Stonecrest Questions

[Happy Villager 1]

This question is directed to any TOTV poster that currently resides in
Stonecrest and I hope I can get your honest opinion. My husband and I have had numerous discussions re the pros and cons of relocating from
the Villages and Stonecrest appears to have quite a few of the same amenities, expect for the volume of golf courses, as here or at least the ones
we are involved with. I recently read a Topix blog dated 11/02/2012 where
it was said "The Stonecrest developer has handed off some parts of the golf course maintenance to the homeowners. The golf course was just sold to someone else so the residents will be paying for maintaining things like ponds they do not even own. The residents will now stay away and not support the golf club and they have also hired a lawyer". Can someone please explain what this is all about?

We are also interested in any rules or regulations Stonecrest has regarding
renting of homes or allowing boarders in your homes. I believe you have the same rule for allowing age 19 and above to live with their parents or grandparents but how prevalent does it appear to be there?

We are aware Stonecrest has only one Executive golf course...what are the rules for using this course, such as cost, tee times, guest using it, etc.

We have heard some Stonecrest residents are unhappy with your Homeowners Association and have or are starting up a new group. Could you explain why?

Last question I can think of pertains to maintenace of the common grounds and or ponds..... are there any disagreements or problems in this area?

Any other pros or cons would be very much appreciated.

[2BNTV]

If you don't get any replies, I would suggest you sent your request to "EdV" and "faithfulfrank" via a PM as they live in Stonecrest.

They are both very smart people. I hope this helps.

[graciegirl]

If you don't get any replies, I would suggest you sent your request to "EdV" and "faithfulfrank" via a PM as they live in Stonecrest.

They are both very smart people. I hope this helps.

Silvertoken and Ed V live there but FaithfulFrank lives down the road a piece t'uther way.

[eweissenbach]

Silvertoken and Ed V live there but FaithfulFrank lives down the road a piece t'uther way.

FaithfulFrank lives in Plantation, but EdV is on here often and will reply to a PM with a thoghtful and reasoned response.

[Mudder]

Why don't you just go to Stonecrest and ask those questions of a salesperson or an office person there. Or drive or walk around there and talk to people?

[Happy Villager 1]

Why don't you just go to Stonecrest and ask those questions of a salesperson or an office person there. Or drive or walk around there and talk to people?

We have visited Stonecrest both to view the new home models and another time to go to open houses. A salesperson is fine for questions about a
home but the other questions we raise need a residents perspective. The
people that participate in TOTV seem to be very open about the good and
the bad regarding The Villages so I thought the few posters that reside in
Stonecrest would be willing to be open about their community too. I'm sure
we are not the only potential buyers that need these questions answered.
If for some reason someone with knowledge of Stonecrest is not willing to
post openly then please respond with a private message and I promise not
to make it public.

[gomoho]

I am curious what your motivation might be to move to Stonecrest? I love, love, love The Villages, but... so what is your thinking, if you don't mind my asking.

[buggyone]

I am curious what your motivation might be to move to Stonecrest? I love, love, love The Villages, but... so what is your thinking, if you don't mind my asking.

Obviously, they want The Villages Lifestyle of nightly entertainment and a beautiful place with the clubs and stores but do not want to pay the price of our community.

[silvertoken]

In response to what you heard about Stonecrest:
Stonecrest sold its golf course and is under new managment
It needed to have a pond repaired and asked if the residence would help.
Lots of communities are having likewise problems with their golf courses.
With our golf course, we only have one, so waiting time may be a problem.
They wanted to add a extra fee in our POA dues to repair the pond. our dues are $106 a month. If you are going to rent a home it must be for at least 3 months. As far as guest I have no idea if we have a rule for that.
I do run a Facebook page called Stonecrest Florida that has mostly pet owners from Stonecrest with many videos and pictures of their dogs. If you ask questions on there we may have a lot of answers there for you. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002476377391
Stonecrest will soon have sold all their property and it will be handed off to the homeowners called SHO not POA.

