[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by NatureBoy

I 100% agree with this. Retirees (and other people) are fleeing the cold north for the warm south in droves.

We are several years from retiring, but we are on the hunt for a nice warm place to land. TV seems to have the best formula of the places we've investigated. Holding to that formula will continue to attract people, and TV will grow. It'd be interesting if The Developer would jump to a disconnected area - like Sarasota - and start an entirely new TV style development. But someone is going to buy up all the pasture & farmland in central FL & turn it into housing for northerners. It may as well be TV's developer.

And based on my wife & I planning to move to TV, her parents are in the process of moving there, and they've mentioned the place to several of their friends and some of them are now looking at moving down. A good product sells itself.

A good product sells itself.

[john2]

If you want to see what happens at build out just look at the historic side and pretty much everything north of 466A The developer is totally out those areas. You can buy any house you want, tear it down and get whoever you want to build a new one. The historic side had 3 or 4 different builders but now the villages developers are the only one you see now. The villages can build cheaper than other builders.

[Two Bills]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

I see you are in Dunedin. Welcome to TOTV, I really hope you enjoy the Forum.

According to my VPN I am in Hanoi today, and I am enjoying the forum!

[Ladygolfer93]

The "inmates" (?) I assume that is the residents of course. Seems that could be a good thing or a bad thing, just like some condo associations are a real blessing in fairness to residents and protecting everyone's investment; others not so good, just like our country, you are only going to get the quality to elect. In the Sun City example (Tampa ?) do the residents now have a greater voice in how often and how much their amenity fees raise, how the money is spent ? Seems no matter who controls, it still boils down to the integrity/morals/values/ motives of those in charge ! At least it seems more "inmates" would have the basic interests of residents at heart as opposed to pure profit.

[thelegges]

Originally Posted by yurkie

I absolutely agree with you. I have never heard so many residents complain so much about The Villages uncontrolled rapid growth of home builds and population growth we are experiencing. It is far outpacing the resources that it takes to make for a comfortable life in The Villages. Many weeks, to get an appointment with a Medical Specialist Doctor is only one example. I have a long list of other related problems. Personally, my “Record” to see a Specialist is 14 weeks. It is still problem, even during non-Snow Bird Times of year. I suggest we attend POA Meetings and present a United Front. There is a huge post on Facebook, about this overcrowded. The related Complaints, of Overcrowding, hugely overwhelm any positive comments. This negative situation needs to be brought under control. Many residents are looking at moving elsewhere, already.

In Michigan wait for OBGYN is 7 months, orthopedic and cardiac is close to 5 months. So 14 weeks is a bonus

[ithos]

Growth south of 44 has definitely been beneficial for Brownwood as many more stores and restaurants will be built near us. But the massive increase in traffic is a concern particularly the intersection of 301 and the turnpike. TV developers should be required to open up another access to the turnpike at 468. If it is bad now with less than 10% complete, it will be unbearable when they sell the rest of the homes.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Ladygolfer93

The "inmates" (?) I assume that is the residents of course. Seems that could be a good thing or a bad thing, just like some condo associations are a real blessing in fairness to residents and protecting everyone's investment; others not so good, just like our country, you are only going to get the quality to elect. In the Sun City example (Tampa ?) do the residents now have a greater voice in how often and how much their amenity fees raise, how the money is spent ? Seems no matter who controls, it still boils down to the integrity/morals/values/ motives of those in charge ! At least it seems more "inmates" would have the basic interests of residents at heart as opposed to pure profit.

This is my opinion and my careful observation and my assessment. This wonderful place really only works because of the integrity of the developers. They have chosen to continue working in very high stress jobs that require enormous effort and have invested and re-invested their own money, time and time again. They could have stopped at any time and lived like royalty with enough money to fund that lifestyle to their children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. They have the ability to buy or they own any material things they want. There MUST be more to their motives than money.

Perhaps it is the legacy of their dad and grandfather's dream and successful efforts. Perhaps it is the fact that no where on the face of this earth is there such a place, just for older people to live and enjoy their last decades. Maybe they know their business supports thousands of workers directly or indirectly.

