February POA Bulletin - Axe to Grind
 

This month's POA Bulletin was on our counter, and I don't remember it standing out for being as negative--and even venomous--as this month's edition does.

In huge print the front-page headline reads: 2012-2013 Golf Cart Related Fatalities and Serious Injuries in The Villages

Then, underscored in a blue box above the fold it says in all caps: "Your Lawsuit Settlement Dollars at Work".

Below that is "Owens Corning Defective Shingles Update"

Beside that is POA Meeting announcement with the topic in large print: "Sinkhole and Golf Cart Insurance Things You Need to Know".

And the ugliness goes on from there. Now. I'm not saying these are not valid topics nor that the Daily Fun is all one needs to read here.

What I keep asking myself about this group and editor is, "If TV is so terrible, why do they continue to LIVE here????"

To me it seems like they're looking for a new/different axe to grind. And the developer is always here to hate and loathe.

http://poa4us.org/bulletins_files/bulletin201402.pdf

I agree. Was actually kind of shocked.

I certainly don't agree with everything printed in the POA (or the Daily Sun) but I like the idea of "checks & balances".

you know, I haven't read it, but I appreciate your taking time to say it is extremely negative. It might be of some value to give a negative evaluation of the POA as you have done, in parallel, exactly the same as the POA has apparently said re the developer.

Hoping for a better community in TV, perhaps if you are strongly motivated, you would consider holding a position in the POA to become a viable positive voice. It's not anything that would motivate me, so I hope someone else with energy and strength will step up, maybe someone who reads this will be inspired...

There was also some good. For instance, the bulletin mentioned that the Sun was doing a much better job of reporting crimes in TV.

They did mention a lot more negative issues than they have in awhile. They live here because they love it here. They don't love a lot of what they've seen happening in the past and there's a very real fear that it will continue in the future. There were some legitimate reasons for the class action suit. The white striping on the golf cart paths can make a difference (slight, but a difference). There are some very legitimate complaints about the El Santiago restaurant/rec center -- for someone to say that they don't want to vote for something (restaurant) because it would be in direct competition with the developer even though most residents want the restaurant is wrong in my opinion. Supposedly, the AAC folks represent us, not the Morses. So, it is important to know who is voting the "party" line rather than what is best for TV and its residents.

I'm honestly not sure that the golf cart injuries need to be mentioned on a monthly basis but there seems to be enough interest to make it newsworthy. I would be just as happy with a very brief blurb about burglaries, robberies, etc. than making it a major news item, but that's me.

As to its negativity, you should have read it a few years ago. I think the editor and writers were so fed up with being stonewalled and feeling they were constantly being lied to that they couldn't say a good thing about anything the Morses did. That has most definitely changed, even in this month's issue but there's no question there's still a lot of frustration.

Could be that the POA appears negative because everyone runs the the POA when there is a serious problem or they need help with an issue they cannot get resolved any other way.

At least they will address the tough issues and we would all be in trouble if there was nowhere to get help when needed and were left to the mercy of the developer.

Checks and balances are all important. It should not have taken a lawsuit to get the funds added to the amenity funds but since it did it speaks volumes and shows there is a true need for the POA.

Just read the VHA newsletter tonight and everything brought up was pushed off as being the responsibility of the Sumter road department with no offer to work with them to get anything done about anything. What good is that?

You don't have to not love to live here to be able see a problem when one develops and be willing to address it. No place is perfect including the Villages. It's no one's right to ask anyone why they want to live here as long as they pay the price required to do so. Don't like the POA, don't read their bulletin.

Why would anyone want to write a negative post bashing the POA and complaining about the POA being negative??

I don't think so. There are too many beautiful, more affordable communities with the same type of homes in this Central FL area, and on the Atlantic and Gulf coastal areas, to sit here complaining, suing, and stewing about a 'villain' they've never met....and never need to meet in order to live and enjoy life here.

To me one of the most telling aspects is that the loud mentions of "your lawsuit money" do not indicate even a shred of happiness that the matter was adjudicated, settled and paid.....and that the improvement projects are complete or being completed to satisfaction.

It's almost like they want the bad taste of "lawsuit" to continue on into the future even though the plaintiffs got what they wanted, and the problems are being solved.

It seems to me this settled and paid "lawsuit" is being kept alive to continue the hatred against the developer. "Keep the villain alive so we can keep flogging him" seems to be the goal.

"Bitterness is a poison we swallow, hoping our enemy will die."

Because it seems to me that the paper that was mostly informative....is now mostly vindictive.

