot of other places and none like what we all are used to here in the bubble.

It is a typical FL town that progress has caught up with. There are an awful lot of very nice people that are somebody's Mom or Dad or sister or brother or friend, etc.

And yes one should exercise good judgement for safety in areas of uncertainty.

The town of Wildwood does not deserve a bad "rep" because it is not as pretty or affluent and certainly should not be judged negatively based on the actions of a few....no different than we would not want TV to be judged negatively for the few baddies.

We are all victims of our environment.

btk

I agree. Also, most people in Wildwood are good people.

[skip0358]

In the 2 1/2 years we've been here Wildwood has come a long way. We've had this discussion before. Your right it's not as pretty as TV but it is changing. New housing has been approved for that area as well. Rt 44 is going to be growing. Besides Brownwood the new Mall property is cleared which is just west of Brownwood.Brownwood will be open this fall. The EZ go golf cart store is behind Butter Bean, there's a Dry cleaner opening next to the Outdoor Furniture store behind Spars. Give it time. If you drive down Buenna Vista and Morse there's a lot of changes every week. It looks like the new Fire House is started and new entrances for the newer areas are being built on Buena Vista. Yes it's a long ride but look at SS and how far that is for some of the residents living N/O 466 also a long ride. We're retired now a long ride is a good thing.

[cappyjon431]

I guess it really doesn't affect me.

Our closest "neighborhood" town square is Spanish Springs (3 miles), so we usually go there for entertainment, dining, or just a nice walk around the square.

Occasionally (usually if there is a movie we want to see that is not offered in Spanish Springs or if we need a fix for our Starbuck's addiction) we'll head over to LSL.

I imagine that we will ocassionally make the trek to Brownwood, but I really feel like SS is our neighborhood downtown so I'm perfectly content going there the large majority of the time.

The distance really doesn't bother me. We regularly take day trips to Crystal River, Mt. Dora, Cedar Key, Clearwater, Orlando, St. Augustine etc. so a 20-25 minute jaunt to Brownwood doesn't seem like that big a deal (asuming there is anything there that I feel compelled to visit).

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Here's a guess for you:
The Morse's have purchased large tracts of land between Rt 44 and the Turnpike.

That would be cool! Who knows.................????

Bill :)

[drdodge]

A lot of people think that they are a lot better than everyone else.
drd

[Bonny]

The Villages owns a lot more property heading out that way. I would think Brownwood is out there for that reason.

[cabo35]

I agree. Also, most people in Wildwood are good people.

Exactly .....:agree:

[drdodge]

Anybody who makes as much noney as the Morse family has a pretty good idea of what they are doing
drd

[swimdawg]

...and if you're lucky enough to live in the wonderful Village of St. James, you'll have the best of both worlds.
We are about halfway between LSL and Brownwood. :thumbup:

[Russ_Boston]

A contractor doing work on my home a few weeks ago mentioned something like: "TV has purchased 2500 acres for 400 million dollars". He wasn't exactly sure of the location but did say that he heard it was abutting the new 'south' area of TV. The math seems a little high but that is what he said.

Anyone else heard this?

[wendyquat]

...and if you're lucky enough to live in the wonderful Village of St. James, you'll have the best of both worlds.
We are about halfway between LSL and Brownwood. :thumbup:

We bought a resale in Largo because it is a central location between SS and Brownwood!

[tpop1]

:agree::agree:Anybody who makes as much noney as the Morse family has a pretty good idea of what they are doing
drd

:agree: Too!!!!!!!!!!

[NotGolfer]

God-willing we are still living 10 years from now...we'll all be amazed at the developement that currently "isn't". I was in on a conversation the other day and heard that folks who live in Spanish Springs area think anything south of LSl is "far". So what?? They have their town square and shopping areas up there. What's happening on 44 will be for the south-end mostly. Wildwood will fare well with all the commerce.

When we first moved here 2 1/2 years ago, we heard that this tri-county area is/was very, very depressed and the folks living in it b/4 TV were VERY happy to have "us" all come here because of the opportunity TV has given them. THINK the jobs etc. I haven't gotten the privilege to chat with anyone who bought in "the historic" side maybe 20 years ago and have watched all the progress. Wonder what their thoughts are??!!! But I have chatted with folks who bought in Mallory some years back who are amazed at all that's gone in south of them in a few short years! We're privilege to have such a place as The Villages to retire to!!! Don't know why "some" have to find negativity and criticism in LIFE!!!!

[Cynbod]

God-willing we are still living 10 years from now...we'll all be amazed at the developement that currently "isn't". I was in on a conversation the other day and heard that folks who live in Spanish Springs area think anything south of LSl is "far". So what?? They have their town square and shopping areas up there. What's happening on 44 will be for the south-end mostly. Wildwood will fare well with all the commerce.

When we first moved here 2 1/2 years ago, we heard that this tri-county area is/was very, very depressed and the folks living in it b/4 TV were VERY happy to have "us" all come here because of the opportunity TV has given them. THINK the jobs etc. I haven't gotten the privilege to chat with anyone who bought in "the historic" side maybe 20 years ago and have watched all the progress. Wonder what their thoughts are??!!! But I have chatted with folks who bought in Mallory some years back who are amazed at all that's gone in south of them in a few short years! We're privilege to have such a place as The Villages to retire to!!! Don't know why "some" have to find negativity and criticism in LIFE!!!!

I absolutely agree!

[Bonny]

It's my understanding that the Villages owns property all the way to Coleman.

[mr and mrs bike]

I haven't had the experience of retirement yet but I thought that part of the idea is that my time is my own. I can be as busy or as lazy as I want. I think that going by golf cart or driving anywhere in TV is part of the adventure no matter how near or far. Just saying !!!!