And maybe it is just selfish greed.

I am going to go sit on my very much nicer than average chair at my closest rec center today and I am going to paint along with a lot of other older people and I am going to see the beautiful things they create and I am going to study their faces again, and I am going to think more about this.

It is going to be another beautiful day in The Villages.

[ColdNoMore]

Let's not even try to delude ourselves.

Other than the Bill Gates/Warren Buffett's of the world who have pledged to give away their fortunes, I don't see a whole lot of altruism...in the mega-rich.

For most...there is never enough money.

Yes, they will modify or improve their product/services to make them more attractive to their customers (to increase sales), but let's be totally honest...it isn't being done out of the 'goodness of their hearts.'

And more power to them, as I admire those who are very successful.

BUT, I neither worship, nor am jealous of them, as I am fortunate enough...to have all I need.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by ColdNoMore

Let's not even try to delude ourselves.

Other than the Bill Gates/Warren Buffett's of the world who have pledged to give away their fortunes, I don't see a whole lot of altruism...in the mega-rich.

For most...there is never enough money.

Yes, they will modify or improve their product/services to make them more attractive to their customers (to increase sales), but let's be totally honest...it isn't being done out of the 'goodness of their hearts.'

And more power to them, as I admire those who are very successful.

BUT, I neither worship, nor am jealous of them, as I am fortunate enough...to have all I need.

Yeah I can't imagine why anyone would continue trying to make millions MORE dollars than the millions they already have, when they can just hand the whole shebang over to an independent board and rest easy on their laurels. Unless - they get sucked into the more-is-more mentality, which is what most uber-wealthy people have.

The Morses aren't doing diddly for the community. They're destroying it. The community was farmers. They've displaced the farmers, razed the farms, displaced the animals that lived on the farm, sown chaos into the environment and infrastructure of Florida's beautiful wildlife areas. They're "paved paradise and put up a parking lot." So from the "community" standpoint - they've been nothing but destructive, and everyone who lives there now (including myself) is a contributor to that destruction.

Pretending otherwise is just denial. A person has to really want to not believe the truth, to believe the Morse family has any interest in altruism or their step-great-granddad's legacy at this point. Perhaps it's a self-defense mechanism, so you don't feel guilty about the abject destruction you really are contributing to: pretend it's not happening.

[vintageogauge]

Originally Posted by Jazuela

Yeah I can't imagine why anyone would continue trying to make millions MORE dollars than the millions they already have, when they can just hand the whole shebang over to an independent board and rest easy on their laurels. Unless - they get sucked into the more-is-more mentality, which is what most uber-wealthy people have.

The Morses aren't doing diddly for the community. They're destroying it. The community was farmers. They've displaced the farmers, razed the farms, displaced the animals that lived on the farm, sown chaos into the environment and infrastructure of Florida's beautiful wildlife areas. They're "paved paradise and put up a parking lot." So from the "community" standpoint - they've been nothing but destructive, and everyone who lives there now (including myself) is a contributor to that destruction.

Pretending otherwise is just denial. A person has to really want to not believe the truth, to believe the Morse family has any interest in altruism or their step-great-granddad's legacy at this point. Perhaps it's a self-defense mechanism, so you don't feel guilty about the abject destruction you really are contributing to: pretend it's not happening.

If that's the way you feel why are you living here? You need to do some deep soul searching and start seeing the cup half full.

[billethkid]

I am not sure I understand why all the curiosity of why an obviously successful "company" that is growing and consistently profitable, delivering an in demand product......stays in business.

They are in business for the same reasons as any of the fortune 500 companies!!!

[pooh]

Originally Posted by Jazuela

Yeah I can't imagine why anyone would continue trying to make millions MORE dollars than the millions they already have, when they can just hand the whole shebang over to an independent board and rest easy on their laurels. Unless - they get sucked into the more-is-more mentality, which is what most uber-wealthy people have.