And because newcomers and new buyers do not deserve to be frightened into thinking they made, or are about to make, the biggest mistake of their lives by buying here.

My concern is they're scaring people, needlessly.

More bitterness here than in the POA Bullentin, lighten up and relax a bit! They have a right to do as they feel is necessary just like everyone else and a whole lot of people agree with them.

I Wouldn't Know
 

I wouldn't know about the editorial content of the POA Bulletin. I told the POA member who delivers the paper to stop delivering it to my house several years ago. I figured I had a lot better things to do with my time than to read the anti-developer vitriol they publish.

Someone in this thread said something along the lines that "...we need the POA to protect us from the merciless developer". Someone else said that if the POA complainers don't like it here (unlike about 97% of those of us who do, based on the annual survey), why not just throw in the towel and move someplace where they can be happier?

I agree with that last observation. If the complainers would move they'd make us happier too. Maybe we could bump the percentage of completely happy Villagers up closer to 100%.

Is this a negative post about a POA bulletin that is perceived to be a negative publication?

Me too!!!

They keep beating a dead horse over and over and over.

If anything they are saying about shingles, lawsuits, insurance, etc. is untrue, then the POA should be taken to task for it. If what they say is true, then we have a right as informed citizens to know it.
As for the golf cart accidents, clearly they are trying to encourage all of us to install and use seat belts in order to save lives. I agree with that.

Why is the POA so negative? Because without it, they would have no purpose. Without the negativity they would lose their sense of importance and power.

The headlines you mention are factual updates about true events. Why shoot the messenger? Look at all the threads on TOTV about the same topics - you haven't gone after those people or told them to move if they don't like it.

No one is happy that those things are happening, but there is nothing wrong with honest reporting.

Really That's What You Perceive
 

Let me get this straight some folks here believe the raison deter for organizing the POA was solely because they desired to spew negativity and hatred toward the Developer...that's your position. You cite as evidence negative stories such as golf Cart accident stats, continuation of the facts surrounding the amenity lawsuit, et al.

Those of you who do might take time to go back on the history of why the POA was organized and follow through to present day rather than take comfort in your confirmation bias because the POA saved your bacon more than once. The POA attempted several times to work with both the Developer and the VHA and their attempts were directed out of hand. Why because the Developer knew they would work to keep him to satisify the promises he made and to honor his responsibilities.

In essence the POA was an invention made out of necessity

If you believe that the aforementioned headlines cited by the OP are negative for the sake of negativity then those with that thought ought not to read a single newspaper, watch a single TV news program or listen to a single radio news broadcast because if golf Cart Accident statistics get your goat what is happening to you with some of the political and economic headlines for the last 10 years. Are those stories negatively created by their writers for the sake of negativity?

I find it incredulous that people have this perception of the POA and feel badly for those in leadership at the POA who have worked so hard on residents behalf only to be besmirched, ridiculed and unfairly judged.

I have been in disagreement with some issues handled by the POA but at least they cared enough to attempt a resolution

Perhaps they could tone down the lawsuit mentions, although they are the group that initiated the action that resulted in those north of 466 having sufficient funds to repair, replace, and remodel amenities that we all can use.

But I didn't take the rest of the paper as being unnecessarily negative. With regard to the shingles fiasco, I agree with their assertions that the developer has not performed as well as possible. Warranty knows which homes had the defective type of shingles installed. Why weren't the owners notified there may be a problem? Why did homeowners have to hear about the problem word of mouth? Why didn't the developer use his significant clout to pressure OC to inspect and replace in a timely manner so that both shingles and removal/installation were done within the warranty period and at no cost to the homeowner that had, with the purchase of the home, already paid for them?

As far as seatbelts in carts, it is obvious the POA recommends them. There are plenty of folks who deny they help prevent ejections. Ejections from carts are the cause of most cart injuries. The continual reporting of these injuries may just convince more people to install and use seatbelts, or at least drive more carefully.

The POA performs an important function in this community. You may quibble about their words, but I'm glad they are watching out for all of us.

And, no, I'm not a past or present POA officer. Just a homeowner who loves it here and appreciates what the developer has created, but is aware there are blemishes on the Mona Lisa.

The items you're talking about are talked about on this board all the time. They must be items that people care about.

It is the TONE of the bulletin that gets me cross.