[Bobcuse]

A contractor doing work on my home a few weeks ago mentioned something like: "TV has purchased 2500 acres for 400 million dollars". He wasn't exactly sure of the location but did say that he heard it was abutting the new 'south' area of TV. The math seems a little high but that is what he said.

Anyone else heard this?

A large Villages contactor also told me 15 months ago that their employees were all told not to worry about when the Villages buildout would end because there was another huge residential development project already planned for south and west of Wildwood out Rt 44 for several square miles (I foget how many but something that would provide jobs for a 5-10 year period). This project was awaiting the buildout of The Villages to be completed which would free up the construction workers for the new project.

[swimdawg]

We bought a resale in Largo because it is a central location between SS and Brownwood!

And you, too, have the best of both worlds. :coolsmiley:

[trichard]

Simple, they wanted to attract and maintain successful businesses in the square. In return The Villages have the benefit of some great stores and services.

The Villages is full of snowbirds who bolster the economy for only a few months each year. That is not successful strategy for maintaining commercial businesses. It must draw from the local area and nearby highway traffic to survive.

[Bogie Shooter]

There are several posts above regarding the amount of land the developer owns south of CR44. "I understand, I've been told, I heard". Does anyone have any factual information on this subject, like Sumter county property records???

[mrdills]

Is Morse going to build Electric plug in stations for our golf carts?

[Bonny]

There are several posts above regarding the amount of land the developer owns south of CR44. "I understand, I've been told, I heard". Does anyone have any factual information on this subject, like Sumter county property records???
They had a map at one of the VHA meetings awhile back showing the property owned, but gave no indication to what they will do with.

[JimPete]

Here's a guess for you:
The Morse's have purchased large tracts of land between Rt 44 and the Turnpike.

That would be my guess. Lookout Key West here we come. :icon_wink:

[jblum315]

It's just as far from my house (Hemingway) to Spanish Springs, and harder to get to.

[BogeyBoy]

Here's a guess for you:
The Morse's have purchased large tracts of land between Rt 44 and the Turnpike.

I see a couple of references to the Morse's purchasing land. They do own land near the Turnpike which will be used for the on and off ramps, maybe some business opportunities there - gas stations, fast food, etc. This location is quite a distance from the new town center and what is understood to be the planned buildout - north of 44.

Large vacant land seems to be owned by various companies. Quest Industries, Orlando - looks like the land was purchased in 2003 for future development. Wildwood Villages - this vacant land adjoins a mobile home park (Wildwood Villages). Some property owned by someone in Texas (the old Texas rumor!). The name Bailey shows on some property further east - near where Morse will lead to 468 and down to the Turnpike.

There are other owners, but these seem to be the biggest players. Building south of 44 would be interesting, there are businesses, established housing areas, etc.

[kentucky blue]

There are several posts above regarding the amount of land the developer owns south of CR44. "I understand, I've been told, I heard". Does anyone have any factual information on this subject, like Sumter county property records???

Do you honestly think for 1 minute that the incredibly visionary Morse family would not have a major development plan for the entire Brownwood area.Everything they do does not center strictly on TV,a regional plan could be part of their future.I cannot believe so many are concerned about distances and golf cart travel,how about using your automobile once in awhile,and get out of your "little bubble."Finally, what Wildwood needs is jobs,especially for their youth, and Brownwood would provide numerous opportunities for employment.

[Bonny]

Do you honestly think for 1 minute that the incredibly visionary Morse family would not have a major development plan for the entire Brownwood area.Everything they do does not center strictly on TV,a regional plan could be part of their future.I cannot believe so many are concerned about distances and golf cart travel,how about using your automobile once in awhile,and get out of your "little bubble."Finally, what Wildwood needs is jobs,especially for their youth, and Brownwood would provide numerous opportunities for employment.
:clap2:

[Penguin]

Do you honestly think for 1 minute that the incredibly visionary Morse family would not have a major development plan for the entire Brownwood area.Everything they do does not center strictly on TV,a regional plan could be part of their future.I cannot believe so many are concerned about distances and golf cart travel,how about using your automobile once in awhile,and get out of your "little bubble."Finally, what Wildwood needs is jobs,especially for their youth, and Brownwood would provide numerous opportunities for employment.

I believe Brownwood will create an array of jobs for all sorts of people that want to work. Thats America, but the bubble and driving my golf cart to area businesses and restaurants was the draw for me. Living in a 2 BIG cities in my entire life is getting old as am I, so not going mach 2 with my hair on fire is agreeing with me. I can drive my cars to cruise nights and some twisty back roads but to go to a nice dinner at a country club I prefer my tire smokin golf cart.

[Skybo]

I understand the reasoning for placing Brownwood where it is. We need non-TV residents to help support the businesses. If it were located further in the interior of TV, then that would increase the non-TV resident traffic through residential areas. What I really wish though was that they had put an additional tunnel beneath 466a further to the west. Anyone living on the Buena Vista corridor will have to travel east for quite a distance to get to the tunnel and then travel back west to get to Brownwood.

Kentucky Blue: I try to drive my golf cart as much as possible. It saves on gas and makes parking much easier when the squares are crowded. Plus it�s fun and relaxing ... something that driving a car through the villages is NOT.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

....... What I really wish though was that they had put an additional tunnel beneath 466a further to the west. Anyone living on the Buena Vista corridor will have to travel east for quite a distance to get to the tunnel and then travel back west to get to Brownwood. .......

Isn't there a tunnel under 466a just a tad east of Buena Vista (close to the new assisted living center)?

