Unhappy Property Owners

[jkpender]

I recently read in the April issue of the POA Bulletin that there are some unhappy property owners in the Village of Duval. It said that their property abuts the new assisted living facility on 466A. Does anyone know why this is creating such a problem for them?

[Bonny]

Can't imagine why they are upset about that. We know there will be buildings going up all over the place. I have some friends that live over there & it doesn't bother them. You can see it from their yard.

[elevatorman]

I think original plans called for the structure to be 2 story. Then it was raised to 3 stories.

[cquick]

It looks like it's a beautiful building with lots of landscaping around it. Do the residents of Duval feel that it will detract from their property values? I would be surprised if it does, because there are many neighborhoods surrounding the squares that don't seemto have that problem.

[Bogie Shooter]

I recently read in the April issue of the POA Bulletin that there are some unhappy property owners in the Village of Duval. It said that their property abuts the new assisted living facility on 466A. Does anyone know why this is creating such a problem for them?

You should add that the POA indicated that there was no guarantee that that space was not going to have something built on it. However, the POA would be glad to attend the meeting with the property owners.
Buyer beware.....if your potential new home backs up to an open space, it may not stay an open space.

[graciegirl]

You should add that the POA indicated that there was no guarantee that that space was not going to have something built on it. However, the POA would be glad to attend the meeting with the property owners.
Buyer beware.....if your potential new home backs up to an open space, it may not stay an open space.

You are so right...and we all should be old enough to know that.

[jsw14]

You should add that the POA indicated that there was no guarantee that that space was not going to have something built on it. However, the POA would be glad to attend the meeting with the property owners.
Buyer beware.....if your potential new home backs up to an open space, it may not stay an open space.

TV will call that an Up-Grade!! Me, I'm injoyin my :popcorn:

[renielarson]

You should add that the POA indicated that there was no guarantee that that space was not going to have something built on it. However, the POA would be glad to attend the meeting with the property owners.
Buyer beware.....if your potential new home backs up to an open space, it may not stay an open space.

Agree...no guarantee so I don't think the homeowners have a leg to stand on. But I have heard why they are upset through a friend who is a neighbor, although it probably won't make a difference. The residents don't like the idea that people in the facility can look out their window, look down, and see them in their pools or on their lanais. It's an invasion of privacy in their opinion.

[NotGolfer]

If it's about the building....they should have known (w/o a specification of height) that they were buying adjacent to an area that would have "commerce". I'm just saying! I would imagine that there will be lovely landscaping (ie. trees etc) and their "view" won't be obscured...oh wait...there is also a wall all along there as well! Not sure why they'd be upset at this time! The building itself is quite lovely!

[jsw14]

Agree...no guarantee so I don't think the homeowners have a leg to stand on. But I have heard why they are upset through a friend who is a neighbor, although it probably won't make a difference. The residents don't like the idea that people in the facility can look out their window, look down, and see them in their pools or on their lanais. It's an invasion of privacy in their opinion.

I agree 100%>>>>I can SEE U flipflopz:laugh::laugh::icon_wink::popcorn:

[Mallory]

My recollection is that on old maps this property was shown as a "Financial Area" much like the banking area on 466. Might have had traffic in & out all the time. Would think this would be quieter.

[joannej]

I thought the same thing when I saw the building.

[Bonny]

I don't think anyone in there will be able to see that far. At least not very well.

[jsw14]

I don't think anyone in there will be able to see that far. At least not very well.

:laugh::laugh::laugh: Right-on Bonny.......:popcorn:

[jane032657]

I think the building is an assisted living, correct? I have been the administrator of two assisted livings. They are very quiet inside and out, sometimes sadly so.

[VillageSitter]

From what I've been told, when those residents purchased their homes which backed up to that vacant property at the time, they were informed it was slated to be a financial district like the one on 466. I hear they were also told, no buildings over 1 story would be built. I'm in Duval often and when I first came around the bend and saw that tall building right behind those homes, I have to say I was shocked. Those from the assisted living facility can look down right into windows of homes. With that said, Sumter Place is a very attractive facility. I guess I would be upset if I purchased a property and was promised there would only be 1 story buildings behind me and got huge massive walls blocking my views of the beautiful skies we have but ... Sorry to say, now-a-days, you can never trust anything someone says without it being in writing.