Here is a link to an article from 2008 about "the lawsuit".


http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/...es-fees-lawyer

Can't be pleased
 

It seems that I read a lot on here that it would be beneficial for cart and Car accidents to be reported, robberies be reported, burglaries be reported, mugging be reported and any crime be reported. We want to know what's going on with those faulty roofs and other news worthy stories. Now that the POA has reported some such incidents everyone is ticked off. You complained about the "Happy Paper" not reporting anything negative and now that negative information is reported you are mad. I think there are some people that can't be pleased. You don't have to candy coat negative news. It seems that some want that to happen. Bad news is bad news. You either want to read about it or you don't. I appreciate the up front tone of this last POA. It told it like it is....like it or not.

Well said, Rubicon.

Read the Town Hall section.


The Villages Homeowners Association » Village Voice Articles

I shortened the posters quotes for brevity's sake, but wished to acknowledge the content. I'd also like to acknowledge the OP's posting as a right to post their opinion. What are the facts? Where discussions become undermined is when labeling and name calling enter the discussion.
:popcorn::popcorn:

Seat Belts on Golf Carts
 

Those few who want seat belts on their golf carts can get them, no problem.

Don't try to force them on the rest of us.

Gracie, went to your link, but I don't see a Town Hall section...?

1. What is the status on the Colony Blvd. traffic problem? What is the final decision of the LSLCDD. Will Community Watch continue to direct traffic there?

Janet Tutt (JT): Project Wide Advisory Committee has approved the traffic light and is in the process of preparing the documents which will be out for bid by the beginning of February. The lowest qualifying bid will be used. The light should be installed before the summer heat.

1. On Morse Blvd. South when turning left onto Colony Blvd., the bushes make it hard to see traffic coming from 466A. These should be trimmed.

JT: The bushes have been trimmed. They can’t be trimmed too much at one time or it will cause harm to the plant. We will continue to trim until the sight issues are resolved.

1. During the holidays and even more recently there were petty thefts in the Rio Grande Courtyard Villas as well as the Haciendas at Mission Hills. The stolen decorations were thrown away in the street or in the case of Mission Hills, they were taken to the nearby park and thrown in the water. What should be done if this sort of thing continues?

JT: Lt. Wolfe stated that the Sheriff’s Department is continuing to investigate. He urges vigilance and says we should call 911 or Community Watch should there be any concerns or if you observe something suspicious.

1. At the Villa San Miguel there is a gentleman who appears to lack social skills and who annoys people, especially ladies. His home is also in serious disarray with windows covered by newspaper and rear of property looking more like a landfill. What should the residents do? Is this a deed compliance problem?

JT: Deed compliance is very familiar with this gentleman. There have been many complaints about his yard and all have been investigated. The District cannot address the inside of the house, because it is private property. Those who are afraid should call 911 every time there is an incident. Sumter County Health Dept. might be able to address this if it appears that there is a possible health code violation.

1. The shingle problem will be addressed by Owens Corning. They know which homes need repair and they will approach the homeowners. No one needs to do anything. Is this correct?

Bill Gottschalk: Bill addressed this himself. Yes, it is correct for granulating shingles. Owens-Corning will notify those that have issues. If you still have concerns you may call Owens-Corning. New information will be on the VHA Website and in the Villages Voice. Owens-Corning estimates that the whole project may take as long as 3-4 months. Do NOT hire another company to fix this. Owens-Corning will take care of it.
Dr. Gary Lester (GL): Kudos to the VHA for helping to resolve this. VHA got involved and helped solve the problem.

1. The polo field sound system problem isn’t solved yet. Is it still being worked on?

Bill Gottschalk: Some changes have been made to the placement of the speakers. Wind direction actually has an effect on how loud the speakers can sound. This project has not been forgotten. For now, Polo season is over. But the concern will continue to be addressed when the matches begin again.

1. What is the status of the new Village of Fruitland Park? How will it be set up? Will it be called District 11?

GL: Yes, it will be called District 11, and will be residential just like the rest of the Villages. This project is moving along well.

1. Why is the Church on the Square being modified to be an entertainment center? Wouldn’t it have been cheaper and provided more space to remodel the SavannahCenter? Wouldn’t that provide more seating?

GL: Addressing both #8 and #18: These two places are like apples and oranges. The Church on the Square belongs to the Developer; SavannahCenter belongs to the District. Uses for the future of the Church are still undetermined at this time. Watch the Daily Sun and the Voice to keep up with what is happening. Parking is more than adequate for the Church according to code, even though all the parking may not be right next to it.
JT: When the AAC looked at expanding SavannahCenter, they found that there was NOT enough parking to accommodate a large increase of seats.

1. There is a good bit of traffic noise on Morse Blvd. along with speeding, boom boxes, etc. Do we have a noise ordinance? What about the police? Could they patrol there more often?

