[Boomer]

Originally Posted by Judy n Ron

“The idea of unlimited growth... needs to be seriously questioned on at least two counts: the availability of basic resources and... the capacity of the environment ..." This includes parking at Publix, tee times, restaurant tables, and space at the gyms...... I'm not sure why we are all expected to celebrate.
The Daily Sun goes on and on about how big we are and how big we are getting. Are existing residents getting a piece of the pie?

A couple of years ago, I started to feel the squeeze. But as a snowbird, I have not been there to experience the effect year-round.

I advise anyone who is thinking of buying to rent during snowbird season to get the feel of the place to see if it works as an individual choice.

The building will continue. It is a business plan. TV employs a lot of family members and it appears to be a generational operation.

I have always looked at owning in TV like owning stock in a big corporation. The value of any stock can go up and down in response to the decisions made by the few who hold the real power. In reality, stockholders in big corporations have no real say in corporate decisions. Stockholders have only the power to buy or sell what they own individually.

The big selling point in TV has always been “The Lifestyle.”

Homeowners have to accept the fact that the continued building goes with the territory — the never ending territory. As individuals, homeowners must decide the intrinsic, as well as the economic, value of owning stock in “The Lifestyle” as it changes with the tremendous growth.

(But I must admit that I do not have or understand the need to do the Rah-Rah Routine. Oh well, now my post will disappear.)

[pauld315]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

If they were to sell 48,000 new homes at the rate sold in the past three years, it’s going to take around 20 years. Increasing the sales rate by 50% would reduce the years to 15. However, as the Villages grow so does the number of preowned sales which eats into the new home sales number. Last year, the number of preowned home sales was larger than new for the Villages sales force.

As Village growth plans are usually not foretold for the next 10 or more years, I am a bit surprised by all of these land purchase announcements. Maybe we will all be surprised by a different community to be built on some of these lands?

The rate of new home sales will pick up as soon as their is connectivity to the rest of The Villages from the areas south of 44.

[eweissenbach]

Originally Posted by Judy n Ron

“The idea of unlimited growth... needs to be seriously questioned on at least two counts: the availability of basic resources and... the capacity of the environment ..." This includes parking at Publix, tee times, restaurant tables, and space at the gyms...... I'm not sure why we are all expected to celebrate.
The Daily Sun goes on and on about how big we are and how big we are getting. Are existing residents getting a piece of the pie?

With all due respect, I'm sure when Sanibel was built the residents of the northern Villages felt the same way. I remember talk of "build out" and I was certain with all the adjacent undeveloped land that it would be folly to believe, with their resources and formula, they would simply shut down.

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by Judy n Ron

“The idea of unlimited growth... needs to be seriously questioned on at least two counts: the availability of basic resources and... the capacity of the environment ..." This includes parking at Publix, tee times, restaurant tables, and space at the gyms...... I'm not sure why we are all expected to celebrate.
The Daily Sun goes on and on about how big we are and how big we are getting. Are existing residents getting a piece of the pie?

You are getting a nice piece of the pie.....look at what other developers are building, the facilities they provide and their rate of growth. We can travel anywhere in TV and see beautiful landscaping, great animal habitats plus facilites that are clean, updated and provide great venues for our clubs and organizations. The land TV purchased was not exclusive, other developers could purchase it and, based on the growth in Florida, probably would. Who would you prefer to have as your developer, someone you know with a track record, or someone you don't?

[GoodLife]

Originally Posted by Judy n Ron

“The idea of unlimited growth... needs to be seriously questioned on at least two counts: the availability of basic resources and... the capacity of the environment ..." This includes parking at Publix, tee times, restaurant tables, and space at the gyms...... I'm not sure why we are all expected to celebrate.
The Daily Sun goes on and on about how big we are and how big we are getting. Are existing residents getting a piece of the pie?

Your piece of the pie is the home you bought, no more no less. I am amazed by people who buy here and then think the Developer should build no more cuz I got mine and no more!

[Boomer]

Where is the labor pool to support the restaurants, stores, and services that must grow along with the number of houses?

There is not a large population in the area surrounding TV. How far are workers willing to travel for jobs here?

I realize the developer’s charter school is an attraction for some workers. I have heard that the acceptance for enrollment there is based on a tier program, depending on the level of ownership of TV in the business that employs the parent. However they do it, the charter school seems to be a draw.

And, of course, there are retirees who work throughout TV.

But how difficult is it for managers and business owners to find enough dependable employees?

Are there really enough people to employ in restaurants, landscaping, lawn care, etc. to dependably keep up with the momentum of the growth effect on “The Lifestyle”?

