A post from Lauren Ritchie
 

Hello once again, Villagers.

I wanted to let everyone on the TOTV forum know that the actual documents from both attorneys representing The Villages in the bond dispute are posted with my column.

Just go to the link at the top of this thread and click it. It brings up the first column, which ran on Sunday. Just below my picture in the column is a headline that says "Related Links". They are two separate PDF files (so you'll need Adobe Reader) that can be downloaded or simply viewed. They are letters from Perry Israel, the Villages' tax lawyer in California, and from Archie Lowry, the Mount Dora attorney who is the lawyer for the Village Center district.

Also, my column that will publish in the paper this coming Wednesday already is posted on the site at this link:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/...4758757.column

You can copy and paste it into your browser or simply go to www.orlandosentinel.com/lake and scroll down to my picture.

Also, I'd like to invite everyone to check out my new blog. It's at www.orlandosentinel.com/laurenonlake In the next day or two, I hope to post something on the bond situation and to invite your comments.

I'm happy to see that folks in the Villages are watching this issue because I honestly believe it could have an impact on them in the long run.

To SteveZ: you gotta let it go, man. Not everyone is jealous of the Villages. If you enjoy the lifestyle, then it's heaven. But it's not for everybody. You can try to turn the discussion away from Villages actions and bonds with an accusation of jealousy, but most people on this forum simply are trying to inform themselves about an important issue and to discuss it intelligently with others. Surely you must realize that the nation's bond publications all are writing about this. I am far from the lone "jealous" voice.

And I don't know where you think I live, but you apparently have incorrectly assumed it is Orlando, for the second time. To clear the record: I live in Lake County just like many Villagers, and I have lived here 29 years. That's why I am so passionate about things that affect this county and its residents. I own a home in the Lake Jem area which I built a few years ago and which you can verify by going to the property appraiser's website online and typing in my name. It's a public record, as are deed recordings in the clerk's online service that will confirm for you that I have owned homes continuously in Lake County since I bought my first one in 1981. I hope that clears up any confusion you may harbor that I am some far-flung columnist commenting on something she has no stake in.

Rest assured, SteveZ does not speak for the majority of Villagers. Thanks for keeping us posted on the latest info.

Nor do you.

SteveZ routinely provides a reasonable, intelligent view on a variety of subjects. His comments are almost always more sensible and certainly less "snippy" than Ritchie's.

Before reading Ritchie's admittedly slanted columns (see her posting of a couple month ago where she proudly claimed to be a "columnist" rather than a reporter and was therefore not bound by a reporter's obligation to be fair and honest in her writing), please see Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 5.

Count me in with SteveZ.

I am glad I am hearing about all this "shenanigans" by the developer. I have been lured by the promise of "Utopia" too....BUT this IRS business has prompted me to delve a little deeper into the inner workings of TV.
I have worked for many developers and I know most of them to be very cost conscious. By developing so many homes, they have the costs pared down to the bare minimum. They have the materials, time and other factors involved down to a tee. This maximizes the profit they can attain. In business there are three things you can give your customers. Quality, quantity, and low cost ......BUT you cannot give all three at the same time. I have been hesitant to buy in TV due to several factors.

First off, the prices of homes being bought by everyone have been premium prices for Florida. The Villages is in the middle of a cow pasture.....not even near the coast where the prices are similar.

Second, The developer sold you your home based on "free Golf" and other amenities......The fees for these amenities were NOT included in the price of your home.....see amenities fees

Third, The developer then charged you a "bond" fee not charged anywhere else in Florida. Most places in Florida you buy a home and the "fees" are included.....even with all these extra fees included, the price of a home in Florida is still inexpensive.

Fourth, Let's look at comparable homes throughout Florida, You just do NOT get the same bang for your buck in TV as you would elsewhere. The value of The Villages is their amenities for which you pay a premium. My home is double the size of most in TV and is half the price.....with the savings, I can get a golf membership at an uncrowded course and play anywhere I would like.

Fifth, I had been concerned about build out. When a developer is still building in the development, he is concerned about keeping everything in excellent condition and "fees" very low to attract buyers. When build out occurs, the developer leaves and "fees" skyrocket. THIS IS THE NORM....not some dream I had, I have seen this repeatedly. Oh you own the amenities you say ! ....not quite
Someone (developer or cronies) owns not only the amenities, but the right to charge you more...... and they will exercise that right when able to.
The developer has found a way to sell homes on an old cow pasture for premium prices, get others to finance his amenities, which you all paid for but do not own, and build a "company store" in which you all live

It is the "company store" that none of you bought......just owe your sole to.