[Indydealmaker]

Obviously, they want The Villages Lifestyle of nightly entertainment and a beautiful place with the clubs and stores but do not want to pay the price of our community.

Surely that is not the reason. Living here is not at all expensive.

[eweissenbach]

Why question their reasons? Everyone has their own priorities and their own wants, needs, and desires. TV is not the panacea for everyone, and some may find their needs better met in Stonecrest or Del Webb or wherever. If you can't help them with the information they request, I would suggest you just move on.

[Barefoot]

I do run a Facebook page called Stonecrest Florida that has mostly pet owners from Stonecrest with many videos and pictures of their dogs.

I'm curious, does Stonecrest allow fences? How many pets are allowed per household? Is there a weight restriction for dogs? Is there a dog park where dogs can play unleashed?

[silvertoken]

Surely that is not the reason. Living here is not at all expensive.
The reason for me is a indoor heated pool and a outdoor heated pool, I like to swim. Getting to the stores by golf cart is great and my dog loves golf cart and dog park. I dont go to The Villages that much. I do have many friends that live there. I like the concept of being like family here and we watch out for each other. I'm sure the same holds true for you people in The Villages.

[silvertoken]

I'm curious, does Stonecrest allow fences? How many pets are allowed per household? Is there a weight restriction for dogs? Is there a dog park where dogs can play unleashed?
Fences must be surrounded by bushes, SEE Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002476377391 about dog park. I believe 2 dogs but I have seen 4, no weight restrictions that I know of.

[chuckinca]

Stonecrest Golf Course was sold; same company also bought Dell Webb Spruce Creek Golf Course and now both community CC members can have unlimited use of both courses at a small additional fee.

Stonecrest homes are about 75% built out and the developer is still in charge of the POA.

The SHO is a new organization recently started to parallel the POA (somewhat like the Villages HOA and POA). This was started a few months ago when the developer sold the golf facilities he stated that the POA would maintain the golf course ponds, which is probably a change from when he owned the golf facilities. There was a series of meetings held by the developer and his attorney recently and the home owners wherein it was pointed out that the ponds are a part of the storm water system which is maintained by the home owners amenities fees.

The residents support of the golf facilities hasn't changed; if anything it currently seems there is more support.

The Stonecrest executive course is probably shorter than most TV executive courses. I cost $5 to play a round (was $6 under the developer) and carts must have a trail pass that cost $20/yr (was $65 under the developer). Access is first come first serve and hardly ever a waiting line. Usually a ranger will cruise the course a few times during the day and hole punch the pre-purchased $15 play card - lucky folks play for free.

Many people move to and from The Villages and Stonecrest all the time - it's a personal choice and is changeable.

Unlike TV, Stonecrest recreation facilities are open to guests without restriction to place of origin. Each resident is issued 4 guest cards so the POA isn't involved with guest control. Normally ID cards are only checked in the computer room and the [amenity paid] exercise facility - and only to check training stickers for those facilities. Thursday nights at the 8 lighted pickleball courts are reserved for use by advanced players from other nearby communities. A group of TV women pickleball players frequently play in Stonecrest - it would be nice if TV would return the favors.

It is very rare to see a dog walked down the street and using resident lawns to do its job. There are many large grassy areas throughout the community to walk dogs and pickup after them.

Stonecrest people usually do not use TV cart paths - they are too far out of the way and it takes too long. If they are going to Havana, Mallory, Palmer, Cane Garden or further south for dinner they normally drive their cars on the public roads.

I have many friends and relatives in both communities.
.

[Mack184]

We live in Stonecrest & love it. No complaints.

[chuckinca]

I'm curious, does Stonecrest allow fences? How many pets are allowed per household? Is there a weight restriction for dogs? Is there a dog park where dogs can play unleashed?

No dog park, dogs must be on leash. There is plenty of room for a fenced dog park but, apparently, no demand (?)

.

[silvertoken]

No dog park, dogs must be on leash. There is plenty of room for a fenced dog park but, apparently, no demand (?)

.
Working on it. State of the art dog park coming soon, lol .

