[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by geobar

The Morse Caln again has taken away yet another venue that might have attracted you to The Villages in the first place.[
.
In time this will continue offering fewer venues for the residents to enjoy the lifestyle that was created by the originator of The Villages "Harold Schwartz to attract buyers.
.
Wish all residents the best with less.

I know a lot of resident who paid $400,000 for their house because of the movie theater.
None of them bought for the golf courses, pickle ball courts, tennis courts, 5000 clubs, and millions of other activities.

It was Katie Belles and the movies that convinced them

[merrymini]

Originally Posted by Pairadocs

Yep, that's the sad sad story of what happens when we come to "look" for a community and are boggled over with the outstanding a VERY affordable health club, the indoor swimming pool, the beautiful country club with the spa and lunch service around the pool, the three VERY "affordable" theaters with first run films, and then you "blink", and those compelling things that made you actually think they would be permanent...and they are GONE. Gone to private "health clubs" that make MONEY, gone when the land becomes more valuable than providing a good, affordable, life for retirees. Illusions we WANT to see, want to believe, like "gates", and gate "ambassadors" we perceive as keeping us "safe" from "outside" grifters, at our doors constantly. Has anyone ever lived in community where they were daily having their door bell rang by complete strangers (some of them not so "honest" appearing, and many who do not have credentials of any kind, insurance, are not registered with the state, etc. etc.) ? Fortunately, everything is censored here so people never see the daily police blotter in the daily paper (like every other newspaper has as a daily part of their format !). Does our paper even HAVE a crime beat reporter ? Not good that people are not even aware just how much goes on inside this "gated" community. People become "sitting ducks", but then, many have come for other seriously dangerous big cities, so perhaps they are better able to accept the crime ?

No worries, I gotta gun.

[merrymini]

Originally Posted by Pairadocs

Yes, they are of course. But I think the important distinction is, when an individual or family chooses a location to buy a home, they KNOW that the town or city could experience the closing of any business at any time. When they consider what is presented as a "planned/private community", and they are shown the amenities included such as movie theaters, indoor swimming pools, clubs, "resident only" clubs, all those dazzling sights on the "tour", a community "church on the square" (HOW can a lovely non denominational church MAKE MONEY, but what a lovely community asset, until turning it into a entertainment venue with a bar, etc. makes MORE MONEY. People say to those who expected these assets, "so if you don't like it... MOVE !". I think that is probably the wrong way to view the situation. People have a reasonable expectation that the compelling things they are show will NOT be whisk away if they do not make MONEY, such as a community church. It is a "bait & switch", but it's true that the resident's "hands are tied". Not much a person can do after they have invested, no guarantees ! Just a "legal" but questionable business "practice" !

There never was a church, it was designed to look like one only.

[Bilyclub]

Originally Posted by merrymini

There never was a church, it was designed to look like one only.

Wrong, it was rebuilt into the Sharron 2013/14. Click the below link for evidence.

The Villages (Florida) Photos: Church on the Square - interior

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Pairadocs

Yep, that's the sad sad story of what happens when we come to "look" for a community and are boggled over with the outstanding a VERY affordable health club, the indoor swimming pool, the beautiful country club with the spa and lunch service around the pool, the three VERY "affordable" theaters with first run films, and then you "blink", and those compelling things that made you actually think they would be permanent...and they are GONE. Gone to private "health clubs" that make MONEY, gone when the land becomes more valuable than providing a good, affordable, life for retirees. Illusions we WANT to see, want to believe, like "gates", and gate "ambassadors" we perceive as keeping us "safe" from "outside" grifters, at our doors constantly. Has anyone ever lived in community where they were daily having their door bell rang by complete strangers (some of them not so "honest" appearing, and many who do not have credentials of any kind, insurance, are not registered with the state, etc. etc.) ? Fortunately, everything is censored here so people never see the daily police blotter in the daily paper (like every other newspaper has as a daily part of their format !). Does our paper even HAVE a crime beat reporter ? Not good that people are not even aware just how much goes on inside this "gated" community. People become "sitting ducks", but then, many have come for other seriously dangerous big cities, so perhaps they are better able to accept the crime ?

I can honestly say that we have NEVER had our "door bell rang by complete strangers (some of them not so "honest" appearing, and many who do not have credentials of any kind, insurance, are not registered with the state, etc. etc.)"

Not a single time in the two years we've owned our home...

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Papa_lecki

I know a lot of resident who paid $400,000 for their house because of the movie theater.
None of them bought for the golf courses, pickle ball courts, tennis courts, 5000 clubs, and millions of other activities.

It was Katie Belles and the movies that convinced them

$400K for Katie Bells and a movie theatre?

[JMintzer]

Exactly ZERO of my friends ever visited Katie Bells, nor had any interest in ever going there...

It was once popular in a bygone era...

[mlmarr]

Originally Posted by phassett

Taking a walk to the square this morning, I saw a message posted on the ticket window that the theater is permanently closed. I'd like to think it would be repurposed for something to benefit the villagers.

Would make a beautiful dinner/show place like Katie Bells used to be.. nice location to service all the villagers ..

[bark4me]

Originally Posted by Altavia

Indoor Pickleball!

Aka Racket Ball? Yessssss

[Lottoguy]

Bowling alley would be the best option with a entrainment area inside like they have at the theater in Sumter Landing.

[mlmarr]

Originally Posted by mickey100

But didn't they get rid of Katie Belles? Apparently that didn't make enough money for them either, although it was well attended and loved by the patrons.

KB was a fabulous $$ maker, until changes brought in non residents, ..totally mis-managed by the owner ...

[Lottoguy]

"Top Gun 2" was a woke movie? Wow, you learn something every day. And that guy "Otto" he is another woke activist.

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

I can honestly say that we have NEVER had our "door bell rang by complete strangers (some of them not so "honest" appearing, and many who do not have credentials of any kind, insurance, are not registered with the state, etc. etc.)"

Not a single time in the two years we've owned our home...

Lucky you. We have had many door knockers and bell ringers in our ten years here. It is annoying, but never had any problems.

[Lottoguy]

It won't be a Costco. I heard most likely a giant indoor racing track for golf carts. You walk in sign the waver and then your off and running.

[justjim]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

"Thevillages.com" website still includes the following incorrect information:

"Movie Theaters
You can enjoy all the blockbuster favorites and cinematic classics at the three movie theaters located in each of the town squares in The Villages community!
Our modern, multi-screen movie theaters are the perfect choice for date night, a cool, relaxing afternoon or evening, or good times with the family."

I have asked them to correct the misleading information, but they ignored me. This information has not been accurate in years.

Nothing the third generation of “the developer” does is much of a surprise. Billionaire’s can lose their “moral compass” with an unending pursuit of making more and more money. Just saying…