I'll go with Lauren - nice name, have a 12 YO granddaughter named Lauren, red head like her mom, my daughter.

Thanks for posting Lauren. Many of us are very concerned with this issue and appreciate your efforts in keeping us informed.


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I think both have a point here. The bond deal is big, but on the other hand Steve Z ususally tries to put things in a point that most will understand and always has great information for us. This isnt the place to bash people because they have their on opinion or thought. I have a YELLOW FLAG ready to throw. Dont make me do it, but I am ready to flag someone for a personal foul here. Heck this one might make ESPN Sports Center Highlights. Everyone calm down, on the count of three take a big deep breath and repeat after me. IT IS JUST A FORUM BOARD WHERE ALL CAN BE FRIENDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THen grab a Vodka and OJ or what ever you drink, Toast the the Grand Ole USA and relax!!!!!!!!!!!! :beer3:

GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG Money OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Naw. I'm not feelin' the love Lauren. You may live in Lake County, but other than your job, in my humble opinion, you don't have a dog in this fight. You are younger, (I think) and can't possibly know how wonderful this place is.

What is the total population of Orlando? I have an old atlas. I think that The Villages is growing much faster than Orlando and Orlando is feeling the impact.

I am thinking that the very bright Morse family is smart enough to stay well within the law on these issues. My money, and all of my dreams for the rest of the life that I have rest on that belief.

Everybody has to have a job Lauren. I am glad that mine isn't to stir up trouble in Paradise.

Well said GG. Exactly my thoughts when reading the latest by Ms. Ritchie

Throughout the above diatribe attacking and belittling all things Villages, Mr. GeorgeN constantly refers to Villagers as "you", implying that we poor dummies have been taken while only he knows the truth. I'm very happy for you, Mr. N, that you have discovered your truth about TV and obviously find it wanting. Ergo, I don't expect that you will be moving here. This will be to the benefit of both you and Villages residents. I wish you good fortune in finding your retirement Utopia.



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Throughout the above diatribe attacking and belittling all things Villages, Mr. GeorgeN constantly refers to Villagers as "you", implying that we poor dummies have been taken while only he knows the truth. I'm very happy for you, Mr. N, that you have discovered your truth about TV and obviously find it wanting. Ergo, I don't expect that you will be moving here. This will be to the benefit of both you and Villages residents. I wish you good fortune in finding your retirement Utopia.
I agree.
If he has decided TV is not for him, why is he hanging around? Could it be deep down he wants to be here?
But who needs him?

GeorgeN - TV is no different than any other town in any other state. My town in Mass. is 3 times more expensive than similar towns in other parts of my little state. And there are towns that are 3 times mine. But I feel that the expense was worth it based on everything it had to offer.

TV is the same. We've had this discussion before but the vast majority of people in TV know exactly what they bought into prior to their purchase. But you are entitled to your opinion on this PUBLIC forum.

Don't shoot the messenger
 

Folks, the issue here is not where Ms. Ritchie lives or whether Ms. Ritchie likes The Villages or even whether The Villages is a great place to live. Ms. Ritchie is the messenger bringing Villagers a message about a potentially serious issue facing our future. It is an issue that has not been properly reported by the Developer's newspaper.

The two questions that posters should be asking are:

1. What happens if the IRS prevails here?

2. What can Villagers do to protect their investment and lifestyle against the consequences of such an outcome?

By the way, I love living here. I think the lifestyle is fantastic-- AND I would like it to stay that way. Read the book Lesiureville to learn about the deterioration of other senior communities and to get some insight into what goes on behind the scenes here (just ignore some of the book's minor inaccuracies, sensationalism, and depiction of The Villages as a site of senior sexual depravity).

Ask yourselves: What basis do I have for thinking that it is certain that our lifestyle, which caused us to pay a premium price for our homes, is preordained to continue forever?

Thank you for your post. Very well worded and info that can be backed up with facts.

First this site has had many posts that do try to ask and/or answer your two questions. The POA has this topic on their agenda to follow as it progresses. It is not being ignored.

As far as the lifestyle being preordained to continue - Of course nothing is in stone but the District setup (with oversight) seems to be working.

Overall I feel comfortable buying into TV for the foreseeable future.