Bill :)

[BOMBERO]

Isn't there a tunnel under 466a just a tad east of Buena Vista (close to the new assisted living center)?

Bill :)

Yes.:shocked:

[Skybo]

Isn't there a tunnel under 466a just a tad east of Buena Vista (close to the new assisted living center)?

Bill :)

Well, �tad� is a relative term. That�s the tunnel I use, but it seems like I have to travel east for quite a distance before I get to the tunnel. No biggie, I�m not really complaining, just wishing.

[rubicon]

I am glad that Brownwood is going to be larger than LSL and further down Buena Vista as it will take pressure off of LSL. And I am not concerned about tunnels because I only use my golf cart for golf .

[skyc6]

When I read the *police news* in the paper, the few people arrested in Wildwood are not often involved in violent crimes. It is mostly drugs, petty theft, and family disputes.
Every city has these things going on, but from what I am reading, there is nothing happening in Wildwood like the city I left to come here! The news spoke of murders, gangs, and violent crimes nearly every night. Maybe not in my neighborhood, but in my city. I think a lot of the people in Wildwood are poor, and just scraping by, and maybe Brownwood will give some of these people some employment. The businesses I have been to in Wildwood are very nice and welcome Villagers. The Villages has been good for the surrounding areas, and I truly believe Wildwood will benefit, as well, and maybe Brownwood will benefit from giving Wildwood a leg up, too. Relax and Enjoy!

[Pturner]

My wife & I drove down to where the new Brownwood square is being built and were shocked to see that it was in the furthest Southeast corner of TV property. What were they thinking? Even people in Sanibel and other villages south of 466A will have a trek down there never mind us that are north of it. I just don't get it- you would think it would be located halfway between Morse & Buena Vista (east to west) and halfway between 466A and the southern most route (north to south) in order to maximize the number of Villagers that would have easy access to it. I guess they're not marketing just to TVers.

The Brownwood location makes sense to me. The first two squares were off Morse, so it seems sensible that the final one would be off of Buena Vista.

Not sure the relevants of it not being close to Sanibel. It will be quite close and convenient to the Villages built on the western end of third phase of TV. It's no different than say, LSL not being as close to Buttonwood on the current south side or SS not being that close to Chatham on the north side.

It's definitely not surprising that the new square would be either close to Morse or close to Buena Vista because the squares do need to attract area residents.

As for Wildwood being a poorer community, Sumter County was one of the poorer counties in Florida until The Villages took up so much of the land in the county. Now Sumter is one of the richer FL counties. The soon-to-be SW residential section of TV, the Brownwood Town Square and resulting ancillory development nearby will do the same for Wildwood.

Many of us who hail from suburbs throughout the country live in territory that was rural and poorer before the suburbs expanded to include it.

Here's to the upcoming Brownwood Square!

:beer3:

[2BNTV]

Do you honestly think for 1 minute that the incredibly visionary Morse family would not have a major development plan for the entire Brownwood area.Everything they do does not center strictly on TV,a regional plan could be part of their future.I cannot believe so many are concerned about distances and golf cart travel,how about using your automobile once in awhile,and get out of your "little bubble."Finally, what Wildwood needs is jobs,especially for their youth, and Brownwood would provide numerous opportunities for employment.

:agree:

1. I for one, would never question the Morses business acumen.
2. With the aquistion of more land in the offing, this pushes the build-out date to?
3. I think there might be more even distribution of people in the town squares with the addition of Brownwood as people have complained about square crowding during popular events.

Who knows if one day, the northwest corner will have a square and everyone will have a short trip to the squares? Bring on Brownwood. TV just keeps on getting better. :)

[chuckinca]

The Brownwood location makes sense to me. The first two squares were off Morse, so it seems sensible that the final one would be off of Buena Vista.
:beer3:


Spanish Springs is a Tad off Morse.


.

[swrinfla]

:bigbow:

While I still retain some reservations as to the overall safety of areas south of CR466-A, I am increasingly comfortable with TV's overall plan!

Personally, I find that my distances from either square dictate what I'm likely to do! That means that going to Spanish Springs' Town Square (SSTS), Lake Sumter Landing's Market Square (LSLMS) or Brownwood's Paddock Square (BPS) rule.

Physically, I am closer to both SSTS and LSLMS than BPS, and am frankly likely to watch those guidelines!

SWR
:beer3:

[walkr]

I agree. Also, most people in Wildwood are good people.

I agree too. And most people everywhere are good people.

[swimdawg]

I agree too. And most people everywhere are good people.

Give me 5 for that one.....:highfive:

[skyguy79]

Spanish Springs is a Tad off Morse.By a tad off Morse do you mean it's real close or real far. Unless they moved Spanish Springs since we went there via Morse just yesterday, its less that a mile off of Morse to the Town Square in SS. I've taken my mobility scooter further than that one way just to get our mail in Hadley.

As for the issue of where Brownwood is located, it's no more a distance issue for those in the older sections of TV or those concerned about the distance from their home than it is for those of us near or below 466a to Spanish Springs! Even discussing the issue is little more than an exercise in futility since Brownwood or the other two town squares are where they are and will stay there, not be moved... unless of course there's an earthquake of epic proportions.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/MySpotToo/Emoterunforthehills.gif

[ilovetv]

Although Brownwood seems a little far from 466-A/Morse area, I trust that the developers know what they're doing. I'm always amazed at their productivity and quality of construction and communities. Driving on 446-A and looking to the south, it's workers and construction going up as far as the eye can see for miles.

Can you imagine elected officials and a local governing body accomplishing in 5 years what the developers accomplish here in 5 MONTHS??? No way!!!

