[john352]

Originally Posted by manaboutown

Ancient history. Villages Settles Lawsuit | POA of The Villages

Copy and pasted from the above POA artical: "The agreement also creates a resident-controlled "Amenity Authority Committee" that will have a louder voice in the use of amenity fees." The link to information about this committee is: VCDD Amenity Authority Committee - AAC

[Black Beauty]

We live as far north as you can go. The frogs call this 'the country'. Our place is right across from Mulberry Rec Center. Most convenient of any!

[Goldwingnut]

Yes, the lawsuit is long over, and the money needed for repairs and upkeep of the existing amenities that the lawsuit said was insufficient in the original purchase, is now spent and gone, some on new facilities that I for one question both the wisdom and need of.

The second part of the OP's question as to "The Villages" not taking care of the areas north of 466, the first thing that must be clarified is who they are referring to, "The Villages" the community, the local special purpose government, or the developer? The first is the people who live here and by and large, we the resident of The Villages take great care and pride in our community and work hard to make it that way, the second is our community development districts and they are focused on exactly that, maintaining the community aesthetics and infrastructure.

As far as the developer goes, they are a business focused on building homes and commercial properties. Once the homes are built and the warranty period is over (as it is north of 466 for the most part) they have no obligation or responsibility to support or pour money into anything; that responsibility belongs to the residents and the district government. You bought a house and everything that is included in your sales contract and nothing else. You didn't get a rich uncle or a nanny state that will take care of your every need and want, you got a house in a community. For them it is a business, and in business it is all about the money or you go out of business very quickly. Profit is good, greed is a sin, they are profitable, good for them and good for all of us. If one takes the time to really delve into all that the developer and the family has done and continues to do for the local community and economy, you'll find that they very quietly give back a tremendous amount to both. Are they Simon pure? From my own experience I would say not, they are very protective of what they have created and crossing them or not playing by "their" rules can be painful (I've found this out several times now) and sometime expensive, but honestly I believe them to be no more protective than any other successful brand or business.

As far as the YouTuber comments go, being one of them I can assure you that most YouTubers are not getting rich on the penny or two that YouTube may pay for each view, and then the government takes their pound of flesh from those earnings as well. Yes, there is some real trash out there and there are several that make their profits by trashing a community that they know little about or have an undeniable bias based on preconceived notions, political views, or sometimes just plain ignorance. There are a few of us that try to remain positive in what we produce but are also not afraid to call something out as bad when it is just as easily as we call something good. And not one of us has received a dime from the developer for our efforts. Unfortunately, if you look at the stats for the most popular videos about The Villages, you'll find that negativity and trash sells better that facts.

[Rodneysblue]

Originally Posted by Lottoguy

That lawsuit ran its course. The last of the money was used to build the First Responders Recreation Center and the surrounding 20 acre site. Nothing to worry about on your end.
THE VILLAGES DEVELOPER SETTLES LAWSUIT

Also part of that settlement is the replacement of the Paradise Regional Rec Center. It was the oldest rec center and construction is scheduled to start next year.

[Robojo]

Originally Posted by Will.S

We are waiting for our Lifestyle visit in late May. Every morning we watch alot of YouTube Village videos. Someone mentioned something about a huge lawsuit north of 466. He also said the area north of 466 is not taken care of "by the Villages".
Is this current info or just incorrect information.
Thanks, Will

I did the same before coming here. Its actually in the reverse. I live in Citrus Grove and I would not reccomend it to someone who wants a friendly and clean lifestyle.

A lot of you tubers work for the sales team. Some got ripped off. Some love it here. Opinions are like...LOL

Come see for yourself!

[coleprice]

Originally Posted by Will.S

We are waiting for our Lifestyle visit in late May. Every morning we watch alot of YouTube Village videos. Someone mentioned something about a huge lawsuit north of 466. He also said the area north of 466 is not taken care of "by the Villages".
Is this current info or just incorrect information.
Thanks, Will

My wife and I live "full time" North of Spanish Springs in The Villages and are VERY HAPPY with ALL Areas and Facilities maintained by The Villages. We believe that our "Amenity Fees" are for the most part, spent very productively maintaining the many Rec Centers, Executive Golf Courses, Town Squares and Common Areas. We prefer the North and Middle areas of The Villages because there are substantially more Executive Golf Courses per Home, plus Shopping & Restaurants are much more convenient. But, the Rec Centers, Town Squares and Common Areas South of 466 are also impeccably maintained.

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by Goldwingnut

Yes, the lawsuit is long over, and the money needed for repairs and upkeep of the existing amenities that the lawsuit said was insufficient in the original purchase, is now spent and gone, some on new facilities that I for one question both the wisdom and need of.

The second part of the OP's question as to "The Villages" not taking care of the areas north of 466, the first thing that must be clarified is who they are referring to, "The Villages" the community, the local special purpose government, or the developer? The first is the people who live here and by and large, we the resident of The Villages take great care and pride in our community and work hard to make it that way, the second is our community development districts and they are focused on exactly that, maintaining the community aesthetics and infrastructure.