(I know there are those who will take my post as being cantankerous, but that is not my intention. Building houses has to be the relatively easy part. My guess is there are lots of sub-contractors and suppliers who bid competitively for a piece of the action. I just tend to wonder about the effect of the growth on all things TV.)

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Boomer

Where is the labor pool to support the restaurants, stores, and services that must grow along with the number of houses?

There is not a large population in the area surrounding TV. How far are workers willing to travel for jobs here?

I realize the developer’s charter school is an attraction for some workers. I have heard that the acceptance for enrollment there is based on a tier program, depending on the level of ownership of TV in the business that employs the parent. However they do it, the charter school seems to be a draw.

And, of course, there are retirees who work throughout TV.

But how difficult is it for managers and business owners to find enough dependable employees?

Are there really enough people to employ in restaurants, landscaping, lawn care, pest control, etc. to dependably keep up with the momentum of the growth effect on “The Lifestyle”?

(I know there are those who will take my post as being cantankerous, but that is not my intention. Building houses has to be the relatively easy part. My guess is there are lots of sub-contractors and suppliers who bid competitively for a piece of the action. I just tend to wonder about the effect of the growth on all things TV.)

We chatted with one of the tile layers, one of the people who caulk wood seams at the end of the build, a plumber, when our house was being built eight years ago. They had all been with their crew for many years.(pay decent? Good benefits?) The head builder of our first home in Hadley had come with Gary Morse et al from Michigan. It may be more difficult now that the economy has really picked up, unemployment is so low, and building is booming everywhere, to get workers. I think people who know how to time an egg and dish up dinners with all items hot are very hard to find, EVERYWHERE. People willing to work have mostly found jobs, thank heavens.

We will see Boomer. We will see.

[My Daily Run]

When I purchased here I had no intention or thought of what my house would be worth and if it would be worth more or less. I bought here for the quality of life and this is my last home purchase, when I am no longer living that will be my family's problem, if they sell high or low that will be a bonus for them. I am not living to make my family rich, they all have more money then I have. I am living well and happy...that is my plan !!!

[SouthOfTheBorder]

Originally Posted by My Daily Run

When I purchased here I had no intention or thought of what my house would be worth and if it would be worth more or less. I bought here for the quality of life and this is my last home purchase, when I am no longer living that will be my family's problem, if they sell high or low that will be a bonus for them. I am not living to make my family rich, they all have more money then I have. I am living well and happy...that is my plan !!!

Very well said! My thoughts exactly.

And I suspect the vast majority of TV residents feel the same.

Don

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by My Daily Run

When I purchased here I had no intention or thought of what my house would be worth and if it would be worth more or less. I bought here for the quality of life and this is my last home purchase, when I am no longer living that will be my family's problem, if they sell high or low that will be a bonus for them. I am not living to make my family rich, they all have more money then I have. I am living well and happy...that is my plan !!!

I think most of us chose to buy and live here partly because it is a clean, decent, well kept up area with deed restrictions, a place we could be proud to live in and enjoy with some assurance that others would continue to keep their properties up.

I like to live here because this is where my age peers live, except those younger who don't like to hang out with older people. I enjoy the people VERY much and love doing things like painting and claying that I never had time for before. There are many who like to get all sweaty and ride bikes and skate and run and argue about all those stupid other people on the cart paths. Some people like to meet up in the middle of the night on the band stand, but hey.

There is something interesting going on every minute and you can easily tell this by reading this forum!

[Lottoguy]

More growth means more of a chance a full size casino with hotel will eventually be built at Oxford Downs. Watch and see!

[Goldwingnut]

Originally Posted by Boomer

Where is the labor pool to support the restaurants, stores, and services that must grow along with the number of houses?

There is not a large population in the area surrounding TV. How far are workers willing to travel for jobs here?

I realize the developer’s charter school is an attraction for some workers. I have heard that the acceptance for enrollment there is based on a tier program, depending on the level of ownership of TV in the business that employs the parent. However they do it, the charter school seems to be a draw.

And, of course, there are retirees who work throughout TV.

But how difficult is it for managers and business owners to find enough dependable employees?

Are there really enough people to employ in restaurants, landscaping, lawn care, etc. to dependably keep up with the momentum of the growth effect on “The Lifestyle”?

(I know there are those who will take my post as being cantankerous, but that is not my intention. Building houses has to be the relatively easy part. My guess is there are lots of sub-contractors and suppliers who bid competitively for a piece of the action. I just tend to wonder about the effect of the growth on all things TV.)

Obviously and eventually there will be the need for an increase in services to support the growth here in TV. What’s been announced recently is a part of a long term plan (20+ year) as confirmed by recent news articles. This is great news for the home building industry, both inside and outside TV, as it brings confidence to a long term and stable work force. With this work force comes the need for other additional services promoting overall long term growth for the surrounding area. A market driven economy such as this area has will self regulate. If there is a workforce shortage wages will increase drawing attention to the area as an attractive place for employment, righting the situation.