[skyguy79]

I think the building is an assisted living, correct? I have been the administrator of two assisted livings. They are very quiet inside and out, sometimes sadly so.My father was in an assisted living facility before he died, and the only action that he ever saw going on outside was a couple of turkeys occasionally passing by his window!
http://smileys.smilchat.net/smiley/food/thanksgiving/thanks02.gif http://smileys.smilchat.net/smiley/food/thanksgiving/thanks02.gif

[Pturner]

From what I've been told, when those residents purchased their homes which backed up to that vacant property at the time, they were informed it was slated to be a financial district like the one on 466. I hear they were also told, no buildings over 1 story would be built. I'm in Duval often and when I first came around the bend and saw that tall building right behind those homes, I have to say I was shocked. Those from the assisted living facility can look down right into windows of homes. With that said, Sumter Place is a very attractive facility. I guess I would be upset if I purchased a property and was promised there would only be 1 story buildings behind me and got huge massive walls blocking my views of the beautiful skies we have but ... Sorry to say, now-a-days, you can never trust anything someone says without it being in writing.

Or it could just be that initial plans called for a financial district at that location. Thing is, building plans on vacant property are always subject to change. Always. We can borrow a lovely view and appreciate it while it's there, but unless we buy it, we don't own it.

I do suspect and strongly hope that the more Duval homeowners learn about the new development, the more they will learn it won't be a problem. My guess and hope is that it will be landscaped in such a way as to add beauty to their surroundings, not subtract from it.

It also seems unlikely that it will be built in such a way that residents of the assisted living complex can see into their homes and vise versa. I don't blame them at all for asking questions and seeking answers. I just think that when all is said and done it's going to end up being not only without detriment but gorgeous.

[mulligan]

We're hearing about "what they were told", but what was on the signed disclosure at closing?

[graciegirl]

We're hearing about "what they were told", but what was on the signed disclosure at closing?

P Turner said it all so gently and so well.

Sometimes the words "promised" and "told" when written on here really should be the words "surmised" and "thought".

[spk7951]

From what I've been told, when those residents purchased their homes which backed up to that vacant property at the time, they were informed it was slated to be a financial district like the one on 466. I hear they were also told, no buildings over 1 story would be built. I'm in Duval often and when I first came around the bend and saw that tall building right behind those homes, I have to say I was shocked. Those from the assisted living facility can look down right into windows of homes. With that said, Sumter Place is a very attractive facility. I guess I would be upset if I purchased a property and was promised there would only be 1 story buildings behind me and got huge massive walls blocking my views of the beautiful skies we have but ... Sorry to say, now-a-days, you can never trust anything someone says without it being in writing.


That was pretty much what we were told by our sales rep back in 2007 when she showed us houses backing up to that property. One story professional offices open 9 - 5 Mon thru Fri. Did not matter to us as we had no desire to back up to an unknown.

[coffeebean]

From what I've been told, when those residents purchased their homes which backed up to that vacant property at the time, they were informed it was slated to be a financial district like the one on 466. I hear they were also told, no buildings over 1 story would be built. I'm in Duval often and when I first came around the bend and saw that tall building right behind those homes, I have to say I was shocked. Those from the assisted living facility can look down right into windows of homes. With that said, Sumter Place is a very attractive facility. I guess I would be upset if I purchased a property and was promised there would only be 1 story buildings behind me and got huge massive walls blocking my views of the beautiful skies we have but ... Sorry to say, now-a-days, you can never trust anything someone says without it being in writing.
If this is true, I would be an extremely upset homeowner now that a three story building was built. Taught me a lesson...get it in writing!!!

[coffeebean]

Or it could just be that initial plans called for a financial district at that location. Thing is, building plans on vacant property are always subject to change. Always. We can borrow a lovely view and appreciate it while it's there, but unless we buy it, we don't own it.