[VillagesFlorida]

I remember the day back in 2002 when The Villages development plans came grinding to a halt. Dan Farnsworth, a farmer from Oxford, didn't like what he was hearing about The Villages' proposed plans to develop land south of Rt. 466. After witnessing so much building and site work, since moving here in 1998, it seemed surreal to see huge earth-moving machines sitting silent in the middle of half-developed fields. Piles of pipes and reels of wire lay covered with dust. Contractors and sub contractors laid off workers and many of them sought work elsewhere. For months the landscape looked eerie and it seemed like a plague of some kind had gone through the whole area. I was able to find an old article that the Orlando Sentinel printed in 2002. Perhaps someone on this forum knows exactly what happened to end the standoff. The word around town was that The Villages settled on a "deal" with Farnsworth. "You stop this nonsense and we'll stop our lawsuit against you".

Speaking Out Has Its Price - Orlando Sentinel (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2002-04-10/news/0204100310_1_farnsworth-sumter-county-villages)

[Schaumburger]

I remember the day back in 2002 when The Villages development plans came grinding to a halt. Dan Farnsworth, a farmer from Oxford, didn't like what he was hearing about The Villages' proposed plans to develop land south of Rt. 466. After witnessing so much building and site work, since moving here in 1998, it seemed surreal to see huge earth-moving machines sitting silent in the middle of half-developed fields. Piles of pipes and reels of wire lay covered with dust. Contractors and sub contractors laid off workers and many of them sought work elsewhere. For months the landscape looked eerie and it seemed like a plague of some kind had gone through the whole area. I was able to find an old article that the Orlando Sentinel printed in 2002. Perhaps someone on this forum knows exactly what happened to end the standoff. The word around town was that The Villages settled on a "deal" with Farnsworth. "You stop this nonsense and we'll stop our lawsuit against you".

Speaking Out Has Its Price - Orlando Sentinel (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2002-04-10/news/0204100310_1_farnsworth-sumter-county-villages)

Thank you for posting the link to this article. Interesting reading from almost 10 years ago. Wonder if a deal was cut with Mr. Farnsworth to make him go away? Does every man have his price?

[VillagesFlorida]

Thank you for posting the link to this article. Interesting reading from almost 10 years ago. Wonder if a deal was cut with Mr. Farnsworth to make him go away? Does every man have his price?

I am quite sure, if my memory serves me correctly, that a "deal" of some sort is what quieted Dan Farnsworth and allowed building to move forward. There is likely an article explaining just what happened but I have not been able to locate it on the net anywhere....yet. Also, I could swear that back then I read somewhere that Dan Farnsworth had made his fortune, whatever that is or was, doing some kind of developing in S. Florida. At the time I remember thinking that it was OK for him to be a successful developer but not OK for the Morse family. I have saved some Daily Sun newspapers over the years that reported on major development news in the community here. I do not think I have any articles pertaining to Farnsworth but I will go through them when I get a chance.

[Bogie Shooter]

A few news items I found. Do google search on Dan Farnsworth the villages.


From POA archives:
The CEEB Articles - Resident living here about three years ago will remember the legal fight with Dan Farnsworth, an Oxford farmer, over whether the Villages developer should be allowed to build south of highway 466.

An organization of suppliers, vendors, workers, construction firms, Villages employees, etc., formed a group known as CEEB. The group's main function was to agitate and demonstrate for proceeding with the development and construction work. Many believed that the developer of The Villages was ultimately behind the group. Many, if not most, of the CEEB members were from outside either The Villages, Sumter County, or even the state. Most had a direct financial involvement with the planned construction.

You could scarcely not pick up a copy of the Daily Sun without seeing story after story describing the CEEB goals of starting the construction and discrediting Dan Farnsworth. Farnsworth was effectively ridiculed for his belief that the development would destroy the rural way of life in Sumter County that he and many others valued. Many residents could see what appeared to be the Daily Sun's one-sided coverage. Farnsworth's reasoning was never given much if any coverage in the paper. You might not have agreed with his reasoning, but you never saw it fully explained in the Sun

Was this fair and balanced? Don't think so!

================================
Daily Commercial 3/19/02
Villages angered by neighbor delaying expansion (http://www.ccfj.net/HOAvilang.htm)

=====================
Orlando Sentinel 11/2002 Covers the settlement
Towns See Villages As Mixed Blessing - Page 3 - Orlando Sentinel (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2002-11-25/news/0211250068_1_bushnell-villages-sumter-county/3)

[VillagesFlorida]

"You could scarcely not pick up a copy of the Daily Sun without seeing story after story describing the CEEB goals of starting the construction and discrediting Dan Farnsworth. Farnsworth was effectively ridiculed for his belief that the development would destroy the rural way of life in Sumter County that he and many others valued. Many residents could see what appeared to be the Daily Sun's one-sided coverage. Farnsworth's reasoning was never given much if any coverage in the paper. You might not have agreed with his reasoning, but you never saw it fully explained in the Sun"



That's right, the only time we ever saw any real details in print as to Dan Farnsworth's reasons for bucking The Villages was in other newspapers, not in The Daily Sun. Maybe that is why I may NOT have saved any of those articles!

[thistrucksforyou]

Is Morse going to build Electric plug in stations for our golf carts?

That would be great with all the bulding going on, but it won't be free ....I can imagine an electric station with a meter alot like a parking meter....Cash or charge for juice....Still good idea..

