Needing advice

[sunglow]

After buying a brand new CYV in Mission Hills in January, we were devastated to find out the property next to us on 466 (across from the fruit stand) with the beautiful old live oaks was in the planning to be rezoned from agricultural to commercial. We heard that they want to put in a strip mall. Interesting that the owners applied for rezoning immediately after all but a couple of houses were sold in the neighborhood.
Does anybody have any ideas on how we can fight this? There are no tree ordinances in Sumter county so we can't protect the trees. We went to the rezoning meeting last week and the owners did not show up. The next meeting is march 4th at colony cottage. Any advise would be much appreciated.

[mulligan]

Since TV does not own the property, there is probably very little you can do short of buying it yourself.

[graciegirl]

Since TV does not own the property, there is probably very little you can do short of buying it yourself.

Yes, I agree.

Buying homes 101 is that if there is something adjacent to you not built on, it could be.

And might not be horrible, but helpful to residents there. It might be something nice. :)

A lot of folks here live close to the "edges" of the villages and don't have problems with commercial stuff close to them.

Do you know who the owners are? Sometimes medical and dental offices are very good neighbors.

[tucson]

Is it on the corner of 466 and the road that leads to Racetrack Rd?

[buggyone]

When my wife and I were looking at resale homes a few years ago, the Villages agent showed us some homes and said the land on the other side of the fence was "horse farm" and would provide a beautiful view. We figured something might be built someday we might not like on that land. We bought elsewhere in The Villages.

Sure enough, within 18 months some commercial venture was happening on that "horse farm" that would have been our back yard.

As Gracie says, Home Buying 101 states you are taking a chance on buying a house next to undeveloped property. You took the chance, rolled the dice, and boxcars came up.

[tucson]

If it's the area on the corner for a long time it had a large commercial ad/sign that it could be sold for hotel development.

[OldManTime]

It is the Brandenburg Development property, and presently as far as I know there are no site plans in the works. you can call John

[graciegirl]

Here is another thread on a similar subject.

I wonder if the homeowners feel better now.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/unhappy-property-owners-51448/

[gomoho]

Here is another thread on a similar subject.

I wonder if the homeowners feel better now.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/unhappy-property-owners-51448/

Gracie I find your post especially interesting since I believe they have plans approved to build an independent living next door and intend a memory care facility on the other side. Haven't been by there myself, but can imagine the dismay these folks are feeling.

[LndLocked]

Once upon a time their was some beautiful land in north central Florida. This land lying between 441/27 & SR 301 and near the sleepy town of Lady Lake was home to rolling pasture, hay fields and orange groves. Then a mega "retirement" development came calling.

While many that owned these rolling pastures, hay fields and orange groves (in many cases for generations) loved their family homes and wanted things to never change .... others chose to sell. Soon it was apparent to those that remained that the hand writing was on the wall and their way of life was over. The views they and those before them, had enjoyed was now spoiled by houses and building and miles and miles of asphalt. So, even though it hurt their soul ..... they sold to The Developer as well and life was never the same.

The end.

[PJOHNS2654]

After buying a brand new CYV in Mission Hills in January, we were devastated to find out the property next to us on 466 (across from the fruit stand) with the beautiful old live oaks was in the planning to be rezoned from agricultural to commercial. We heard that they want to put in a strip mall. Interesting that the owners applied for rezoning immediately after all but a couple of houses were sold in the neighborhood.
Does anybody have any ideas on how we can fight this? There are no tree ordinances in Sumter county so we can't protect the trees. We went to the rezoning meeting last week and the owners did not show up. The next meeting is march 4th at colony cottage. Any advise would be much appreciated.

Years ago there was a sign on this property indicating_________ was coming in 2006. Can't remember exactly what was sheduled to built there but it was "Commercial".

[simpkinp]

I remember that sign and hoped it would be a large shopping area like Southern Trace. It is really needed in this part of TV. I was very disappointed when the developer announced they were building hundreds of villas there, but no rec center to provide a venue for their neighborhood activities, clubs and groups. Thank goodness they at least got a neighborhood pool.

[Xavier]

Once upon a time their was some beautiful land in north central Florida. This land lying between 441/27 & SR 301 and near the sleepy town of Lady Lake was home to rolling pasture, hay fields and orange groves. Then a mega "retirement" development came calling.

While many that owned these rolling pastures, hay fields and orange groves (in many cases for generations) loved their family homes and wanted things to never change .... others chose to sell. Soon it was apparent to those that remained that the hand writing was on the wall and their way of life was over. The views they and those before them, had enjoyed was now spoiled by houses and building and miles and miles of asphalt. So, even though it hurt their soul ..... they sold to The Developer as well and life was never the same.

The end.

Everyone had a choice to make. Unfortunately, we can't control anyone else's choices - only our own. Sometimes choices that others make alter our decisions. How you react to them is something that only you can determine. Disappointment can derail one's dreams. I feel your sorrow. Don't let this deter you from making the most of life. God gave you an expiration date. Time to move on. I send blessings to you and your family.