I do suspect and strongly hope that the more Duval homeowners learn about the new development, the more they will learn it won't be a problem. My guess and hope is that it will be landscaped in such a way as to add beauty to their surroundings, not subtract from it.

It also seems unlikely that it will be built in such a way that residents of the assisted living complex can see into their homes and vise versa. I don't blame them at all for asking questions and seeking answers. I just think that when all is said and done it's going to end up being not only without detriment but gorgeous.

There is nothing gorgeous about blocking the view of beautiful blue sky, especially when anyone can look down on your property. Walls are built or landscaped for privacy. This is one heck of a huge wall and it has windows too. I'm thankful I am not one of those unlucky unsuspecting homeowners.

[graciegirl]

Here is the reason I think...the story may be a story. Who when describing future plans for an area adds in the number of stories? WHO?

I don't buy it. You need to take into consideration that when you buy some thing empty behind you it probably will someday be something...and something you don't like. It is YOUR responsibilty. I have YET to hear of anything from our sales persons mouth other than "we don't know"....when asked "What is that gonna be". They are too well trained to try shananigans like that...most of them anyway.

Further...I think that their hue and cry, those that are hueing and crying..is just plain SILLY. Those older than us folks aren't going to be peering down on them anymore than their neighbors will be peering in on them. ...and so what if they do? Older people are just like us only older.

boy howdy.

[golf2140]

Don't people investigate before they buy? :gc:

[Penguin]

If this is true, I would be an extremely upset homeowner now that a three story building was built. Taught me a lesson...get it in writing!!!

Even though you could get something in writing The Villages will say they have the right to make changes. I know first hand dealing with a transformer issue. Even though we like to build brand new, there is something said for buying in an established area. No surprises and you get what you see.

[bimmertl]

Decided to take a ride in the convertible and see first hand what all the fuss is about.

We were looking at new homes in TV in Sept 07. We specifically looked at an under construction Designer home that backed up to an empty lot overlooking 466A. Our realtor said he heard a Publix was going to go on the empty lot. I have no doubt that in 07 nobody was sure what was going to be there as property was for sale and nothing was finalized. We didn't buy the home for reasons having nothing to do with the empty lot.

That home now backs up directly to the multi story facility as do others. I doubt there is anybody who frequents this site that would want one of these homes. Whether or not somebody is looking out of their window or not is irrelevant. It's not a pretty site and no doubt their property values are dramatically affected.

Bottom line, it's a mess if you live directly behind it. Doubt you could have found out about it in 07.

I suggest all of you who think it's not a big deal get in your golf cart or car and go see for your selves and then ask a simple question, would I want to live there?

Of course if you happen to be in front of a computer screen in Atlanta, you can just keep imagining it's all just "gorgeous". Well guess what, it's not!

[skyguy79]

Even though you could get something in writing The Villages will say they have the right to make changes. Penguin, it's not even a question of The Villages right to make changes. The Villages has never had any control at to what was being built on the property because they never owned it. The property ownership where the facility is being built has been continually owned by the Word family out of Gainsville since at least 9/3/62. (per Sumter Co. Assessors Records) If the ownership has been transfered prior to the start of the buildings construction, it's not yet recorded on the Assessors website.

I think you're probably right about the misinformation being in writing at the time of the closing, but I doubt even that would do much good. The Villages could simply say that the information was to the best of their knowledge at the time, and that changes could have been made that they had no control over. I do feel to some extent for those who may feel short changed, but unfortunately I think it's pretty much a moot matter now with little or no recourse for them.

It has been brought to my attention that my comments above were based on my misunderstanding on exactly where the assisted living facility is located. I thought it was on the west side of Buena Vista rather than it's location on the east side of Buena Vista. Please disregard my comments and I apologize for any confusion that may have been caused by my misunderstanding.

[GatorFan]

Lake front property, never have to worry about a hurricane, max residents 20,000. These are just a few I have heard in past.

Growth is a beautiful thing.

[Barefoot]

It's called due dilligence. If you want to be guaranteed of privacy in your back yard, you can pay a large premium to back on a golf course or on Lake Sumter.