This shortage thinking is the same mindset as the “all these new houses and no new golf courses”. Only looking at one side of the equation and not the big picture and long term growth and planning. The surrounding cities and counties have and will benefit from the continued growth.

Growth here in The Villages is a very small percentage of the overall growth in Florida. A thousand people a day move to Florida. Few communities in the state are as well planned and environmentally friendly as what is being built here. This growth is inevitable, at least here it’s well planned and we’ll all benefit from it. I’ve been in Florida no for over 11 years and have seen lots of poor planning in Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, and south Florida during my time working, what is happening here shows much better planning by developers and civil officials.

[Boomer]

Thanks for the thoughtful comments and various theories.

This is an interesting discussion.

Now, for my next random thought:

Having owned for 4 years, I can see some effect of crowding in just that short time.

BUT — the other part of that is we have been among the abominable snowbirds, wanting the blue sky weather at the same time as a whole lot of other people. It has become more difficult to even get into a movie during high season.

(Ironically, I thought I was going to get into a knock-down-drag-out one morning in the line to get into the Civil Discourse Club. )

Picture this:

Nice Lady Boomer is next in line waiting to get into the Civil Discourse Club meeting. The room is filling up.

The doorkeeper says, “Two spaces left.”

Nice Lady Boomer smiles at the guy in line immediately next to her and says, “Well, I guess that’s us.”

THEN, the guy grabs the door and sneers, “Hey! I am waiting for my friend!”

Sooooooo, surprisingly agile Nice Lady Boomer glares at the bully who thinks he can intimidate her and ducks under his arm to disappear into the room. HAH!


And don’t even try to get into water aerobics.

And I am still pizzed about the closing of the Lifelong Learning College. (sigh)

ANYWAY — I am coming to the conclusion that those who live here year round are at an advantage because they know the territory well and have taken the time to establish their day-to-day lives and they can enjoy things more easily in the off-season. This is home to the year-rounders and it seems like that might be the best choice if choosing TV.

Just a theory, for now.

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by Boomer

Thanks for the thoughtful comments and various theories.

This is an interesting discussion.

Now, for my next random thought:

Having owned for 4 years, I can see some effect of crowding in just that short time.

BUT — the other part of that is we have been among the abominable snowbirds, wanting the blue sky weather at the same time as a whole lot of other people. It has become more difficult to even get into a movie during high season.

(Ironically, I thought I was going to get into a knock-down-drag-out one morning in the line to get into the Civil Discourse Club. )

Picture this:

Nice Lady Boomer is next in line waiting to get into the Civil Discourse Club meeting. The room is filling up.

The doorkeeper says, “Two spaces left.”

Nice Lady Boomer smiles at the guy in line immediately next to her and says, “Well, I guess that’s us.”

THEN, the guy grabs the door and sneers, “Hey! I am waiting for my friend!”

Sooooooo, surprisingly agile Nice Lady Boomer glares at the bully who thinks he can intimidate her and ducks under his arm to disappear into the room. HAH!


And don’t even try to get into water aerobics.

And I am still pizzed about the closing of the Lifelong Learning College. (sigh)

ANYWAY — I am coming to the conclusion that those who live here year round are at an advantage because they know the territory well and have taken the time to establish their day-to-day lives and they can enjoy things more easily in the off-season. This is home to the year-rounders and it seems like that might be the best choice if choosing TV.

Just a theory, for now.

Do not be intimidated. You have the exact same rights as a year rounder. Days per year in TV gives one seniority over nothing. If a Rec Club gives priority to full timer property owner Vs a snowbird property owner blow them in. In fact how would they know you are a snowbird ?

[Boomer]

Originally Posted by rustyp

Do not be intimidated. You have the exact same rights as a year rounder. Days per year in TV gives one seniority over nothing. If a Rec Club gives priority to full timer property owner Vs a snowbird property owner blow them in. In fact how would they know you are a snowbird ?

Hi rusty,

I know. The obnoxious pushy guy and I had no idea who was who. I am sure he was quite capable of behaving rudely, no matter what or where or when.

I was just talking about the irony of the rude encounter happening at the “Civil Discourse” Club. I was not intimidated in the least. In fact, I guess I was bragging (blush) in my little story about how I responded to his not being at all civil when he tried to grab the seat for his friend — who was not even there yet. I admit, it was kind of fun for me to surprise him with my maneuver.

My conclusion about thinking living in TV year-round makes it better just has to do with what I am seeing more and more with the overall tone and attitude of the place in the high-season.

I should have transitioned my thoughts better in that post I wrote.

But thanks for the kind words.