Xavier

[jane032657]

I remember that sign and hoped it would be a large shopping area like Southern Trace. It is really needed in this part of TV. I was very disappointed when the developer announced they were building hundreds of villas there, but no rec center to provide a venue for their neighborhood activities, clubs and groups. Thank goodness they at least got a neighborhood pool.

Mission Hills is a fabulous community, we have great neighbors, lots of activities and events going on, wonderful socialization, and the location is fantastic-3 1/2 minutes to get to Lake Sumter Landing by golf cart. Living on the water side is an extra bonus and all of us who do live facing the lake enjoy the sunrise, sunsets and birds everyday. The pool is well used. We have events going on at Canal St Rec Center, Bridgeport Rec Center, as well as in the community. Villas are selling privately to people seeking them without realtors, getting full price, and I know many couples would like to move in here if there were vacancies. A villa just sold between friends when one had to move out of state; and another neighbor made a phone call which immediately resulted in the sale of the villa of the person moving into their friend's place within Mission Hills-both homes sold by putting the word out. It is a word of mouth community if anyone needs to sell and everyone is loving it here. Unfortunately there is non village property at the end of the Misison Hills homes and knowing that was not owned by The Villages meant anything could/would be developed there in the future. The neighborhood is being supportive by many people attending the hearings.

[janmcn]

Once upon a time their was some beautiful land in north central Florida. This land lying between 441/27 & SR 301 and near the sleepy town of Lady Lake was home to rolling pasture, hay fields and orange groves. Then a mega "retirement" development came calling.

While many that owned these rolling pastures, hay fields and orange groves (in many cases for generations) loved their family homes and wanted things to never change .... others chose to sell. Soon it was apparent to those that remained that the hand writing was on the wall and their way of life was over. The views they and those before them, had enjoyed was now spoiled by houses and building and miles and miles of asphalt. So, even though it hurt their soul ..... they sold to The Developer as well and life was never the same.

The end.


And once upon a time all that land was zoned agricultural. Don't go by what the land next door is zoned at the time you buy because, as we can see, that zoning can change overnight.

[simpkinp]

My goodness, I didn't mean to infer it was not a desireable area, or that it is not full of wonderful Villagers, only that it was purported to be a commercial zone for a long time. The notice of residential development caught many of us by surprise. Nothing personal was intended

[LndLocked]

Everyone had a choice to make. Unfortunately, we can't control anyone else's choices - only our own. Sometimes choices that others make alter our decisions. How you react to them is something that only you can determine. Disappointment can derail one's dreams. I feel your sorrow. Don't let this deter you from making the most of life. God gave you an expiration date. Time to move on. I send blessings to you and your family.

Xavier

That was not a personal story, other than I have seen it played out more times than I can count in Florida over the 5+ decades I have lived here. It was intended to point out that those decrying what neighbor property may become, were guilty of contributing to doing the same to someone before them.

[jane032657]

My goodness, I didn't mean to infer it was not a desireable area, or that it is not full of wonderful Villagers, only that it was purported to be a commercial zone for a long time. The notice of residential development caught many of us by surprise. Nothing personal was intended

I know! I just love Mission Hills....had to get my say in! Thank you!

[l2ridehd]

This is such a common issue that happens over and over. People buy a house next to an airport and then complain about the noise. People buy and then something happens that changes something and they believe they have some right to force the land owner who bought and paid taxes on that land forever to give up their rights. Think people. Open land around TV will be developed. Because we are all here it becomes an opportunity for someone to build a grocery store, a Walmart, a place to eat. If none of it happened then none of us would stay here. If having open land next to you is a must have then I suggest you form an association and buy it. Then you will get to pay the taxes and decide what to do with it. Every home in TV that backs to "horse farms" or any other so named property should expect it to be developed. It will happen.

[Parker]

LndLocked, that is HILARIOUS! And sadly, so true...

[Polar Bear]

...those decrying what neighbor property may become, were guilty of contributing to doing the same to someone before them.

Yep. The old NIMBY principle.

[Roaddog53]

This is such a common issue that happens over and over. People buy a house next to an airport and then complain about the noise. People buy and then something happens that changes something and they believe they have some right to force the land owner who bought and paid taxes on that land forever to give up their rights. Think people. Open land around TV will be developed. Because we are all here it becomes an opportunity for someone to build a grocery store, a Walmart, a place to eat. If none of it happened then none of us would stay here. If having open land next to you is a must have then I suggest you form an association and buy it. Then you will get to pay the taxes and decide what to do with it. Every home in TV that backs to "horse farms" or any other so named property should expect it to be developed. It will happen.

:bigbow:
Well said!:ho:

[tucson]

Unfortunately most ppl who move to TV from other states do not know that much about the area, or believe everything they're told by the realtors trying to sell them a house and do NOT disclose the truth about open land behind a house or empty lot for sale, and also other distractors such as airports nearby....until they build or buy the house then live there for a few months and find out for themselves.