[madmags]

My husband and I just returned from a Lifestyle visit to both TV and Stonecrest. While we loved TV and all that was offered, we have made the decision to buy at Stonecrest. For the price of a new villa which would include a bond of $25,000 above the price of the villa we were able to select our own lot and have a brand new home built with no bond for a lot less money and a lot more house. We would still be able to go to all the squares, enjoy the nightly entertainment, dine in the many fine restaurants or go to the movies without having to be TV residents. We are not golfers and it seemed TV was more geared to those that loved to golf. Stonecrest has 3 outdoor and 1 indoor pool, their fitness center is free to use and the golf cart paths are not as intimidating as at TV. That's just our opinion, thanks for letting me voice it.

[OnTrack]

Why question their reasons? Everyone has their own priorities and their own wants, needs, and desires. TV is not the panacea for everyone, and some may find their needs better met in Stonecrest or Del Webb or wherever. If you can't help them with the information they request, I would suggest you just move on.Well said.

:clap2:

:thumbup:

[manaboutown]

My husband and I just returned from a Lifestyle visit to both TV and Stonecrest. While we loved TV and all that was offered, we have made the decision to buy at Stonecrest. For the price of a new villa which would include a bond of $25,000 above the price of the villa we were able to select our own lot and have a brand new home built with no bond for a lot less money and a lot more house. We would still be able to go to all the squares, enjoy the nightly entertainment, dine in the many fine restaurants or go to the movies without having to be TV residents. We are not golfers and it seemed TV was more geared to those that loved to golf. Stonecrest has 3 outdoor and 1 indoor pool, their fitness center is free to use and the golf cart paths are not as intimidating as at TV. That's just our opinion, thanks for letting me voice it.

Congratulations for choosing what suits you! As I have, you will meet many people frequenting restaurants in and around TV who reside in various communities near TV.

[Barefoot]

My husband and I just returned from a Lifestyle visit to both TV and Stonecrest. While we loved TV and all that was offered, we have made the decision to buy at Stonecrest. For the price of a new villa which would include a bond of $25,000 above the price of the villa we were able to select our own lot and have a brand new home built with no bond for a lot less money and a lot more house. We would still be able to go to all the squares, enjoy the nightly entertainment, dine in the many fine restaurants or go to the movies without having to be TV residents. We are not golfers and it seemed TV was more geared to those that loved to golf. Stonecrest has 3 outdoor and 1 indoor pool, their fitness center is free to use and the golf cart paths are not as intimidating as at TV. That's just our opinion, thanks for letting me voice it.

It sounds as if you know yourselves well, and have put a lot of thought into the decision making process. I hope you enjoy Stonecrest.

[madmags]

Thanks to you for your replies. We have put a lot of thought into our decision. I had a moment of complete insanity before deciding on Stonecrest; my husband not so much. He just kept saying "I want you to be happy and not me coming home and you in tears because the decision was wrong". What can I say? I am a woman and need to have time to make up my mind - LOL.

[EdV]

I don’t know how I managed to miss this thread, but here I am.

Both Chuckinca and Silvertoken have covered most of the points quite well, but a couple of corrections are needed.

The governing body of Stonecrest as established under the covenants is the POA. The current number of sold homes is 1881 and when it reaches 2000, the developer is required to turn over control of the POA board to officers elected by the residents.

Several years ago, the developer established a Stonecrest Board Committee (SBC). It consists of residents that were selected by the developer to deal with resident issues and make recommendations to management and the POA board. It is essentially equivalent to TV’s AAC.

The Stonecrest Homeowners Organization (SHO) is an ad hoc group of Stonecrest residents that are upset with the developer mostly regarding responsibility for maintaining retention ponds that are located on the privately owned golf course. But what the SHO has failed to acknowledge is that roughly half of the streets in Stonecrest drain into those ponds via underground conduits. I know this because I examined the engineering plans that were submitted to the St. Johns River Water Management District as part of the approval process for our community. So why shouldn't the residents be responsible for maintaining them. The SHO has no authority over anything in Stonecrest.