Otherwise, if you buy a home backing on an open space, enjoy it for a while. It's buyer beware. The plans for the lands may change, and the zoning may change also (e.g., from horse farm to commercial).

[Whalen]

The property in question, Sumter Place, is in The Villages.

It is an independent/assisted living rental facility.

Sumter Place | Sumter Place (http://www.sumterplace.com/)

[mulligan]

It may be in TV, but it is an outside independent developer, who actually owns a few of this type facility.

[Pturner]

Decided to take a ride in the convertible and see first hand what all the fuss is about.

We were looking at new homes in TV in Sept 07. We specifically looked at an under construction Designer home that backed up to an empty lot overlooking 466A. Our realtor said he heard a Publix was going to go on the empty lot. I have no doubt that in 07 nobody was sure what was going to be there as property was for sale and nothing was finalized. We didn't buy the home for reasons having nothing to do with the empty lot.

That home now backs up directly to the multi story facility as do others. I doubt there is anybody who frequents this site that would want one of these homes. Whether or not somebody is looking out of their window or not is irrelevant. It's not a pretty site and no doubt their property values are dramatically affected.

Bottom line, it's a mess if you live directly behind it. Doubt you could have found out about it in 07.

I suggest all of you who think it's not a big deal get in your golf cart or car and go see for your selves and then ask a simple question, would I want to live there?

Of course if you happen to be in front of a computer screen in Atlanta, you can just keep imagining it's all just "gorgeous". Well guess what, it's not!

Hi Bimmertl,
I agree that you could not have found out in '07 what was going to eventually be built on that vacant property. That's the point. One always takes a risk buying next to vacant property.

The fact that it is risky to buy next to vacant property is what should have been known in '07, and is ideally what should be known today by anyone considering buying next to vacant property for the view. The one almost certainty is that you will be buying a view that is here today and gone tomorrow.

You have a point that it is easy for me to imagine it will be gorgeous. I base it on the fact that homes near the current assisted living in TV ended up with nice neighbors and no harm that I can see.

It is also easy to imagine that it won't be gorgeous, as nothing is during construction. I hope it turns out to be gorgeous and does not ultimately harm nearby neighbors.

[Whalen]

It may be in TV, but it is an outside independent developer, who actually owns a few of this type facility.

But the developer owns the land.
Was just perusing their website and noticed that residents will also have access to all Villager amenities.

[CSilvestrucci]

When I bought my lot in Bonita I had beautiful sunsets every night as nothing was between me and Buena Vista Blvd for a few short months. Little by little the houses went up and my view was reduced to a glimmer of a sunset. I knew that land wouldn't stay vacant forever so I just enjoyed it for the short time I had it. But in return for the loss of the sunset view every evening I got wonderful neighbors who have become wonderful friends. My glass is always half full ... Life is so good here

[Indydealmaker]

When I bought my lot in Bonita I had beautiful sunsets every night as nothing was between me and Buena Vista Blvd for a few short months. Little by little the houses went up and my view was reduced to a glimmer of a sunset. I knew that land wouldn't stay vacant forever so I just enjoyed it for the short time I had it. But in return for the loss of the sunset view every evening I got wonderful neighbors who have become wonderful friends. My glass is always half full ... Life is so good here

:BigApplause:

[CSilvestrucci]

We do have it good here in Bonita :pepper2:

[graciegirl]

When I bought my lot in Bonita I had beautiful sunsets every night as nothing was between me and Buena Vista Blvd for a few short months. Little by little the houses went up and my view was reduced to a glimmer of a sunset. I knew that land wouldn't stay vacant forever so I just enjoyed it for the short time I had it. But in return for the loss of the sunset view every evening I got wonderful neighbors who have become wonderful friends. My glass is always half full ... Life is so good here

I think that those who live very close to you are very fortunate!

[villages07]

But the developer owns the land.
Was just perusing their website and noticed that residents will also have access to all Villager amenities.

Whalen...interesting observation. I wasn't aware that they would (or is it could) be paying amenity fees. Wonder if it will be mandatory or optional. I recall a controversy when the VCCDD approved allowing Freedom Pointe residents access to amenities (and, yes, they do pay the fee). This was sort of after the building was started/completed.