[graciegirl]

Unfortunately most ppl who move to TV from other states do not know that much about the area, or believe everything they're told by the realtors trying to sell them a house and do NOT disclose the truth about open land behind a house or empty lot for sale, and also other distractors such as airports nearby....until they build or buy the house then live there for a few months and find out for themselves.

All of us moved here from somewhere else and need to do due diligence. And none of us are babies.

Caveat Emptor.

And people say that the sales rep said this or that. I think it is what they perceive or want to hear. And the truth is that it is a horse farm or a farmers field now, but that doesn't mean it will always be a horse farm or a farmers fields. NO ONE can guarantee that. It would be naive to think it.

[Roaddog53]

Unfortunately most ppl who move to TV from other states do not know that much about the area, or believe everything they're told by the realtors trying to sell them a house and do NOT disclose the truth about open land behind a house or empty lot for sale, and also other distractors such as airports nearby....until they build or buy the house then live there for a few months and find out for themselves.

But as Gracie said in her buying 101... IF. There is empty land next to you, it would behoove you to research it, or you can roll the dice what may eventually go there.

[janmcn]

But as Gracie said in her buying 101... IF. There is empty land next to you, it would behoove you to research it, or you can roll the dice what may eventually go there.

And don't feel too secure in knowing that a parcel of land is zoned agricultural, because as we see in this thread, that zoning can change overnight. All of Sumter County was zoned agricultural at one time.

[sunglow]

Thank you all for responding to my post. You are wise and funny as well. I take responsibility for buying next to land not owned by TV. It's a risk I took and yet I still don't regret buying here. But I will sorely miss those beautiful majestic live oak trees. I would like to find out how to get the county to protect trees that are over a certain age. If anyone has any idea how to get something going please let me know.

[CarolSells]

Did you say that you're in Sumter County? Why don't you contact this office and see what they can tell you about exactly what has been approved for the development of the site. There are restrictions about the removal of trees of a certain size. Surely you have a county or city arborist. I found a number of articles about TV residents who were seeking permission to cut down live oak trees and were denied by ARC.


Plan Review
Steve Wilcox

Villages Sumter County Service Center
7375 Powell Road, Ste. 115
Wildwood, FL 34785

Ph: (352) 689-4460
Fx: (352) 689-4461
Hours: 7:30 am to 5:00 pm

[CFrance]

I've mentioned before on TOTV a rule of thumb we Michiganders have at the lake: If you buy a house with a view, you better make sure you own the view.

I hope somehow the beautiful trees you speak of are protected. We looked at a house in Tamarind that backed up on a field, and there are gorgeous huge oaks just on the other side of the tv fence, along the backs of the houses but not on TV property. Our realtor told us those were protected but that the field was up for sale. I didn't know if he was right. We ended up not liking the house, but if we had, I wouldn't have taken his word for it without somehow backing up his info.

Good luck with our trees. It sounds like you have a great neighborhood nonetheless Enjoy.

[TrudyM]

I know of a group who got together and purchased a hight and use restriction from the owner of a property in front of them. They paid the owner for the rights to the air over 2 and a half stories and to have residential restrictions added to the deed. In this way no commercial or tall building could be built that would obstruct their view or devalue their property. That said it was not a cheap solution.

[senior citizen]

Once upon a time their was some beautiful land in north central Florida. This land lying between 441/27 & SR 301 and near the sleepy town of Lady Lake was home to rolling pasture, hay fields and orange groves. Then a mega "retirement" development came calling.

While many that owned these rolling pastures, hay fields and orange groves (in many cases for generations) loved their family homes and wanted things to never change .... others chose to sell. Soon it was apparent to those that remained that the hand writing was on the wall and their way of life was over. The views they and those before them, had enjoyed was now spoiled by houses and building and miles and miles of asphalt. So, even though it hurt their soul ..... they sold to The Developer as well and life was never the same.

The end.

I've always said that there are "two sides to every story"......

Back in 1965 and then again in 1972 we saw central Florida and it was rural and as the poster above describes it..........rolling pastures, hay fields and orange groves.....

One thing about Vermont, compared to Florida......nothing much changes very quickly up here........progress or "building" is very slow.....super slow in fact. This is why folks who relocate up here feel they have "no choices" in new homes..........but it also keeps the state much as it always has been.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

Yes, I agree.

Buying homes 101 is that if there is something adjacent to you not built on, it could be.

And might not be horrible, but helpful to residents there. It might be something nice. :)

A lot of folks here live close to the "edges" of the villages and don't have problems with commercial stuff close to them.

Do you know who the owners are? Sometimes medical and dental offices are very good neighbors.

:agree::agree:

[travelguy]

Went to an open house in Tamarind Grove when it was first opened. Asked the realtor showing the homes about the open 'horse/cow' fields behind the homes.....zoning, etc. The realtor had no idea of what could or could not be planned for those properties. While the open space was lovely right now there is no guarantee what could come in the future........and what kind of neighbors you might acquire. We enjoy our land-locked property here in Hemingway; never have to worry as there are no open fields nearby.