[Pturner]

I am quite sure, if my memory serves me correctly, that a "deal" of some sort is what quieted Dan Farnsworth and allowed building to move forward. There is likely an article explaining just what happened but I have not been able to locate it on the net anywhere....yet. Also, I could swear that back then I read somewhere that Dan Farnsworth had made his fortune, whatever that is or was, doing some kind of developing in S. Florida. At the time I remember thinking that it was OK for him to be a successful developer but not OK for the Morse family. I have saved some Daily Sun newspapers over the years that reported on major development news in the community here. I do not think I have any articles pertaining to Farnsworth but I will go through them when I get a chance.

A few news items I found. Do google search on Dan Farnsworth the villages.


From POA archives:
The CEEB Articles - Resident living here about three years ago will remember the legal fight with Dan Farnsworth, an Oxford farmer, over whether the Villages developer should be allowed to build south of highway 466.

An organization of suppliers, vendors, workers, construction firms, Villages employees, etc., formed a group known as CEEB. The group's main function was to agitate and demonstrate for proceeding with the development and construction work. Many believed that the developer of The Villages was ultimately behind the group. Many, if not most, of the CEEB members were from outside either The Villages, Sumter County, or even the state. Most had a direct financial involvement with the planned construction.

You could scarcely not pick up a copy of the Daily Sun without seeing story after story describing the CEEB goals of starting the construction and discrediting Dan Farnsworth. Farnsworth was effectively ridiculed for his belief that the development would destroy the rural way of life in Sumter County that he and many others valued. Many residents could see what appeared to be the Daily Sun's one-sided coverage. Farnsworth's reasoning was never given much if any coverage in the paper. You might not have agreed with his reasoning, but you never saw it fully explained in the Sun

Was this fair and balanced? Don't think so!

================================
Daily Commercial 3/19/02
Villages angered by neighbor delaying expansion (http://www.ccfj.net/HOAvilang.htm)

=====================
Orlando Sentinel 11/2002 Covers the settlement
Towns See Villages As Mixed Blessing - Page 3 - Orlando Sentinel (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2002-11-25/news/0211250068_1_bushnell-villages-sumter-county/3)

Thanks VillagesFlorida and Bogie Shooter for the historical perspective. Change is often resisted before being eventually embraced, if not just taken for granted.

[graciegirl]

Thanks VillagesFlorida and Bogie Shooter for the historical perspective. Change is often resisted before being eventually embraced, if not just taken for granted.

Oh P...and there is a P in PTurner....P, everytime you open your mouth, pearls of wisdom fall from it.

That wasn't your teeth, was it?

I wubs you P.:bigbow:

[janmcn]

I remember the day back in 2002 when The Villages development plans came grinding to a halt. Dan Farnsworth, a farmer from Oxford, didn't like what he was hearing about The Villages' proposed plans to develop land south of Rt. 466. After witnessing so much building and site work, since moving here in 1998, it seemed surreal to see huge earth-moving machines sitting silent in the middle of half-developed fields. Piles of pipes and reels of wire lay covered with dust. Contractors and sub contractors laid off workers and many of them sought work elsewhere. For months the landscape looked eerie and it seemed like a plague of some kind had gone through the whole area. I was able to find an old article that the Orlando Sentinel printed in 2002. Perhaps someone on this forum knows exactly what happened to end the standoff. The word around town was that The Villages settled on a "deal" with Farnsworth. "You stop this nonsense and we'll stop our lawsuit against you".

Speaking Out Has Its Price - Orlando Sentinel (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2002-04-10/news/0204100310_1_farnsworth-sumter-county-villages)

I remember the Farnsworth episode quite well. One of his arguments against development was that there is not enough water available to sustain a large population. I guess we'll find out if he was right when more sinkholes develop. It was inferred that he got a large settlement, although no amount was ever mentioned. He was still living on 466 out toward I-75 the last I heard, and he made his money laying cables in south Florida.

[Penguin]

A few news items I found. Do google search on Dan Farnsworth the villages.


From POA archives:
The CEEB Articles - Resident living here about three years ago will remember the legal fight with Dan Farnsworth, an Oxford farmer, over whether the Villages developer should be allowed to build south of highway 466.

An organization of suppliers, vendors, workers, construction firms, Villages employees, etc., formed a group known as CEEB. The group's main function was to agitate and demonstrate for proceeding with the development and construction work. Many believed that the developer of The Villages was ultimately behind the group. Many, if not most, of the CEEB members were from outside either The Villages, Sumter County, or even the state. Most had a direct financial involvement with the planned construction.

You could scarcely not pick up a copy of the Daily Sun without seeing story after story describing the CEEB goals of starting the construction and discrediting Dan Farnsworth. Farnsworth was effectively ridiculed for his belief that the development would destroy the rural way of life in Sumter County that he and many others valued. Many residents could see what appeared to be the Daily Sun's one-sided coverage. Farnsworth's reasoning was never given much if any coverage in the paper. You might not have agreed with his reasoning, but you never saw it fully explained in the Sun

Was this fair and balanced? Don't think so!

================================
Daily Commercial 3/19/02
Villages angered by neighbor delaying expansion (http://www.ccfj.net/HOAvilang.htm)

=====================
Orlando Sentinel 11/2002 Covers the settlement
Towns See Villages As Mixed Blessing - Page 3 - Orlando Sentinel (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2002-11-25/news/0211250068_1_bushnell-villages-sumter-county/3)

MAN! And I thought I could get my transformer moved. Pretty funny.

[Russ_Boston]

It doesn't look like Farnsworth was paid off. It appears (from the Orlando Sentinel article) that lawsuits brought forth by TV made both sides reach an agreement. My guess is that TV tried to buy him out long before they reached a 'settlement' since they said it was costing 50K per day delay and he wouldn't back down. The threat of TV winning the lawsuit (along with some cash maybe) made Farnsworth back off. Who really knows! But in the end it's tough for any local to stand up to progress. It's an age old story and one that never comes out well for the NIMBY crowd.