As far as the developer goes, they are a business focused on building homes and commercial properties. Once the homes are built and the warranty period is over (as it is north of 466 for the most part) they have no obligation or responsibility to support or pour money into anything; that responsibility belongs to the residents and the district government. You bought a house and everything that is included in your sales contract and nothing else. You didn't get a rich uncle or a nanny state that will take care of your every need and want, you got a house in a community. For them it is a business, and in business it is all about the money or you go out of business very quickly. Profit is good, greed is a sin, they are profitable, good for them and good for all of us. If one takes the time to really delve into all that the developer and the family has done and continues to do for the local community and economy, you'll find that they very quietly give back a tremendous amount to both. Are they Simon pure? From my own experience I would say not, they are very protective of what they have created and crossing them or not playing by "their" rules can be painful (I've found this out several times now) and sometime expensive, but honestly I believe them to be no more protective than any other successful brand or business.

As far as the YouTuber comments go, being one of them I can assure you that most YouTubers are not getting rich on the penny or two that YouTube may pay for each view, and then the government takes their pound of flesh from those earnings as well. Yes, there is some real trash out there and there are several that make their profits by trashing a community that they know little about or have an undeniable bias based on preconceived notions, political views, or sometimes just plain ignorance. There are a few of us that try to remain positive in what we produce but are also not afraid to call something out as bad when it is just as easily as we call something good. And not one of us has received a dime from the developer for our efforts. Unfortunately, if you look at the stats for the most popular videos about The Villages, you'll find that negativity and trash sells better that facts.

Please help me understand. Per the RAD capital improvement plan there was to be $15291789 in "settlement proceeds" with a total of > $21 mil total of "working capital" sitting in the coffers in 2023*. The last settlement payment was earmarked for renovation of Paradise Rec Center for years. The reason it did not happen immediately upon receipt of the last payment is the AAC decided it would be too much of a demand on contractors if The First Responders and Paradise projects were being performed simultaneously. I salute the AAC for developing a plan and sticking to it. It is also my opinion it would be unethical not to spend the settlement money on the Paradise upgrade. That is what the law suit was all about.

*https://www.districtgov.org/departme...20Division.pdf - page 2

[sallyg]

There was a lawsuit that took place about 15+/- years ago awarding $40 million dollars to orange blossom? Not exactly sure. There are probably records available somewhere if you dig. The Villages takes care of the Villages no matter what region you are in. The northern- most village, referred to as the "historical" area is the oldest. Many of the homes show their age, but we lived there when we first moved to TV and loved the location. Spanish Springs is beautiful with huge trees, more spacious lots and charming homes. Drive around up there during your visit and see for yourself. Enjoy. There is lots to see and do.

[Lottoguy]

Up north of 466 is a very desirable area. Close to everything and easily the most beautiful area in The Villages. Lots of mature trees (some over 200 years old) and the least crowded area during the winter months. Realtors love this area too.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by sallyg

There was a lawsuit that took place about 15+/- years ago awarding $40 million dollars to orange blossom? Not exactly sure. There are probably records available somewhere if you dig. The Villages takes care of the Villages no matter what region you are in. The northern- most village, referred to as the "historical" area is the oldest. Many of the homes show their age, but we lived there when we first moved to TV and loved the location. Spanish Springs is beautiful with huge trees, more spacious lots and charming homes. Drive around up there during your visit and see for yourself. Enjoy. There is lots to see and do.

Have a look at post #19.

[kburr]

Originally Posted by Will.S

We are waiting for our Lifestyle visit in late May. Every morning we watch alot of YouTube Village videos. Someone mentioned something about a huge lawsuit north of 466. He also said the area north of 466 is not taken care of "by the Villages".
Is this current info or just incorrect information.
Thanks, Will

When you have your lifestyle visit, they will only show you the new houses on the south end of The Villages. That's where want to sell you. The houses on the north side are established and in my opinion built better. If we ever sell, I would NOT use a Village realtor. They only show you what they list and mostly want to sell new homes.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by sallyg

There was a lawsuit that took place about 15+/- years ago awarding $40 million dollars to orange blossom? Not exactly sure. There are probably records available somewhere if you dig. The Villages takes care of the Villages no matter what region you are in. The northern- most village, referred to as the "historical" area is the oldest. Many of the homes show their age, but we lived there when we first moved to TV and loved the location. Spanish Springs is beautiful with huge trees, more spacious lots and charming homes. Drive around up there during your visit and see for yourself. Enjoy. There is lots to see and do.

The way I read it was for district 3 and 4 for lack of amenities where most of money was spent.

[Topspinmo]

When I look on Google earth the historical side actually north east of villages? North village would up along B/V blvd. And Morse blvd south of sumpter landing looks like brownwood along 44 center of villages now?

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by kburr

When you have your lifestyle visit, they will only show you the new houses on the south end of The Villages. That's where want to sell you. The houses on the north side are established and in my opinion built better. If we ever sell, I would NOT use a Village realtor. They only show you what they list and mostly want to sell new homes.

That is simply not true. If you ask to see re-sales, they'll show you re-sales...

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by kburr

When you have your lifestyle visit, they will only show you the new houses on the south end of The Villages. That's where want to sell you. The houses on the north side are established and in my opinion built better. If we ever sell, I would NOT use a Village realtor. They only show you what they list and mostly want to sell new homes.

That was not the case with our Villages realtor during our lifestyle visit. That was a while ago and things change but I don't think we saw any new construction at all. We stated our preference to be above 44 and those are the homes we were taken to.

But, as I wrote, things change and what was true then might not be the case today.