Here's a link to the Daily Sun announcement about Sumter Place... it strongly implies (without outright stating it) that their residents would have access to amenities (for the fee, I'm sure).

Partners break ground on 104-unit assisted-living facility - The Villages Daily Sun: Villages (http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/news/villages/article_337d41d6-a208-11e0-be00-001cc4c002e0.html)


In both cases, FP and Sumter Place, the overwhelming majority of residents are/will be former Villagers. I can understand the desire to continue their relationships with clubs, neighbors, etc. They are a relatively few units that pay full fee but put minimal drain on amenity resources.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand.... I empathize with the folks in Duval affected by this. For the longest time, the "official" Villages road map showed that as a financial center, so, there was an expectation of low rise, M-F business. The new facility is beautiful but it is big and can be seen from far away.

As others have said, vacant land behind you can always be changed so there is risk when purchasing such a lot.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

............As others have said, vacant land behind you can always be changed so there is risk when purchasing such a lot.

Witness the creation of The Haciendas of Mission Hills (at the SE corner of Morse and 466) as well. That area had originally been set up/zoned for commercial use a number of years back.

Bill :)

[JohnN]

If you buy property adjacent to vacant space, you take a risk.
What you're "told" doesn't really much matter, plans change.

[graciegirl]

Could someone good with a camera take some pictures of this place? From 466A and from the residential street behind?

[bimmertl]

Could someone good with a camera take some pictures of this place? From 466A and from the residential street behind?

Check out some of the photos in the Sumter Place link. It gives you and idea of where the homes are backing up to the facility but doesn't do justice to the height of the structure behind the homes.



Photos / Videos | Sumter Place (http://www.sumterplace.com/services-amenities/photos-videos/)

[Russ_Boston]

When we bought, our first priority (other than making sure we had room for Linda's pool:)), was to not buy on any open land. We looked at many lots that currently look out over the cow/horse pasture on 466a. We looked at a nice lot that is on an outside golf course (Lake Miona) and we also looked at a few in that Duval area. But you can not be sure what will be built. Do I feel bad that their house view has been altered? Sure. Do I think it is legally actionable or reprehensible? No.

[zonerboy]

Looked at the photos cited in post #43.
You can see the houses effected, from the beginning, were built right up close to the wall separating them from the undeveloped property, with hardly any back yards. So that makes the presence of a huge new building seem even more intrusive. Hopefully some landscaping on the assisted living side will help.
Also note that there are still vacant properties on either side of this facility which eventually will be developed.

[zonerboy]

I know "The Villages" charges extra for a view of a golf course (even if its across the street from your house), and for a view of a retention pond (waterfront property). How much extra is a view of an assisted living facility????
:22yikes:

[Mikeod]

After looking at the pictures on the website, it appears the third story is on part of the building farther from the homes affected. Hopefully larger trees and shrubs can be planted in the planting strip between the back road and the wall separating the facility from the homes to offer the homeowners some privacy.

[jane032657]

I contacted Sumter Place yesterday because I wanted to know what their thoughts were in order to be neighbor friendly to those in the Village of Duval and to see is something could be done to address the concerns of the homeowners. I heard back today that they landscaped the back wall with 10-20 foot Oak Trees as well as planting extra trees for a canopy of trees along the wall.
They said the response from the community has been great including senior parents of TV residents and Villages residents to the services being offered.

[bimmertl]

I contacted Sumter Place yesterday because I wanted to know what their thoughts were in order to be neighbor friendly to those in the Village of Duval and to see is something could be done to address the concerns of the homeowners. I heard back today that they landscaped the back wall with 10-20 foot Oak Trees as well as planting extra trees for a canopy of trees along the wall.
They said the response from the community has been great including senior parents of TV residents and Villages residents to the services being offered.

What a surprise! Sumter Place says everything is just great.

I guess that's the end of the story.

I contacted the Havana Country Club today and they said they had this best food and service in the three county area without a doubt!

[Mikeod]

What a surprise! Sumter Place says everything is just great.

I guess that's the end of the story.