JT: This question was given to law enforcement. The Districts have no responsibility because these are county roads. Lt. Wolfe provided a copy of the SumterCounty noise ordinance.

1. At the South Morse gate at County Road 466 the left turn that golf carts must make across traffic there is terribly dangerous. Why couldn’t the golf carts be directed to go through the gate in the left lane and turn into the HopeLutheranChurch driveway? That’s where the carts used to turn long ago until the sign was moved saying no carts beyond this point.

JT: Logistically, if you think of the danger of having golf carts cross the traffic coming into the Morse gate before they have to slow down for the gate, this is NOT safer. Crossing behind the gate at least ensures that the incoming traffic is moving at a slower speed. This is a county road and the issue should be taken up with SumterCounty.

1. There is a tremendous turnover of restaurants in The Villages. What could be the cause of that? There is a rumor that the rents are too high. What is the actual problem?

GL: Not quite sure how to address this. There are 101 restaurants in The Villages. The average failure rate in the country is 50% in 3 years. This is not a tremendous turnover! If we were average, then 50 restaurants would have closed in the last 3 years. Only 9 in The Villages closed in the last 3 years, and 8 new ones opened in 2013 alone! If the rents are too high, then why do more restaurants open and why are they so very busy?

1. People throw their dog waste bags in the sewers. The bags then end up in the ponds. Shouldn’t they be thrown in the trash? What can be done about that?

JT: People must take responsibility for their pets! We should talk to our neighbors about it. Everyone has a personal responsibility to care for their pets’ waste. It’s part of pet ownership.

1. Why are there no painted crosswalks on Morse Blvd.?

JT: This is a SumterCounty issue. Ms. Tutt spoke to Bradley Arnold of SumterCounty and he said that the county does not want to encourage the crossing of these heavily traveled roads.

1. Why can’t the executive golf shacks fly the American flag every day instead of only on certain days?

JT: They could. It was designed that the regional recreation centers would have flags. There are logistical issues involved in raising and lowering the flag daily along with the deterioration of the fabric of the flags themselves.

1. When will they really take action on golf carts and cars that park in unauthorized places on Lake Sumter Landing? The red warning letter does no good-people just throw them away.

JT: Many cart owners have received verbal warnings in addition to the flyers and most have not repeated the act. Most of the carts that must be tagged with the red warnings are new offenders, not repeaters.

1. What can be done about the people who remove the license plate from their street legal golf carts and now drive way too fast on the golf cart paths?

JT: If they get caught on the road cart paths they will have problems. The sheriff’s office has been cracking down on speeders and stop sign runners, whether this is an 8-sided stop sign or a bollard.

1. Can the sidewalk across the bridge on Morse Blvd. be narrowed by a foot to add width to the golf cart lanes? No one observes the 10-mph speed limit and it is very dangerous.

JT: This has been dealt with before. It has been found that if you obey the 10 mph speed limit, then the size of the bridge is adequate. If you widen it, then people will go even faster, making it dangerous again and so on endlessly. Staff will request the Sheriff’s office to place the electronic speed machine which may help residents determine speed.

1. What’s the plan for future use of the Church on the Square? Will it ever be used as a church again?

This was addressed by Dr. Lester earlier with question #9.

1. Oncoming golf carts with bright lights make it difficult to see where you are going at night on Buena Vista Blvd. Could reflectors be installed on the golf cart paths to help with that? (Example: Traveling up Buena Vista north from Southern Trace to Piedmont and beyond, carts with bright lights approaching make it difficult seeing.)

JT: Combining #19 with #22: We have never had a head-on collision even when the paths were narrower. The engineer’s report suggests not to place the lines as they are multimodal paths. Lines down the center make these multimodal paths create an appearance and perception they are paths for carts. Our side streets don’t have lines. Lines attract the eyes and are used to guide people down the center. Drivers will look to the center more often and will tend to drive toward it, increasing the possibility of collisions. Members of the Project Wide Advisory Committee have indicated that they will address this at their February meeting and are exploring an alternative that may be beneficial. Consistency throughout The Villages is best.
Lights on most golf carts are fixed and cannot be moved to aim differently. Reflectors are placed on the golf cart paths where necessary, and residents are urged to advise if there is a curve or obstruction that creates a safety issue so they can be addressed. We have done so extensively south of CR466 and urge residents to inform us of specific locations.

1. Could the local radio station be streamed to the internet so we can listen through our computers?

GL: This has been looked at, but it is not cost effective. The radio stations would have to pay additional royalties every time they would play a song for example.