[mac9]

There is an electric outlet in a parking space outside of Kohl's for car recharging. Maybe there will be some at Brownwood.

[graciegirl]

I remember the Farnsworth episode quite well. One of his arguments against development was that there is not enough water available to sustain a large population. I guess we'll find out if he was right when more sinkholes develop. It was inferred that he got a large settlement, although no amount was ever mentioned. He was still living on 466 out toward I-75 the last I heard, and he made his money laying cables in south Florida.

We will never know if he was concerned about the cows and farms and bucolic atmosphere going away as it talks about in the Sentinel or whether he was concerned about getting top dollar for his property.

Since I think The Villages is a wonderful place to be and most of us agree, I think it turned out great. Angie Fox is probably living right where his chickens were.

Life continues and then it's history.

[janmcn]

We will never know if he was concerned about the cows and farms and bucolic atmosphere going away as it talks about in the Sentinel or whether he was concerned about getting top dollar for his property.

Since I think The Villages is a wonderful place to be and most of us agree, I think it turned out great. Angie Fox is probably living right where his chickens were.

Life continues and then it's history.

As I recollect, Farnsworth didn't own the property where The Villages now sits. His acreage is on 466 west of 301 towards I-75. He just was opposed to over-development. When he settled with the developer, he signed a confidentialty agreement so no amount was ever made public.

[skyguy79]

Angie Fox is probably living right where his chickens were.

Life continues and then it's history.I heard a rumor that when they've sold all the properties in Sanabel that their going to put those chickens right back there again! :shocked:

[Schaumburger]

I heard a rumor that when they've sold all the properties in Sanabel that their going to put those chickens right back there again! :shocked:

Then the Sanibelers can sell fresh eggs at the squares on market nights. I can hear the roosters crowing now :).

[graciegirl]

All's well that ends well.

[skyguy79]

All's well that ends well.Cock-a-doodle-doo - YouTube (http://youtu.be/ZiB8chDpvxc) :a040:

[Bogie Shooter]

I heard a rumor that when they've sold all the properties in Sanabel that their going to put those chickens right back there again! :shocked:
Oh no, not another rumor....................

[collie1228]

Oh no, don't tell me - now "the chicken pooped on my lawn" threads will start up . . . . .

[Bill-n-Brillo]

I can only hope the chickens know how to properly navigate the roundabouts.........

:popcorn:

Bill :)

[memason]

I can only hope the chickens know how to properly navigate the roundabouts.........

:popcorn:

Bill :)

.... or poop on someone's lawn . . . :shocked:

[Jim 9922]

I can only hope the chickens know how to properly navigate the roundabouts.........

:popcorn:

Bill :)

.... or limit their speed when crossing to the other side of the road to 20 MPH, or sometimes 15 MPH:ohdear:

[jackz]

.... or limit their speed when crossing to the other side of the road to 20 MPH, or sometimes 15 MPH:ohdear:

Or not bringing their dogs to the squares..........

[Pturner]

Well, the only reason the chicken crossed the road in the first place was... to prove to the possum that it could be done.

[Pturner]

Oh P...and there is a P in PTurner....P, everytime you open your mouth, pearls of wisdom fall from it.

That wasn't your teeth, was it?

I wubs you P.:bigbow:

I wish!

... Oh darn, where the heck are my teeth.

[jackz]

Isn't anyone going to warn the chickens about the Coyotes in TV...

[skyguy79]

I can only hope the chickens know how to properly navigate the roundabouts.........

:popcorn:

Bill :)OMG, if chickens start nagivating the roundabouts, they'll have to send crews regularly to clean up the chickens pluck'n feathers. Mark my words!
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLIMArRR-GFn90pxp-cnXmt554v94esuJfDrCfign_JhUReySpp_2k

[CarGuys]

...and if you're lucky enough to live in the wonderful Village of St. James, you'll have the best of both worlds.
We are about halfway between LSL and Brownwood. :thumbup:

One of the reason we picked Tamarind Grove. Were in the middle!

[graciegirl]

One of the reason we picked Tamarind Grove. Were in the middle!

Well Car. You are in the middle of something, we all are. I would say that we are in the middle. (466 between Buena Vista and Morse)

Come on...let's see who else thinks they are in the middle. ;)

This is fun.

Someone says that it is 17 miles from one end to the other, Is that from Orange Blossom Restaurant to Brownwood?

[LittleDog]

It's 8.5 miles from Cane to Mulberry.

John

[angiefox10]

We will never know if he was concerned about the cows and farms and bucolic atmosphere going away as it talks about in the Sentinel or whether he was concerned about getting top dollar for his property.

Since I think The Villages is a wonderful place to be and most of us agree, I think it turned out great. Angie Fox is probably living right where his chickens were.

Life continues and then it's history.

I plan on raising chickens in my "birdcage".

[Penguin]

I'm in Sanibel and believe its 3 miles to Lake Sumter and 3 miles to Brownwood. Works for me.:coolsmiley:

[skyguy79]

One of the reason we picked Tamarind Grove. Were in the middle!
Perhaps we should call you... Malcolm?
Well Car. You are in the middle of something, we all are. I would say that we are in the middle. (466 between Buena Vista and Morse)

Come on...let's see who else thinks they are in the middle. ;)

This is fun.