I contacted the Havana Country Club today and they said they had this best food and service in the three county area without a doubt!

Assuming the post is as sarcastic as it appears, what do you expect them to say? Or better yet, what do you want them to do? They purchased/leased the land. They developed the plan for the facility and it was approved by Sumter County. They have followed the rules for putting the facility together. A landscape barrier seems like a reasonable solution to the privacy concern.

I understand the feelings of the homeowners there, but there is an inherent risk in buying property that has an undeveloped area nearby. Unfortunately, verbal assurances are only worth the paper they are printed on, and zoning can be changed. To me, it appears Sumter Place is trying to be good neighbor.

[Dirigo]

You are so right...and we all should be old enough to know that.
:agree:

[Challenger]

What would you expect to be built on commercially zoned property that faces a state road(dual highway)? As I remember there was a previous sign suggesting a shopping strip mjght be built on this parcel.

[graciegirl]

What would you expect to be built on commercially zoned property that faces a state road(dual highway)? As I remember there was a previous sign suggesting a shopping strip mjght be built on this parcel.

I drove down Lily something street after art class and the wall is not high behind them and the building is far enough away that it isn't hovering OVER them from what I could see. All and all as I was driving by and sneaking peeks between houses it looked really nice with a very pretty stone wall backing to their properties and the building itself behind them very pleasant looking and not close enough to really feel encroached upon. IN MY OPINION.

But I don't live there and I don't know what they were told and I don't know how they feel and I don't know if they will get used to it and barely think about it after a while and I don't know if when they sell it, they will make just as much money or more because of the wall. People like to back to walls here generally and it is often used as a selling point.

I don't know. I am sorry that they are worried and upset and feel angry and think that they were lied to. The homes along that stretch are absolutely beautiful and I hope their owners continue to enjoy them

At this time next year, I hope that all will be handled to everyone's satisfaction.

[Posh 08]

I wish I were there instead of here and would take one of those homes. If one of the owners want to trade places..............

[Graytop]

Agree...no guarantee so I don't think the homeowners have a leg to stand on. But I have heard why they are upset through a friend who is a neighbor, although it probably won't make a difference. The residents don't like the idea that people in the facility can look out their window, look down, and see them in their pools or on their lanais. It's an invasion of privacy in their opinion.

Reminds me of "ugly naked guy" from friends......:D

[NotGolfer]

PLUS there is a line of trees planted all along the wall! Once they begin to grow I'd bet these houses won't even be seen nor will the facility!!! Drive over in Southern Trace and places like that...the folage is dense!!

[tghoul]

Looked at the photos cited in post #43.
You can see the houses effected, from the beginning, were built right up close to the wall separating them from the undeveloped property, with hardly any back yards. So that makes the presence of a huge new building seem even more intrusive. Hopefully some landscaping on the assisted living side will help.
Also note that there are still vacant properties on either side of this facility which eventually will be developed.

The company building the assisted living facility recently got approval to build an indeprndent living facility on the property to the east.

[RichieLion]

I've read a lot of the posts here, but not quite all. I don't know if this was addressed, but sometimes realtors sell you a bill of goods "not in writing".

Case in point: I have neighbors who bought a house with a nice "sight line" behind their house that was partially part of another lot. They loved the openness behind the house and the Villages' realtor assured them that the owner of the abutting property would not be able to build on that portion of their lot. She was wrong.

Now my neighbors view is obstructed by a huge birdcage on top of about 3 1/2 ft. of concrete wall for a pool that their neighbors built on the side of their home.

Now their neighbors had every right to build their lovely pool and birdcage area, but my friends feel they were mislead and are a little distraught over this construction.

It could be that these owners were "promised" things that were false, and feel they were played for suckers. Nobody likes to think they were played for fools.

Most buildings like this have the delivery entrance at the rear, and these Villagers are going to have to put up with all that noise and distraction, as well as the garbage dumpsters and food waste containers at the rear of the structure.

I could be wrong, but this may be an explanation.

I know I wouldn't want to look out of my house and see this huge structure in "my backyard".

I feel a little sorry for these people.