1. Recreation centers should have both regular garbage containers and containers for recyclables. People throw it all in together and that isn’t right.

JT: This has been tried and it failed. People didn’t separate the refuse.

1. Lane markers should be installed on all multimodal paths for increased safety.

Ms. Tutt addressed this along with # 19.

1. Residents have expressed an interest in community gardens. Could some land be set aside for community gardens?

JT: Open spaces are part of The Villages beauty and aesthetics. It would involve very complicated logistical issues to try to do this. What happens if the project fails later? Suppose one or two residents don’t tend their plot. What happens to the rest of them and how does that affect the beauty and aesthetics?
GL: Shared Harvest is a wonderful project that helps 10 different charities. People volunteer to raise vegetables on land by the woodworking shop on Rolling Acres Road. The food is distributed to 7 different food pantries.

1. The Villages media group VNN TV only available on Comcast leaves a large percentage of viewers without service. Over 70 percent of Villa residents in my area have switched from Comcast to other sources of cable or satellite communication providers. Century link being the largest. Has the media group tried to enter into a contract with Century link to provide the VNN TV channel to subscribers of their service?

GL: VNN is currently obligated by contract to Comcast but will be reviewing the situation when that agreement expires.

1. Shrubbery is being used by a resident on Talisman Court in the new southern area of the Villages to create a privacy fence. There has been work done already to deal with the situation, but it has not been completely corrected. What else can be done?

JT: The numbered district boards provide the interpretation of the deed restrictions and if there is a request to change, work with staff or present to your District Supervisors.

Thanks, I was looking for a section heading at the top of the web site. I was being too literal again.:doh:

The fact that one is capable of seeing the good, the bad and the ugly does not mean they don't love living here. Some are more realistic than others and wish to confront an issue head on rather than burying their head in the sand.

I very much agree with you, but probably the reason we vote for candidates is that they know how to couch the good, the bad and the ugly in diplomatic terms. You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar. The POA stands for the homeowners but needs a new journalist, in my very humble opinion.

Agree. I don't like the "If you don't like something, move" sentiment. I prefer the "If you don't like something, help it improve" theory.

I did read the Town Hall section of the VHA. My thought is that some of their answers are evasive. Maybe the POA comes on a little too strong at times, but I think there is a need to have them be a strong presence in TV. The OC shingles issue is a good example of that. JT's answer to the shingles question left a lot out, such as the fact that OC will now no longer pay for replacing the shingles.

It is hearing sometimes differing opinions from people that I trust and respect on this forum that sometimes makes me rethink my position.


I have listened now to several of you who I completely look up to and I wlll keep an open mind about the POA's bulletin..


You are right. It did appear as if Owens Corning is still fixing roofs on their dime as reported in The Village Voice. I will contact Owens Corning and ask.


I am old and stubborn but not completely unworkable. I like a presentation of facts without rancor. It works better for me.

You are young at heart and not stubborn, that's for sure.:wave: I do think we need both associations, and our family supports them both. But I lean toward the POA to dig for facts when the powers that be become a little evasive. JMO

Great post. I think it's important to know what's really going on in TV. You will certainly not get it from the Daily Sun. What's so negative about printing the truth about golf cart accidents or faulty shingles? The campaign for seat belts in golf carts is a public service. I now have them in my golf cart because of the POA articles.

seat belts
 

I agree the POA is pushing safety belts and that is okay by me. Again, Iam repeating myself (but so are others) I like "check and balances". The VHA and Daily Sun rarely present the "other side" of anything so to me it's good to get the "other story"---Wheather you agree or disagree.

Safety belts may be something all can agree is an okay thing. Making them mandatory is another story.

Seeing the comments above, I did not communicate my point well at all.

I would be the first to agree, and have done so dozens of times on this board, that the matters of cart seat belts needed because of ejections, and the other issues on the front page NEED to be discussed and published. I'm not a sugar-coater at all and certainly don't bury my head in the sand as some accused.

What upset me looking at the front page was its tabloid, sensationalized layout. I said it before and I'll say it here:

They are scaring newcomers and new buyers into thinking they bought into a really sleazy operation. And that is NOT the case.

It's the print layout....giant print, red print underscored, and front-page billing that says "the sky is falling.....the sky is falling"....

My first impression as well.

What's POA? I did a search on this site and nothing was returned.

How many new comers really see the POA (unless they renting)? I would think many more people would read about these things on this board.

Now, the "tone" of the stories is something else. Many papers are sensationalized on the front page to sell papers and get you attention.