Someone says that it is 17 miles from one end to the other, Is that from Orange Blossom Restaurant to Brownwood?
I had thought that the distance was about 14.7 miles, but doing a little Google work I found that the driving distance between Rt 42 & 44 along Buena Vista is 12.8 miles. Also found that the air miles between 42 & 44 running 0� north to south and based at approximately where Morse is expect to end on the south end at 44 is roughly 12.2 miles. I think the distance by golf cart would need to be measured by the actually driving; I don't think I need to explain why!
I plan on raising chickens in my "birdcage".Chickens controlled by a Fox? Humm... something just ain't right here! :shocked:

==============

We got distance to all 3 squares being that we're just about 80 yards from Fruitland Park & Lake Co on the outer edge of TV just above Colony Plaza. No complaints here though. It is what it is and I'm happy to just be here in TV!
:a040:

[Yorio]

We played Oakleigh yesterday and it's further than Lopez as we are coming from Pennecamp. Believe we clocked at 45 to 50 minutes. Brownwood is fine where it is. In fact I recommend moving the "main gates" of TV to Bueno Vista Blvd with two huge frog statues on either side. The current area of 441/27 is too congested. This allows traffic coming in from I-75 or from Florida Turnpike to be more smooth. I don't need to think what the area might be 10 to 20 years from now as I'll be more likely croaked by then.:icon_wink:

[Pturner]

Q: So... what did the chickens say to the frogs?
A: Eat mo beef. :D

[Yorio]

Are you telling me that area south of 466A was Lil' Abner territory? If so, where is that gal now? She moved to Palm Beach and selling diamonds instead of chicken eggs?

[jackz]

I plan on raising chickens in my "birdcage".

So there will be a FOX in the henhouse..........

[angiefox10]

So there will be a FOX in the henhouse..........

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[collie1228]

Conversely, there may be a hen in the FOXhouse . . . .

[gg]

I agree it should have been built in the middle between Morse and Buena
vista...this is not for the convience of The Villagers...it is to bring in Wildwood people ....they want to make money....but who is going to spend more money on the square....who is going to buy more drinks....I am very disappointed in the location...,but they don't care.

[billethkid]

if they didn't care you would not have what we all enjoy as TV!!

I am sure when they starting planning and building LSL town square the folks who live in "the historic side" of TV were wondering why they had to put it so far South!!!

Many of the retailers we have all come to enjoy need the non resident revenues to continue to be there for the rest of us.

Some could move to a point that is more central to everything that is to their liking....eh?

btk

[eweissenbach]

if they didn't care you would not have what we all enjoy as TV!!

I am sure when they starting planning and building LSL town square the folks who live in "the historic side" of TV were wondering why they had to put it so far South!!!

Many of the retailers we have all come to enjoy need the non resident revenues to continue to be there for the rest of us.

Some could move to a point that is more central to everything that is to their liking....eh?

btk

NOTHING the Morses do is random or done without careful thought and planning. There are very good reasons they are building Brownwood where they are, whether we realize it or not. These people have the best expertise for community planning the world has ever seen, and that is not hyperbole.

[graciegirl]

I agree it should have been built in the middle between Morse and Buena
vista...this is not for the convience of The Villagers...it is to bring in Wildwood people ....they want to make money....but who is going to spend more money on the square....who is going to buy more drinks....I am very disappointed in the location...,but they don't care.

If you drew a circle..and think of The Villages as a face of a clock, Spanish Springs would be at about two o'clock and Brownwood would be at about seven o'clock and Lake Sumter Landing would be where the hands join. kinda...well east of that really.

I would like to make a statement that I am glad we don't have any input and glad that we don't have the right to vote on stuff like this. We have some pretty out there ideas on this forum and I am satisfied, no thrilled with the planning so far.

I have seen some gooney things happen when homeowners are running the HOA and that was in much smaller communities than this.

I have a neighbor, a friend, whose job throughout life was to plan communities and large areas in cities all over the world. And she is a big fan of The Villages.

I am now going to hide under the bed.

[Graytop]

If you drew a circle..and think of The Villages as a face of a clock, Spanish Springs would be at about two o'clock and Brownwood would be at about seven o'clock and Lake Sumter Landing would be where the hands join. kinda...well east of that really.

I would like to make a statement that I am glad we don't have any input and glad that we don't have the right to vote on stuff like this. We have some pretty out there ideas on this forum and I am satisfied, no thrilled with the planning so far.

I have seen some gooney things happen when homeowners are running the HOA and that was in much smaller communities than this.

I have a neighbor, a friend, whose job throughout life was to plan communities and large areas in cities all over the world. And she is a big fan of The Villages.

I am now going to hide under the bed.

I agree,...I would rather live in a well planned, efficiently run kingdom versus a poorly run democracy! :smiley: I'll be hiding under my bed now!

[skyguy79]

I agree,...I would rather l
ive in a well planned, efficiently run kingdom versus a poorly run democracy! :smiley: I'll be hiding under my bed now!Me too!

http://smileys.smilchat.net/smiley/grumpy/fatigue/groslit.gif

[mrfixit]

Here's a guess for you:
The Morse's have purchased large tracts of land between Rt 44 and the Turnpike.

.....YUP.....and WAY beyond the Turnpike, too.

[joanofarctv]

Hey all we need is a re-charging station and a bait shack halfway to Brownwood! :wave:

[Bogie Shooter]

I agree it should have been built in the middle between Morse and Buena
vista...this is not for the convience of The Villagers...it is to bring in Wildwood people ....they want to make money....but who is going to spend more money on the square....who is going to buy more drinks....I am very disappointed in the location...,but they don't care.

