[Indy-Guy]

The fence where the buffalo used to be are now being removed. This is the area that is Northwest of Buena Vista Blvd and Stillwater Trail by the play ground at Lake Sumter Landing. There are survey flags up. I looks like something is to be built there soon.

I don't feel that this had anything to do with the removal of the buffalo as there were several places that they kept buffalo and there is not construction at every site. It was only time before something was going to be built there.

I know perhaps a Ted's Montana Grill will go in there.

http://www.tedsmontanagrill.com/

[villages07]

Indy,

I rode by there last month when they were surveying....I asked one of the surveyors "what's up".....he said they will be building villas (and/or houses?) in that area. Have heard no corroborating facts, just what the surveyor said. I guess residential is better than more big box stores.

[SteveFromNY]

Originally Posted by Indy Guy

I don't feel that this had anything to do with the removal of the buffalo as there were several places that they kept buffalo and there is not construction at every site. It was only time before something was going to be built there.

I know perhaps a Ted's Montana Grill will go in there.

http://www.tedsmontanagrill.com/

I'm sure the building would have occurred on schedule even if the buffalo were still there. Ultimately, they were placeholders for the construction that would eventually occur anyway.

Went to a Ted's in PA and it's a really good restaurant! I'd love to see one in TV. They serve quite a bit of bison there. If they put one in TV I wonder if people would suspect THAT's where the buffalo went?



(Only a joke...)

[ladykathleen]

I heard that they were building a bowling alley

[billethkid]

What we know for sure is the developer isn't spending the survey and fence removal dollars to make it look the the other side of the street!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Removing or moving the buffalo has been an ongoing process throughout different locations in TV as THEIR plan is implemented. Just like they did when it was time to implement Freedom Point.
My bet is on commercial use as they will get an ongoing income from the property VS selling land for dwellings of one kind or another.
They will let us know when THEY are ready.
While I think the buffalo were a neat attribute/attraction, they did little for property values.
On a positive note, all the property adjacent LSL has been successfully turned into value/service adding entities. What ever they do along Buena Vista and Old Mill Run will do like wise.

BTK

[samhass]

BTK, My money goes on commercial, as well. I think the chances of housing going in that area would be slim to none.

[Villages Kahuna]

...the development of real estate learn very early in their careers. I was involved for a long time in commercial real estate development and I know I was taught this rule early on.

The rule that is never violated, on purpose at least, is as follows...

The development of real property will ALWAYS be at its best use to create the highest value for its owner.

There are sometimes variances from this rule. The use of a piece of property zoned for high-rise construction for a single-level building would be a mistake by the developer and certainly wouldn't create the highest value. Of course, property that might otherwise be built upon can also be designated as a park or school or something else for the public good. The Village already has a huge proportion of its total acreage designated as recreation centers, pools, parks, wetlands, preserves, etc.

There was a lot of acreage devoted to buffalo grazing. That certainly wasn't the best use of the land that would create the highest value for its owner. Building on it, as appears now to be the case, won't reduce the amount of land devoted to public useage by any significant amount. I don't think anyone would classify the buffalo pastures as public parks. As many have said earlier, the disappearance of "our" buffalo was only a matter of time.

[chuckster]

And as an add on to the previous, Ag. land (fenced with cattle or crop land) is taxed at a lower rate than open undeveloped land adjoining residential or commercial property. Only makes sense to keep the buffalo/cattle until such time as the property is developed.

This is not common to the villages. When I lived in Miami Lakes. FL many moons ago, Senator Graham who owned a considerable amount of acreage did the same. His family, I believe, originally had a dairy prior to the development in the 70's.

[gnu]

Keeping animals, whether buffalo, cows or ostrich is a means for the landowner to claim the lands tax value is farm land thus keeping it's taxable value as low as possible. It is commonly done in all areas of Florida. The owner only keeps the animals as long as it takes for them to either sell or develop the land.

[renielarson]

Well...I would like to see another Katie Belle's or something similar there. Not a Cattle Baron Restaurant but a place for indoor music and dancing.

[villages07]

whatever,

thank you...my next move was to make a couple of calls tomorrow and see if I could find the "real truth". You got the scoop. It'll be interesting to see what type of houses and how they blend in with the surroundings. I'm sure it will be done tastefully. Talk about a primo location....walk to LSL.

[Whatever]

Allegedly, the site was approved for 202 homes and a recreation center, today.

[samhass]

Guess I'll have to pull my bet off the table. I did hear "houses" today from a reputable source. I'm still surprised.

[Ooper]

There may be other things scheduled for that area also but I agree with Kathleen and I do know for a fact that a 3rd bowling alley was on the agenda a few weeks ago.

[Indy-Guy]

They are working over there feverishly in typical villages fashion. Many trucks and they are digging. Saw several trucks that said water works or something to that effect. Much of the fence is gone.