The Morses aren't doing diddly for the community. They're destroying it. The community was farmers. They've displaced the farmers, razed the farms, displaced the animals that lived on the farm, sown chaos into the environment and infrastructure of Florida's beautiful wildlife areas. They're "paved paradise and put up a parking lot." So from the "community" standpoint - they've been nothing but destructive, and everyone who lives there now (including myself) is a contributor to that destruction.

Pretending otherwise is just denial. A person has to really want to not believe the truth, to believe the Morse family has any interest in altruism or their step-great-granddad's legacy at this point. Perhaps it's a self-defense mechanism, so you don't feel guilty about the abject destruction you really are contributing to: pretend it's not happening.

Growth will continue, here and everywhere....might as well control it. You do remember that this “growth” is providing jobs for many, many individuals don’t you? Honestly, I feel your assesment of growth here is incorrect. One should be happy in their community....so sorry you don’t appear to be.

[New Englander]

Originally Posted by Jazuela

Yeah I can't imagine why anyone would continue trying to make millions MORE dollars than the millions they already have, when they can just hand the whole shebang over to an independent board and rest easy on their laurels. Unless - they get sucked into the more-is-more mentality, which is what most uber-wealthy people have.

The Morses aren't doing diddly for the community. They're destroying it. The community was farmers. They've displaced the farmers, razed the farms, displaced the animals that lived on the farm, sown chaos into the environment and infrastructure of Florida's beautiful wildlife areas. They're "paved paradise and put up a parking lot." So from the "community" standpoint - they've been nothing but destructive, and everyone who lives there now (including myself) is a contributor to that destruction.

Pretending otherwise is just denial. A person has to really want to not believe the truth, to believe the Morse family has any interest in altruism or their step-great-granddad's legacy at this point. Perhaps it's a self-defense mechanism, so you don't feel guilty about the abject destruction you really are contributing to: pretend it's not happening.

Holy Cow Woman

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Jazuela

Yeah I can't imagine why anyone would continue trying to make millions MORE dollars than the millions they already have, when they can just hand the whole shebang over to an independent board and rest easy on their laurels. Unless - they get sucked into the more-is-more mentality, which is what most uber-wealthy people have.

The Morses aren't doing diddly for the community. They're destroying it. The community was farmers. They've displaced the farmers, razed the farms, displaced the animals that lived on the farm, sown chaos into the environment and infrastructure of Florida's beautiful wildlife areas. They're "paved paradise and put up a parking lot." So from the "community" standpoint - they've been nothing but destructive, and everyone who lives there now (including myself) is a contributor to that destruction.

Pretending otherwise is just denial. A person has to really want to not believe the truth, to believe the Morse family has any interest in altruism or their step-great-granddad's legacy at this point. Perhaps it's a self-defense mechanism, so you don't feel guilty about the abject destruction you really are contributing to: pretend it's not happening.

I believe that once you live here you will change your mind. Please don't miss The State of The Villages once a year at the Sharon. You must get there early to get tickets, but they are free. It isn't hard to feel the good stuff about the Morse family when you go to this. We went once and now don't try to go so that as many as possible can see this very good presentation of a family that has all the right stuff, in my opinion.

I also believe that "uber-wealthy" people often are people who started out with not much and got up early and worked hard, and then they did it over again and became more and more and more successful. They did not change. They still love their families and watch their money, many of them. I think it is just as wrong to malign the rich as it is to look down on the poor. Should we say to our children, I want you to go to college, but for God's sake don't be monetarily successful???

If it were your son or your daughter, you would be proud of what they have done and what they are still doing. The Morses are from mid-America, they are so like the people I have always known. They wear jeans and regular clothes and they adore their kids and grandkids and there isn't any thing about them that is false when you hear them speak and interact.

Long may they live and prosper.

[Fuzz323]

Whats going to happen is the two main roads (Morse and Buena Vista) will be traffic clogged all year around instead of just during the winter months. If you remember the roads were designed at the time that the plan was to have Rt. 44 as the Southern end of the villages. It did not take into account the many thousands more vehicles that will come with the new master plan. How much money can those folks in the ivory tower spend in one lifetime?