Spanish Springs & Lake Sumter Landing squares would not survive on Villagers $ alone. The visitors both near and far support our squares and they will support Brownwood too. Why are you dissapointed, have you bought already or planning to buy? If the former didn't you know where Brownwood was going to be, if the latter now you know and you can make your decision accordingly.
Saying that "they don't care" is just your opinion, as others have said this developer knows what he is doing.

[Happinow]

Well Car. You are in the middle of something, we all are. I would say that we are in the middle. (466 between Buena Vista and Morse)

Come on...let's see who else thinks they are in the middle. ;)

This is fun.

Someone says that it is 17 miles from one end to the other, Is that from Orange Blossom Restaurant to Brownwood?

I'm in the middle....of the monkeys! Monkey in the middle!! Tag, your it...Wait, that's another game. I digress.

[Challenger]

I agree it should have been built in the middle between Morse and Buena
vista...this is not for the convience of The Villagers...it is to bring in Wildwood people ....they want to make money....but who is going to spend more money on the square....who is going to buy more drinks....I am very disappointed in the location...,but they don't care.

Oh but they do care. Their goal is to continue running a profitable business, and to do it they need to have goobs of customers for the businesses that will locate there. Would you prefer a very successful center filled with a vibrant business community or one struggling to only serve TVers?

[Mikeod]

Oh but they do care. Their goal is to continue running a profitable business, and to do it they need to have goobs of customers for the businesses that will locate there. Would you prefer a very successful center filled with a vibrant business community or one struggling to only serve TVers?
Spot on. In order to attract the types of businesses Villagers enjoy, TV must show demographics that suggest success. For these businesses to be successful they must have sufficient clientele all year round, not just Jan. through April. That means they need to be readily accessible to more than just Villagers. In other threads, it is argued that Costco and others won't come here because TV by itself is not a large enough customer base. Locating Brownwood where it is allows it to draw from Wildwood and even from the Turnpike and I-75. Perhaps that will entice some of the businesses we want to come here.

[wej0319]

I'd rather have the new Town Center there then to have home backing up to Route 44. A lot of traffic on that road. Seems like good urban planning to me.

[rubicon]

I cannot imagine a 11,135 views and 107 posts so far on this thread.

[ducati1974]

Okay, so I'm the guy that started this thread and I get what everyone is saying about the the business end of the decision to place Brownwood closer to the general public. I guess I'm lamenting the fact that fewer Villagers will have the ease and enjoyment of walking or taking a short ride to this new square. We own in Virginia Trace and love the accessibility of Lake Sumter Landing to our home. The thing about LSL is that its centrally located and there are many, many Villages that have easy access to it- its surrounded by so many TVers!
I just feel bad that fewer people will enjoy the same proximity with Brownwood- the feeling that its your town square. I have to say it felt like a loooong drive from our area. Just sayin' is all.

[graciegirl]

Okay, so I'm the guy that started this thread and I get what everyone is saying about the the business end of the decision to place Brownwood closer to the general public. I guess I'm lamenting the fact that fewer Villagers will have the ease and enjoyment of walking or taking a short ride to this new square. We own in Virginia Trace and love the accessibility of Lake Sumter Landing to our home. The thing about LSL is that its centrally located and there are many, many Villages that have easy access to it- its surrounded by so many TVers!
I just feel bad that fewer people will enjoy the same proximity with Brownwood- the feeling that its your town square. I have to say it felt like a loooong drive from our area. Just sayin' is all.

You DO realize that all that empty space along Buena Vista between 466a and 44 will one day BE villages?

[JimPete]

I just feel bad that fewer people will enjoy the same proximity with Brownwood- the feeling that its your town square. I have to say it felt like a loooong drive from our area. Just sayin' is all.

Fewer TVers for now. Brownwood will be a short drive for more and more people as the building of homes continues in the area. And there will be more and more people that find LSL a long drive. SS may be out of the question by cart for some. Bottom line, don't worry it'll all work out.

Jim

[ducati1974]

You DO realize that all that empty space along Buena Vista between 466a and 44 will one day BE villages?

Of course I do, however Brownwood will be in the SW corner of the area which limits the number of Villages in close proximity as opposed to a central location. Again I understand the business concept and agree the planners have done a great job all along- I'm just looking at it as Villager not a business concept.

[Barefoot]

Well Car. You are in the middle of something, we all are. I would say that we are in the middle. (466 between Buena Vista and Morse)

Come on...let's see who else thinks they are in the middle.


What a hoot, everyone thinks they are in the middle.

But seriously, we really ARE in the middle. Belvedere Village, south of 466.
15 minutes to Spanish Springs, 8 minutes to Lake Sumter Landing, and probably 15 minutes to Brownwood.

And best of all, 2 minutes to Bonefish Grill! Oh, wait, that's another thread...

[REDCART]

Think Happy Hour. We know why it's been 2 hours in SS and 1 hour in LSL. Using developer logic, expect a 3 hour HH for Brownwood. It's worked before and it will work again for them!

[Skybo]

From Tamarind Grove we are about 15-20 minutes (in a golf cart) from LSL and I�m guessing that we�ll be about 15-20 minutes from Brownwood...so we�re in the middle too...at least as far as town squares are concerned.

But (at this time) we are in the boonies as far as grocery, gas, restaraunts and hardware stores are concerned.

[CarGuys]

From Tamarind Grove we are about 15-20 minutes (in a golf cart) from LSL and I�m guessing that we�ll be about 15-20 minutes from Brownwood...so we�re in the middle too...at least as far as town squares are concerned.

But (at this time) we are in the boonies as far as grocery, gas, restaraunts and hardware stores are concerned.

I assume it will all developed. The pasture in back of Tamarind I hear is being developed. Hope they put up a buffer zone. Tamarind is a nice location between LSL and the new Village!

H